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.
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