Updated ESPN Junior 300 football recruit rankings: Notes

Transitioning from the 2024 recruiting class to the upcoming Class of 2025 always includes not only some movement within the ESPN Junior 300, but also some new, exciting entrants.

Carrollton (Georgia) High School quarterback Julian Lewis is a perfect example. Previously the top recruit in the 2026 class, Lewis reclassified to the 2025 class in mid-January and reignited the debate for the top spot in the ESPN Junior 300 class.

Lewis isn't the only big name who could move around the next rankings update. Below, find several other prospects who boosted their stock.

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Underwood vs. Lewis | The QB class
Big risers | Notable newcomers

Bryce Underwood vs Julian Lewis: Who's No. 1 ... for now?

Lewis' reclassification is a curveball. Our first official ESPN 300 for the 2025 class isn't released until April, which gives us time to see both players in person again. For now, we considered a few factors that place Lewis slightly ahead of the incumbent Underwood.

Underwood, who committed to LSU in early January, is only a month older than Lewis. Both turn 17 at the start of their senior year and are considered younger for their class.

If we compare measurables, Underwood wins here. He is 6-foot-4 and just under 220 pounds. Underwood is a dynamic athlete reminiscent of former Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson and is a more accurate passer. But Lewis is the purer passer. Since the eighth grade, Lewis' fundamentals, consistent mechanics and smooth, quick release have been rare for such a young player. The ball jumps out of his hand effortlessly.

Top-heavy QB class

Those two QBs are the clear-cut top prospects at the position. Others such as George MacIntyre, Antwann Hill, K.J. Lacey, Akili Smith Jr., Deuce Knight and Ryan Montgomery all possess fine traits, but are as advanced.

A couple of quarterbacks jump into the rankings this cycle after productive junior seasons. Dual threat Keelon Russell, an SMU commit, produced at a remarkably high level for state champion Duncanville (Texas) High School, completing 74% of his passes with 32 touchdowns and just three interceptions. His athleticism and increased accuracy has him ranked No. 212 in the updated rankings.

SMU commit Keelon Russell airs it out and 2026 WR Zach Turner goes and gets it‼️ @keelonfootball @zachturner2026

One of many highlights as No. 3 Duncanville moves to 7-0 with a dominant 49-3 win 💪 @CraigHaubert @TomLuginbill @DemetricDWarren

pic.twitter.com/R3GoMDHx4s

— The Underclassman Report (@TheUCReport) October 20, 2023

Pocket passer Matt Zollers, from Royersford, Pennsylvania, threw for 37 touchdowns to just three interceptions this past fall. He's a player who grows on you the more you watch him and brings a gunslinging mentality with the ability to change his release angles.

Big risers

Offensive tackle Andrew Babalola jumps from No. 131 to 44. He already ranked in the Junior 300 despite limited film and game action. A big man with a basketball background, he started playing football as a freshman, but a transfer curtailed his ability to get on the field as a sophomore. In game action as a junior, though, he has quickly established himself as one of the top offensive tackle prospects. With very good range and balance, the basketball traits are there when he is on the move. This promising prospect holds multiple offers, including Oregon. He remains a prospect to watch considering he still has room to grow as a player.

Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett moved to No. 42 from No. 173 and has an elite combination of measurables and athleticism. He continues to make the spectacular plays look routine. Lockett is one of the most coordinated and productive players in the class when elevated and attacking the 50-50 ball.

Notable new entries

ATH Zymear Smith

ESPN Junior 300 ranking: 109

He is a lean, sudden, multifaceted prospect who produced at a high level in all three phases of the game this past fall. Smith projects at running back, wide receiver or corner, and he is a dangerous return man.

LB Ty Jackson

ESPN Junior 300 rank: No. 38

The linebacker began the year by picking up some notable offers from programs such as Oklahoma and Georgia. His versatility, range and aggressiveness jump out. Jackson also contributed as a wide receiver and kick returner, but he excels on defense. Jackson notched over 130 tackles as a junior while generating seven turnovers. He runs well and can be a factor in pursuit, but when it comes time for contact, he can get low and deliver a powerful pop. He is one of the biggest hitters in this class.

OLB Dawson Merritt

ESPN Junior 300 rank: No. 93

He displays the tools to be a well-rounded edge defender. He possesses a nice frame and looks to be bigger than his listed measurables. Merritt has good range and displays the tools to eventually be effective in coverage. A son of Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt, he should receive good guidance in developing further in that area as well. He can set the edge versus the run and has upside as a pass-rusher with good bend and speed. Merritt has a wealth of physical tools and room to continue to develop.

OT Carius Curne

ESPN Junior 300 rank: No. 110

He can produce on either side of the ball, but projects to the offensive line, further strengthening this class of offensive linemen. He's a big body at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds with very good strength that is accentuated with some nastiness in his play. He flashes good initial quickness to get into defenders and can unlock his hips to maximize power. Curne needs to continue to develop technically, but that hat should come with time and more focus on offensive line play.

TE Nick Townsend

ESPN Junior 300 rank: No. 169

His ranking and position could change by the time the 2025 cycle concludes. He could have greater upside as an edge defender and could also land in the athlete category considering the promise he brings on either side of the ball. Townsend debuts as a tight end, where he is a target with nice length and solid hands. He runs well with the ability to challenge defenses vertically and generate yards after the catch. Townsend, who has offers from Texas and Texas A&M, is a versatile prospect and can be a strong addition to a Power 5 roster.

LB Christian Gass

ESPN Junior 300 rank: No. 102

He has seen a lot of interest from programs such as USC, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi State. Gass, who had 11 tackles for loss as a junior, is a lengthy defender who is very agile and able to come off the edge and quickly squeeze down and defend the run. With his quickness, body control and length, he also possesses the tools to develop as an edge rusher.