Top 43 College Football Sleepers to Watch in the 2025 Season

As the 2025 college football season approaches, fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the potential breakout stars who could make a significant impact on the field. While the spotlight often shines on the top-ranked players, there are always a few under-the-radar athletes who emerge as game-changers. Here’s a look at 43 sleepers who could make waves this season.

Zuriah Fisher, DE, Penn State Nittany Lions

• Class: Senior
• Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 258 pounds
• 2024 Stats: Sat out due to injury
• Outlook: Fisher is poised to fill the void left by All-American Abdul Carter. Known for his physicality and technique, Fisher could be a key player for Penn State’s defense.

Nyziah Hunter, WR, Nebraska Cornhuskers

• Class: Sophomore
• Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 205 pounds
• 2024 Stats: 40 receptions, 578 yards, 4 touchdowns at Cal
• Outlook: Hunter brings versatility and big-play potential to Nebraska’s receiving corps, making him a player to watch.

Cam Calhoun, DB, Alabama Crimson Tide

• Class: Sophomore
• Height/Weight: 6-foot, 180 pounds
• 2024 Stats: 21 tackles, 1 interception at Utah
• Outlook: Calhoun’s ability to play both cornerback and nickel makes him a valuable asset for Alabama’s secondary.

James Thompson Jr., DT, Illinois Fighting Illini

• Class: Senior
• Height/Weight: 6-foot-6, 300 pounds
• 2024 Stats: Played one game due to injury
• Outlook: Thompson’s size and athleticism could make him a dominant force on Illinois’ defensive line.

Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M Aggies

• Class: Junior
• Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 245 pounds
• 2024 Stats: 40 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks
• Outlook: Howell’s explosive edge rushing could make him a standout player for Texas A&M.

Keanu Tanuvasa, DT, BYU Cougars

• Class: Junior
• Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 300 pounds
• 2024 Stats: 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss at Utah
• Outlook: Tanuvasa’s move to BYU could see him become a key player in their defensive line.

Matt Gulbin, C/G, Michigan State Spartans

• Class: Senior
• Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 312 pounds
• 2024 Stats: Started 12 games at Wake Forest
• Outlook: Gulbin’s experience and physicality could bolster Michigan State’s offensive line.

Max Stege, DE, Boise State Broncos

• Class: Junior
• Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 264 pounds
• 2024 Stats: 14 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
• Outlook: Stege’s pass-rushing skills could make him a key player for Boise State.

James Peoples, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Class: Sophomore
• Height/Weight: 5-foot-10, 203 pounds
• 2024 Stats: 49 carries, 197 yards, 2 touchdowns
• Outlook: Peoples’ versatility and experience could make him a valuable asset for Ohio State’s running game.

Brayden Manley, Edge, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

• Class: Junior
• Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 255 pounds
• 2024 Stats: 38 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks at Mercer
• Outlook: Manley’s playmaking ability could make him a standout player for Georgia Tech.

These are just a few of the 43 sleepers who could make a significant impact in the 2025 college football season. Keep an eye on these players as they look to break out and make a name for themselves on the national stage.