90 Breakout College Football Stars to Know for the 2025 Season

90. Ian Strong - WR - Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Ian Strong began his collegiate career as a safety recruit in the 2023 class, but he switched to wide receiver and was a revelation in 2024. Strong earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and grabbed 43 receptions for 676 yards and five touchdowns. Dymere Miller is now gone, and Strong slides up to the number one target for Rutgers in 2025. He had 20 contested catches, a remarkable number, and plays the position with great physicality. The Scarlet Knights are probably going to need to throw the ball more than they are accustomed to, so Strong could be in for a big season.

2. Sammy Brown - Linebacker - Clemson Tigers

Top 10 Clemson Tigers Returning for Another CFP Run

The Clemson Tigers hired Tom Allen as defensive coordinator, which could lead to a significant 2025 leap for sophomore linebacker Sammy Brown. The former five-star recruit got more snaps as the 2024 season wore on, and he flashed his elite instincts, tackling ability, and knack for showing up around the ball. With a full-time starting role expected for a top-ten Clemson team in 2025 and a defensive coordinator with a ton of success with linebackers, Brown is an expected All-American this coming season.

Regular Season Win Total: 9.5

Odds as of July 25

3. Noah Whittington - RB - Oregon Ducks

Top 10 Oregon Ducks Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run

Oregon always runs the ball well, which will not change in 2025. What is going to change is stalwart Jordan James is gone. James had 233 carries during the 2024 season and averaged 5.44 yards per carry. Backup Noah Whittington returns after getting 118 carries this past season, and he already has more than 2,000 yards in his career in Eugene. Whittington is now expected to step into the role vacated by James, and he should see his carries nearly double as the lead back.

Oregon Win Total: 10.5

Odds as of July 25

4. Julian Sayin - QB - Ohio State Buckeyes

Top 10 Ohio State Buckeyes Returning For Another Championship Run

The Ohio State Buckeyes won the National Championship for the 2024-2025 season. While the personnel will undoubtedly change, the Buckeyes will be loaded again for the 2025 campaign, with star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith leading the way. Will Howard has exhausted his eligibility, leaving one of the most coveted quarterback jobs in the country open. The expected QB1 for the Buckeyes is redshirt freshman Julian Sayin. A former Alabama commit, Sayin impressed coaches in Columbus as soon as he stepped on campus. His ascendancy has been signaled by the departure of other would-be returning OSU quarterbacks (Air Noland to South Carolina in particular). Sayin has a quick release and is highly accurate, and he will quickly be one of the most productive quarterbacks in the Big Ten.

Regular Season Win Total 10.5

Odds as of July 25

5. Ja'Kobi Lane - WR - USC Trojans

Ranking the Top College Football Wide Receivers for 2025

The USC Trojans lost some key pieces to the transfer portal, and Lincoln Riley enters the 2025 season in a precarious position. The departure of other offensive weapons leaves a hole for 6’4” target Ja’Kobi Lane to enter. Lane came on in a big way at the end of the 2024 season and ended up with 43 receptions for 525 yards. He made his most significant impact in the red zone and had 12 touchdown receptions during the season, easily the top number for USC. With more targets, Lane could be an All-Big Ten wide receiver.

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

6. Colin Simmons - EDGE - Texas Longhorns

Ranking the Top College Football Edge Defenders for 2025

Colin Simmons is already a household name in Austin, but the young Texas pass rusher will be a national star as soon as next season. Simmons played a part-time role in 2024 and still managed to lead his team with nine sacks. He has all of the physical tools required for an elite edge defender, and I’d be stunned if he was not an All-American in 2025 and a top-ten draft pick as soon as he is draft-eligible.

Regular Season Win Total: 9.5

Odds as of July 25

7. LaNorris Sellers - QB - South Carolina Gamecocks

Ranking the Top College Football Offensive Linemen for 2025

LaNorris Sellers is just scratching the surface of what he can be. As a redshirt freshman, Sellers threw for only 2534 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he managed to complete 65.6 percent of his passes, a figure that is higher than expected. His danger to defenses comes in the other part of his game, and he is a nightmare to tackle when he starts to get outside of the pocket. Sellers ran for 674 yards and seven touchdowns, and there were a few games this season when he looked like the most dynamic player in college football. South Carolina won some big-time portal battles and will be a top-25 team to begin the 2025 season.

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

8. Dylan Edwards - RB - Kansas State Wildcats

Ranking the Top College Football Running Backs for 2025

The 2024 season did not turn out as planned for the Kansas State Wildcats. They hoped to have a dominant rushing attack with quarterback Avery Johnson and a pair of good running backs, but the Cats could not translate the 6.08 yards per carry they achieved to Big 12 title contention. They finished 9-4 after beating Rutgers in a bowl game. One cog of that running game (DJ Giddens) is off to the NFL, which opens an opportunity for the explosive Dylan Edwards to ascend to stardom. Edwards averaged 7.38 yards per carry on 74 attempts after transferring from Colorado. He’s also an outstanding receiving back, and I believe he’ll lead the Big 12 in rushing.

Regular Season Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

9. Cam Coleman - WR - Auburn Tigers

Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith were freshman wide receivers who achieved stardom in 2024 and significantly impacted the college football season. Fellow freshman Cam Coleman was considered the third of that elite trio of recruits. Still, he was denied the same level of attention as Auburn’s poor quarterback play and a nagging injury limited his impact and production. The Auburn Tigers have loaded up for the 2025 season, adding additional weapons on offense and landing quarterback Jackson Arnold from Oklahoma. If they get improved quarterback play, Coleman will belatedly introduce himself to the nation as an elite receiver.

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

10. Luke Altmyer - QB - Illinois Fighting Illini

Let’s give some love to Bret Bielema’s Illinois Fighting Illini. According to some early polls, the Illini are a preseason top-ten team, and they return a veteran group that was on the verge of playoff contention in 2024. The offensive leader is veteran quarterback Luke Altmyer. If the Illini have a strong 2025 season and make the College Football Playoff, Altmyer will get the attention he has thus far been denied. Altmyer had 2,717 yards with 22 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2024, and he should have another strong supporting cast in 2025.

Regular Season Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

11. Luke Reynolds - TE - Penn State Nittany Lions

Top 10 Penn State Nittany Lions Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run

Tyler Warren starred for Penn State as one of the best offensive weapons in college football. He is headed to the NFL, but the Nittany Lions believe they have a player on campus who can fill his shoes, replacing a decent chunk of his production. Luke Reynolds appeared in all 16 games and flashed his potential with nine catches for 111 yards and a score. There were a lot of reports during the team’s playoff run that Reynolds was developing nicely, and the team was excited about the player he could become.

Regular Season Win Total: 10.5

Odds as of July 25

12. Dylan Stewart - EDGE - South Carolina Gamecocks

Dylan Stewart is not an unknown quantity after a terrific freshman campaign. He had 6.5 sacks and was a menace on a strong Gamecocks’ defensive line. The leader of that line, Kyle Kennard, is headed to the NFL, and Stewart is expected to step up and become one of the best pass rushers next season. South Carolina is a borderline top-ten team heading into the 2025-2026 campaign, and there will be increased attention on Stewart.

13. Fluff Bothwell - RB - Mississippi State Bulldogs

The name alone makes Fluff Bothwell a player worth keeping an eye on. The transfer running back for Mississippi State is more than a cool name. He’s a big and bruising back who earned Freshman All-American status for his work with South Alabama and now joins an offense that is desperate for playmakers. Bothwell runs hard, and fans will enjoy getting to know him as he moves to the SEC.

Regular Season Win Total: 3.5

Odds as of July 25

14. Isaac Brown - RB - Louisville Cardinals

Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm knows how to orchestrate good offenses. While he gets a lot of attention for his team’s passing production, there is always a heavy lean on running backs to keep things clicking. The Cardinals found a good one in sophomore-to-be flex back Isaac Brown. The Florida native has electric speed, averaged 7.11 yards per rush, and totaled 1,173 yards with 11 touchdowns in his freshman campaign. Louisville has some questions to answer as they try to compete at the top of the ACC, but Brown will be a key cog of an offense that should be good.

Regular Season Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

15. Koi Perich - Safety - Minnesota Golden Gophers

Ranking the Top College Football Safeties for 2025

Under PJ Fleck, the Minnesota Golden Gophers have a strong history of producing good safeties and appear to have another one in Koi Perich. Perich put together a season that earned him a few nods for defensive freshman of the year nationally as he racked up 46 tackles and a team-high five interceptions. The Gophers should be solid in 2025-2026, and Perich will be one of the best safeties in the Big Ten.

Regular Season Win Total: 6.5

Odds as of July 25

16. Chris Hilton - WR - LSU Tigers

The LSU Tigers were expecting big things from Chris Hilton and the passing attack in 2025. Still, nagging injuries kept the talented young player from consistently seeing the field and limited his effectiveness. Hilton was healthy in the bowl game and went off for 113 yards and a touchdown on seven targets from Garrett Nussmeier. The “Nuss Bus” is back for 2025, and Hilton will be a key cog of the LSU offense as they try to make a College Football Playoff run.

LSU Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

17. LT Overton - DL - Alabama Crimson Tide

LT Overton is a physically imposing defensive lineman who began his career at Texas A&M before transferring to Alabama before the 2024 season. He did not produce as many sacks (two) as Kalen DeBoer was hoping for, but the Crimson Tide had to have been pleased with his impact. He led all Alabama defensive linemen with 503 snaps in 2024 and has the physical tools to significantly increase his production in his final year of eligibility.

Regular Season Win Total: 9.5

Odds as of July 25

18. Jordan Marshall - RB - Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines have a well-proven track record for producing strong rushing attacks led by hard-nosed running backs. The rushing attack was a bit of a disappointment in 2024, but things started to come together at the end of the season. The play of Jordan Marshall was a major source of optimism moving forward. He drew favorable comparisons to former star Blake Corum and flashed with 100 yards against the Alabama defense once he was given a chance to shine. Justice Haynes has been added via the transfer portal, but Marshall will get work.

Regular Season Win Total: 9.5

Odds as of July 25

19. Adon Shuler - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has yet another star safety in South Bend. Despite beginning the season behind a few veterans, redshirt freshman Adon Shuler proved too good to keep off the field. Shuler emerged as a standout in the Irish pass defense and played a fantastic game against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl before repeating the performance against Penn State. Shuler has the length and athleticism consistently found in elite safeties, and he’ll be one of the sport’s best at that position in 2025.

Notre Dame Win Total: 10.5

Odds as of July 25

20. Demond Williams Jr. - QB - Washington Huskies

Will Rogers began the season in Seattle as the starting quarterback for the Washington Huskies, but the player who flashed his potential every time he was given a chance was freshman Demond Williams Jr. The former four-star prospect made some mistakes, but his blend of arm strength and mobility with his legs adds a significant wrinkle to Jedd Fisch’s offense. He was excellent in the Sun Bowl against Louisville, with 374 yards, 48 rushing yards, and five total touchdowns. Williams will be the starter in 2025, and Washington added some receiving weapons to support his ascension.

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

21. Leonard Moore - CB - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame’s secondary will be one of the best in the nation, and sophomore Leonard Moore might be the best cornerback in the country. He was an unheralded recruit who played as a true freshman and excelled with the fourth-highest man coverage grade on Pro Football Focus. The top two corners from 2024 are gone, so Moore steps into the spotlight.

22. Austin Romaine - Linebacker - Kansas State Wildcats

Kansas State had a relatively disappointing 2024 season as Avery Johnson battled injuries, but they have a trio of key players returning for the 2025 season and will be Big 12 contenders again. On the defensive side, Austin Romaine had a dynamite sophomore season with 96 tackles and the fourth-best run defense grade on Pro Football Focus. Romaine is a fantastic linebacker, and the Wildcats will be a fun team to watch this coming season. I’m betting on Romaine to mount an All-American campaign.

23. Eli Stowers - TE - Vanderbilt Commodores

The top tight ends in the sport moved on after the 2024 season, but plenty of talent remains at the position. Talented athlete Eli Stowers was switched from quarterback to tight end by the Vanderbilt staff, and it paid big dividends as Stowers led the Commodores with 49 receptions for 638 yards and five touchdowns. Diego Pavia is back, and Stowers will be his top target. Plus, the system Vanderbilt runs is tilted towards his skillset. He is the top name at the position heading into the 2025 season.

Regular Season Win Total: 4.5

Odds as of July 25

24. Carnell Tate - WR - Ohio State Buckeyes

Betting on the Ohio State Buckeyes to produce big numbers for wide receivers is a very safe proposition. Emeka Egbuka is off to the NFL, leaving a hole at the No. 2 spot behind superstar Jeremiah Smith. Carnell Tate is the most likely candidate to step up and seize that role. Tate had an excellent 2024 campaign, averaging 14.1 yards per reception and pulling in 52 passes for 733 yards. With Smith getting much attention, Tate will have his chance to beat defenders in single coverage.

25. Mikail Kamara - DL - Indiana Hoosiers

Top 10 Indiana Hoosiers Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run

Mikail Kamara came with Curt Cignetti from James Madison and was a revelation in 2024 as he helped lead the IU defensive line and played a big part in the Hoosiers making a run to the College Football Playoff. Kamara was one of the best defensive linemen in the Big Ten, racking up 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks as one of the most disruptive forces in the sport. The Hoosiers and Kamara came out of nowhere in 2024. They won’t catch people off-guard this coming season, and Kamara should be in the spotlight as one of college football’s best linemen after making the NFL wait for another season spent in Bloomington. He could be a dark-horse candidate for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Regular Season Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

26. Austin Simmons - QB - Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss went “all-in” for the 2024 season, investing a ton of money in defensive reinforcements in the transfer portal, believing they could challenge for the SEC Championship. Things did not go as planned, and the Rebels missed the College Football Playoff. Jaxson Dart is now in the NFL Draft but Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss have a firm belief they have a rising star at quarterback ready to step into the void.

As a freshman, Austin Simmons completed 19 of 32 passes with two touchdowns, and he clearly has Kiffin's trust. The “Portal King” did not opt to pursue anyone at the position in this year’s transfer portal. Simmons is still only 19 years old, and he will be entering his third season in Kiffin’s system in Oxford. He’s a good athlete, and coaches believe his ceiling is incredibly high.

Regular Season Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

27. Mike Matthews - WR - Tennessee Volunteers

The Tennessee Volunteers made the College Football Playoff in 2024, but it would be fair to assert that the passing game was disappointing. The wide receiver room has experienced a lot of turnover, with multiple players exiting via the transfer portal. Still, Mike Matthews, a former five-star prospect entering his second season in Knoxville, had only seven catches for 90 yards last season. That said, Matthews will be given the opportunity to take a big step forward in a very receiver-friendly system. Tennessee will need him to make good on his potential and have a big 2025 season.

Regular Season Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

28. Sire Gaines - RB - Boise State Broncos

Everyone knows about the absurd production from Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State great is headed for the NFL Draft and will star at the next level. That means there is a major hole in the BSU Broncos offense. The man who figures to step into that spot is Sire Gaines. Gaines only played in three games as a freshman before injuring his ankle and being lost for the season, but he had 200 yards from scrimmage on only 23 touches. The Broncos back has a ton of potential to become a star in 2025 and beyond.

Regular Season Win Total: 9.5

Odds as of July 25

29. Dante Moore - QB - Oregon Ducks

The quarterback for the Oregon Ducks is almost certain to put up big numbers. Bo Nix did it, and then Dillon Gabriel stepped in, and the offense actually made a bit of a further jump. Offensive coordinator Will Stein is remarkably adept at putting his players in position to succeed, and Oregon has a dynamic group of skilled players to distribute the ball to. 

The next quarterback to take a turn in the spotlight is Dante Moore. Moore transferred into the program from UCLA before the 2024 season and spent a year learning in Eugene. The show is now his. There are major questions about whether or not he can live up to his five-star billing as a high school prospect, but the Ducks had enough belief not to seriously pursue anyone at the position in the transfer portal. We’ll see if Stein can work his magic.

30. Nyck Harbor - WR - South Carolina Gamecocks

The numbers do not show a clear breakout candidate but the athletic skills, physical profile and massive potential for South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor have the makings of a top ten weapon in college football and a future first round draft pick. The time is now for the 6’5” Harbor to turn his potential into actual production. With LaNorris Sellers slinging the ball to him, Harbor needs to harness his gifts and turn into an actual receiver with improved route-running skills and toughness.

31. Jordan Lyle - RB - Miami Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes turn to Carson Beck at quarterback but they will lean on what should be a very good running game and Jordan Lyle is ready for a breakout performance. Mark Fletcher figures to be the starter but Lyle had 54 carries as a freshman in 2024 and he averaged a whopping 7.41 yards per rush. With a good offensive line returning and questions about Beck’s health, the running game is going to be a focal point for the Hurricanes and Lyle will be a key piece. If the sophomore continues to excel, he'll likely grab the starting spot from Fletcher before the season is over.

Regular Season Win Total: 9.5

Odds as of July 25

32. Bryce Underwood - QB - Michigan Wolverines

It is difficult for a true freshman to have be highly-successful at the quarterback position but Bryce Underwood, the number one recruit in the incoming freshman class, is a special talent that could buck tradition. Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene was considered likely to begin the season at number one as a veteran presence but I’m betting Bryce Underwood won’t be on the bench for long, if at all. Underwood has been described by recruiting analysts as “Cam Newton with better accuracy” and if he can begin to scratch the surface of his potential, the Wolverines will have solved their quarterback issue in a huge way and he'll be a household name very quickly as the quarterback for Michigan.

33. Kyson Brown - RB - Arizona State Sun Devils

Cam Skattebo is impossible to replace. The bowling ball running back had 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Arizona State Sun Devils and those numbers are just beginning to scratch the surface of his impact. Skattebo is now a New York Giant and Kyson Brown is now tasked with being the lead running back as ASU tries to repeat in the Big 12. Sam Leavitt will lead the offense at quarterback and Brown averaged 4.81 yards per carry in a limited role. Arizona State did not feel a need to go for a starting running back in the portal so the coaching staff clearly believes in his ability to get the job done. This is going to be a very productive offense so Brown will have a great chance to be an All-Big 12 back.

Regular Season Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

34. Nic Anderson - WR - LSU Tigers

Nic Anderson was expected to be a big part of an explosive Oklahoma offense. Unfortunately for Brent Venables, nothing went according to plan in Norman and Nic Anderson’s season-long absence was a major missing piece of the incomplete puzzle. Anderson exploded in 2023 with 798 yards and ten touchdowns on just 38 receptions as a freshman. He’s one of the quickest and most dynamic deep threats in college football and he’s now going to play for LSU and be a target for Garrett Nussmeier. Talent meets opportunity and if Anderson is healthy, he'll be on center stage immediately with a week one showdown at Clemson.

35. Micah Alejado - QB - Hawaii Warriors

Hawaii may have stumbled upon a star. Starting quarterback Brayden Schager threw for 2,591 yards but he was forced to sit out the regular season finale against New Mexico with an injury and they gave the nod to freshman Micah Alejado. Alejado led the Rainbow Warriors to a 38-30 victory as he lit up the Lobos for 469 passing yards with five touchdowns plus 54 rushing yards. In the Hawaii offensive system, Alejado is going to put up huge numbers.

Regular Season Win Total: 5.5

Odds as of July 25

36. Joshisa Trader - WR - Miami Hurricanes

Joshisa “JoJo” Trader is a breakout candidate in Coral Gables with an extremely high ceiling. Miami lost Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, and Elijah Arroyo to the NFL Draft, and Isaiah Horton to Alabama, so there is a lot of opportunity for receivers to step up. CJ Daniels is still recovering from injuries, so Trader got a chance to shine during the spring. Trader reportedly cemented himself into the starting lineup and impressed with his ability to beat one-on-one coverage with speed and acceleration, plus good hands in traffic to make contested catches.

37. Gideon Davidson - RB - Clemson Tigers

Phil Mafah has moved on, and the Clemson Tigers have a big hole in the backfield. Some returning candidates could step up, but the most likely future star is a true freshman who appears poised for an immediate role. Gideon Davidson, a star recruit from Virginia who racked up 2,054 yards and 34 touchdowns as a senior, impressed in spring practice, and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley has not been shy about heaping praise on the young back. “The guy’s just natural. I mean, he’s a natural, natural balance, a cutter. He can be a violent runner, I think he’s got natural hands and can do things where you’re spreading him out or things in the passing game.” Dabo Swinney is typically reticent to trust young players with the ball, but he played true freshmen at receiver last season, and if Davidson is the best back, he’ll see the field, and I believe that once he does, he won’t give the starting running back job back.

38. Jayce Brown - WR - Kansas State Wildcats

The wide receiver position has been a weak spot for Chris Kleimann’s otherwise very successful tenure at Kansas State. The Wildcats have a lot of question marks at that spot again, but they return one excellent option with junior Jayce Brown. He only averaged 3.6 receptions per game, but had 17.51 yards per catch. He's a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. Now, as a junior, Brown should see a higher volume of targets, and his relationship with quarterback Avery Johnson should be stronger in Year 2, with them both starting. If Brown can make the jump to a true No. 1 receiver, the Wildcats could be a contender in the Big 12.

39. LJ Johnson Jr. - RB - SMU Mustangs

Previous success in this offensive system is in place (Brashard Smith had 1,332 yards in 2024). The offensive line is pretty good. So, there is an opportunity for a starter. Those things add up to a breakout candidate, but LJ Johnson Jr. has to increase his efficiency for that to come to fruition. Johnson Jr. only averaged 4.09 yards per carry in 2024. His production will jump with more carries, but he must show more to come close to what Smith offered and for the Mustangs to contend for the ACC crown in 2025.

Regular Season Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

40. Spencer Shannon - TE - Texas Longhorns

Gunnar Helm put up big numbers for the Texas Longhorns, and redshirt sophomore Spencer Shannon has the tools to replicate what Helm provided. Helm and Juan Davis graduated, and Amari Niblack transferred to Texas A&M, leaving Texas with zero returning receptions from the tight end position. There is faith in what Shannon can provide, as Steve Sarkisian saw no need to panic. He added one tight end via the portal, but Shannon is 6’7” and more than 250 pounds, and he caught the eye of Arch Manning during the spring. “I’ve been really impressed with Spencer. He’s a really hard worker, he’s been stepping up a lot.” Don’t expect record-setting tight end numbers like Helm's, but Shannon will be a factor for one of the best teams in the country.

41. T.J. Moore - WR - Clemson Tigers

As a true freshman, T.J. Moore missed the spring and started slowly during the 2024 season. However, he acclimated midseason and ended up with 45 receptions for 651 yards and five touchdowns. That included a terrific performance against Texas in the College Football Playoff for nine catches and 116 yards. Moore is a big target, and he joins Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco Jr. to form an elite group of wideouts for the Tigers. Moore did not arrive at Clemson until last summer, so it took him a bit to get going, but he has an incredibly high ceiling.

42. Myles Graham - LB - Florida Gators

I might be the high man on the Florida Gators in 2025. Quarterback DJ Lagway has an incredibly high ceiling, the skill position players are promising, and the defense has the potential to be a top-end SEC unit after a year of seasoning for a ton of young talent. Former top prospect Myles Graham is the son of Florida legend Earnest Graham. He had 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and is primed for a big season along with fellow linebacker Aaron Chiles. The Gators are a team on the rise, and if they can navigate another brutal schedule, they’ll be a very dangerous out in November and potentially December.

43. Eddrick Houston - DL - Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes do not rebuild, they reload. After winning the 2024-2025 national title with a very experienced roster, the Buckeyes have to reset on the defensive line, and the player generating the most buzz from Columbus is Eddrick Houston. The former blue-chip prospect appeared in 11 games last season, and recruiting analyst Mike Petagna wrote, “he’s got the length, he’s got the power, he’s got the versatility, and he’s super active.”

44. Quinten Joyner - RB - Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech is “all in” on the 2025 season as they ride an NIL influx wave from boosters and went big in the transfer portal, aiming to win the Big 12. The defense needed serious fixing, and they hope those problems have been mostly solved, but they also splashed for a running back to replace the departed Tahj Brooks. The man brought in to lead the rushing attack is sophomore Quinten Joyner, a transfer from USC. Woody Marks led the Trojans with 198 carries and 1,133 yards while Joyner had a very productive and efficient 63 carries for 478 yards, an average of 7.59 yards per rush. Is he ready for a full-time load? If so, Joyner could be an All-Big 12 contender.

Regular Season Win Total: 8.5

Odds as of July 25

45. DeSean Bishop - RB - Tennessee Volunteers

Dylan Sampson was one of the best Tennessee running backs ever. He is now in the NFL and leaves a gigantic hole in the backfield that must be filled by, likely, a combination of players in 2025. The lead back is expected to be sophomore DeSean Bishop. Bishop is a Tennessee native who only got 74 carries last season, but he managed to average 6.15 yards per rush and broke through for three touchdowns. It is fair to point out that Bishop’s damage was mostly done against Kent State, Chattanooga, and Vanderbilt. Still, he has the tools to be a capable running back in an offense that will likely lean on the running back position again. With no Nico Iamaleava and a rebuilt wide receiver room, the Volunteers will be run-heavy, and Bishop should be the lead dog.

46. Devon Dampier - QB - Utah Utes

I’ll go on record admitting that I am much higher on the potential of the Utah Utes and quarterback Devon Dampier than most. After a down season for Kyle Whittingham’s squad in 2024, the Utes grabbed the New Mexico transfer, and I think he will revitalize the physical rushing attack we are used to seeing out of Salt Lake City.

Dampier had 19 rushing touchdowns and 7.52 yards per carry. He now has a better offensive line and more weapons around him, and his offensive coordinator (Jason Beck) at New Mexico is with him in Utah.

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

47. Elo Modozie - EDGE/LB - Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs acquire talent nearly as well as anyone in the country. You could argue that Texas currently does it better, Oregon is doing it as well, or Ohio State is the “top dog,” but Kirby Smart and UGA are in the conversation. That usually applies to high school recruiting but they dipped their toe into the transfer portal and grabbed a potential replacement for first round draft pick Mykel Williams with Army transfer Elo Modozie.

Modozie is 6’3”, 245 pounds, and had 6.5 sacks and 34 tackles as a sophomore. He will probably line up as the “JACK” linebacker in Georgia’s defense. Modozie is not quite big enough to slide down and line up on the defensive line in situations like Williams did last season. Still, he definitely matches the physical profile of past stars at the position, like Nolan Smith or Azeez Ojulari. He fits a need perfectly. Modozie could have double-digit sacks for a title contender.

Regular Season Win Total: 9.5

Odds as of July 25

Odds as of July 25

48. Kobe Black - Defensive Back - Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns will have one of the country's best defenses but still have a couple of question marks. The main question is how to replace Jim Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron at cornerback. The answer appears to be sophomore and former blue-chip recruit Kobe Black.

Black appeared in every game for the Longhorns last season and flashed his potential multiple times. Kobe has good length and is a natural at the position, so it’s “next man up” for Steve Sarkisian in Austin.

49. Bryce Young - Defensive End - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Whew, buddy, defensive lineman Bryce Young absolutely oozes potential. The elite recruit from the 2024 class played in all 16 games for the Irish last season and had 23 tackles with three for a loss. He will be playing a whole lot more in 2025 and should be a starter for the Irish as they contend for the national title again.

They have a new defensive coordinator (Chris Ash), and there are reports (according to 247Sports) that the defensive ends will be allowed more freedom to align differently and attack the opposing backfield. Young has all the makings of a star pass rusher and a future top ten NFL Draft pick.

50. Elija Lofton - Tight End - Miami Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes have a lot of holes to fill on the offensive end. We all know about Cam Ward departing as the number one pick in the NFL Draft after rewriting the single-season record books in Coral Gables. That is not all, though, as they also had the top three wide receivers and tight end Elijah Arroyo move on.

According to “Inside the U”, Elija Lofton is ready to emerge as a reliable weapon. “He is the most unique player I’ve ever coached up to this point in my career,” Miami tight ends coach Cody Woodiel said. “Athletically, he’s blessed, and he’s a Swiss Army knife. It’s gonna be a fun year for him.” Woodiel went on to praise his blocking ability, saying that he should be one of Carson Beck’s top options for a potent offense.

51. Ahmad Hardy - RB - Missouri Tigers

The Missouri Tigers hope top transfer running back Ahmad Hardy is ready to shine in the SEC after a starring role for the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks in 2024. As a freshman, Hardy surprised many by erupting for 1,351 yards on 237 carries with 13 rushing touchdowns. He was the No. 1, 2, and 3 options for the Warhawks and emerged down the stretch as a true star in the making. Hardy finished the season with 121 yards against Southern Mississippi, 104 against South Alabama, 206 against Marshall, 105 in a defeat against Texas State, 60 at Auburn, 204 at Arkansas State, and 172 against rival Lafayette. Hardy had the entire defense's attention, but he now gets to be on a balanced attack with other weapons and should benefit greatly.

Regular Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

52. Makai Lemon - WR - USC Trojans

Makai Lemon is a big target that broke out for the USC Trojans as a sophomore in 2024. He had 52 catches for 764 yards, but has so much room to grow, and finished the campaign with the two best games of his career. Once Jayden Maiava was inserted at quarterback, Lemon went off against Notre Dame for 133 on nine catches and then had 99 yards and six catches against Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl. Lemon is the only sure thing on USC’s offense as the Trojans enter a pivotal 2025 season. There is a lot of positive buzz coming from Los Angeles and a belief that USC is ready to turn the corner and become a playoff contender sooner rather than later under Lincoln Riley.

53. Caden Durham - RB - LSU Tigers

LSU has, quite surprisingly, struggled to run the ball in recent years. The passing offenses have been generally exceptional, but Jayden Daniels, a quarterback, has been the best running threat for the Bayou Bengals since Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2019. Caden Durham appears to be poised to change that. As a freshman in 2024, Durham beat out Kaleb Jackson and Josh Williams and emerged as the best running back on the team. He only ended up with 140 carries but averaged 5.38 yards per rush and had terrific games against Oklahoma and Baylor to close the season. Durham did not have a single fumble and had a breakaway rate of 41.8%, near the top mark in the conference. Durham will be the featured back in Baton Rouge in 2025.

54. Eric Rivers - WR - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech lost Eric Singleton but replaced him with a very productive and proven weapon in Eric Rivers from Florida International. Rivers was often the sole focus of opposing defenses, but he found a way to haul in 62 receptions for 1,172 yards, an average of 18.9 yards per catch! He also had 12 touchdowns in 2024. After a slow start, Rivers came on late with games of 101, 97, 95, 91, 295, 125, and 117 down the stretch. He’s only 5’11”, but Rivers should have a massive year for the Yellow Jackets, and he will no longer be toiling in anonymity as he will now star for a team that could push for the College Football Playoff.

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

55. Fernando Mendoza - QB - Indiana Hoosiers

Fernando Mendoza is not an unknown commodity, but the 2025 season represents a chance for him to go from a player who dedicated college football fans to a household name. Mendoza is already garnering buzz as a potential early NFL Draft pick (he still has two years of eligibility remaining) with experts like Todd McShay raving about his potential. Mendoza transferred from Cal to Indiana to play for head coach Curt Cignetti in Bloomington. If he can match the production of Kurtis Rourke but add a bit more mobility and a season of full health, Indiana could be heading back to the College Football Playoff, and Mendoza would be an All-Big Ten selection.

56. CJ Carr - QB - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Most college football fans know that Notre Dame has a new starting quarterback for the 2025-2026 season. Few know that the new quarterback is CJ Carr, a redshirt freshman from Michigan. If the last name sounds familiar, it should. CJ is the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, and he chose to play for the Irish instead of attending the University of Michigan. Carr beat out Steve Angeli for the starting role and has the potential, combined with Notre Dame’s restructured receiving room, to give the Irish their best passing attack in a long time. If the quarterback at Notre Dame is productive, he will be a major star in the sport.

57. O'Mega Blake - WR - Arkansas Razorbacks

A great name and an odd journey. Wide receiver O’Mega Blake began his collegiate career at South Carolina before transferring for one season to Charlotte. He dominated with the 49ers and is now bouncing back to the SEC as a transfer to Arkansas, where he will play alongside quarterback Taylen Green and the Razorbacks. Woo Pig Sooie, the Hogs got a good one with Blake. He had 795 receiving yards and nine touchdowns and led the nation in yards per catch with a whopping 24.84 yards per catch. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino will know precisely what to do with an explosive weapon like Blake. The outlook for the Razorbacks is bleak, with a very tough schedule and an overhauled roster, but Blake offers hope if he can capitalize on that explosive ability.

Regular Season Win Total: 5.5

Odds as of July 25

58. Maverick McIvor - QB - Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

At this point, there should be blind faith in the Western Kentucky offensive system. The Hilltoppers routinely put up good numbers through the air and produce a lot of points. It doesn’t always translate to consistent high-level winning, but the production is expected to continue until proven otherwise. This season, the Hilltoppers turn to Abilene Christian transfer Maverick McIvor. Tyson Helton is entrusting McIvor with his system after he proved to be one of the top players in the FCS. McIvor threw for 3,828 yards in 2024 as Abilene Christian won the United Athletic Conference for the first time. If you play College Fantasy Football, McIvor is a name that you need to know.

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

59. Devonte Ross - WR - Penn State Nittany Lions

Troy has a proud football tradition, but the 2024 season was not a good one for the Trojans. One of the few bright spots was wide receiver Devonte Ross. As a junior, Ross had 1,043 yards with 11 touchdowns. His production dwarfed the other receivers for the Trojans. He had six games with 95 yards or more, including a massive game at Iowa with 142 yards and two touchdowns. Ross transferred to Penn State, and the Nittany Lions are hoping he can provide them with a consistent threat on the outside, something they have lacked in recent years. It was arguably the squad's most significant weakness in 2024 and needs to be addressed for a serious run at a national title. Wide receiver is the "x-factor" for Penn State. In a season where other preseason favorites have changes and uncertainty at quarterback, it's now or never for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions.

60. Jadan Baugh - RB - Florida Gators

The Florida Gators were counting on Montrell Johnson to be the focal point of the offense in 2024. They faced a brutal schedule and suffered early losses before turning to DJ Lagway and giving more carries to freshman Jadan Baugh at running back. Lagway looks like a Bonafide star and Baugh amassed 673 yards and averaged better than five yards per carry with seven touchdowns. Johnson is gone and that leaves Baugh as the unquestioned number one running back in Gainesville. The schedule is very tough once again but Jadan Baugh could be an All-SEC running back and Lagway might be the best quarterback in the conference. The Florida coaching staff believes they have a gem in Baugh and he should see a big uptick in usage and attention nationally.

61. Justice Haynes - RB - Michigan Wolverines

Justice Haynes is a very interesting and difficult player to evaluate. He arrived in Tuscaloosa as a five-star recruit and he was expected to take over the backfield and become the next great Alabama running back. His freshman season was mostly uneventful but then Nick Saban retired and Haynes fell behind Jam Miller on the depth chart. He was limited to just 79 carries as Miller had 145 but he was far more efficient, averaging 5.67 yards per carry to Miller’s 4.61 and both scored seven touchdowns on the ground while quarterback Jalen Milroe had 20 of them. Haynes has now transferred to Michigan and is expected to share the backfield. He may outperform this ranking by quite a bit or he might be a forgotten man in Ann Arbor on an offense that ends up struggling but early reports from Ann Arbor suggest that he has snagged the RB1 role and the coaching staff is impressed with what he has to offer.

62. Eli Sanders - RB - USC Trojans

The USC Trojans are in a very interesting spot heading into the 2025 season. Lincoln Riley has failed to live up to expectations thus far and there were a lot of portal departures from a roster that underperformed in 2024 but the Trojans also brought some talent in and there is hope the program is morphing into a more physical and defensive-minded one to compete in the Big Ten. One of the big pieces that entered ahead of the 2025 season is California native and New Mexico transfer Eli Sanders. Sanders ran for 1063 yards and averaged a whopping 7.2 yards per carry for the Lobos and he brings a really exciting element to the rushing attack for USC. “Eli’s explosive,” Lincoln Riley told the media, “I mean you just see his explosion, it just kind of jumps off the tape already, which is what we saw on tape.”

63. Quincy Porter - WR - Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes did not need another star at wide receiver and there might not be enough targets to go around for freshman Quincy Porter to fully emerge this season but the 6’4” and 205-pound wideout starred in New Jersey with 38 touchdowns in 37 high school games and he’s physically ready to step in and play right away. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are going to start and Brandon Inniss is the favorite for the third spot but Quincy Porter is going to be a part of the rotation and I’d wager that his talent gets him on the field more than Inniss by the time the calendar turns to November.

64. Devon Jackson - Linebacker - Oregon Ducks

Devon Jackson is a redshirt junior linebacker from Omaha, Nebraska, and there is hope in Eugene that he is on the verge of a huge campaign in Dan Lanning’s defense. Jackson graded out really well on Pro Football Focus as a tackler, and he has the athleticism and speed to go from sideline to sideline and cover the middle of the field. He’s going to start next to Bryce Boettcher and should excel in a system that continues to churn out good defensive players. The Ducks had a top 15 defense a season ago, and there are reasons to believe they could be even better in 2025.

65. Dane Key - WR - Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Kentucky Wildcats have struggled to establish a consistent passing attack in recent years. There is a theory that the struggles can be nearly entirely attributed to poor quarterback play, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers are banking on a new setting being the launching pad for success for Dane Key. Key transferred to Nebraska, following his wide receiver coach, Daikiel Shorts Jr. Nebraska has reset its wide receiver room, adding Nyziah Hunter and Dane Key, along with the returning Jacory Barney Jr.

Key led the Wildcats in 2024 with 47 receptions for 715 yards, and Nebraska believes he has the size and speed to help Dylan Raiola and the offense reach new heights in Lincoln.

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

66. Kenyon Sadiq - TE - Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks have very few question marks, but one area of potential concern is the wide receiver position. They were already dealing with roster churn at that spot, and then Evan Stewart was lost for the season (likely, at least) to an injury. One of the ways to take the load off of the developing receiver room is to lean more heavily on the tight ends and Oregon happens to have one of the most physically-gifted tight ends in the country in Kenyon Sadiq.

As the backup tight end to Terrance Ferguson in 2024, Sadiq had 24 receptions for 308 yards, but he has room for so much more. He has the speed of a wideout and the frame of a tight end, plus a good opportunity in a scheme that will probably utilize him in unique ways.

67. Elijah Green - RB - Sam Houston Bearkats

Elijah Green was unable to crack the rotation at running back for the Indiana Hoosiers last season. Still, he was very effective in the mop-up duty he received and offers a lot of promise for the Sam Houston Bearkats under new head coach Phil Longo. Green is a good-sized back, but he can move quite well and could be a home run hitter after 29 carries for 201 yards plus five touchdowns for the Hoosiers. Green was a really good get for Longo, and I think he can be a breakthrough star in Conference USA.

Regular Season Win Total: 4.5

Odds as of July 25

68. Ryan Wingo - WR - Texas Longhorns

Ryan Wingo’s numbers from his freshman season do not stand out, but the Longhorns lost Matthew Golden, Gunnar Helm, and Isaiah Bond, and the time is now for Wingo to take over the number one receiver role. Wingo has the look of a future NFL star and had 472 yards on just 29 receptions in 2024.

Arch Manning is now the starting quarterback, and he will absolutely need Wingo to become the kind of player his recruiting ranking and talent suggest he can be. Wingo's fate is probably tied to Manning's. If Manning is awesome right away, Wingo is going to be a major part of the attack and have a huge season.

69. Dallas Wilson - WR - Florida Gators

Five-star freshman Dallas Wilson is a special athlete, and he might be capable of elevating the Florida Gators' offense. He is 6’3” and physically ready to compete in the SEC, and the Tampa native went off for 10 receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns against the Florida second-team defense in the Spring Game. With DJ Lagway slinging the rock and talent like Eugene Wilson and Dallas Wilson, Florida is a team to watch.

70. DJ McKinney - CB - Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado has a chasmic void to fill at cornerback after the departure of superstar Travis Hunter. The player most likely to step up and become an All-Big 12 defensive back is DJ McKinney. He was good a season ago, and Deion Sanders knows how to develop the position; there can be no doubt about that.

Regular Season Win Total: 6.5

Odds as of July 25

71. Keon Keeley - EDGE - Alabama Crimson Tide

LT Overton is the presumed leader for the pass rush for the Alabama Crimson Tide, but they are hoping young Keon Keeley is ready to emerge as a star. He’s 6’5” and nearly 280 pounds and has been converted from linebacker to the edge, and multiple reporters were wowed by the brief looks they got at him during the spring.

72. Sawyer Robertson - QB - Baylor Bears

With Shedeur Sanders exiting Colorado for the NFL Draft, there is a hole at the top of the Big 12 quarterback rankings. There are several strong candidates, but we are calling for Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson to step up and emerge as the best of the bunch. Robertson was impressive in 2024, throwing for 3,071 yards and beating out transfer Dequan Finn. He averaged more than eight yards per attempt and had 28 touchdowns to only eight interceptions while chipping in 230 yards rushing and four more touchdowns for a Baylor Bears squad that got hot late and won their final six regular season games to save Dave Aranda’s job. His top two targets are back at receiver, and he has a really good running back to take some pressure off. 

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

73. Max Llewellyn - EDGE - Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa is known for producing good linemen on both sides of the ball. Departures have opened up a path for a whole lot of snaps for edge rusher Max Llewellyn, and he could be the next great Iowa pass rusher. At 6’5” with good length, Llewellyn had a pressure rate of 17.9%, ranking him 12^th in the country for players with more than 200 pass-rushing attempts in 2024. With that experience under his belt and continued development in the Iowa defense, Llewellyn could be one of the Big Ten’s better sack artists.

Regular Season Win Total: 7.5

Odds as of July 25

74. Hudson Clement - WR - Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini desperately need West Virginia transfer Hudson Clement to have a breakout year and become an All-Big Ten caliber wideout. Clement was solid with the Mountaineers, catching a team-high 51 passes for 741 yards and five touchdowns. It’s fair to be a bit skeptical, though, because he had two monster games (150 yards against Kansas and 166 against Memphis) but was mediocre the rest of the season. Illinois has a lot of pieces in place to compete for a playoff spot, but they need some help at wide receiver and are counting on Hudson Clement to fill a big void.

2025 Win Total: 8.5

Win Totals as of July 29, 2025

75. Chase Sowell - WR - Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State rode a pair of dynamic wide receivers to an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game in 2024. Jaylin Noel had 1,194 yards and Jayden Higgins had 1,183 yards as the two combined for 167 receptions. The next best receiver was Carson Brown with 11 catches for 141 yards. Both Noel and Higgins are gone, and the Cyclones turned to the transfer portal to try and find answers. Chase Sowell was brought in from East Carolina after racking up 678 yards last season as a sophomore. The former Pirate is a good player, but is he ready to lead the passing attack for a Big 12 contender? Iowa State is counting on it.

2025 Win Total: 7.5

Win Total as of July 29, 2025

76. Jamarion Wilcox - RB - Kentucky Wildcats

Dante Dowdell was brought in from Nebraska to lead the rushing attack for the Kentucky Wildcats, and you know that Mark Stoops wants to lean on the ground game. That means there will be more than enough carries for a larger role for sophomore Jamarion Wilcox. As a freshman, Wilcox actually led the Wildcats with 590 yards, and he accomplished that while averaging 6.41 yards per carry. Those are fantastic numbers for a freshman in the SEC, and he had games of 102 yards against Tennessee, 50 yards against Texas, and 66 against Louisville.

2025 Win Total: 4.5

Win Totals as of July 29, 2025

77. Max Klare - TE - Ohio State Buckeyes

Max Klare turmoiled in obscurity and suffered through a 1-11 season in West Lafayette as Purdue stumbled while the tight end led the Boilermakers with 685 yards and 51 receptions. Opposing defenses were all over him, but he still produced at a pretty good level. Like every other good Purdue player, he hit the transfer portal and landed at a powerhouse. Klare is now with the Ohio State Buckeyes, and he should have a lot of opportunities to put up good numbers while defenses try to slow down Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.

2025 Win Total: 10.5

Win Total as of July 29, 2025

78. Dani Dennis-Sutton - DE - Penn State Nittany Lions

The Penn State Nittany Lions have produced some outstanding sack artists during the past decade or so. Most recently, Abdul Carter had 12 sacks and became a top ten NFL Draft pick. Dani Dennis-Sutton looks like the next great pass rusher with 8.5 sacks in 2024 and more expected from him this season. Penn State has expectations of a national title, and new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was brought in to get them over the hump. If Dani Dennis-Sutton has another step up in his game, the Nittany Lions could break through.

2025 Win Total: 10.5

Win Totals as of July 29, 2025

79. David Sanders Jr. - OT - Tennessee Volunteers

The Tennessee Volunteers are hitting the reset button on a lot of the offense after Nico Iamaleava left for UCLA, and Dylan Sampson is now in the NFL. With Joey Aguilar in as the starting quarterback after starring at Appalachian State, Tennessee will likely need to lean on the running game and a strong offensive line. Lance Heard is entrenched at left tackle, but there is a hole at right tackle, and it appears to be set to be filled by 5-star freshman David Sanders Jr. He arrived in Knoxville for the spring and has put on a lot of good weight prior to his debut season with coaches and teammates raving about his potential. Sanders Jr. is needed right away, and he could be the rare offensive lineman to star as a true freshman.

2025 Win Total: 8.5

Win Total as of July 29, 2025

80. Caleb Lomu - OT - Utah Utes

Speaking of offensive tackles, the Utah Utes might have the best pair of them in the country with Spencer Fano on one side and Caleb Lomu on the other. Everyone knows about Fano, and he’s expected to be a first-round pick in the next NFL Draft, but Caleb Lomu deserves some praise as well, and if Utah can return to form in 2025, he’ll be a big part of it. Lomu is an excellent and disciplined pass blocker, and Utah will be leaning on the running game with the mobile Devon Dampier at quarterback. Kyle Whittingham wants his team to be the toughest group on the field, and the two stud tackles will be counted on to establish that.

2025 Win Total: 7.5

Win Total as of July 29, 2025

81. Ja'Kobi Lane - WR - USC Trojans

Ja’Kobi Lane could be one of the more impactful players in the Big Ten this season. Lane is a big target, and he’ll pair with Makai Lemon to make a formidable duo for the Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley. Lane only had 43 receptions as a sophomore in 2024, and those receptions only averaged 12.21 yards per catch. However, he had 12 touchdowns and is a major red zone threat.

USC 2025 Win Total: 7.5

82. Mark Gronowski - QB - Iowa Hawkeyes

Do the Iowa Hawkeyes have a good quarterback? There's not much to like about the receivers, but South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski might be the answer at the position that has vexed the black and gold for years. The veteran has played in 55 games, thrown for 10,309 yards, rushed for 1,767 yards, and racked up a remarkable 110 touchdowns. Will Iowa open up the playbook some and let Gronowski take some chances? Unfortunately, he had to undergo offseason shoulder surgery and will not be available in the spring. That could limit his ability to hit the ground running in Iowa City, but he was already a star in the FCS ranks and is a good shot to become one in the Big Ten.

Iowa 2025 Win Total: 7.5

83. CJ Baxter - RB - Texas Longhorns

How quickly we forget, but CJ Baxter was a major breakout candidate and considered one of the top running backs in the sport heading into the 2024 season. However, a knee injury sidelined him before the season got going, and Texas leaned on other running backs to reach the SEC Championship Game. Baxter is now fully healthy, and he’ll split carries in a talented stable of running backs, but his physical gifts have not disappeared, and there will be a lot of opportunities to shine in the spotlight on the No. 1 Horns.

2025 Win Total: 9.5

84. Amare Campbell - LB - Penn State Nittany Lions

The Penn State Nittany Lions routinely churn out high-caliber linebackers. Kobe King departed, and new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles landed North Carolina transfer Amare Campbell to help fill the void at middle linebacker in the PSU defense. Penn State linebacker coach Dan Connor lauded Campbell recently, saying, “He’s just been a great presence, he’s a vet. He’s done it, you know. He’s done it at a high level and comes in here and he’s still humble, still hungry.” Not only might Campbell start at middle linebacker, but he could also earn a role calling the defense with the “green dot” as the player-to-coach communicator.

Penn State Win Total: 10.5

85. Nyziah Hunter - WR - Nebraska Cornhuskers

As previously written, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are counting on a change at offensive coordinator, plus maturation and seasoning for Dylan Raiola, to turn the offense into a real force in 2025. The second transfer wide receiver (after Dane Key) to be brought in was Cal transfer Nyziah Hunter. The 6’2” sophomore had 40 catches for 578 yards for the Golden Bears, and he will now likely be the third target for the Huskers as they try to break through for a big season. Cal is in the ACC, so Hunter was not completely toiling away in obscurity, but if he puts up big numbers in Lincoln, his popularity increases substantially.

2025 Win Total: 7.5

86. Yannick Smith - WR - East Carolina Pirates

The East Carolina Pirates finished the 2024 season with a gratifying victory over rival North Carolina State, and they begin the 2025 campaign with a regular-season rematch against the Wolfpack. The Pirates’ top receiver is promising sophomore Yannick Smith. Smith is 6’3” and he started three games for ECU last season, finishing with 25 passes for 434 yards and three touchdowns, and he’s in line for a breakout season in 2025. Smith is a member of the All-AAC team, according to Athlon Sports.

87. Anthony Hankerson - RB - Oregon State Beavers

The Oregon State Beavers had very few positives to take away from the 2024 season. Their head coach bolted for Michigan State, the PAC-12 dissolved, leaving the Beavers without a conference, and the vast majority of their roster fled for other destinations. That left very little proven quality, but they did find a really good running back in Anthony Hankerson. Hankerson had 232 carries for 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns. His standout performances included 155 yards against Idaho State, 113 versus Colorado State, 154 at Nevada, and an impressive 110 yards on just 11 carries in the loss to Boise State. He enters 2025 as the best offensive option for the Beavers and forms an interesting partnership with transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy.

88. Leonard Moore - CB - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

An injury to star Benjamin Morrison thrust Leonard Moore into playing time much earlier than anyone in South Bend expected, but Moore proved up to the task. In fact, he outperformed all rational hopes and looked like a star. His physical attributes and frame, combined with the experience he got last season, mean that Moore could be an All-American in 2025, and he’s almost a guaranteed future NFL Draft pick with the potential to develop into a 1st round pick.

89. Nick Marsh - WR - Michigan State Spartans

Understandably, Jeremiah Smith's freshman season garnered all the national attention. Still, Big Ten fans know he was not the only freshman pass-catcher to have a big season. Michigan State’s Nick Marsh was a significant force for the Spartans as he hauled in 41 receptions for 649 yards and three touchdowns. Marsh is a supremely talented receiver, and his ability to make contested catches with exceptional body control really stands out. Aidan Chiles gets his best target back for the 2025 season, and he’ll need Marsh to continue developing for Michigan State to climb the Big Ten standings.

90. Ian Strong - WR - Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Ian Strong began his collegiate career as a safety recruit in the 2023 class, but he switched to wide receiver and was a revelation in 2024. Strong earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and grabbed 43 receptions for 676 yards and five touchdowns. Dymere Miller is now gone, and Strong slides up to the number one target for Rutgers in 2025. He had 20 contested catches, a remarkable number, and plays the position with great physicality. The Scarlet Knights are probably going to need to throw the ball more than they are accustomed to, so Strong could be in for a big season.