Top 2025 NCAAF Recruits: Analyzing How ESPN 300 Stars Will Transform Their New Teams

A deep dive into the top 2025 NCAAF recruits, exploring how ESPN 300 stars like Harlem Berry and Bryce Underwood will fit into their new college teams and impact the upcoming season.

The 2025 NCAAF recruiting class is packed with talent, and the top players have already committed to their new schools. Here’s an in-depth look at how these ESPN 300 recruits will fit into their respective teams and contribute to their success.

Running Backs

Harlem Berry, LSU (ESPN 300 No. 27)

Berry’s agility and speed make him a perfect fit for LSU’s inside and outside zone schemes. His 4.37 40-yard dash speed and exceptional vision will allow him to break tackles and turn small gains into big plays. Alongside Caden Durham, Berry could become a dynamic change-of-pace back for the Tigers.

Akylin Dear, Alabama (ESPN 300 No. 38)

Dear’s downhill running style and size (6-foot, 205 pounds) make him a power back who can break tackles in traffic. Alabama’s need for a more involved running back in the passing game could see Dear becoming an all-purpose threat.

Gideon Davidson, Clemson (ESPN 300 No. 59)

Davidson’s speed and vision align perfectly with Clemson’s zone and counter schemes. Though smaller than previous Clemson backs, his home run threat ability could make him a key player in the Tigers’ offensive strategy.

Anthony Rogers, Ohio State (ESPN 300 No. 91)

Rogers’ power and big-play ability draw comparisons to former Buckeyes star Ezekiel Elliott. His patience and vision make him a strong fit for Ohio State’s gap run scheme, especially in tough, downhill situations.

Jordon Davison, Oregon (ESPN 300 No. 97)

Davison’s physical, bruising running style is reminiscent of LeGarrette Blount. Oregon could utilize him in short-yardage and red-zone situations, where his ability to push the pile will be crucial.

Byron Louis, Florida (ESPN 300 No. 112)

Louis’ speed and assertiveness make him an ideal complement to Jadan Baugh’s power running. Florida could use him as a sub-package back to add explosiveness to their offense.

Marquise Davis, Missouri (ESPN 300 No. 125)

Davis’ upright running style and size (6-foot, 205 pounds) set him apart from Missouri’s previous backs. His playing time is likely to increase in 2025, especially with the Tigers needing to replace key rushers.

Bo Jackson, Ohio State (ESPN 300 No. 130)

Jackson’s explosiveness and physicality make him a strong option for short-yardage and red-zone situations. He’ll compete for playing time alongside Anthony Rogers and CJ Donaldson Jr.

Ousmane Kromah, Florida State (ESPN 300 No. 142)

Kromah’s power running style fits Florida State’s offense under Gus Malzahn. While not as nimble as Trey Benson, his size and strength could earn him reps in 2025.

Dierre Hill, Oregon (ESPN 300 No. 144)

Hill’s speed and scatback style contrast with Davison’s physicality. His 21.5 mph max speed makes him a threat in the open field, and he’ll compete for touches in Oregon’s crowded backfield.

Quarterbacks

Bryce Underwood, Michigan (ESPN 300 No. 1)

Underwood’s physical attributes and mobility make him a perfect fit for Michigan’s offense. His ability to stretch the field and run outside the pocket will make him a dual-threat option for the Wolverines.

Keelon Russell, Alabama (ESPN 300 No. 2)

Russell’s arm strength and accuracy align with Alabama’s vertical passing game. Under Kalen DeBoer’s offense, Russell could quickly become a key player for the Crimson Tide.

Tavien St. Clair, Ohio State (ESPN 300 No. 10)

St. Clair’s size and athleticism draw comparisons to Anthony Richardson. His ability to make all the throws and run effectively could make him a star in Ohio State’s offense.

Julian Lewis, Colorado (ESPN 300 No. 12)

Lewis’ decisiveness and fit in Colorado’s RPO-based scheme make him a strong candidate to lead the Buffaloes’ offense. His ability to make quick decisions will be crucial in this system.

Deuce Knight, Auburn (ESPN 300 No. 40)

Knight’s dynamic running and improvisation skills add a new dimension to Auburn’s offense. His athleticism could make him a valuable asset in Hugh Freeze’s system.

Husan Longstreet, USC (ESPN 300 No. 44)

Longstreet’s versatility as a runner and passer makes him a great fit for Lincoln Riley’s offense. His ability to change arm angles and make off-platform throws will be key for USC.

Akili Smith Jr., Oregon (ESPN 300 No. 79)

Smith’s strong arm and pocket presence make him a promising prospect for Oregon’s RPO game. While not as mobile as previous Ducks QBs, his passing ability could make him a standout.

Malik Washington, Maryland (ESPN 300 No. 134)

Washington’s creativity and arm angles make him a great fit for Maryland’s offense. His upside as a passer could help transform the Terrapins’ program.

Carter Smith, Wisconsin (ESPN 300 No. 155)

Smith’s athleticism and poise make him a strong fit for Wisconsin’s offense. His ability to make plays when things break down will be key for the Badgers.

Bryce Baker, North Carolina (ESPN 300 No. 200)

Baker’s running ability and upside in the passing game make him a promising prospect for North Carolina’s offense. His fit in Freddie Kitchens’ NFL-influenced system will be something to watch.

What to Read Next

2025 Sun Belt Conference Football Preview: James Madison Aims for Redemption
NCAAF

2025 Sun Belt Conference Football Preview: James Madison Aims for Redemption

A comprehensive preview of the 2025 Sun Belt Conference football season, focusing on James Madison's quest for redemption and the competitive landscape of the league.

JaReylan McCoy Commits to Florida Gators: A Game-Changing Addition to the 2026 Recruiting Class
NCAAF

JaReylan McCoy Commits to Florida Gators: A Game-Changing Addition to the 2026 Recruiting Class

Five-star defensive end JaReylan McCoy commits to the Florida Gators, solidifying their 2026 recruiting class with a top-ranked prospect.

2025-2026 NCAAF Future Power Rankings: Top 68 Teams Analyzed
NCAAF

2025-2026 NCAAF Future Power Rankings: Top 68 Teams Analyzed

Comprehensive analysis of the top 68 NCAAF teams for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, focusing on rosters, recruiting, and transfer portal impacts.

Top 25 Unforgettable NCAAF Plays Since 2000: A Journey Through College Football's Greatest Moments
NCAAF

Top 25 Unforgettable NCAAF Plays Since 2000: A Journey Through College Football's Greatest Moments

Relive the most iconic and thrilling plays in NCAAF history since 2000, as voted by ESPN writers, capturing the essence of college football's greatest moments.

NCAAF Leaders Optimistic About NIL Rule Enforcement Post-Settlement
NCAAF

NCAAF Leaders Optimistic About NIL Rule Enforcement Post-Settlement

NCAAF conference commissioners express confidence in enforcing NIL rules following a landmark legal settlement, aiming for stability and fairness in college sports.

Tyson Helton's Quest for Quarterback Excellence: Building Western Kentucky's Football Legacy
NCAAF

Tyson Helton's Quest for Quarterback Excellence: Building Western Kentucky's Football Legacy

Discover how Tyson Helton's strategic approach to quarterback recruitment is shaping Western Kentucky's success in NCAAF, defying odds in a competitive landscape.

2025 Mountain West Conference Football Preview: Can Boise State Dominate Again?
NCAAF

2025 Mountain West Conference Football Preview: Can Boise State Dominate Again?

A comprehensive preview of the 2025 Mountain West Conference football season, focusing on Boise State's quest to repeat their success and the challenges from other teams.

Tragic Loss: Alabama QB Keelon Russell Mourns the Death of Twin Sister Kierston
NCAAF

Tragic Loss: Alabama QB Keelon Russell Mourns the Death of Twin Sister Kierston

Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell faces a heartbreaking loss as his twin sister Kierston Russell passes away. The family requests privacy during this difficult time.

Hugh Freeze's Auburn Tigers: A New Era of SEC Football Dominance
NCAAF

Hugh Freeze's Auburn Tigers: A New Era of SEC Football Dominance

Hugh Freeze is reshaping Auburn football with top-tier recruits and a strategic focus on winning, aiming to restore the Tigers' SEC dominance.

NCAAF Recruiting Frenzy: Top Prospects, Big Visits, and Potential Flips in June 2025
NCAAF

NCAAF Recruiting Frenzy: Top Prospects, Big Visits, and Potential Flips in June 2025

June 2025 marks the busiest month for NCAAF recruiting, with top prospects making official visits and potential flips shaping the future of college football.

2025 NCAAF FPI Rankings Analysis: Overvalued and Undervalued Teams
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF FPI Rankings Analysis: Overvalued and Undervalued Teams

An in-depth analysis of the 2025 NCAAF FPI rankings, highlighting teams that are overvalued and undervalued, and predicting their potential performance.

SEC Playoff Bids at Risk: The Impact of a 9-Game Schedule on College Football Playoff Contenders
NCAAF

SEC Playoff Bids at Risk: The Impact of a 9-Game Schedule on College Football Playoff Contenders

Explore how a potential 9-game SEC schedule could impact playoff bids and reshape the College Football Playoff landscape.

Michigan State Set to Appoint J Batt as New Athletic Director: A Strategic Move for Future Success
NCAAF

Michigan State Set to Appoint J Batt as New Athletic Director: A Strategic Move for Future Success

Michigan State University is poised to appoint J Batt as its new Athletic Director, leveraging his extensive experience and proven track record in fundraising and sports management.

USC's Creative Recruitment Strategy: Trolling Oregon with 'Anchorman' Commitment Alert
NCAAF

USC's Creative Recruitment Strategy: Trolling Oregon with 'Anchorman' Commitment Alert

USC Trojans creatively announce the commitment of four-star tight end Mark Bowman by trolling Oregon Ducks' head coach Dan Lanning with a unique 'Anchorman' twist.

Heisman Trophy 2025: Analyzing the Odds for Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams
NCAAF

Heisman Trophy 2025: Analyzing the Odds for Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams

Dive into the Heisman Trophy prospects of Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams, analyzing their odds, strengths, and potential to win the prestigious award in the 2025 NCAAF season.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.