2025 NCAAF Breakout Stars: Top 25 Players Poised to Shine Next Season

The 2025 NCAAF season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with several budding players ready to make their mark. Here’s a look at the top 25 breakout stars who could be the difference-makers for their teams:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Breakout Player: Eddrick Houston, DE With all four starting defensive linemen from the national title team moving to the NFL, Houston is primed to step into a crucial role. The No. 35 overall recruit last year, Houston’s versatility and size make him a potential impact player for the Buckeyes.

2. Texas Longhorns

Breakout Player: Arch Manning, QB As a first-year starter, Manning is expected to lead the Longhorns’ offense. With a strong supporting cast, including tight end Spencer Shannon, Manning could be the key to Texas’ success.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

Breakout Player: Tony Rojas, LB Rojas, who earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore, is set to take on a more central role under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Breakout Player: Jaden Greathouse, WR Greathouse’s spectacular performance in the CFP semifinal and national championship game could be a springboard for an even greater 2025 season.

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Breakout Player: KJ Bolden, DB Bolden, one of the best young defenders in the SEC, is expected to anchor Georgia’s secondary and continue his rise as a defensive star.

6. Oregon Ducks

Breakout Player: Makhi Hughes, RB With Jordan James leaving for the NFL, Hughes, a transfer from Tulane, is expected to be the fulcrum of Oregon’s offense.

7. Clemson Tigers

Breakout Player: Gideon Davidson, RB Davidson, described by coach Dabo Swinney as "the best freshman back in the country," could carve out a sizable role in Clemson’s offense.

8. LSU Tigers

Breakout Player: Nic Anderson, WR Anderson, a transfer from Oklahoma, has all the tools to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in 2025.

9. BYU Cougars

Breakout Player: Keelan Marion, WR Marion’s elite speed and downfield potential could make him a key weapon for BYU’s offense.

10. South Carolina Gamecocks

Breakout Player: Nyck Harbor, WR Harbor’s physicality and incremental improvement make him a promising receiver for South Carolina.

11. Iowa State Cyclones

Breakout Player: Cannon Butler, DL Butler’s athleticism and positional flexibility could make him a valuable component of Iowa State’s defense.

12. Alabama Crimson Tide

Breakout Player: Ty Simpson, QB Simpson’s consistency and athleticism make him a good fit for Alabama’s offense under new coordinator Ryan Grubb.

13. Illinois Fighting Illini

Breakout Player: Cole Rusk, TE Rusk’s return from injury could provide Illinois with a reliable pass-catching option.

14. Arizona State Sun Devils

Breakout Player: Kyson Brown, RB Brown’s ability in the passing game could earn him a bigger role in Arizona State’s backfield.

15. SMU Mustangs

Breakout Player: LJ Johnson Jr., RB Johnson’s powerful running could help fill the void left by Brashard Smith’s departure.

16. Kansas State Wildcats

Breakout Player: Jerand Bradley, WR Bradley’s downfield potential could make him a key target for Kansas State’s passing attack.

17. Indiana Hoosiers

Breakout Player: Zen Michalski, OL Michalski’s experience and versatility could solidify Indiana’s offensive line.

18. Florida Gators

Breakout Player: Caleb Banks, DT Banks’ return to school could anchor Florida’s defensive front.

19. Tennessee Volunteers

Breakout Player: Mike Matthews, WR Matthews’ big-play ability could provide Tennessee with much-needed firepower in the passing game.

20. Louisville Cardinals

Breakout Player: Jordan Guerad, DL Guerad’s strong finish to the season could make him a key player for Louisville’s defense.

21. Michigan Wolverines

Breakout Player: Jordan Marshall, RB Marshall’s impressive bowl game performance could make him the future of Michigan’s running game.

22. Texas A&M Aggies

Breakout Player: Terry Bussey, WR Bussey’s speed and versatility could make him a dynamic playmaker for Texas A&M.

23. Miami Hurricanes

Breakout Player: Elija Lofton, TE Lofton’s versatility and playmaking ability could make him Miami’s top tight end.

24. Boise State Broncos

Breakout Players: Jambres Dubar and Sire Gaines, RBs Dubar and Gaines could be in line for breakout seasons in Boise State’s strong running attack.