Top 25 Non-QB Players to Watch in the 2025 NCAAF Season

Discover the 25 most impactful non-quarterback players set to dominate the 2025 NCAAF season. From wide receivers to defensive stars, these athletes are ready to shine.

Introduction

While quarterbacks often steal the spotlight, the 2025 NCAAF season promises to showcase a diverse array of talent across the field. Here are 25 non-QB players who are poised to make a significant impact:

1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 1,315 receiving yards, 76 receptions, 15 TDs
  • Why He's Here: Smith is a Heisman contender and the nation's top wide receiver. His freshman year records and consistent performance make him a standout.

2. Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State Nittany Lions

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-5, 265 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 42 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Dennis-Sutton was a key player in Penn State's defense, with standout performances in critical games.

3. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama Crimson Tide

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 6-foot, 175 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 865 receiving yards, 48 receptions, 8 TDs
  • Why He's Here: Williams had a stellar freshman season with explosive plays and consistent scoring.

4. Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina Gamecocks

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 6-5, 245 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 23 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Stewart is a dynamic pass rusher with a knack for disrupting plays.

5. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-foot, 205 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 81 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions
  • Why He's Here: Downs is a versatile defensive back with game-changing abilities.

6. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-foot, 212 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 1,125 rushing yards, 17 rushing TDs
  • Why He's Here: Love's big-play ability and durability make him a top running back.

7. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas Longhorns

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-3, 237 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Hill is a dominant linebacker with a knack for making big plays.

8. Le'Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M Aggies

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-foot, 210 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 765 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs
  • Why He's Here: Moss was on track for a breakout season before injury, but his return is highly anticipated.

9. T.J. Parker, DE, and Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Tigers

  • Vitals: Parker - Junior, 6-3, 265 pounds; Woods - Junior, 6-3, 315 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: Parker - 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks; Woods - 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
  • Why They're Here: This duo is among the most formidable defensive linemen in the nation.

10. Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor Bears

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-1, 218 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 754 receiving yards, 10 receiving TDs
  • Why He's Here: Cameron is a versatile receiver and return specialist with a knack for big plays.

11. R Mason Thomas, DE, Oklahoma Sooners

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-2, 249 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 23 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Thomas is a premier pass rusher with a knack for disrupting offenses.

12. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke Blue Devils

  • Vitals: Senior, 5-10, 185 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 54 tackles, 3 interceptions
  • Why He's Here: Rivers is a lockdown corner with a knack for making big plays.

13. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, RBs, Penn State Nittany Lions

  • Vitals: Singleton - Senior, 6-foot, 220 pounds; Allen - Senior, 5-11, 217 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: Singleton - 1,099 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs; Allen - 1,108 rushing yards, 8 rushing TDs
  • Why They're Here: This duo is among the most productive running back tandems in the nation.

14. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech Red Raiders

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-1, 230 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 127 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Rodriguez is a tackling machine with a knack for making big plays.

15. Gabe Jacas, OLB, Illinois Fighting Illini

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-3, 275 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Jacas is a disruptive force on defense with a knack for making big plays.

16. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest Demon Deacons

  • Vitals: Senior, 5-10, 195 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 1,049 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs
  • Why He's Here: Claiborne is a versatile running back with a knack for making big plays.

17. Max Klare, TE, Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-4, 236 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 685 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
  • Why He's Here: Klare is a reliable tight end with a knack for making big plays.

18. Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville Cardinals

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 5-9, 190 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 1,173 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs
  • Why He's Here: Brown is a dynamic running back with a knack for making big plays.

19. Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-2, 238 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 78 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack
  • Why He's Here: Bowen is a versatile linebacker with a knack for making big plays.

20. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida Gators

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-6, 329 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 21 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Banks is a dominant defensive tackle with a knack for making big plays.

21. Matayo Uiagalelei, OLB, Oregon Ducks

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-5, 270 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 37 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Uiagalelei is a premier pass rusher with a knack for making big plays.

22. Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida Gators

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 6-1, 230 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 673 rushing yards, 7 TDs
  • Why He's Here: Baugh is a dynamic running back with a knack for making big plays.

23. Jayden Virgin-Morgan, Edge, Boise State Broncos

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-3, 253 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 40 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Virgin-Morgan is a disruptive edge rusher with a knack for making big plays.

24. T.J. Parker, DE, and Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Tigers

  • Vitals: Parker - Junior, 6-3, 265 pounds; Woods - Junior, 6-3, 315 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: Parker - 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks; Woods - 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
  • Why They're Here: This duo is among the most formidable defensive linemen in the nation.

25. Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor Bears

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-1, 218 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 754 receiving yards, 10 receiving TDs
  • Why He's Here: Cameron is a versatile receiver and return specialist with a knack for big plays.

Conclusion

The 2025 NCAAF season is set to be a showcase of talent beyond the quarterback position. These 25 players are ready to make their mark and lead their teams to success.

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