Each College Football season is a new adventure, filled with surprises, setbacks, breakout performances, and the emergence of new talents. Behind the already established stars, a new generation is knocking at the door, ready to make a name for themselves from the very first weeks. Promising quarterbacks, explosive running backs, elusive receivers, or defenders capable of single-handedly changing the course of a game: here are 32 players who could define the 2025 season. Based on their 2024 performances, their expected roles, and the context in which they’ll play, this list is your guide to who to keep an eye on this year.

Quarterbacks

Arch Manning, QB, Texas2024: 939 yds, 9 TD, 2 INT.Why 2025: Taking over the full-time job with a loaded offense. Improved short accuracy and 3rd-down management. In a tough schedule, he’ll have national showcases to make a statement.

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU2024: 4,052 yds, 29 TD, 12 INT.Why 2025: Elite volume already with a stacked set of weapons. The next step is cutting down turnovers. If he does, LSU stays in the December spotlight.

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson2024: 3,639 yds, 36 TD, 6 INT.Why 2025: More composure, better timing, and a stabilizing OL. Intermediate connections have become a true strength. Clemson can once again live through its passing game.

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina2024: 2,534 yds, 18 TD, 7 INT.Why 2025: Big arm strength and a legitimate rushing threat. One more year of SEC defensive reads. Adding a few easy throws to the game plan points to more efficiency.

Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA (ex-Tennessee)2024 (Tennessee): 2,616 yds, 19 TD, 5 INT.Why 2025: New system, new cast, same talent. Quick release and calm in the red zone—skills that travel well. If he adapts quickly at UCLA, the offense takes off.

Aidan Chiles, QB, Michigan State2024: 2,415 yds, 13 TD, 11 INT.Why 2025: Established starter with growing leadership. Cutting down risky throws changes everything. With more continuity around him, MSU can regain ground in the Big Ten.

Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State2024: 2,885 yds, 24 TD, 6 INT.Why 2025: Cemented as starter after a big freshman year. Poised, accurate on the move; ASU’s system lets him play fast. With more chemistry and protection, he can enter national conversations.

John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma (ex-Washington State)2024 (WSU): 3,139 yds, 29 TD, 7 INT + 826 rush yds, 15 TD.Why 2025: True dual-threat who stretches defenses. At OU, the talent around him multiplies his options. Expect video-game numbers.

Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska2024: 2,819 yds, 13 TD, 11 INT.Why 2025: Promising arm, quick adaptation to the level. Better protection and run game stability will help. The leap can come on 3rd down and late drives.

Demond Williams Jr., QB, Washington2024: 944 yds, 8 TD, 1 INT.Why 2025: Limited snaps but lots of sparks. With a full load as starter, chemistry with receivers will matter. His dynamism can swing tight games.

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon2024: 49 yds, 0 TD.Why 2025: Limited use last year, talent intact. With more reps and strong supporting cast, production can skyrocket. A “week-to-week growth” story.

DJ Lagway, QB, Florida2024: 1,915 yds, 12 TD, 9 INT.Why 2025: Size, arm, mobility—he’s got all the tools. The key is patience in the short game. If the OL holds, his curve could climb fast.

Carson Beck, QB, Miami (ex-Georgia)2024 (Georgia): 3,485 yds, 28 TD, 12 INT.Why 2025: Arrives in Miami with a wealth of experience. Accurate short game to get playmakers moving. A natural candidate for big stages if he limits mistakes.

Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt (ex-New Mexico State)2024: 2,293 yds, 20 TD, 4 INT.Why 2025: Creative out of structure, effective in RPOs. Vandy will chase explosives through his mobility. His improvisation can catch SEC defenses off guard.

Running Backs

Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State2024: 1,099 yds, 12 TD.Why 2025: Rare burst once a lane opens. With fewer stacked boxes, the big runs will return. A serious 1,600+ yard candidate.

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame2024: 1,125 yds, 17 TD.Why 2025: Reliable near the goal line, strong in pass pro. Trusted in clutch moments. Still the foundation of the Irish offense.

Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon (ex-Tulane)2024 (Tulane): 265 carries, 1,401 yds, 15 TD.Why 2025: Explosive runner who gains after contact and protects well. Transferring to Oregon, he brings elite production already proven. Another 1,300+ yard season is realistic.

Jordan Marshall, RB, Michigan2024: 31 carries, 120 yds.Why 2025: Role set to expand. Clean vision, quick first steps. Perfect profile to stabilize drives.

C.J. Donaldson Jr., RB, Ohio State (ex-West Virginia)2024 (WVU): 734 yds, 11 TD.Why 2025: Powerful, effective in short yardage. At OSU, complements speed backs. Touchdowns will follow.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State2024: 76 catches, 1,315 yds, 15 TD.Why 2025: Size + speed = constant mismatch. Even doubled, he finds answers. A natural awards favorite.

Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama2024: 48 catches, 865 yds, 8 TD.Why 2025: Separates quickly, gains after catch. Bigger role ahead. Can become Alabama’s WR1.

Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt2024: 49 catches, 638 yds, 5 TD.Why 2025: Reliable middle target, key on play-action. Moved around to create mismatches. His volume can rise further.

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State2024: 75 catches, 1,101 yds, 10 TD.Why 2025: Sharp route runner, creates separation fast. His connection with Leavitt can open ASU’s offense.

Offensive Line

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah2024: Full-season starter at RT; 1st-team All-Big 12, All-America mentions.Why 2025: Clean technique, steady performance. Already in the national elite tackle discussion. Another consistent year cements it.

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami2024: 13 starts at RT; 2nd-team All-ACC.Why 2025: Solid in pass and run blocking. Fewer penalties moves him up tiers. Expect his name on watchlists.

Front Seven & Secondary

T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson2024: 11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles.Why 2025: Explosive off the snap, already highly productive. The attention he draws frees both teammates and himself. Another double-digit year is within reach.

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson2024: 18 solo tackles, 3 sacks.Why 2025: Disruptive inside, collapses pockets. More clear passing downs = more splash plays. All-America caliber upside.

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas2024: 113 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 FF, 1 INT.Why 2025: Impact everywhere—blitz, sideline, space. Coverage improves every year. Star profile in a loaded defense.

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State2024: 81 tackles, 2 INT.Why 2025: Quick reads, sure tackling. OSU can unleash him more to hunt the ball. Splash plays should increase.

Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina2024: 10.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 3 FF.Why 2025: Immediate impact as a freshman. With more snaps and polished counters, he can level up. All-SEC candidate.

Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame2024: 48 tackles, 2 INT, 10 PBUs.Why 2025: Mature in press and in the air. Will likely shadow WR1s more often. Perfect to build a national rep.

Eddrick Houston, DT, Ohio State2024: Limited reps.Why 2025: High-end physical tools, more rotation opportunities. More snaps = more TFLs and crushed pockets. Sophomore leap incoming.

In 2025, these 32 players will have the chance not only to shine individually but also to carry their teams through defining moments of the season. Some will spearhead playoff pushes, others will become key contributors in crucial wins. Every snap, every performance could be the missing piece on the road to a conference crown or a Playoff berth.