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

Top 10 NCAAF Players to Watch in 2025: Who Will Rise in the 2026 NFL Draft?
NCAAF

Top 10 NCAAF Players to Watch in 2025: Who Will Rise in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Discover the top 10 NCAAF players whose performance in the 2025 season could significantly impact their 2026 NFL Draft prospects.

Big 12 Football 2025: Power Rankings, Key Players, and Must-See Games
NCAAF

Big 12 Football 2025: Power Rankings, Key Players, and Must-See Games

Get the latest insights on the Big 12 Football 2025 season, including power rankings, key players, and must-see games. Discover who might dominate the wide-open conference.

The Future of Pac-12: A New Era in College Football
NCAAF

The Future of Pac-12: A New Era in College Football

Explore the transformative journey of the Pac-12 as it rebuilds with new members and strategic partnerships, setting the stage for a dynamic future in college football.

2025 NCAAF Impatience Index: Teams Under Pressure to Deliver
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Impatience Index: Teams Under Pressure to Deliver

Explore the 2025 NCAAF Impatience Index, highlighting teams under immense pressure to deliver results in the upcoming season.

Clemson's Championship Blueprint: How Dabo Swinney and Cade Klubnik Are Leading the Tigers to Glory
NCAAF

Clemson's Championship Blueprint: How Dabo Swinney and Cade Klubnik Are Leading the Tigers to Glory

Discover how Clemson's continuity and leadership under Dabo Swinney and quarterback Cade Klubnik are setting the stage for a championship run in the 2025 NCAAF season.

2025 College Football Playoff: Top 32 Teams with the Best Chances to Make the CFP
NCAAF

2025 College Football Playoff: Top 32 Teams with the Best Chances to Make the CFP

Heather Dinich breaks down the 32 teams with the best chances to make the 2025 College Football Playoff, using ESPN Analytics and insights from coaches.

2026 College Football Recruiting: Key Summer Moves and What's Next
NCAAF

2026 College Football Recruiting: Key Summer Moves and What's Next

A comprehensive look at the major developments in college football recruiting during the summer of 2025, including key commitments and the impact of revenue sharing.

Top 4 College Football Playoff Bets to Watch in 2025
NCAAF

Top 4 College Football Playoff Bets to Watch in 2025

Explore the top 4 College Football Playoff bets for the 2025 season, including insights on Iowa, Kansas State, South Carolina, and Texas.

2025 NCAAF Schedule Breakdown: Toughest Matchups, Easiest Paths, and Must-See Games
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Schedule Breakdown: Toughest Matchups, Easiest Paths, and Must-See Games

Explore the 2025 NCAAF schedule, highlighting the toughest matchups, easiest paths, and must-see games for the upcoming season.

NCAAF NIL Payments: New Rules and What They Mean for College Sports
NCAAF

NCAAF NIL Payments: New Rules and What They Mean for College Sports

The College Sports Commission has revised its NIL payment rules, impacting how student-athletes and collectives operate in NCAAF.

Keli Zinn Takes the Helm: Rutgers Announces New Athletic Director with LSU Pedigree
NCAAF

Keli Zinn Takes the Helm: Rutgers Announces New Athletic Director with LSU Pedigree

Rutgers University appoints Keli Zinn as the new athletic director, bringing strategic leadership and a robust vision to elevate the Scarlet Knights' athletic programs.

2025 NCAAF Teams Poised for Breakthroughs or Bounce-Backs: Key Predictions
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Teams Poised for Breakthroughs or Bounce-Backs: Key Predictions

Explore which NCAAF teams are set to build on their 2024 success or rebound from disappointing seasons in 2025, with detailed analysis and SP+ projections.

Top 25 Most Memorable Alternate Uniforms in College Football History
NCAAF

Top 25 Most Memorable Alternate Uniforms in College Football History

Explore the most iconic and chaotic alternate uniforms in NCAAF history, from retro designs to bold experiments that left a lasting impact.

Purdue Boilermakers Defend Tahj Ra-El Amid Playbook Leak Allegations
NCAAF

Purdue Boilermakers Defend Tahj Ra-El Amid Playbook Leak Allegations

Purdue Boilermakers address the alleged playbook leak by Tahj Ra-El, calling it a mischaracterization. Learn more about the controversy and its impact.

Top College Football Mascots: A Showcase of Spirit and Tradition
NCAAF

Top College Football Mascots: A Showcase of Spirit and Tradition

Explore the vibrant world of college football mascots, from iconic characters to unique traditions that define the spirit of NCAAF.

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.