December marked the arrival of one of the most highly anticipated releases in the baseball card collecting world: Bowman Draft. This product has established itself as a key player in the realm of baseball card collecting. It showcases the introductory Bowman cards for players who were part of the previous year’s draft, with a particular focus on first-round picks. While a few notable names are usually held back for the subsequent release of Bowman Baseball early the following year, collectors eagerly await what each new set has to offer.
In 2025, the tradition continued with the omission of third overall pick Charlie Condon and eighth overall pick JJ Wetherholt from Bowman Draft, leaving collectors curious about what’s to come in the following year’s release. Nevertheless, this year’s set did not disappoint, offering a plethora of excitement and intrigue for avid collectors.
A highlight of this year’s Bowman Draft was the debut of Travis Bazzana’s first Bowman card, the first overall pick, and Jac Caglianone’s card, the sixth overall pick and a rising star often likened to the “next Shohei Ohtani.” Caglianone’s inclusion was particularly significant due to his collegiate background at the University of Florida, where he made history by signing an exclusive deal with Fanatics and Topps. Although Topps hadn’t released cards of him during his college years, collectors now have the chance to possess cards showcasing his time at the University of Florida through alternative sources.
Baseball’s distinctive developmental structure sets it apart from other major sports, as prospects typically spend years refining their skills in the minors before making an impact in the professional leagues. Investing in First Bowman cards requires patience and foresight from collectors, as these cards often appreciate significantly in value once a player reaches the major leagues and fulfills their potential.
Topps’ foray into college-themed cards aligns with the advent of NIL agreements, which have revolutionized the landscape of collegiate sports. After NIL rules were implemented, Topps swiftly released college football and basketball products. In 2021, they reintroduced a college-focused Bowman product, but it wasn’t until now that college baseball cards were included in the Bowman Draft lineup.
This year’s Bowman Draft introduces a subset of Chrome College Variations, adding a unique twist for collectors. Although not a dedicated college-specific set, these cards represent Topps’ closest approach to fully embracing college baseball within its Bowman brand. The response has been phenomenal, with Jac Caglianone’s college card from this set recently selling for a remarkable $6,500—a record price for a Florida Gators card.
The subset comprises ten standout players, such as Travis Bazzana, Hagen Smith, Jac Caglianone, Christian Moore, Ryan Waldschmidt, Carson Benge, James Tibbs III, Braden Montgomery, Cam Smith, and Blake Burke. These cards are exceptionally rare, with base versions appearing at odds of 1:713 in hobby packs and 1:185 in super jumbo packs. Beyond the base versions, collectors can chase limited parallels like gold refractors numbered to 50, orange refractors numbered to 25, red refractors numbered to 5, and the elusive 1/1 Superfractor.
The scarcity and distinctive appeal of these cards have made them highly sought-after among collectors, catering to both traditional enthusiasts and newcomers drawn to the infusion of college imagery into the Bowman Draft lineup. For collectors, this moment represents a blend of the excitement of prospecting with the nostalgia of college sports.
As Bowman Draft continues to evolve, the inclusion of Chrome College Variations underscores Topps’ dedication to innovation in the collecting hobby. As collectors eagerly open packs in pursuit of these prized possessions, the connection between the game’s future stars and their formative years grows stronger. This year’s Bowman Draft isn’t just another card set; it’s a celebration of baseball’s past, present, and future, narrated through the lens of a hobby that remains as vibrant and captivating as ever.