Ohio State’s national championship win closed the book on the 2024 season and now allows everyone to reset with an eye on glory in 2025.

So which programs, thanks to their efforts on the recruiting trail, are best positioned to infuse their rosters with freshmen talent and position themselves for a national title?

We’re examining the position battles between top-ranked players at every group in conjunction with our final 2025 ESPN 300 rankings update, with an eye on how each player could make an impact this fall. We’re also looking at one sleeper at each position who could rise to stardom.

Jump to a position:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DE | DT | LB | CB | S | ATH

Quarterback

No. 1 Bryce Underwood vs. No. 2 Keelon Russell

Scouting Bryce Underwood, Michigan signee: Underwood’s skill set as both a passer and mobile athlete is rare. That’s why he remains the top player in the class. He’s big, athletic and has a feel for pressure and anticipation. He has one of the strongest arms of any prospect in the last several classes. Underwood’s physical attributes remind us of former Michigan and Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton, only Underwood is far more accurate and has a better feel for the game — both in and out of the pocket.

Scouting Keelon Russell, Alabama signee: Russell jumped up 12 spots to No. 2 overall. He’s smooth and cool. Russell has played at an elite level against the top competition in the country at Duncanville (Texas) High School. He has a great feel for the game and displays some of the best anticipatory traits of any quarterback in this class. Russell can change arm angles, extend plays and is a supremely accurate passer at all three levels. He understands the game, plays fast but does not take risks with the football.

Why Underwood ranks No. 1: Underwood has the physical tools and upside with a high ceiling for development. Russell might be more ready to play right away, but Underwood has a lot of clay to mold. He also is a more physical, powerful runner, which adds another dimension to his game.

Three-star sleeper: Austin Carlisle, Houston signee

Despite being undersized at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, Carlisle is a really good dual-threat prospect. He could also be a candidate for another position. Carlisle shows adequate passing skills with a quick stroke and above-average arm strength. He’s a pitch-and-catch player and throws a good fade route. Carlisle has really good pocket awareness and mobility. He’s a good football player with great production and can extend plays.

Running back

No. 1 Harlem Berry vs. No. 2 Akylin Dear

Scouting Harlem Berry, LSU signee: It’s almost impossible to get a clean, direct shot on Berry and that sets him apart from the rest of the class. Berry, who is ranked No. 27 overall, is so light on his feet with a combination of vision and lateral agility that allows him to squirm through tight creases and avoid contact. He’s one of the fastest players in the class (10.57 100-meter dash) and excels at bouncing the play to the edge, turning the corner and winning foot races down the sideline.

Scouting Akylin Dear, Alabama signee: Dear, No. 38 in the new rankings, is a shifty, downhill runner who doesn’t dance or hesitate. He has good height with a thick frame and the lower body strength to break tackles in high-traffic areas. Dear also shows the agility to bounce and cut back with acceleration, and the vision to locate daylight. He has the athleticism, speed and ball skills to be an all-purpose back at the next level.

Why Berry ranks No. 1: On film, these two backs are very similar. Dear is slightly bigger, but Berry is faster and one of the fastest players in the class. You just can’t coach that. Both players should have a lot of success.

Three-star sleeper: John Forster, Illinois signee

Despite a smaller stature at 6-foot, 190 pounds, Forster is sneaky powerful. He already has a solid frame with adequate height and good overall strength to produce explosive lateral and jump-cut movement. Forster displays awareness in traffic to avoid defenders and locate daylight. He shows acceleration to separate and top-end speed to finish. Forster also has the ball skills to catch passes effectively out of the backfield.

Wide receiver

No. 1 Dakorien Moore vs. No. 2 Jaime Ffrench

Scouting Dakorien Moore, Oregon signee: This is Ja’Marr Chase 2.0. Moore, ranked fourth overall, is one of the most acrobatic, naturally gifted pass catchers we have seen over the last 20 years. He checks all the boxes physically, but his competitive temperament sets him apart. Moore truly loves to play football and it shows in how he carries himself. Moore will pick out the highest-rated corner in a one-on-one drill and challenge him and Moore is a terrific route runner.

Scouting Jaime Ffrench, Texas signee: Ffrench is a flexible target who has really grown into his body over the last two years. The No. 26 overall player has a wide catch radius at 6-foot-1 and can make acrobatic catches look easy. He’s sneaky fast and has a max speed of 20.7 mph. Ffrench also ran a laser-timed 4.53 40-yard dash. He’s a bit of a long strider, but can be smooth in the open field.

Why Moore ranks No. 1: Nobody in this class resembles Moore. That’s not to say there are not some great prospects in the class, but Moore is just different.

Three-star sleeper: Quintin Simmons Jr., Kentucky signee

Simmons is a track-fast football player with adequate height and a lean build. He has the top-end speed to be a vertical threat and an open-field runner. A polished route-runner, Simmons should excel in that area for the Wildcats. He can high-point the ball and is dynamic with the ball in his hands with quick acceleration to separate. Simmons will add value on special teams as an explosive returner.

Tight end

No. 1 Elyiss Williams vs. No. 2 Ethan Barbour

Scouting Elyiss Williams, Georgia signee: At almost 6-foot-7, Williams is a towering and lengthy tight end. He utilizes his size to win contested matchups down the field and over the middle. Williams’ size limits his ability to consistently slip defenders after the catch, but he moves quite well given his frame. His long strides cover tons of ground and he can — at times — make defenders miss when he’s on the move with a full head of steam. He’s an effective blocker with more room to grow as an in-line player.

Scouting Ethan Barbour, Georgia signee: Barbour makes up for his lack of ideal measurables at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds with playmaking versatility that reminds some of us of 2018 ESPN 300 tight end and current Houston Texan Brevin Jordan. Barbour is a good route-runner with deceptive speed. He can line up at receiver, in the backfield and was also used as a wildcat quarterback in high school. He caught six passes for 116 yards during an in-person evaluation this fall and helped his team win a state title this season, catching 51 passes for nearly 1,000 yards.

Why Williams ranks No. 1: Georgia wins regardless considering both are Bulldogs signees. The two players can complement each other much in the way that Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington did in Georgia’s 2022 national championship run. Barbour fits the Bowers mold as the targeted receiving threat. Williams is the more traditional big-bodied Y option like Washington. Both will present matchup issues.

Three-star sleeper: Gus Ritchey, NC State signee

Every class needs a player like Ritchey. He doesn’t light up the stat sheet and could even end up on defense. But he’ll become a fan-favorite because he’ll do a lot of the dirty work between the lines and provide a strong locker room presence off the field, even if he doesn’t grab headlines.

Offensive line

No. 1 Michael Fasusi vs. No. 2 David Sanders

Scouting Michael Fasusi, Oklahoma signee: Between film and in-person evaluations, we’ve seen plenty of Fasusi, the No. 6 overall player. He climbed to No. 1 at his position on the strength of his outstanding performance, length and mobility. He also posted excellent testing numbers including multiple sub-5.1 40-yard-dash times. In addition to elite physical tools, Fasusi has great competitive energy and desire to learn, signaling a mindset and work ethic to maximize his immense ability.

Scouting David Sanders, Tennessee signee: An offensive tackle, Sanders has excellent length and elite athleticism. He has excellent lower body flexibility as well as range as a blocker. Sanders, ranked No. 7, is on the leaner side physically and can be deceptive with his joyful demeanor. But he has consistently shown a nasty, finishing streak on the field.

Why Fasusi ranks No. 1: This debate had one of the most razor-thin margins of any position. Both have similarly elite traits and room to add more strength onto their frames. At this stage, though, Fasusi carries more natural size and can make a more immediate and successful transition to college.

Three-star sleeper: Abel Hoopii, SMU signee

Hoopii jumped onto our radar with an MVP performance at the Under Armour Maui camp, earning an invite to the All-America game. He committed to SMU shortly after and looks like an excellent addition. Hoopii is a powerful, tenacious blocker who carries himself with a lot of confidence. He reminds us of 2023 Oregon signee Iapani Laloulu, who is from the same high school (Farrington, Hawaii) and was a standout at the same camp a few years prior. Laloulu contributed in Year 1 with the Ducks before developing into a starter. Hoopii has similar traits and could follow a similar trajectory.

Defensive end

No. 1 Isaiah Gibson vs. No. 2 Iose Epenesa

Scouting Isaiah Gibson, Georgia signee: Gibson, ranked No. 14 overall, can blow plays up in the backfield. He has elite length and an explosive initial burst. A rangy defender who moves well, Gibson can come across the ball, flatten down the line and factor into pursuit as well. Don’t be fooled by Gibson’s length and quickness. The five-star can fire off with pad level, hold his ground and shed blockers. As he continues to fill out and physically mature, he can become a well-rounded, dominant defender.

Scouting Iose Epenesa, Iowa signee: Following his brother, Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa, to Iowa, the bar is high, but Iose has the tools to handle those comparisons. The younger Epenesa, No. 29 in the ESPN 300, has demonstrated a nice blend of quickness and power, while also using his hands well. His understanding of leverage, motor and instincts suggests he can become a well-rounded defender with the tools to set the edge as well as harass quarterbacks. Comparisons will always exist between the two brothers, but don’t be surprised if Iose establishes himself early and has an even stronger freshman season than his older brother.

Why Gibson ranks No. 1: They share similar traits and Epenesa arguably has slightly better natural size at this stage. Still, Gibson has shown equal power and physicality taking on blocks. His blend of length, fluidity and slightly greater upside lands him as a five-star and No. 1 overall defensive end.

Three-star sleeper: Andre Fuller, Georgia Tech signee

Fuller barely missed four-star status. At 6-foot-2.5, 222 pounds, Fuller could make a strong case to join that group if he had a little better height and bulk. He’s a good, productive player who uses his hands well, understands leverage and has good mobility. He tallied 31 tackles for loss and 13 sacks over 13 games to help Grayson (Georgia) High School win a state title this past season.

Defensive tackle

No. 1 Elijah Griffin vs. No. 2 Justus Terry

Scouting Elijah Griffin, Georgia signee: Griffin, No. 3 overall, finished the cycle strong. His excellent performance at Under Armour All-America week solidified everything we had seen on tape and his five-star status. He’s a big man at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds with explosive burst. He uses his hands well at this stage and plays with good pad level. He has the size and strength to press blockers and shed, and he’s an active presence along the line of scrimmage because of his great motor. From his size, agility, motor and coachability, Griffin has all the tools to make a quick impact and become a dominant college presence.

Scouting Justus Terry, Texas signee: Terry’s natural tools stack up among the elite defensive prospects in this class. He’s not a typical 300-pound presence, but his big, lengthy frame and build should allow for some positional versatility. Terry, ranked eighth, can be effective both inside and at defensive end. In addition to good toughness, he has excellent initial quickness, bend and agility. Terry is quick and strong enough to work through blockers — or around them — and makes plenty of effort plays.

Why Griffin ranks No. 1: These two were separated by just one spot in our previous rankings. The margin remains slim, but Griffin remains atop based on two factors: He made a very strong last impression, and he’s slightly more consistent in his technique. Bottom line, these are two talented, competitive linemen with impact ability.

Three-star sleeper: Devin Ancrum, North Carolina signee

A lot of eyes will be on Bill Belichick’s first season. Ancrum could emerge as a foundational piece from Belichick’s initial Tar Heels recruiting class. He’s a big body with active hands who can battle double-teams as well as push up the field. In addition to his physical tools, his high school head coach told ESPN this fall Ancrum is an “alpha” type leader on their defense. Belichick will need some young players with that trait this fall.

Linebacker

No. 1 Zayden Walker vs. No. 2 Darrell Johnson

Scouting Zayden Walker, Georgia signee: Walker lined up at multiple spots in high school and wreaked havoc wherever he came from. He gets after quarterbacks thanks to excellent initial quickness and ability to time blitzes well. The No. 25 overall player has quick feet and is agile enough to slip blockers and work his way to the ball. Walker shows physicality when he needs to take on and defeat blockers. He can also run well and has good range to make plays in pursuit. Walker even contributed on offense and has the ball skills to make plays in coverage.

Scouting Darrell Johnson, Alabama signee: A lengthy defender, Johnson, ranked No. 49, changes direction well and covers ground in pursuit. He tested well in camp settings and it translated to his play. Johnson also flashes the ability to adjust to coaching and maximize his physical tools. Johnson moves well but can also be a physical presence once he arrives at the ball.

Why Walker ranks No. 1: Both are sideline-to-sideline factors who can develop into three-down defenders. Walker’s elite burst and slightly better versatility lands him atop the linebacker rankings.

Three-star sleeper: Antoine Deslauriers, Syracuse signee

Fran Brown led the Orange to 10 wins in year one, and his first full class has some pieces to build upon that success. Deslauriers is one player to watch. He looks the part of a hulking, physical 235-pound linebacker and backs it up with his play. The middle linebacker has explosive burst and gets downhill as a punishing presence against the run. He notched over 130 tackles as a senior for Rabun Gap-Nacoochee in Georgia. The high three-star should make an early impact on special teams with the tools to develop into a highly productive defender against the run.

Cornerback

No. 1 Na’eem Offord vs. No. 2 Dijon Lee Jr.

Scouting Na’eem Offord, Oregon signee: A naturally gifted player, Offord has performed in all three phases in high school including at quarterback. The No. 5 overall player has quickly adapted to being a fulltime player on the perimeter. Offord also gained one inch and 10 pounds from his junior to senior year. His best trait might be his ability to use his height and long arms to high point the ball in contested one-on-one matchups. He’s fast, long and athletic.

Scouting Dijon Lee Jr., Alabama signee: There aren’t 6-foot-4 corners standing on every street corner. Lee made a nice jump in our final rankings update due to a terrific week at the 2025 Under Armour All-America game. He continues to grow and get stronger — Lee gained 12 pounds since the spring of 2023. Ranked No. 11 overall, Lee can push people around, likes to press and is a mismatch in the red zone due to his size.

Why Offord ranks No. 1: Pure cover skills. He has a very high ceiling to continue to develop his skill set now that he is playing corner full-time. Offord’s best football is definitely ahead of him.

Three-star sleeper: Maison Dunn, Ole Miss Signee

Dunn is a super long, rangy perimeter player with high hips and competitive speed. His size could move him inside to nickel or even safety. Dunn has long limbs, but he’s also fluid and smooth given his stature. He’ll have to prove he can match up in man coverage against smaller, more explosive weapons, but you can’t coach his physical dimensions.

Safety

No. 1 Jonah Williams vs. No. Trey McNutt

Scouting Jonah Williams, Texas signee: While his greatest upside could come at linebacker, Williams’ testing numbers are more than proficient to remain at safety. The No. 9 prospect runs a 4.53 40-yard dash, a 4.21 shuttle and a max speed of 21.2 mph. He’s also a legitimate baseball prospect. Williams’ size makes him very attractive as a high point or safety in the box. He is a good cover player versus tight ends and running backs. Williams reminds us of Kyle Hamilton when he came out of high school.

Scouting Trey McNutt, Oregon signee: McNutt’s speed is his greatest trait. He has run a 10.8 100-meter dash and a 21.6 mph max speed on film. McNutt, No. 42 overall, is a cover safety who is built like a corner. He is a very talented player that is still developing consistent production from his safety position. McNutt could also play as a nickel corner.

Why Williams ranks No. 1: He has upside at multiple positions and the ideal measurable stature for the position. We love multi-sport athletes with size and high-level testing results.

Three-star sleeper: Joseph Smith, Arizona State signee

Smith’s value is in his positional versatility. He’s built like a corner and could even play corner and nickel in addition to safety. Smith plays bigger than his listed measurables. He’s a physical player that can shed blocks and is an aggressive tackler. Smith also has excellent cover skills and is a dynamic return specialist.

Athlete

No. 1 Michael Terry vs. No. 2 Derick Smith

Scouting Michael Terry, Texas signee: Terry, No. 31 in the rankings, is a big, rangy prospect who could play safety, cornerback and wide receiver. He could begin his college career at wide receiver given his ball skills and open field running ability. Texas doesn’t currently have many big, physical targets. He could be a nice early fit.

Scouting Derick Smith, Auburn signee: Smith is an explosive, sudden football player who can really run. He’s good with the ball in his hands and his terrific ball skills allow him to be just as effective on defense at corner. Smith, ranked 93rd, isn’t always disciplined, however, often getting by — and being productive — on talent alone.

Why Terry ranks No. 1: This is close, but Terry’s combination of size, speed and range is just too attractive. Terry is very similar to Ole Miss’ Suntarine Perkins when he came out of high school before settling in at linebacker for the Rebels.

Three-star sleeper: Bodpegn Miller, Ohio State signee

Miller projects at cornerback or wide receiver after splitting time as a wildcat QB and corner in high school. He is a super long, speedy prospect with a raw skill set, but his high ceiling makes him exciting once he settles into a position. Miller is the type of prospect college programs invest in, develop to have a really good player three years later.