Introduction

As the 2025 college football season approaches, ESPN’s experts have compiled a comprehensive ranking of the top 100 players in the NCAAF. This list is a blend of hard data, expert analysis, and educated predictions, offering fans a glimpse into the stars who will shape the upcoming season.

The Challenge of Ranking

Ranking players before the season begins is no easy feat. While some choices are straightforward—like the undeniable talent of Jeremiah Smith—others are more speculative. Players like Arch Manning and Ryan Williams are expected to shine, but surprises are inevitable. Last year, Sam Leavitt and LaNorris Sellers emerged as unexpected stars, proving that the season always holds surprises.

Key Players to Watch

• Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State): The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Smith is poised for an even bigger season in 2025.
• Arch Manning (Texas): After waiting in the wings, Manning is set to take over as the Longhorns' starting quarterback.
• Ryan Williams (Alabama): A dynamic wide receiver who had a stellar freshman season, Williams is expected to be a key playmaker for the Crimson Tide.

Teams with New Quarterbacks

Several powerhouse programs, including Georgia, Ohio State, and Alabama, will start the season with inexperienced quarterbacks. While it’s risky to rank these players too high, history shows that at least a few will emerge as Heisman contenders by season’s end.

Freshmen to Watch

Every season brings breakout stars, and 2025 will be no different. Jeremiah Smith and Leonard Moore made waves as freshmen in 2024, but who will be the next big name? The unpredictability of freshman performances is what makes college football so exciting.

Methodology

ESPN’s ranking is the result of collaboration among five college football experts: David Hale, Adam Rittenberg, Chris Low, Paolo Uggetti, and Bill Connelly. They combined statistical analysis with on-field evaluations to create this list, though they acknowledge that the final rankings will likely look different by the end of the season.

Conclusion

No matter how accurate these rankings seem in August, the beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability. By December, we’ll look back and realize how much we still had to learn. Stay tuned for what promises to be another thrilling season of NCAAF action.

Full Rankings

For the complete list of the top 100 players, including detailed stats and analysis, visit ESPN’s official rankings.