December marked the arrival of one of the most highly anticipated releases in the world of baseball card collecting: Bowman Draft. This annual product has long been a favorite among collectors, offering the first Bowman cards for players selected in the previous year’s draft. The release usually showcases the majority of first-round picks, reserving a few notable names for Bowman Baseball, which is typically unveiled early in the following year.
The 2025 Bowman Draft followed this tried-and-true formula, with standout prospects like third overall pick Charlie Condon and eighth overall pick JJ Wetherholt saved for the upcoming Bowman Baseball series. Despite the absence of these highly touted players, this year’s set did not disappoint, delivering plenty of excitement and intrigue for collectors to enjoy.
One of the major highlights of this year’s Bowman Draft was the introduction of the first Bowman cards for top picks like Travis Bazzana, the first overall selection, and Jac Caglianone, the sixth overall pick and a rising star often compared to the likes of the legendary Shohei Ohtani. Caglianone’s inclusion was especially noteworthy, as he made history during his collegiate career at the University of Florida by becoming the first college baseball player to sign an exclusive deal with Fanatics and Topps. While Topps did not release cards featuring him during his college days, collectors can now own cards showcasing his time at Florida through other sources.
Unlike sports like basketball or football, where players often make an immediate impact upon entering the professional leagues, baseball prospects typically spend years refining their skills in the minor leagues. For collectors, investing in First Bowman cards requires patience and foresight, as these cards can surge in value once a player reaches the majors and fulfills their potential.
Topps’ foray into college-themed cards aligns with the emergence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements that have transformed collegiate sports. The company seized the opportunity early on, releasing college football and basketball products following the introduction of NIL rules. In 2021, Topps introduced their first college-focused Bowman product in decades, but it wasn’t until now that college baseball cards officially became part of the Bowman Draft lineup.
This year’s Bowman Draft features a subset of Chrome College Variations, adding a unique twist to the traditional set. While not a stand-alone college-specific collection, these cards represent Topps’ closest embrace of college baseball within its Bowman brand to date. The response from collectors has been phenomenal, with Jac Caglianone’s college card from this subset recently fetching an impressive $6,500, setting a new record as the highest-priced Florida Gators card ever sold.
The Chrome College Variations subset showcases ten standout players, including top prospects like Travis Bazzana, Hagen Smith, Christian Moore, and more. These cards are highly coveted, with base versions appearing at challenging odds in hobby and super jumbo packs. Collectors can also chase after limited parallels like gold refractors, orange refractors, red refractors, and the ultra-rare 1/1 Superfractor.
The allure of these cards lies in their rarity and unique appeal, attracting both seasoned collectors and newcomers intrigued by the infusion of college imagery into the Bowman Draft lineup. It’s a thrilling moment for collectors, merging the excitement of scouting future stars with the nostalgia of collegiate athletics.
As Bowman Draft continues to evolve, the introduction of Chrome College Variations underscores Topps’ dedication to innovation in the hobby. As collectors eagerly tear into packs in search of these elusive cards, the bond between the game’s budding superstars and their formative college years grows stronger. This year’s Bowman Draft isn’t just a card set; it’s a celebration of baseball’s rich history, dynamic present, and promising future, depicted through the lens of a hobby that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
