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Billy Tucker
While many five-star players from the 2024 ESPN 300 were anticipated to step into starting roles immediately as freshmen, the reality is often different. Factors beyond talent alone can influence their playing time, and some elite players may need an additional year to find their footing or capitalize on depth-chart shifts before becoming standouts in their sophomore year.
Among the exceptional freshman performances in 2024, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Alabama’s Ryan Williams shone brightly as instant stars. Looking ahead to 2025, a promising group of emerging sophomores is anticipated, following in the footsteps of last year’s standout, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Note: Rankings exclude players who started more than two games last season.
A highly-rated quarterback recruit in 2024, Sayin possesses the essential skills and support in Columbus to emerge as one of the top quarterbacks nationwide. Although he has yet to secure the starting position, we believe the former five-star standout, ranked as the No. 2 quarterback behind DJ Lagway in 2024, will seize the opportunity. With exceptional arm strength and accuracy coupled with mobility, Sayin benefits from perhaps the finest receiving corps in the nation. We project he will take the reins early, displaying solid production and evolving into one of the premier quarterbacks in the Big Ten by season’s end.
After a standout performance at the ReliaQuest Bowl, Marshall, ranked as the No. 7 running back in the 2024 ESPN 300, showcased his abilities with 100 yards on 23 carries during his debut start. Joining forces with Alabama transfer Justice Haynes, he appears to be part of a shared backfield dynamic in Michigan. Early preseason camp indications show Haynes leading slightly, but both players bring unique skills: Marshall is slippery in tight spaces, explosive in the open field, and powerful on contact, boasting a top high school shuttle time of 4.1 seconds, a mark that would have ranked second among running backs at this year’s NFL combine.
Despite being the top player in the ESPN 300, Robinson’s initial impact was limited, particularly with three of Georgia’s talents moving to the NFL. Though he isn’t expected to start on the outside this season, he will play valuable snaps at the nickel position and has the potential to dominate as a lockdown corner. Reports from Athens suggest that Robinson has made significant progress in his understanding of the game, allowing him to play at a quicker pace. Remember, he possesses a rare combination of length, speed, and ball skills, making him well-suited for a defense filled with high-caliber players.
Miami supporters hoped for more from Trader, rated the No. 6 receiver in the ESPN 300, especially given the strength of the receiving corps last year. Although he only recorded six catches throughout the season, he started in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, making three catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Expect a more consistent display this coming season. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Trader possesses fluid movements and quick hands, making him a three-dimensional threat for the Canes. Alongside tight end Elija Lofton, he’s poised to emerge as one of Miami’s offensive breakout stars in tandem with quarterback Carson Beck.
We are cautiously optimistic about the breakout potential of either Matthews or Staley as top receivers in the SEC this year. The defining factor will likely be their health, as both have faced injuries in the past. Matthews, the No. 5 receiver in the ESPN 300, has shown promise with explosive playmaking abilities, while Staley, who ranked as the No. 21 receiver, has remarkable quickness and agility. Having previously reigned as a state champion in both the 200 meters and triple jump, Staley has the talent to make significant contributions this season, and Tennessee’s success in aiming for the College Football Playoff is highly dependent on this receiving corps’ performance.
Lopa stands out for his exceptional blend of size and agility as a defensive back, crucial as Oregon looks to fill gaps at safety. Ranked as the No. 13 safety in the 2024 ESPN 300, he saw limited action last season but made an impression in the Big Ten championship against Penn State, effectively matched up against All-American tight end Tyler Warren. At 6 feet 5 inches and 210 pounds, Lopa is fast and has a long stride, excelling in both coverage and tackling. After transitioning from high school play where he dazzled on both defense and offense, he is on the path to reaching his full potential this fall.
In college sports, few positions face as much scrutiny as the starting quarterback at Notre Dame. Carr, whose background as the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr gives him a unique perspective, is well-prepared for this challenge. Currently, he’s locked in a tight competition with Kenny Minchey after an impressive spring practice session, but we anticipate he will earn the starting role ahead of Week 1. Carr, recognized as the No. 2 pocket passer in the 2024 class, excels in accuracy and football IQ. Alongside returning running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, plus an experienced offensive line, Carr may not need to dominate statistically, but he must effectively manage the game and get the ball downfield—skills that are well within his capabilities, confirming his place on this list.
Wisconsin has opted not to delve into the transfer portal to replace the production of Tawee Walker and Chez Mellusi, indicating confidence in their underclassmen running back prospects. Among these, Jones, regarded as the No. 8 running back in the ESPN 300, has the tools required to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten. Arriving in Madison with offers from SEC programs, Jones showcases a powerful, agile running style, capable of breaking tackles and scoring from a distance. His blend of size and speed positions him as a refreshing addition to the Badgers’ running back rotation, which should enable him to thrive without excessive workload, especially as Wisconsin aims to rebound from a challenging 2024 season.
Excitement runs high in Austin as Texas claims the top spot in the preseason AP Top 25 for the first time in the program’s history. However, there are adjustments to be made at critical positions, notably offensive tackle. Baker, considered the No. 2 offensive tackle in the ESPN 300, recently stepped into a more prominent role following a season-ending injury to Andre Cojoe. This changes the dynamic for Texas, and Baker has worked diligently to enhance his strength and technical execution this offseason. Tasked with safeguarding the highly anticipated player Arch Manning, Baker now has a pivotal role in the Longhorns’ offensive line.
Ranked as the 11th-best pocket passer in the ESPN 300, Brown has stayed mostly under the radar yet managed to retain his redshirt last season. Standing out as a winner, he led Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, California) to two state championships, accumulating over 8,000 passing yards and surpassing 100 touchdown passes. Now, he faces the challenge of guiding Stanford back to its former prestige. Younger than most competitors but under the mentorship of seasoned quarterback coach Frank Reich and GM Andrew Luck, Brown possesses the pro-style skills essential for success in this system. We believe that even with experienced sixth-year transfer Ben Gulbranson in the mix, Brown is likely to find himself leading the team early in the season.
After losing Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty to the NFL, Boise State is preparing for another standout to emerge in their ranks. Gaines, once rated the 45th running back coming out of high school, was initially projected as a linebacker but now shows remarkable potential. He brings a strong combination of downhill power and speed, clocking in at 10.9 seconds for the 100-meter dash, coupled with refined skills in receiving. Having bulked up from 195 to nearly 220 pounds, early assessments suggest he appears faster than ever as he continues to recover from an injury that sidelined him last season. A glimpse of his abilities was on display during his debut against Georgia Southern, where he rushed for 110 yards and added another 44 yards through the air. As Boise State finds its footing in the preseason AP Top 25, Gaines could be pivotal to their ascent.