With the 2025 college football season just around the corner, we delve into the potential sleeper picks from each of the top 25 teams. These players, often overlooked, are poised to make a significant impact this season. From freshmen ready to make their mark to transfers and players returning from injury, here are the names to watch:

1. Penn State Nittany Lions

Sleeper: C Nick Dawkins Dawkins, a crucial part of Penn State's offensive line, is expected to play a pivotal role as the team chases its first Big Ten title since 2016. Despite being overlooked, his performance last season, where he allowed only two sacks, speaks volumes.

2. Clemson Tigers

Sleeper: WR Tyler Brown After a redshirt season due to injury, Brown is ready to contribute significantly to Clemson's stellar receiver group. Coach Dabo Swinney has high expectations for him this season.

3. Texas Longhorns

Sleeper: TE Jack Endries Endries, a former walk-on, is set to become a household name in Texas' talented offense. His breakout season at Cal last year, where he caught 56 passes, makes him a key player to watch.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

Sleeper: RB Bo Walker Walker's physical style and speed have turned heads in spring practice. Despite not being the most heralded prospect, he has a chance to earn playing time in Georgia's backfield.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes

Sleeper: WR Carnell Tate Tate, overshadowed last season, is set to play an even bigger role for the Buckeyes. With Emeka Egbuka gone, Tate could easily surpass his previous season's numbers.

6. LSU Tigers

Sleeper: WR Barion Brown Brown, a Kentucky transfer, could finally reach his full potential in Baton Rouge. With a talented receiving corps, he has the opportunity to break out in 2025.

7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Sleeper: DL Bryce Young Young, with his impressive physique and lineage, is poised to become a key player in Notre Dame's defense. His performance last season, including three blocked kicks, highlights his potential.

8. Oregon Ducks

Sleeper: WR Malik Benson Benson, now in Eugene, has the tools to flourish in Oregon's offense. With a new quarterback in Dante Moore, Benson could become a top target.

9. Alabama Crimson Tide

Sleeper: S Bray Hubbard Hubbard, now in his third season, is poised to be an All-SEC caliber player. His performance last season, including three interceptions, makes him a key player to watch.

10. BYU Cougars

Sleeper: RB LJ Martin Martin has steadily become a key player for BYU. With quarterback Jake Retzlaff set to transfer, Martin could be relied on more heavily this season.

11. Illinois Fighting Illini

Sleeper: S Miles Scott Scott, a team captain, contributes to a unit that could be among the Big Ten's best. His performance last season, including two interceptions, highlights his importance.

12. Arizona State Sun Devils

Sleeper: CB Nyland Green Green, a Purdue transfer, could turn into a major difference-maker for Arizona State. His playmaking ability makes him a key player to watch.

13. South Carolina Gamecocks

Sleeper: Edge Bryan Thomas Thomas, with career highs in sacks and total tackles last year, is poised to step into a starting role. His performance will be crucial for South Carolina's pass rush.

14. Iowa State Cyclones

Sleeper: DL Elijah O'Neal O'Neal, returning for his final season, has the chance to develop into a more well-rounded pass rusher. His performance last season, including four sacks, highlights his potential.

15. SMU Mustangs

Sleeper: RB Derrick McFall McFall, with his explosiveness and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, is the clear favorite to fill a major hole in SMU's offense.

16. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Sleeper: DL Romello Height Height, a transfer from Georgia Tech, could play a massive role in improving Texas Tech's defense. His potential makes him a key player to watch.

17. Indiana Hoosiers

Sleeper: RB Roman Hemby Hemby, a Maryland transfer, has the opportunity to emerge as Indiana's leader on the ground. His past performances highlight his potential.

18. Kansas State Wildcats

Sleeper: Edge Tobi Osunsanmi Osunsanmi, with his havoc plays per snap, is an exciting option on the edge for Kansas State. His performance could be crucial for the Wildcats.

19. Florida Gators

Sleeper: LB Myles Graham Graham, with his potential to take another step, could play a key role in Florida's defense. His performance last season highlights his importance.

20. Michigan Wolverines

Sleeper: CB Zeke Berry Berry, with his breakout junior season, is primed to become the next big-time cornerback for Michigan. His performance last season, including two interceptions, highlights his potential.

21. Miami Hurricanes

Sleeper: S Zechariah Poyser Poyser, a transfer from Jacksonville State, gives Miami an instant upgrade at safety. His performance last season, including three interceptions, highlights his importance.

22. Louisville Cardinals

Sleeper: S D'Angelo Hutchinson Hutchinson, with his length and speed, could be in line for a breakout campaign. His performance last season, including nine tackles against Clemson, highlights his potential.

23. Texas A&M Aggies

Sleeper: CB Tyreek Chappell Chappell, returning from injury, is expected to have a big year at the nickel spot. His past performances highlight his importance.

24. Ole Miss Rebels

Sleeper: WR Cayden Lee Lee, with his breakout sophomore campaign, has the potential to become a critical target for Ole Miss. His performance last season, including 57 receptions, highlights his importance.

25. Oklahoma Sooners

Sleeper: WR Zion Kearney Kearney, with his size and speed, has the chance to make a big jump in Oklahoma's Air Raid offense. His performance last season highlights his potential.