Top 25 Non-QB Players to Watch in the 2025 NCAAF Season

Discover the 25 most impactful non-quarterback players set to dominate the 2025 NCAAF season. From wide receivers to defensive stars, these athletes are ready to shine.

Introduction

While quarterbacks often steal the spotlight, the 2025 NCAAF season promises to showcase a diverse array of talent across the field. Here are 25 non-QB players who are poised to make a significant impact:

1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 1,315 receiving yards, 76 receptions, 15 TDs
  • Why He's Here: Smith is a Heisman contender and the nation's top wide receiver. His freshman year records and consistent performance make him a standout.

2. Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State Nittany Lions

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-5, 265 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 42 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Dennis-Sutton was a key player in Penn State's defense, with standout performances in critical games.

3. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama Crimson Tide

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 6-foot, 175 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 865 receiving yards, 48 receptions, 8 TDs
  • Why He's Here: Williams had a stellar freshman season with explosive plays and consistent scoring.

4. Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina Gamecocks

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 6-5, 245 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 23 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Stewart is a dynamic pass rusher with a knack for disrupting plays.

5. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-foot, 205 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 81 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions
  • Why He's Here: Downs is a versatile defensive back with game-changing abilities.

6. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-foot, 212 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 1,125 rushing yards, 17 rushing TDs
  • Why He's Here: Love's big-play ability and durability make him a top running back.

7. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas Longhorns

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-3, 237 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Hill is a dominant linebacker with a knack for making big plays.

8. Le'Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M Aggies

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-foot, 210 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 765 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs
  • Why He's Here: Moss was on track for a breakout season before injury, but his return is highly anticipated.

9. T.J. Parker, DE, and Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Tigers

  • Vitals: Parker - Junior, 6-3, 265 pounds; Woods - Junior, 6-3, 315 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: Parker - 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks; Woods - 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
  • Why They're Here: This duo is among the most formidable defensive linemen in the nation.

10. Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor Bears

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-1, 218 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 754 receiving yards, 10 receiving TDs
  • Why He's Here: Cameron is a versatile receiver and return specialist with a knack for big plays.

11. R Mason Thomas, DE, Oklahoma Sooners

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-2, 249 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 23 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Thomas is a premier pass rusher with a knack for disrupting offenses.

12. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke Blue Devils

  • Vitals: Senior, 5-10, 185 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 54 tackles, 3 interceptions
  • Why He's Here: Rivers is a lockdown corner with a knack for making big plays.

13. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, RBs, Penn State Nittany Lions

  • Vitals: Singleton - Senior, 6-foot, 220 pounds; Allen - Senior, 5-11, 217 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: Singleton - 1,099 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs; Allen - 1,108 rushing yards, 8 rushing TDs
  • Why They're Here: This duo is among the most productive running back tandems in the nation.

14. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech Red Raiders

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-1, 230 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 127 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Rodriguez is a tackling machine with a knack for making big plays.

15. Gabe Jacas, OLB, Illinois Fighting Illini

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-3, 275 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Jacas is a disruptive force on defense with a knack for making big plays.

16. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest Demon Deacons

  • Vitals: Senior, 5-10, 195 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 1,049 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs
  • Why He's Here: Claiborne is a versatile running back with a knack for making big plays.

17. Max Klare, TE, Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-4, 236 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 685 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
  • Why He's Here: Klare is a reliable tight end with a knack for making big plays.

18. Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville Cardinals

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 5-9, 190 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 1,173 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs
  • Why He's Here: Brown is a dynamic running back with a knack for making big plays.

19. Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-2, 238 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 78 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack
  • Why He's Here: Bowen is a versatile linebacker with a knack for making big plays.

20. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida Gators

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-6, 329 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 21 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Banks is a dominant defensive tackle with a knack for making big plays.

21. Matayo Uiagalelei, OLB, Oregon Ducks

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-5, 270 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 37 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Uiagalelei is a premier pass rusher with a knack for making big plays.

22. Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida Gators

  • Vitals: Sophomore, 6-1, 230 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 673 rushing yards, 7 TDs
  • Why He's Here: Baugh is a dynamic running back with a knack for making big plays.

23. Jayden Virgin-Morgan, Edge, Boise State Broncos

  • Vitals: Junior, 6-3, 253 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 40 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks
  • Why He's Here: Virgin-Morgan is a disruptive edge rusher with a knack for making big plays.

24. T.J. Parker, DE, and Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Tigers

  • Vitals: Parker - Junior, 6-3, 265 pounds; Woods - Junior, 6-3, 315 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: Parker - 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks; Woods - 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
  • Why They're Here: This duo is among the most formidable defensive linemen in the nation.

25. Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor Bears

  • Vitals: Senior, 6-1, 218 pounds
  • 2024 Stats: 754 receiving yards, 10 receiving TDs
  • Why He's Here: Cameron is a versatile receiver and return specialist with a knack for big plays.

Conclusion

The 2025 NCAAF season is set to be a showcase of talent beyond the quarterback position. These 25 players are ready to make their mark and lead their teams to success.

What to Read Next

Top NCAAF Transfer Portal Highlights: Quarterback Swaps and Homecomings Dominate Spring Moves
NCAAF

Top NCAAF Transfer Portal Highlights: Quarterback Swaps and Homecomings Dominate Spring Moves

Explore the most intriguing NCAAF transfer portal moves this spring, featuring quarterback swaps and notable homecomings.

Top QB Prospects for 2026: Which NCAAF Teams Are in the Hunt?
NCAAF

Top QB Prospects for 2026: Which NCAAF Teams Are in the Hunt?

Explore the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NCAAF recruiting class and discover which teams are actively pursuing these elite talents.

Countdown to Kickoff: Top Storylines, Must-Watch Games, and Bold Predictions for the 2025 NCAAF Season
NCAAF

Countdown to Kickoff: Top Storylines, Must-Watch Games, and Bold Predictions for the 2025 NCAAF Season

With 100 days until Week 0, dive into the top storylines, must-watch games, and bold predictions for the 2025 NCAAF season, featuring Bill Belichick, Arch Manning, and more.

Top 10 College Football Coaches of 2025: Rankings, Insights, and Surprises
NCAAF

Top 10 College Football Coaches of 2025: Rankings, Insights, and Surprises

Discover the top 10 college football coaches of 2025, featuring in-depth analysis, career highlights, and expert opinions on their rankings and impact on the game.

Top 25 College Football Newcomer Classes of 2025: Recruits and Transfers to Watch
NCAAF

Top 25 College Football Newcomer Classes of 2025: Recruits and Transfers to Watch

Discover the top 25 college football newcomer classes for 2025, featuring standout recruits and impactful transfers shaping the future of NCAAF.

Top Newcomers Set to Shake Up the 2025 NCAAF Season: Transfer Stars and Fresh Phenoms
NCAAF

Top Newcomers Set to Shake Up the 2025 NCAAF Season: Transfer Stars and Fresh Phenoms

Discover the top newcomers in NCAAF for the 2025 season, from high-impact transfers to elite recruits ready to make their mark on college football.

2025 NCAAF Betting Insights: Teams to Watch and Their Prospects
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Betting Insights: Teams to Watch and Their Prospects

Analysis of key college football teams after spring practices and their betting odds.

NFL Draft Sleepers: College Coaches Weigh In
NCAAF

NFL Draft Sleepers: College Coaches Weigh In

A look at some of the players outside of the first round that college coaches think the NFL could be sleeping on.

Nico Iamaleava Transfer: Best Fits for the High-Profile QB
NCAAF

Nico Iamaleava Transfer: Best Fits for the High-Profile QB

Where could Nico Iamaleava land after leaving Tennessee? We explore his potential destinations and why they make sense as he looks to maximize his skills.

2025 NCAAF Top WR Rankings: Breaking Down the Elite Receivers Beyond Jeremiah Smith
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Top WR Rankings: Breaking Down the Elite Receivers Beyond Jeremiah Smith

A deep dive into college football's elite receivers for 2025, featuring Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, Alabama's Ryan Williams, and other rising stars reshaping the game.

Texas Longhorns' Steve Sarkisian Celebrates Newborn Son as Family Expands: A Future Star in the Making?
NCAAF

Texas Longhorns' Steve Sarkisian Celebrates Newborn Son as Family Expands: A Future Star in the Making?

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and his wife Loreal welcome their newborn son, adding to their football-centric family legacy.

22 Rising College Football Coaches Primed for Major Head Coaching Opportunities in 2025-26
NCAAF

22 Rising College Football Coaches Primed for Major Head Coaching Opportunities in 2025-26

A breakdown of 22 rising assistant coaches who could land major head coaching positions in the next NCAAF hiring cycle, featuring analysis of their backgrounds and potential fits.

Bucknell Football Tragedy: Lawsuit Reveals Systemic Failures in Player Safety Following Freshman's Death
NCAAF

Bucknell Football Tragedy: Lawsuit Reveals Systemic Failures in Player Safety Following Freshman's Death

Bucknell University faces wrongful death lawsuit after freshman lineman CJ Dickey died during preseason workouts, exposing critical safety failures in college football programs.

Top College Football Recruiting Classes Must Secure These Key 2026 Targets to Maintain Dominance
NCAAF

Top College Football Recruiting Classes Must Secure These Key 2026 Targets to Maintain Dominance

A deep dive into the must-land recruits for the top 30 NCAAF programs in the 2026 class, featuring analysis of key positional needs and high-stakes recruiting battles.

Top College Football Teams to Watch in 2025: Potential Surprises and Breakout Stars
NCAAF

Top College Football Teams to Watch in 2025: Potential Surprises and Breakout Stars

Our experts predict which college football teams and players will rise in the 2025 season, offering insights into potential playoff contenders and breakout stars.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.