We've made it to the closing weeks of the 2025 recruiting cycle, and while the transfer portal barrels on, the steady stream of activity on the high school recruiting trail has finally slowed with roughly 50 days to go before the start of the regular signing period on Feb. 7.
As of Wednesday morning, only nine of the 2025 ESPN 300 remained unsigned, headlined by offensive tackle Ty Haywood. The five-star Alabama pledge did not sign with the Crimson Tide during the early signing period, and Michigan stands among the schools in the mix for a potential flip. Past Haywood, former Ohio State defensive end pledge Zahir Mathis remains as the only other top-100 prospect who has not signed. Four-star wide receiver Donovan Murph, next-highest-rated at No. 182, plans to announce his commitment on Jan. 2.
Some of the nation's top programs will continue to put the finishing touches on their 2025 recruiting classes over the next month-plus. But for the most part, the latest recruiting cycle is settled following the early signing period (Dec. 4-6), with Oregon, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State rounding out the top five classes in ESPN's latest 2025 class rankings.
As signees begin to land on campuses and the door closes on the 2025 cycle, we honed in on a key recruit in each Power 4 school's recruiting class (plus Notre Dame).
The list features some of the top prospects, such as five-star talents Bryce Underwood (Michigan), Julian Lewis (Colorado) and David Sanders (Tennessee). But it also includes prospects with paths to early playing time in 2025, under-the-radar impact signees and players who will fill important voids on the depth chart at schools that lost depth through the portal or NFL draft.
Jump to a conference:
ACC | Big 12
Big Ten | Notre Dame | SEC
ACC
Boston College Eagles
Shaker Reisig, QB
Ranking: Three-star, No. 41 pocket passer in 2025
Background: Reisig's June flip from Utah marked a significant recruiting win for Boston College in coach Bill O'Brien's first cycle with the program.
A 6-foot, 185-pound passer from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Reisig totaled 7,822 passing yards and 85 touchdowns as a three-year starter in the state's top high school classification. Poise and accuracy are two of Reisig's strongest traits, and combined with his arm strength and ability to see the field, he projects as an archetypal quarterback fit for an O'Brien offense despite being undersized.
The Eagles landed a commitment from Alabama transfer passer Dylan Lonergan on Tuesday, steadying the program's quarterback situation for the near-term. But past Lonergan, Boston College's depth at the position consists of veteran Grayson James (one year of eligibility remaining) and redshirt freshman Jacobe Robinson (two games in two seasons), meaning Reisig should have a chance secure a spot in the rotation under center over the next year.
California Golden Bears
Jacob Houseworth, TE
Ranking: Three-star, No. 12 tight end-Y in 2025
Background: Houseworth has the tools to become a dynamic, downfield tight end target with the Golden Bears. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Houseworth has impressive speed and pass catching ability for his size and flashed playmaking talent at tight end and running back in high school, totalling 778 rushing yards (8.4 yards per carry) and 13 touchdown receptions during his junior season.
Houseworth comes from a similar athletic mold as Cal's Jack Endries, the sophomore tight end who leads all Golden Bears pass catchers with 49 receptions in 2024. With Cal tight ends Corey Dyches and Jerry Johnson III out of eligibility after this season, Houseworth will arrive as a good understudy to Endries and could carve out early playing time next fall.
Clemson Tigers
Gideon Davidson, RB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 62 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The 6-foot, 195-pound rusher is one of the nation's top running back prospects and is ranked second highest among the four ESPN 300 signees in Dabo Swinney's 2025 class.
Davidson proved himself as a dependable, high-usage backfield option at Virginia's Liberty Christian Academy, logging 215-plus carries in each of his final two high school seasons. He scored 45 total touchdowns as a junior in 2023 and followed with 2,054 rushing yards (9.2 per carry) and 34 rushing scores this fall, earning Virginia's Gatorade Player of the Year honors at the end of his senior campaign.
Clemson will lose 1,100-yard rusher Phil Mafah to graduation at the end of this season. In Davidson and fellow ESPN 300 rusher Marquise Henderson, the Tigers are about to add a jolt of freshman talent to a deep yet unproven running back room in 2025.
Duke Blue Devils
Jamien Little, WR
Ranking: Three-star, No. 74 wide receiver in 2025
Background: While both of coach Manny Diaz's ESPN 300 signees in 2025 came on the defensive side of the ball, Little projects as the Blue Devils' most exciting offensive addition.
A 6-2 in-state pass catcher, Little set single-season program records with 73 receptions, 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns in his junior season at North Carolina's Hickory High School. He combines elite length (74.6-inch wingspan), impressive technique and top-end speed and has the size to emerge as a serious red zone weapon once he adds to his 175-pound frame.
Duke landed one of the top transfer portal quarterbacks in Tulane's Darian Mensah. Little will arrive as another intriguing downfield option for Mensah in a wide receivers room that could return up to three of their top four pass catchers from this fall in 2025.
Florida State Seminoles
Jordan Scott, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 7 in ESPN Junior College 50, No. 1 juco wide receiver
Background: In an otherwise rough run on the recruiting trail, the Seminoles landed a major Thanksgiving win when they flipped Scott from Arizona State on Nov. 28.
The 6-7, 215-pound pass catcher brings a big frame and experience to a Florida State position group set to lose at least four members of its two-deep, including leading pass catchers Ja'Khi Douglas and Malik Benson. Scott spent two seasons at Southwest Mississippi Community College, where he caught 20 passes for 358 yards and four touchdowns in 2024 before graduating this month. A chunk playmaker who averaged 17.9 yards per reception with four catches of 30-plus yards this fall, Scott will be a player to watch in the pass-catching corps the Seminoles build around transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Dalen Penson, DB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 186 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The Yellow Jackets held off late flip efforts from USC to sign Penson as the fifth-ranked member of coach Brent Key's latest class on Dec. 4.
The 5-11, 170-pound prospect from Peachtree City, Georgia, is a skilled athlete who put up impressive production at quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back in high school. He'll play in the secondary at Georgia Tech, and the speed Penson previously used to make defenders miss will make him a versatile defensive back capable of playing multiple positions at the college level. Alongside four-star Clemson safety flip Tae Harris, Penson leads a deep group of defensive backs joining the Yellow Jackets in ESPN's 17th-ranked recruiting class.
Louisville Cardinals
C.J. May, DE
Ranking: Four-star, No. 42 defensive end in 2025
Background: The 6-4 edge rusher is the lone four-star prospect and the top-ranked member in the Cardinals' 2025 class.
Coach Jeff Brohm went into Alabama to pull May to Louisville over finalists Auburn, Washington and Syracuse in July. With raw talent and an athletic frame, May has the tools to develop into a top edge rusher. He has a knack for getting to opposing players in the backfield with 26 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks across his junior and senior seasons.
May could need time to sharpen his fundamentals and find his footing at the college level. But with the Cardinals set to lose as many as four defensive ends to graduation, May represents one of the program's brightest options for the future at the position.
Miami Hurricanes
S.J. Alofaituli, OG
Ranking: Five-star, No. 12 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The top prospect in Miami's 2025 class is one of the nation's most seasoned offensive line prospects as a four-year starter at Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School.
With experience to go with his elite movement, power and technique at 6-3, 285 pounds, Alofaituli could factor into the Hurricanes' rotation as soon as next fall and projects as a multiyear starter. Miami should return starting guards Matthew McCoy and Anez Cooper in 2025 with starting left tackle Jalen Rivers also capable of playing on the interior, but the Hurricanes' lack of experienced guard depth could open a place for Alofaituli.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Bryce Baker, QB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 193 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Baker's decision over the weekend to stick with the Tar Heels as the program's top-ranked commit in 2025 marked the first recruiting victory of Bill Belichick's tenure at North Carolina.
A two-year starter at East Forsyth (North Carolina) High School, Baker is a mobile passer who totalled 3,099 yards and 36 touchdowns with four interceptions in his senior season this fall. Baker, the first commit in the Tar Heels' 2025 class under former coach Mack Brown, is a true dual threat, with good arm strength and playmaking ability in designed run situations. He flirted with flips to Penn State or LSU this month before keeping his pledge with North Carolina, and as things stand, Baker will join a quarterback room in 2025 that includes veteran Jacolby Criswell and sophomore Connor Harrell.
NC State Wolfpack
A.J. Prim, DE
Ranking: No. 12 in 2025 ESPN Junior College 50, No. 4 juco defensive end
Background: The Wolfpack beat Houston, Washington State and Boise State to the talented 6-3, 255-pound junior college transfer from Pearl River (Mississippi) Community College.
A skilled pass rusher who is effective in stopping the run off the edge, Prim recorded 49 total tackles with 2.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss in his second junior college season this fall, and he arrives at NC State with two years of remaining eligibility. One of three defensive line additions in the program's 2025 class, Prim projects as a strong candidate to crack a Wolfpack defensive end rotation that loses its sack leader, Davin Vann (6.5 sacks).
Pittsburgh Panthers
Mason Alexander, DB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 251 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The fourth-ranked prospect from the state of Indiana in 2025, Alexander is the Panthers' lone ESPN 300 signee in the current cycle.
The 5-10 defensive back totaled 91 tackles and four interceptions in his last two high school seasons. A dangerous kick returner in high school, Alexander possesses the length and mobility to play multiple positions in the secondary at Pitt. The Panthers are in line to have their top three cornerbacks -- Ryland Gandt, Rashad Battle and Tamon Lynum -- back next fall, meaning Alexander will have time to settle in.
SMU Mustangs
Daylon Singleton, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 272 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: A speedy if undersized pass catcher, Singleton has been one of the most productive wide receivers in Texas high school football over the past two seasons.
As a junior in 2023, Singleton hauled in 56 passes for 1,211 yards and 17 touchdowns. The 5-11, 170 pounder followed with 59 catches for 932 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior season. What Singleton lacks in size he makes up for in top-level speed, making him an intriguing slot receiver prospect joining a rising SMU program under coach Rhett Lashlee.
Stanford Cardinal
Bear Bachmeier, QB
Ranking: Three-star, No. 11 dual-threat passer in 2025
Background: The 6-2, 225-pound passer is the latest Bachmeier brother to land in the FBS, joining older siblings in Wake Forest quarterback Hank Bachmeier and Stanford wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier.
The younger Bachmeier is an accurate thrower and picked the Cardinal over Oregon, Arkansas and Michigan State and arrives after a prolific high school career in which he threw for 6,463 yards and 56 touchdowns with another 30 scores on the ground. Bachmeier marks Stanford's second consecutive four-star quarterback signee under coach Troy Taylor, following 2024 passer Elijah Brown, and he will bring intriguing dual-threat ability to the Cardinals.
With veteran quarterbacks Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson in the transfer portal, Bachmeier and Brown are the remaining options at a critical position of need for Stanford.
Syracuse Orange
Demetres Samuel, DB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 215 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: A reclassification from the 2026 class, Samuel flipped between Syracuse and Florida multiple times before eventually signing with the Orange as the top-ranked member in coach Fran Brown's first full recruiting cycle in charge of the program.
A 6-1, 190-pound defender from Palm Bay, Florida, Samuel projects as a promising piece for the future of the Syracuse secondary. The Orange finished sixth in the ACC in 2024, limiting opposing passers to 216 yards per game, and the program is expected to return the bulk of its safety depth in 2025 with the exception of third-leading tackler Alijah Clark. The experience in front of Samuel will allow Syracuse to develop him at the right speed, but Samuel's versatility could allow him to contribute at multiple positions in Year 1.
Virginia Cavaliers
Isaiah Robinson, WR
Ranking: Three-star, No. 79 wide receiver in 2025
Background: Robinson was the first member of coach Tony Elliott's 2025 class, picking the in-state Cavaliers over a handful of ACC offers in November 2023. Despite limited high school production, he projects as an exciting downfield target with standout pass catching ability.
A hip injury wiped out most of Robinson's junior season, and he signed with Virginia earlier this month with just over 900 yards receiving for his high school career. But at 6-2, 185 pounds, Robinson carries loads of potential into a Cavaliers offense that featured only two wide receivers with 20-plus catches in 2024, including outgoing pass catcher Chris Tyree. While Virginia's plans at quarterback in 2025 are murky in the wake of Anthony Colandrea's move to the portal, Robinson has the tools and size that could help him break into the wide receiver rotation next fall.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Micah Matthews, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 183 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Matthews has beemn a pass-catching, playmaking machine over the past three seasons at Virginia's Turner Ashby High School and stands as the lone ESPN 300 signee in the Hokies' latest class.
A true two-sport athlete who was once committed to South Carolina to play baseball, the 6-2 Matthews will play both football and baseball at Virginia Tech. He's a rangy outfielder on the diamond, and had 149 receptions across his sophomore and junior campaigns before totalling nearly 1,500 receiving yards in his senior season this fall. With the Hokies' top four wide receivers all out of eligibility after this season, Matthews is set to step into a wiped-out position room.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Trishstin Glass, WR
Ranking: Three-star, No. 147 wide receiver in 2025
Background: A raw, 6-4, 185-pound talent from Copperas Cove, Texas, Glass is a high-upside prospect who ranks ninth in the Demon Deacons' 2025 class.
A one-time Colorado State pledge, Glass received an offer from Wake Forest in August and flipped to the program following an official visit. He wrapped his career at Copperas Cove High School with 64 catches for 1,125 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024, graduating as the school's all-time leading receiver. Glass will need time to develop at the next level, but his size and route-running ability are among the promising traits he will bring to a wide receivers room that could see heavy turnover this offseason.
Big 12
Arizona State Sun Devils
Joseph Smith, S
Ranking: Three-star, No. 34 safety in 2025
Background: Smith is one of the longest-tenured members of the Sun Devils' 2025 class and could crack the program's thin secondary rotation next fall.
An aggressive, sure-handed tackler from Houston, Smith held offers from Utah, Kansas and Houston, among others, when he committed to the Sun Devils in 2023 as the program's first commit after the school announced its plans to move to the Big 12. While Smith played cornerback at times in high school, he projects as a safety in college with speed and agility to play in coverage and develop into a physical, open-field tackler.
Smith's traits could secure him snaps as a core special teamer right away next fall. But with Myles Rowser in line to be Arizona State's lone returning strong safety in 2025, Smith could enter his freshman season with a more significant role.
Arizona Wildcats
Isaiah Mizell, WR
Ranking: Three-star, No. 92 wide receiver in 2025
Background: The top prospect in the Wildcats' 2025 class, Mizell projects as a big-play threat with sharp technique and good size at 6-1, 170 pounds.
Mizell landed as the crown jewel in coach Brent Brennan's inaugural recruiting class in July when he picked Arizona over Georgia Tech, Kansas State and Syracuse. Before signing with the Wildcats this month, Mizell operated in chunks across a productive career at Boone (Florida) High School, averaging 22.8 yards per reception while posting 2,371 receiving yards and 40 touchdowns.
Mizell has the build and combine numbers that suggest he could become an effective college wide receiver as he joins a group that will lose top pass-catcher Tetairoa McMillan and veteran Montana Lemonious-Craig this offseason.
BYU Cougars
Austin Pay, OT
Ranking: Three-star, No. 57 offensive tackle in 2025
Background: Pay's family legacy at BYU goes back decades and he committed to the Cougars over Oregon and Oklahoma in November with a pair of brothers already on the program's roster, including 44-game offensive line starter Connor Pay and fellow lineman Trevor Pay.
The top-ranked offensive tackle prospect from Utah in 2025, Pay is a key recruiting win for BYU, which lost No. 1 center pledge Alai Kalaniuvalu to Oregon. At 6-7, 280 pounds, Pay carries top-end length and will add body mass and strength with tools to become an offensive line fixture at BYU.
The Cougars will lose three starting offensive linemen this offseason, including starting tackles Caleb Etienne and Brayden Keim. While those departures should trigger an offensive line rebuild in 2025, Pay is more of a developmental prospect in Year 1.
Baylor Bears
Michael Turner, RB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 230 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Turner arrives at Baylor with a college-ready frame at 6-foot, 200 pounds with proven breakaway ability in the open field and a record as a high-volume backfield option.
ESPN's second-ranked running back from Texas averaged 8.0 yards per attempt on more than 300 carries during his sophomore and junior seasons at Richland High School, racking up 2,697 rushing yards over his first three high school campaigns. Turner is not a burner with his feet but displays good quickness to evade tacklers in space and was an effective receiver out of the backfield.
Baylor redshirt freshman Bryson Washington broke out for 1,004 yards and 12 touchdowns this fall, and the Bears have two more established running backs in sophomore Dawson Pendergrass and Richard Reese. But Baylor has shown a willingness to trust young rushers under coach Dave Aranda, and Turner could be the Bears' next exciting newcomer.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Giyahni Kontosi, WR
Ranking: Three-star, No. 83 wide receiver in 2025
Background: Within the Bearcats' 67th-ranked signing class, the 6-1, 195-pound Kontosi projects among the prospects with the highest upside.
Kontosi tested well on the recruiting camp circuit throughout his high school career, charting a max speed of 20.8 miles per hour and a 75.6-inch wingspan earlier this year. But Kontosi is more than just a combine performer. After eclipsing 1,000 yards receiving in his junior season in 2023, he had 59 catches for 1,099 yards and 13 touchdowns this fall.
The Bearcats will have to replace a pair of top-three wide receivers this offseason with Xzavier Henderson and Jamoi Mayes each out of eligibility. But even if Kontosi isn't part of Cincinnati's wide receiver rotation next fall, he stands as an intriguing add.
Colorado Buffaloes
Julian Lewis, QB
Ranking: Five-star, No. 2 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Alongside Michigan signee Bryce Underwood, Lewis has spent the past four years as one of the nation's most productive high school quarterbacks.
Committed to USC for more than a year, Lewis shook things up at the top of the 2025 class when he flipped to Colorado on Nov. 21, landing as coach Deion Sanders' highest-rated pledge with the Buffaloes. Lewis possesses a good arm, strong fundamentals and a smooth throwing motion, all of which make him a potential franchise quarterback. Lewis posted a 38-3 record and 10,484 passing yards over three high school seasons.
Lewis represents the Buffaloes' future at quarterback with Shedeur Sanders headed to the NFL after this season. But Colorado appears ready to take its time with Lewis, targeting multiple transfer portal passers this month in search of a bridge to Lewis.
Houston Cougars
Austin Carlisle, QB
Ranking: Three-star, No. 10 dual-threat passer in 2025
Background: Texas' second-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 cycle, Carlisle lands with Houston as a piece for the future as coach Wille Fritz rebuilds the Cougars.
Carlisle was a three-year starter at Ridge Point High School and capped his high school career with 2,202 passing yards with 38 touchdowns to two interceptions this fall, adding another 605 yards and six rushing scores on the ground. The 5-foot-10 Carlisle is a true dual-threat talent, hitting 21 miles per hour in gameplay multiple times in his high school career. Undersized for the position, Carlisle makes up for it with his athleticism, good arm talent and an ability to extend plays with his feet.
The Cougars made a splash in the portal when they landed Texas A&M quarterback Connor Weigman last week. In Carlisle, Houston has a potential quarterback for the future.
Iowa State Cyclones
Ryver Peppers, RB
Ranking: Three-star, No. 64 running back in 2025
Background: The Cyclones spent a long time recruiting Peppers and landed an instinctive, tough rusher in the 5-11 back from Independence, Missouri.
Peppers held offers from Kansas State, Utah, Northwestern and Army when he committed to Iowa State in June, ultimately signing as the top offensive prospect in the Cyclones' 2025 class. Peppers eclipsed 1,600 rushing in his sophomore and junior season, emerging as a sharp runner capable of pulling away from defenders in the open field. Peppers also played in the slot in high school and projects as an effective backfield pass catcher at Iowa State.
The Cyclones have a young running back room that will be led by sophomores Abu Sama II and Carson Hanson next fall. With depth in front of him, Peppers will have time to develop as a promising running back option for Iowa State.
Kansas Jayhawks
Jaden Nickens, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 44 wide receiver in 2025
Background: A dual-sport athlete who will also play basketball with the Jayhawks, Nickens is Kansas' top 2025 prospect and projects as a skilled, big-bodied wide receiver at the next level.
Originally from Oklahoma City, Nickens transferred to California prep power Sierra Canyon for his senior season before committing to the Jayhawks over Georgia, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Cal. Nickens ability to balance football and basketball in college is a question surrounding the 6-foot-3, 190-pound pass catcher, but Nickens has the build of a prototypical big-target wide receiver with fluid movement owed to his time on the basketball court.
The Jayhawks could be in line to lose as many as five of their top-six most productive wide receivers in 2025. But while Nickens is physically ready for college football, he will not enroll early this spring and may need time to settle in at Kansas after injury sidelined him for parts of his senior football season.
Kansas State Wildcats
Linkon Cure, TE
Ranking: Four-star, No. 69 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Cure was a top in-state priority for the Wildcats in 2025 and Kansas State held off late flip efforts from Oregon to hold on to the state's No. 2 overall prospect.
At 6-6, 220 pounds, Cure brings a significant frame and position-relative athletic and physical traits as the top-ranked member of the Wildcats' incoming class. Cure totaled 1,049 receiving yards with 17 touchdowns in his senior season to go with 208 rushing yards and another six scores on the ground. A strong blocker in the run game, Cure's elite potential lies in his downfield ability as a playmaker who presents mismatches for opposing defenses with track speed and sharp route running.
Cure will join a deep tight ends room at Kansas State in 2025. But there's very little proven pass catching production among the Wildcats' current crop of tight ends, meaning Cure's downfield presence should push him into the rotation sooner rather than later.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Michael Riles, DE
Ranking: Four-star, No. 35 defensive end in 2025
Background: The lone four-star prospect in the Cowboys' 2025 class, Riles arrives as an exciting developmental prospect on the defensive line.
The 6-3, 240-pound edge rusher possesses a good blend of height and length with impressive explosiveness. Riles has shown a standout ability to take on opposing blockers, but will likely need time to develop technique around his strong frame at the next level.
Oklahoma State has a history of developing raw defensive line prospects into top contributors. Riles, the top-ranked member of the Cowboys' 2025 class, has the tools to be next in line.
TCU Horned Frogs
Brock Golwas, OLB
Ranking: Three-star, No. 43 outside linebacker
Background: Texas Tech lured Golwas to Lubbock over offers from Army, Kansas State and Memphis, and the Red Raiders may have secured a hidden gem in the 6-1, 225-pound defender from Flower Mound, Texas.
Golwas flashed his versatility playing multiple positions, including Wildcat quarterback, at Marcus High School and excelled on defense, where he tallied 90 tackles with six sacks as a senior in 2024. With top-end speed, Golwas has standout range on defense and could line up at multiple spots in college, from both linebacker positions to box safety.
Texas Tech appears likely to hold onto all of its linebackers through the offseason, leaving Golwas with a deep position group to settle into in 2025. Whenever Golwas breaks through, he'll be an intriguing prospect both for how he performs and where the Red Raiders choose to play him.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Chad Woodfork, DE
Ranking: Four-star, No. 56 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The in-state edge rusher headlined a historic recruiting class for the Horned Frogs as coach Sonny Dykes and TCU closed the Big 12's No. 1 class for the first time in program history.
An explosive defender, Woodfork recorded 33 total tackles with nine stops for loss and three sacks in his senior season. At 6-4, 225-pounds with an 80.3-inch wingspan, Woodfork carries impressive length with room to fill out his lean frame in college. Operating with a strong lower body, Woodfork projects as a high-ceiling speed rusher with athleticism that will serve his development.
While Woodfork is expected to see limited snaps in 2025, the Horned Frogs will have a big hole to fill at defensive end with former Notre Dame transfer NaNa Osafo-Mensah set to graduate this year.
UCF Knights
Taevion Swint, RB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 248 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The Knights' class suffered a series of blows after Gus Malzahn's departure for Florida State. As coach Scott Frost returns for his second stint with UCF, there's no more important prospect for the Knights than Swint, the talented in-state rusher.
The top prospect committed to UCF's 2025 class, Swint did not sign during the early signing period and is keeping an open recruitment ahead of the regular signing period in February. A strong, 5-foot-9 rusher, Swint ran for nearly 4,000 yards in his varsity career at Osceola (Florida) High School, and he remains a top priority for the Knights as Frost seeks to keep as much talent as possible in the recruiting class he inherited from Malzahn this month.
Swint's signature is made doubly important by the fact that UCF is expected to lose three of its top four running backs from 2024 this offseason, headlined by 1,577-yard rusher R.J. Harvey.
Utah Utes
Sione Motuapuaka, DT
Ranking: Three-star, No. 40 DT in 2025
Background: With experience on both sides of the ball at Las Vegas power Bishop Gorman High School, Motuapuaka will be a valuable addition for the Utes in 2025.
Motuapuaka heads to college after logging 40 tackles (21 for loss) and two sacks as a member of a team that won its fourth straight state title in 2024. At 5-11, 264 pounds, Motuapuaka is an undersized defensive tackle, but he holds plenty of experience and explosiveness on both sides of the line of scrimmage and could ultimately find a home on the offensive line. Motuapuaka's development at Utah will be interesting to follow as he could tack on more weight to become a force up the middle or transition into a role at offensive guard.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Dawayne Galloway, CB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 238 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: A former Purdue pledge, Galloway's pledge marked a significant signing day victory for the Mountaineers days after the school parted ways with coach Neal Brown.
Galloway was a two-way star at Marion-Franklin (Ohio) High School, where he tallied 16 touchdowns and 1,478 all-purpose yards with 37 tackles and a pair of interceptions in his senior season this fall. Capable of playing on either side of the ball in college, Galloway was targeted in just three of his 11 games in the secondary this fall and his future will come at defensive back with a mix of length and speed that make him a high-upside cornerback prospect.
Galloway holds a physical frame to compete for snaps in Year 1 at West Virginia, where coach Rich Rodriguez will have work to do in rebuilding his cornerback room with starters Dontez Fegan and Garnett Hollis Jr. both out of eligibility.
Big Ten
Illinois Fighting Illini
Brayden Trimble, WR
Ranking: Three-star, No. 75 wide receiver in 2025
Background: ESPN's No. 9 prospect in the state of Illinois in 2025, Trimble is a balanced wide receiver.
The 6-1, 175-pounder hauled in 145 passes for 2,115 yards and 24 touchdowns across his sophomore and junior seasons, then turned in another 1,000-plus all-purpose yards as a senior this fall. Trimble led Mt. Zion to a state runner-up finish. And while Trimble lacks any one elite trait, he enters college with good measurables and sharp technique as a proven downfield playmaker.
Top Illini pass catchers Pat Bryant (54 catches in 2024) and Zakhari Franklin (51) won't be back in 2025, leaving a largely inexperienced group of wide receivers to return around veteran quarterback Luke Altmyer. Trimble could need time to settle in, but there will be plenty of opportunity for him in the Illinois passing game next fall if Trimble can seize it.
Indiana Hoosiers
Byron Baldwin, S
Ranking: Four-star, No. 267 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The 6-2, 195-pound defensive back was a key get for coach Curt Cignetti in 2025 as the lone ESPN 300 prospect in the Hoosiers' incoming recruiting class.
Initially committed to Indiana in April, Baldwin pulled his pledge this fall amid interest from Colorado, Penn State and Florida before returning to the Hoosiers on Nov. 15. A physical defender with impressive speed and awareness, Baldwin projects as a potential early contributor on special teams and could quickly factor into the depth of a secondary set to lose at least three veteran safeties.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iose Epenesa, DE
Ranking: Four-star, No. 28 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The latest member of the family tree to land on Iowa's defensive line, Epenesa joins the Hawkeyes with many of the same traits that made older brother A.J. Epenesa a two-time All-Big Ten selection with the program from 2017 to '19.
The 6-4, 235-pound edge rusher is the state of Iowa's No. 1 prospect in 2025, logging 51 tackles (11 for loss) and seven sacks in his senior season. Like his older brother, who recorded 26.5 in his career at Iowa, the younger Epenesa carries a blend of length, power and explosiveness that should translate at the next level.
There will be some turnover for the Hawkeyes in 2025 with edge talents Deontae Craig and Kyler Fisher out of eligibility. Whether or not Epenesa sees early playing time, he projects as the next in line in the pipeline of productive defensive ends to come through Iowa City.
Maryland Terrapins
Zymear Smith, ATH
Ranking: Four-star, No. 205 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Smith's summer flip from Alabama to the home-state Terrapins marked one of the biggest recruiting wins for coach Mike Locksley and his 22nd-ranked 2025 class.
A 6-foot, 170-pound prospect from Ridgely, Maryland, Smith has two-way potential but is expected to play on offense with the Terrapins, where he projects as an exciting talent out of the backfield or in the passing game. Smith has elite hands and acceleration, and he used those skills to power nearly 1,000 all-purpose in his junior high school season, when Smith carried 71 times and notched an impressive 380 receiving yards on nine receptions with 11 total touchdowns.
Where Smith lands at the next level -- running back or wide receiver -- is a fascinating question. But there's no doubt about the dynamic, playmaking ability he's set to bring to a Maryland offense that has produced just one 1,000-yard pass catcher or rusher over the past five seasons.
Michigan State Spartans
Jace Clarizio, RB
Ranking: Three-star, No. 28 running back in 2025
Background: The 5-10, 200-pound rusher from East Lansing, Michigan, flipped from Michigan State to Alabama on Nov. 26 before flipping back into coach Jonathan Smith's class on Dec. 4, ultimately signing as the program's top-ranked 2025 prospect.
A late-riser this fall, Clarizio is the state of Michigan's top running back and drew interest from several top programs at the end of a senior season in which he tallied 1,679 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 214 carries. With a sturdy frame, quick feet and the power to break tackles, Clarizio projects as a productive Big Ten running back, and his decision to stick with the Spartans was a major boon for Michigan State.
After second-leading rusher Nate Carter, the Spartans' returning running back depth accounted for just nine carries in 2024. Equipped with mature awareness and vision, Clarizio should be a factor.
Michigan Wolverines
Bryce Underwood, QB
Ranking: Five-star, No. 1 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Underwood delivered the biggest of the late fireworks before the early signing period with his flip from LSU to Michigan on Nov. 21.
The 6-4, 210-pound passer gained status as the nation's top prospect as a four-year starter at Michigan's Belleville High School, where he amassed a career record of 50-4 with 12,919 all-purpose yards and a pair of state championships. A mobile passer with elite arm strength and accuracy, Underwood projects as a potentially program-defining prospect who despite his youth -- Underwood won't turn 20 until his junior year -- is as experienced as any quarterback in the 2025 class.
Following a disastrous fall under center in 2024, Michigan is actively working to land a transfer quarterback for 2025. But Underwood's time as the Wolverines' starter will come sooner rather than later.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Emmanuel Karmo, OLB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 254 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Minnesota managed to hold on to Karmo -- the state's top prospect in 2025 -- despite heavy interest from the likes of Ohio State, USC, Oregon and Michigan.
The lone ESPN 300 signee in the Gophers' incoming class, Karmo is a rangy and versatile defender who should be flexible enough to play in multiple positions at the next level. Karmo logged 112 total tackles in his final two high school seasons, including 64 tackles as a senior this fall, flashing his ability to close gaps and wrap up opposing players in the backfield.
The Gophers should have starting linebackers Cody Lindenberg and Maverick Baranowski -- the program's top-two leading tackles this fall -- back in 2025 with plenty of depth behind them, but Karmo should at least play an early role on special teams as a freshman.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Christian Jones, OLB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 90 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The Huskers secured the state's No. 1 prospect for a third consecutive cycle when Jones committed to Nebraska over Oklahoma and Miami on Sept. 9.
A highly productive two-way high school star from Omaha, Jones has closing speed and tackling ability that should at least make him a special teams contributor in 2025. Already filled out at 6-2, 230 pounds, Jones is a two-time state champion who finished his senior campaign this fall with 94 total tackles (16 for loss) and three sacks. Jones' best trait is his positional flexibility; he is capable of playing in both linebacker spots with defensive end possibly being his ultimate destination in college.
With five departures from 2024, the Huskers won't return a single linebacker who played more than 175 snaps next fall, meaning Jones will be stepping into a turned over position room.
Northwestern Wildcats
Michael O'Connell, OT
Ranking: Three-star, No. 98 offensive tackle 2025
Background: With a towering, college-ready frame and just two years of football experience, O'Connell is a high-upside piece in the Wildcats' 2025 class under second-year coach David Braun.
O'Connell is an athletic and aggressive blocker with strong instincts despite only starting football in his junior year of high school. At 6-7, 290 pounds with a background in basketball, O'Connell's fluidity of movement stands out for his size, and with proper development he could wind up being a major steal for Northwestern.
Still just two years into his football career, O'Connell will need time to develop but is set to land with the Wildcats, which will lose three of its six most-used offensive linemen in 2024.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Devin Sanchez, CB
Ranking: Five-star, No. 10 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The Buckeyes lost the nation's top cornerback prospect on Na'eem Offord's signing day flip to Oregon. But in Sanchez, Ohio State still has another five-star defensive back and a player who could be ready to contribute from the jump next fall.
A 6-2, 185-pound defender with elite physical and athletic attributes, Sanchez totaled 57 tackles with 29 pass breakups and nine interceptions in his junior season at Texas' North Shore High School in 2023. Gifted with top-end length and strong ball skills, Sanchez has drawn comparisons to Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke, who was named a Freshman All-American and third-team All-Big Ten in his debut season in 2021. With Burke off to the NFL after this season, Sanchez has a role to step into from Day 1.
Oregon Ducks
Vander Ploog, TE
Ranking: Four-star, No. 273 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The Ducks worked hard to land another elite tight end late in the 2025 cycle, targeting Linkon Cure (Kansas State) and Andrew Olesh (Penn State), but Oregon ultimately closed the early signing with Ploog as the lone addition at a position of clear need for coach Dan Lanning
At 6-6, 223 pounds, Ploog projects as a productive pass-catching tight end with high-level downfield ability and impressive movement for his size owed to a background in basketball and baseball. He totaled 136 receptions over his final two seasons at Troy (California) High School and registered 2,200 receiving yards and 37 touchdowns over his three-year career.
Ploog will need to add muscle at the next level and has work to do to develop as a run blocker, but he has showcased his ability to beat defenders to contested catches. With tight ends Terrance Ferguson and Patrick Herbert out of eligibility after this season, the Ducks are about to lose 67.6% of their tight end production from 2024, putting Ploog potentially in position to be called upon early.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Lyrick Samuel, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 200 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Nittany Lions coach James Franklin has a handful of interesting prospects in a deep wide receiver class in 2025, but none is more intriguing than Samuel, the 6-4, 180-pound pass catcher from Brooklyn.
Samuel picked Penn State over Michigan State, Syracuse and Rutgers in February after notching 49 receptions, 1,115 yards and 19 touchdowns in his sophomore and junior seasons. Tall and lean, Samuel will have to prove he can hold up physically at the college level, but he possesses a combination of length, speed and deep-threat ability that will make him a potential go-to red zone target from Day 1, and he has the tools to grow into a productive Big Ten wide receiver.
Penn State's most significant loss in the passing game after this season will come at tight end with star Tyler Warren headed for the NFL. Samuel will join a deep wide receivers room expected to lose only Julian Fleming.
Purdue Boilermakers
Ziaire Stevens, RB
Ranking: Three-star, No. 45 running back in 2025
Background: Following Boilermakers quarterback signee Sawyer Anderson's decision to reopen his recruitment on Sunday, Stevens is now the top prospect in Purdue's incoming class under new coach Barry Odom.
The 5-9, 185-pound Stevens is a powerful, tough-to-tackle running back at Akron (Ohio) East High School, closing his prep career as the school's all-time leading rusher with 5,810 yards and 50 touchdowns. Stevens uses his lower body strength to shed tackles and has shown he could make defenders miss in high school with impressive field vision and acceleration.
One of two running backs in the Boilermakers' 2025 class, Stevens will step into a running backs room returning just 16 carries from this fall.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Michael Thomas III, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 118 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The highest-rated of three ESPN 300 signees in the Scarlet Knights' incoming class, Thomas is a promising wide receiver with elite speed.
Consistently testing at over 21 miles per hour in max speed during his recruitment, Thomas has translated that speed into production on the football field. The 6-foot, 190-pound pass-catcher from Toms River, New Jersey, posted 1,310 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns to go with 1,028 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 62 tackles on defense in his high school career.
Thomas' breakaway ability and knack for creating yards after the catch could make him an exciting weapon at Rutgers, where the Scarlet Knights have depth at the position but will be replacing top wide receiver Dymere Miller and several contributors in 2025.
UCLA Bruins
Karson Cox, RB
Ranking: Three-star, No. 34 running back
Background: With T.J. Harden, the Bruins' leading rusher in 2024, in the transfer portal and No. 2 running back Keegan Jones out of eligibility, UCLA will have a new-look backfield in 2025.
Enter Cox, the 6-foot, 205-pound rusher who totaled 2,597 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Oak HIlls (California) High School. Cox possesses the power and frame to be an every-down back at the next level with pass-catching ability that will make him an effective receiver out of the backfield, presenting a versatile option for first-year offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri.
With the Bruins in line to return no more than two rushers in 2025, UCLA will need to call on new names out of the backfield next fall. That could result in early chances for Cox.
USC Trojans
Jahkeem Stewart, DE
Ranking: Five-star, No. 11 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: After losing pledges in the summer from five-star defenders Justin Terry and Isaiah Gibson, USC needed to add an impact defensive lineman in 2025. In the 6-6, 290-pound Stewart, the Trojans landed a potential game-changer on defense, albeit one who severely lacks in game experience.
Stewart, once the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class, reclassified into the 2025 cycle earlier this fall and signed with USC this month having played just 12 games of varsity football. However, Stewart's lone varsity season in 2023 was highly productive with 85 tackles (33 for loss) and 20 sacks and he carries a unique blend of size, speed and agility that could turn him into one of college football's top defensive linemen. With several departures expected across the Trojans' defensive line, Stewart's time could come early next fall.
Washington Huskies
Marcus Harris, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 138 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Washington sealed Harris' signature on Dec. 4 days after he pulled his pledge from Oklahoma, and Harris could be a key addition for the Huskies.
Harris arrives in Washington after hauling in 71 passes for 1,103 yards and six touchdowns over his final two high school seasons. At 6-1, 185 pounds, Harris can play inside or outside with quick hands, length and deep-ball ability, and he projects to become a productive wide receiver at the college level, regardless of whether Harris ultimately reaches his potentially elite upside.
Three of the Huskies' top five wide receivers from 2024 are set to depart, leaving Washington likely to have to rely on at least one of Harris and the other three wide receiver signees in the program's 2025 class.
Wisconsin Badgers
Jai'mier Scott, CB
Ranking: Three-star, No. 47 cornerback
Background: With Wisconsin in line to potentially lose both of its starting cornerback, Scott could prove to be one of the most important members of its incoming class.
A two-way high school standout from Cincinnati, Scott signed with Wisconsin after logging 93 tackles and seven interceptions while contributing 892 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns at wide receiver in his senior season. The speed Scott used on both sides of the ball in high school is his strongest trait, and his length (6-1, with a 75.8-inch wingspan) make Scott an effective run stopper.
The Badgers are already going to lose cornerbacks Nyzier Fourqurean and RJ Delancy III, and the program's situation at the position could get worse if starter Ricardo Hallman chooses to enter the draft. If only out of necessity, Scott could be pulled into Wisconsin's defensive back rotation from the jump in 2025.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Will Black, OT
Ranking: Four-star, No. 98 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Black was the Irish's No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class until four-star linebacker Madden Faraimo committed on Dec. 4; the 6-7, 290-pounder has all the tools to become Notre Dame's next great offensive tackle.
Originally from Ontario, Black attended Connecticut's Choate Rosemary Hall and picked the Irish over Alabama, Michigan and Penn State last December. Black has played hockey, basketball and lacrosse and his multisport background shows in his footwork and flexibility at his size on the offensive line. Black also has a nasty streak at the line scrimmage, which pairs well with his sound technique and physicality, which will only improve as he adds more body mass.
Notre Dame dealt with a rash of injuries along the offensive line this fall but will return plenty of depth in 2025. That should give Black plenty of time to develop, and he projects to be an exciting talent whenever he breaks through up front.
SEC
Alabama Crimson Tide
Keelon Russell, QB
Ranking: Five-star, No. 14 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Russell's June flip from SMU to Alabama marked one of the first major recruiting victories in coach Kalen DeBoer's debut recruiting cycle with the Crimson Tide.
The 6-3, 175-pound quarterback completed 71.5% of his passes for 3,652 yards with 52 touchdowns to two interceptions in his senior season at Duncanville (Texas) High School, and he lands at Alabama as the program's first Gatorade National Player of the Year signee. One of the more accurate passers in the 2025 cycle, Russell can attack all three levels of the field and will rely on his arm first, but he has the ability to evade pressure and make plays with his feet as well. A late-bloomer in the 2025 class, Russell and Alabama make for an intriguing pairing.
Russell's signature is especially important in the context of Alabama's quarterback depth. All three of the Tide's most recent quarterbacks signees -- Eli Holstein, Dylan Lonergan and Julian Sayin -- are no longer on the roster. And with Jalen Milroe mulling a move to the NFL, Alabama could be searching for its next starting quarterback soon with Russell and redshirt Ty Simpson remaining as the only scholarship quarterbacks left on the roster.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Tavion Wallace, OLB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 45 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The Razorbacks held off late flip efforts from Florida State and Georgia to hang on to the pledge of Wallace, the top-ranked member of Arkansas' 2025 class.
Wallace's summer commitment to the Razorbacks over Georgia, Florida State and Florida marked a recruiting upset and gave coach Sam Pittman the exact kind of defender he needs in order to pull his program from the bottom half of the SEC. At 6-1, 215 pounds, Wallace possesses outstanding speed with a recorded 100-meter dash time of 10.61 and ideal athleticism to become a Day 1 contributor after recording 49 tackles (7.5 for loss) in his senior season.
Linebacker Brad Spence's move to the transfer portal was a blow for Arkansas, and the program's linebacker depth around leading tackler Xavian Sorey Jr. is thin, potentially presenting early chances for Wallace to break in next fall.
Auburn Tigers
Jourdin Crawford, DT
Ranking: Four-star, No. 89 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The Tigers had an obvious need on the defensive line and addressed it in the 2025 cycle with six signees. Among that group, Crawford appears the most ready to make an impact from the jump.
Impressively built at 6-2, 325 pounds, Crawford joins the Tigers after tallying 155 career tackles and 38 sacks at Parker (Alabama) High School, where he was a teammate of five-star Oregon signee Na'eem Offord. Crawford moves well for his size and has good hands and explosiveness to go with a quick first step that allows him to penetrate the backfield from the interior.
Four of Auburn's six most-used interior defensive linemen are out of eligibility. While the Tigers will return established defensive tackles in Malik Blocton and Quientrail Jamison-Travis and may turn to the portal, Crawford will represent another option at an important position in 2025.
Florida Gators
Byron Louis, RB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 197 in 2025 ESPN
Background: Louis was part of the stream of late arrivals into the Gators' fast-rising 2025 class and is an exciting fit in a deep backfield.
One of three Florida State flips in the Gators' latest class, Louis enters college after recording 3,162 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns on 400 carries against strong competition at American Heritage (Florida) High School. At 206 pounds and a shade under 6-foot, Louis is a powerful downhill runner who has good quickness in the open field and upside in the passing game with potential to become a three-down back at the next level.
Freshman running back Jadan Baugh was a breakout star for the Gators in 2024 and one of three Florida rushers to eclipse 400 yards this fall. The other two to reach 400 yards: departing veteran Montrell Johnson Jr. and redshirt junior Ja'Kobi Jackson. Physically ready for the college game, Louis' time in the Florida backfield will come soon.
Georgia Bulldogs
Elyiss Wiliams, TE
Ranking: Four-star, No. 49 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The Bulldogs signed the top two tight end prospects in 2025 between Williams and four-star Ethan Barbour (No. 59 in ESPN 300). Both have bright futures ahead, but elite size and movement give Williams the edge as a potential early contributor.
Williams had 54 catches for 789 yards and 11 touchdowns while taking snaps at defensive end in his senior season this fall. Williams' 6-7, 235-pound frame carries obvious appeal, but it's the way he moves and makes plays downfield at his size that could make Williams an immediate matchup problem for opposing defenses.
Tight ends have always played an important role in Georgia's offenses under coach Kirby Smart. In Williams, the Bulldogs have another tight end prospect capable of carving out a significant role.
Kentucky Wildcats
Mikkell Skinner, TE
Ranking: Four-star, No. 286 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Skinner did it all in his prep career, operating at tight end, running back and kick returner.
Skinner's speed and versatility are his strongest tools and should allow Kentucky to line him up in the slot, in the backfield, out wide and just about anywhere else when he gets up and running. The 6-4, 225-pound tight end caught 44 passes for 819 yards and 12 touchdowns this fall to go with 31 carries for 321 yards and six rushing scores in his senior season. Skinner's blocking skills will need work at the next level, but his athleticism and drive will help on that front, and Skinner has the chance to become a fun Swiss Army Knife option on offense regardless of how he develops in the blocking game.
Kentucky has lost three tight ends to the portal this month, most notably junior Jordan Dingle. The Wildcats have plenty of depth to fill in and likely won't call on Skinner to take on responsibilities in the run game early on, but his versatility could yield snaps next fall.
LSU Tigers
Solomon Thomas, OT
Ranking: Five-star, No. 13 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Thomas, a signing day flip from Florida State, was a key late addition for the Tigers, who lost several other five-star commitments in the 2025 cycle.
The 6-3, 314-pound lineman from Jacksonville, Florida, spent nearly a year in the Seminoles' 2025 class before committing to LSU on Dec. 4. In Thomas, the Tigers are adding a physically advanced offensive line recruit with raw strength and a knack for finishing his blocks with power. Thomas' technique will require development, but he has the size and experience to contribute early, especially on the interior, with the versatility to play multiple positions on the offensive line.
ESPN national recruiting analyst Craig Haubert has compared Thomas to LSU All-American offensive tackle Will Campbell. With Tigers offensive tackle Emery Jones Jr. headed for the NFL and Campbell potentially to follow, LSU could have needs up front that will pull Thomas into the rotation next fall.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Saquon Miles, OT
Ranking: Four-star, No. 4 in 2025 ESPN Junior College 50
Background: After finishing No. 121 nationally, allowing 38 sacks this fall, Mississippi State has hit the junior college trail hard to shore up its offensive line, and Miles projects as the most likely plug-and-play option among the Bulldogs' newcomers up front.
Miles arrives at Mississippi State after two seasons at Hinds (Mississippi) Community College. At 6-5, 300 pounds, he carries a Power 4-ready frame and experience that should make him a valuable addition.
Miles is joined at Mississippi State by two other ESPN Junior College 50 signees in offensive tackle Jahkeem Shumpert and offensive guard Matthew Lefeau. All three could be involved next fall as the Bulldogs undergo a major overhaul up front, with Miles the most ready to make an immediate impact.
Missouri Tigers
Marquise Davis, RB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 123 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Davis' late flip from Kentucky was part of a late flurry of recruiting moves for the Tigers ahead of the early signing period, and the 6-foot, 205-pound rusher could enter the mix right away.
Davis tallied 3,800 rushing yards and 58 touchdowns during his final two high school seasons. Davis flashed his aggression on both sides of the ball in high school -- he played safety and linebacker on defense -- and it shows up in his running style, where Davis proved himself capable of making defenders miss. While he does not possess elite speed, Davis has plenty of burst and has the potential to be a high-volume college running back.
Kewan Lacy was expected to take on a larger role with the Tigers in 2025 before his transfer to Ole Miss, and Missouri will return next fall without leading rushers Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll.The Tigers will likely turn to the portal for backfield help, but Davis should be sturdy enough to be part of the program's rotation from the start.
Oklahoma Sooners
Elijah Thomas, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 171 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The Sooners' wide receivers room has been decimated by the transfer portal, and the program lost most of its 2025 wide receiver class before signing day, too, meaning Thomas will likely have to contribute in some fashion early next fall.
The 6-foot, 185-pounder from Checotah, Oklahoma, caught 72 passes for 1,803 yards and 26 touchdowns in his senior season and flashed further playmaking ability with another 406 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground. Thomas carries plenty of speed and is advanced as a route runner who possesses the sort of playmaking ability Oklahoma once had in bunches but has lacked in recent seasons.
The Sooners, who have lost six wide receivers to transfers, will be turning to the portal to rebuild their pass catching depth. And while they have struggled to develop freshman receivers under coach Brent Venables, Thomas is a promising talent who may be called up immediately out of necessity.
Ole Miss Rebels
Shekai Mills-Knight, RB
Ranking: Four-star, No. 26 running back in 2025
Background: Mills-Knights lands under the radar behind six ESPN 300 signees for Ole Miss, but he could emerge as an effective and important backfield option for coach Lane Kiffin.
An athletic, all-purpose player, Mills-Knight rushed for 1,113 yards and 15 touchdowns in his junior high school season and arrived at Ole Miss with power and explosiveness to become a playmaker on the ground and through air with strong ball skills on the perimeter.
Kiffin will return next without his top two rushers from 2024 in running back Henry Parrish Jr. and quarterback Jaxson Dart. Missouri transfer rusher Kewan Lacy is a good addition for Ole Miss, and senior Ulysses Bentley IV will provide experience next fall, but there could be chances in the backfield for Mills-Knight in a position group that will see turnover.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Malik Clark, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 178 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Another in a stream of former Florida State pledges to land elsewhere in 2025, Clark has track speed and serious potential as a deep threat in an exciting Gamecocks offense.
Clark posted a 4.39-second 40-yard dash earlier this year at the Under Armour Camp in Charlotte, North Carolina, and that pace translates on the field, where Clark recorded 46 receptions for 800 yards and nine touchdowns as a high school junior in 2023. At 6-2, 185 pounds, Clark has shown a knack for beating defenders in the air and attacking on the perimeter, using his speed to blow past opposing cornerbacks.
Clark is one of five wide receivers in the 2025 class and will need time to develop technique in order to reach his full potential. But his speed, size and deep-threat ability will help him get on the field as a potentially exciting weapon alongside quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Tennessee Volunteers
David Sanders, OT
Ranking: Five-star, No. 5 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: The nation's top offensive tackle kept things interesting, flirting late with Ohio State and waiting beyond the first day of the early signing period to put pen to paper with the Vols. But in Sanders, Tennessee has a potentially foundational offensive line prospect.
North Carolina's 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year, Sanders has elite size and length at 6-6 with an 81.3-inch wingspan. He plays with great technique and moves well at his size, proving throughout his high career the ability to keep a clean pocket and slow down high-level pass rushers. While Sanders will need to add more body mass at the college level, he stands as the most advanced offensive tackle in the 2025 class.
Sanders is already practicing with the Vols, and his early arrival and maturity will be key if they ask him to play right away next fall, when they lose their top two right tackles in John Campbell Jr. and Dayne Davis.
Texas Longhorns
Justus Terry, DT
Ranking: Five-star, No. 7 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: An impressive run stopper with a big frame, Terry's pledge to the Longhorns on the final day of the early signing period provided Texas with a late jolt in the 2025 cycle.
At 6-5, 270 pounds, Terry carries immediate potential as an explosive force up the middle who consistently shed blocks and disrupted opposing backfields in high school. Terry had 116 tackles and 17 sacks across his sophomore and junior seasons, emerging as a dominant interior force at Georgia's Manchester High School. He'll need to be coached up in college, but Terry already possesses all the physical tools to succeed.
Texas is set to lose several key defensive linemen to the NFL draft and has seen another handful depart through the transfer portal in recent weeks. While the Longhorns will surely address their needs in the portal, Terry has the size and strength to enter the mix.
Texas A&M Aggies
Jerome Myles, WR
Ranking: Four-star, No. 33 in 2025 ESPN 300
Background: Myles flipped late from USC and has the downfield ability to fill a key need for the Aggies.
Injuries sidelined Myles in each of his last two years of high school, but he was productive when healthy, totaling 62 catches, 1,431 yards and 18 touchdowns in three varsity seasons. Myles is well-built at 6-2 and 220 pounds and carries loads of potential with a blend of speed and size that make him a true deep threat. A physical blocker in the run game with a large catch radius, Myles is well-equipped to become an impact playmaker.
Myles' injury history is a concern, but he'll be an important depth piece at the very least if he can stay healthy with Texas A&M potentially set to lose as many 80 receptions from a receivers group that underperformed in 2024.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Carson Lawrence, S
Ranking: Three-star, No. 47 safety in 2025
Background: Florida, Ole Miss, West Virginia and Virginia Tech all pushed to flip the 6-2 defensive back this fall. But Lawrence remained as the top member of the Commodores' 2025 class and could be called on early to fill in on the back end of the Vanderbilt secondary.
An in-state signee from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lawrence has standout length and displayed good awareness and tackling ability, totaling 64 tackles and five interceptions over his final two high school seasons. Lawrence has speed to cover ground in the secondary and should only get better as he puts more size on his frame starting this spring as a midyear enrollee with the Commodores.
Starting safeties De'Rickey Wright and CJ Taylor are out of eligibility, and Vanderbilt has seen three more safeties hit the transfer portal this month. As the Commodores look to repair their depth at the position, Lawrence could be a factor.