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

NCAAF Power 4 Struggles: Alabama's Rolled Tide and Other Week 1 Disappointments
NCAAF

NCAAF Power 4 Struggles: Alabama's Rolled Tide and Other Week 1 Disappointments

Explore the Week 1 struggles of NCAAF's Power 4 teams, including Alabama's surprising loss and other notable disappointments in the season opener.

Oklahoma Sooners Bet Big on John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle to Revamp Offense in 2025
NCAAF

Oklahoma Sooners Bet Big on John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle to Revamp Offense in 2025

Oklahoma Sooners aim to revitalize their offense with the dynamic duo of QB John Mateer and OC Ben Arbuckle in the 2025 NCAAF season.

NCAAF Week 1 Recap: Top 25 Teams' Performances and What's Next
NCAAF

NCAAF Week 1 Recap: Top 25 Teams' Performances and What's Next

A comprehensive recap of NCAAF Week 1, highlighting the top 25 teams' performances, key stats, and upcoming matchups.

Belichick's UNC Debut Ends in Historic Defeat: TCU's Dominance in Week 1 NCAAF Showdown
NCAAF

Belichick's UNC Debut Ends in Historic Defeat: TCU's Dominance in Week 1 NCAAF Showdown

Bill Belichick's first game as UNC head coach ended in a record-breaking 48-14 loss to TCU, marking the most points ever allowed by a Belichick-led team.

Week 2 NCAAF Showdown: Michigan vs. Oklahoma and Top Matchups to Watch
NCAAF

Week 2 NCAAF Showdown: Michigan vs. Oklahoma and Top Matchups to Watch

Get the latest betting lines, FPI predictions, and in-depth analysis for Week 2 NCAAF games, including the highly anticipated Michigan vs. Oklahoma showdown.

Heisman Trophy Race Heats Up: Betting Insights and Key Performances After Week 1
NCAAF

Heisman Trophy Race Heats Up: Betting Insights and Key Performances After Week 1

Explore the latest shifts in Heisman Trophy odds and key performances after Week 1 of NCAAF, including insights on Garrett Nussmeier and Arch Manning.

Bill Belichick's Stellar College Coaching Debut at UNC: A New Chapter in Football History
NCAAF

Bill Belichick's Stellar College Coaching Debut at UNC: A New Chapter in Football History

Bill Belichick's first game as a college head coach at UNC against TCU marks a new era in his legendary career, drawing star power and excitement.

2025 NCAAF Bowl Projections: CFP Shakeup and Postseason Matchups After Week 1
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Bowl Projections: CFP Shakeup and Postseason Matchups After Week 1

Week 1 results reshaped the 2025 NCAAF bowl projections, with Alabama's loss and Florida State's rise leading the changes. Get the latest CFP and bowl matchup insights.

NCAAF Week 1 Overreactions: Arch Manning's Struggles, Alabama's Collapse, and Heisman Hopefuls
NCAAF

NCAAF Week 1 Overreactions: Arch Manning's Struggles, Alabama's Collapse, and Heisman Hopefuls

Dive into the most shocking moments from NCAAF Week 1, including Arch Manning's rocky start, Alabama's unexpected defeat, and early Heisman contenders.

NCAAF Power Rankings 2025: Week 1 Insights and Top 25 Teams Analysis
NCAAF

NCAAF Power Rankings 2025: Week 1 Insights and Top 25 Teams Analysis

Explore the latest NCAAF Power Rankings after Week 1, featuring in-depth analysis of each top 25 team's performance and key takeaways.

2025 NCAAF SP+ Rankings: Comprehensive Analysis and Team Insights
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF SP+ Rankings: Comprehensive Analysis and Team Insights

Explore the latest 2025 NCAAF SP+ rankings, featuring in-depth analysis of team performances, strength of schedule, and predictive insights.

Top Quotes and Memorable Moments from Week 1 of the 2025 NCAAF Season
NCAAF

Top Quotes and Memorable Moments from Week 1 of the 2025 NCAAF Season

Relive the best quotes and standout moments from Week 1 of the 2025 NCAAF season, featuring insights from top coaches and players.

NCAAF Week 1 Insights: Arch Manning's Debut Struggles and Utah's Dominant Start
NCAAF

NCAAF Week 1 Insights: Arch Manning's Debut Struggles and Utah's Dominant Start

Explore key takeaways from NCAAF Week 1, including Arch Manning's challenging debut and Utah's impressive performance in the Big 12.

CFP Top 12 Projections: Week 1 Shakeup and Playoff Implications
NCAAF

CFP Top 12 Projections: Week 1 Shakeup and Playoff Implications

Analyzing the potential CFP top 12 after Week 1, with insights into key matchups, team performances, and playoff implications.

Bill Belichick's Transformative Impact on North Carolina Football: A New Era Begins
NCAAF

Bill Belichick's Transformative Impact on North Carolina Football: A New Era Begins

Explore how Bill Belichick is reshaping North Carolina football, from recruiting strategies to his NFL-inspired approach, as the Tar Heels aim for national prominence.

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.