11 Rising College Football Stars You’ll Know by the End of 2025
Sometimes, an athlete makes one play, and suddenly, everyone talks about them. That’s the kind of energy these rising college football stars are bringing. They’re not household names yet, but give it time—by the end of 2025, you’ll know exactly who they are.
Spencer Fano – Utah
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Spencer Fano’s development into a top-tier offensive tackle is right on schedule. He allowed just one sack in 2024 and anchored Utah’s dominant run game with a nation-leading PFF run-blocking grade. In his junior season, he appears to be a polished, athletic blocker and one of the most reliable tackles in the country.
Peter Woods – Clemson
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Peter Woods flashed promise in 2024, even while playing out of position. Now back at defensive tackle, the 6’3″, 315-pound sophomore can fully leverage his speed and power. With more talent around him this season, he’s primed to become a national name and a centerpiece in Clemson’s defensive revival.
Anthony Hill Jr. – Texas
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Texas found its defensive centerpiece in Anthony Hill Jr. The sophomore linebacker hits like a truck, moves like a safety, and closes space in a blink. He piled up 113 tackles and 17 stops behind the line in 2024. It’s not just stats — Hill dictates the tempo of games.
Matayo Uiagalelei – Oregon
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Oregon’s defense took a leap in 2024, and Matayo Uiagalelei was a big reason why. He tallied 10.5 sacks while showing the kind of athleticism that turns heads at the next level. His rare frame and smooth footwork mean he’s already climbing draft boards before his junior season kicks off.
Suntarine Perkins – Ole Miss
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Suntarine Perkins doesn’t look like a traditional linebacker, but he makes plays all over the field. He piled up 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2024, using speed and bend that edge rushers dream about. He’s growing into an all-around force, not just a pass-rushing specialist.
LT Overton – Alabama
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At Alabama, LT Overton found what he didn’t at Texas A&M—a system that fits. He added weight, ramped up his motor, and became the team’s top pressure generator in 2024. As a true 3-4 end with versatility and length, Overton now looks every bit the early-round NFL prospect.
Justice Haynes – Michigan
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Justice Haynes transferred from Alabama to Michigan after two seasons as a rotational back. He brings explosive speed, strong vision, and an impressive 5.9 yards per carry average. He’s a former five-star recruit and is expected to become the lead back for a Wolverines team built around its dominant ground game.
OJ Frederique Jr. – Miami
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Teams didn’t challenge OJ Frederique Jr. often in 2024, and when they did, they paid for it. The Miami freshman allowed completions on barely a third of his targets and broke up seven passes. He’s already one of the ACC’s toughest corners to beat.
KJ Bolden – Georgia
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KJ Bolden is set to take over the safety spot left by Malaki Starks, and all signs point to a seamless transition. His elite closing speed and the ability to play deep or in the box give Georgia another versatile, game-altering presence in the secondary.
Harold Perkins – LSU
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LSU may have misused Harold Perkins in 2024, but the staff seems ready to let him go full chaos mode again. Perkins is a violent, twitchy defender with elite instincts. Expect a full resurgence and major draft buzz this season.
Tetairoa McMillan – Arizona
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Tetairoa McMillan has been one of the most productive wideouts in college football — and is somehow still underrated. He posted over 1,400 receiving yards in 2024 and consistently won on the outside. He enters 2025 as a first-round-caliber receiver.
Nic Scourton – Texas A&M
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Texas A&M’s pass rush is getting a serious boost from Nic Scourton, the Big Ten’s sack leader in 2023 at Purdue. In 2024, after transferring to Texas A&M, he recorded five sacks. In Mike Elko’s system, his production could skyrocket, and he is already on the radar of NFL scouts.
Denzel Burke – Ohio State
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Denzel Burke has steadily improved each year at Ohio State and enters 2025 as one of the top corners in the country. Last season, he allowed a completion percentage of 85.7% on passes directed his way. This means 85.7% of the passes thrown in his coverage were caught. He also allowed 266 yards.
Rueben Bain Jr. – Miami
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Miami struck gold with Rueben Bain Jr., who burst onto the scene in 2023 as a freshman and recorded 10 sacks. In 2024, he posted 3.5 sacks and made a habit of collapsing pockets. His instincts and relentless motor make him one of the most exciting young pass rushers in college football heading into 2025.
Cam Coleman – Auburn
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Cam Coleman showed flashes of elite ability as a freshman, finishing with 598 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. With added support at quarterback and receiver in 2025, he could push for All-SEC honors by midseason.