Top 11 Second-Year NCAAF Stars Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2025

Discover the top 11 second-year NCAAF players set to make a significant impact in the 2025 season, including potential College Football Playoff contenders.

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Julian Sayin, a highly-touted quarterback recruit from the 2024 ESPN 300, is expected to shine in his second season at Ohio State. With exceptional arm strength, accuracy, and mobility, Sayin is poised to become one of the top passers in the Big Ten. His seasoned and polished skills, combined with the best receiving corps in the country, make him a strong candidate to lead the Buckeyes to success.

Jordan Marshall, RB, Michigan

Jordan Marshall, the No. 7 back in the 2024 ESPN 300, showcased his potential in the ReliaQuest Bowl with a 100-yard performance. Teaming up with Alabama transfer Justice Haynes, Marshall's elusiveness, speed, and power make him a dual threat in the Wolverines' backfield. His impressive shuttle time of 4.1 seconds highlights his agility and readiness for a breakout season.

Ellis Robinson, CB, Georgia

Ellis Robinson, the No. 1-ranked player in the 2024 ESPN 300, is expected to make a greater impact in his second season at Georgia. Despite not starting on the outside, Robinson's length, speed, and ball skills make him a formidable force at nickel and a potential lockdown corner. With improved game awareness, he is set to play a crucial role in Georgia's defense.

Joshisa Trader, WR, Miami

Joshisa Trader, the No. 6 receiver in the 2024 ESPN 300, showed flashes of brilliance in Miami's bowl game. With smooth, fluid movements and quick hands, Trader is a legitimate three-level threat. Teaming up with tight end Elija Lofton, he is expected to become a consistent playmaker for the Hurricanes.

Mike Matthews or Braylon Staley, WRs, Tennessee

Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley are both poised for breakout seasons at Tennessee. Matthews, the No. 5 wide receiver in the 2024 ESPN 300, is sudden and elusive after the catch. Staley, with excellent short-area quickness and explosive movements, is a former state champion in track and field. Both receivers have the potential to lead the Vols' offense.

Kingston Lopa, DB, Oregon

Kingston Lopa, the No. 13 safety in the 2024 ESPN 300, has a rare blend of size and range. With limited reps last season, Lopa is expected to fill production voids at safety for Oregon. His ability to cover ground quickly and tackle soundly makes him a key player in the Ducks' defense.

CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame

CJ Carr, the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, is highly scrutinized as Notre Dame's starting quarterback. With great accuracy and acumen, Carr is expected to lead the Irish's offense. Supported by a strong running game and an experienced offensive line, Carr is poised for a breakout season.

Dilin Jones, RB, Wisconsin

Dilin Jones, the No. 8 running back in the 2024 ESPN 300, is ready to make an impact in the Big Ten. With an impressive size-to-speed ratio and good change-of-direction skills, Jones is a versatile back who can both bruise and break away for big gains. He is expected to play a key role in Wisconsin's offense.

Brandon Baker, OT, Texas

Brandon Baker, the No. 2 offensive tackle in the 2024 ESPN 300, is set to protect Arch Manning in Texas' high-powered offense. With improved strength and technical skills, Baker is expected to anchor the Longhorns' offensive line and contribute to their success.

Elijah Brown, QB, Stanford

Elijah Brown, the 11th-rated pocket passer in the 2024 ESPN 300, is a winner with great physical traits. With over 8,000 yards and 100 touchdowns in high school, Brown is ready to lead Stanford back to its storied levels. Under the guidance of Frank Reich and Andrew Luck, Brown is poised for a breakout season.

Sire Gaines, RB, Boise State

Sire Gaines, an under-the-radar recruit, is ready to emerge as Boise State's next star running back. With great downhill power, physicality, and polished receiving skills, Gaines is expected to make a significant impact in the Broncos' offense. His 10.9 100-meter speed highlights his explosiveness and readiness for a breakout season.

What to Read Next

Notre Dame's Road to Glory: Can the Irish Dominate the 2025 NCAAF Season?
NCAAF

Notre Dame's Road to Glory: Can the Irish Dominate the 2025 NCAAF Season?

Explore Notre Dame's prospects for the 2025 NCAAF season, including betting odds, key players, and their chances at the College Football Playoff.

The Unseen Side of Bill Belichick: Coaching Genius Beyond the NFL
NCAAF

The Unseen Side of Bill Belichick: Coaching Genius Beyond the NFL

Explore the coaching genius of Bill Belichick as he transitions from NFL to NCAAF, revealing the strategies and personal touches that define his success.

Air Force Falcons Unveil 'Air Power Legacy Series' Uniforms Honoring F-16 Fighter Jet
NCAAF

Air Force Falcons Unveil 'Air Power Legacy Series' Uniforms Honoring F-16 Fighter Jet

The Air Force Falcons reveal their 2025 'Air Power Legacy Series' uniforms, paying tribute to the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet.

Exclusive Fantasy Football Draft Experience at UConn's Rentschler Field
NCAAF

Exclusive Fantasy Football Draft Experience at UConn's Rentschler Field

UConn offers a unique fantasy football draft experience at Rentschler Field, including suite access, locker room tours, and on-field photo opportunities.

College Football 26: Major Gameplay Enhancements and New Features Unveiled
NCAAF

College Football 26: Major Gameplay Enhancements and New Features Unveiled

Explore the latest updates in College Football 26, featuring new mascots, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and improved AI behaviors.

Top 10 Freshmen Poised to Dominate the 2025 College Football Season
NCAAF

Top 10 Freshmen Poised to Dominate the 2025 College Football Season

Discover the top 10 freshmen expected to make a significant impact in the 2025 college football season, featuring standout recruits and key players to watch.

2025 NCAAF Preseason All-America Team: Top Players and Rising Stars
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Preseason All-America Team: Top Players and Rising Stars

Get the full breakdown of ESPN's 2025 NCAAF Preseason All-America Team, featuring the top players and rising stars across every position.

2025 NCAAF Preseason Betting Guide: Top 25 Teams and Expert Picks
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Preseason Betting Guide: Top 25 Teams and Expert Picks

Get expert betting insights for every team in the 2025 NCAAF AP Top 25 preseason poll, including win totals, futures, and Week 1 matchups.

2025 NCAAF Preseason AP Poll: Key Stats and Insights for Top 25 Teams
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Preseason AP Poll: Key Stats and Insights for Top 25 Teams

Explore the 2025 NCAAF preseason AP Poll with key stats and insights for each of the top 25 teams, including Texas, Ohio State, and Penn State.

2025 College GameDay Schedule: Locations, Highlights, and Exclusive Insights
NCAAF

2025 College GameDay Schedule: Locations, Highlights, and Exclusive Insights

Discover the 2025 College GameDay schedule, locations, and exclusive insights. Follow the premier college football pregame show on ESPN.

2025 MAC Football Season: Top Bets and Team Predictions
NCAAF

2025 MAC Football Season: Top Bets and Team Predictions

Explore the top bets and team predictions for the 2025 MAC football season, including insights on Toledo Rockets, Buffalo Bulls, and more.

From Heisman to Head Coach: Eddie George's Bold New Chapter at Bowling Green
NCAAF

From Heisman to Head Coach: Eddie George's Bold New Chapter at Bowling Green

Eddie George, the Heisman Trophy winner, takes on the challenge of coaching at Bowling Green, bringing his unique journey and vision to the NCAAF.

2025 Big Ten Football Season: Key Matchups, Top Players, and Championship Predictions
NCAAF

2025 Big Ten Football Season: Key Matchups, Top Players, and Championship Predictions

Explore the 2025 Big Ten football season with in-depth analysis on top teams like Ohio State and Penn State, key games, and player highlights.

2025 NCAAF Season Preview: Tiered Rankings of All 136 FBS Teams
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Season Preview: Tiered Rankings of All 136 FBS Teams

Explore the comprehensive tiered rankings of all 136 FBS teams for the 2025 NCAAF season, featuring in-depth analysis and playoff predictions.

Garrett Nussmeier: The Journey to LSU Glory and the 2025 NCAAF Season
NCAAF

Garrett Nussmeier: The Journey to LSU Glory and the 2025 NCAAF Season

Garrett Nussmeier's path to becoming LSU's star quarterback, his family's influence, and his pivotal role in the 2025 NCAAF season.

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.