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On3's Clark Brooks breaks down the top 100 players in college football heading into the 2025 season as we sit 100 days out from kickoff.

College football season is getting closer, and there is less than a week left until the 2025 campaign gets underway. To celebrate, On3’s Clark Brooksbroke down the Top 100 Players in College Football for the 2025 season.

He began by providing an overview of what you can expect to see by position in terms of the breakdown. It’s quite useful stuff.

“One of the first things that jump out for this crop is the number of talented QBs,” Brooks said. “This time last year, only 3 signal callers earned the honor of making our top25. Flash forward to today, and you’ll see 7. Concisely, there are less Offensive Executives and more dudes with bankable next-level traits, which is great for college football. All in all, a dozen passers crack the top100 – the third most of any position.

“We are big believers in last year’s historic freshmen class. Of our top7 most impact players, 5 are rising sophomores, and a handful of others made the cut. At this stage, we feel very comfortable in their collective ability to dominate their positions and brighten their stars not only this year but next as well.

“For lovers of quality line play, our list should generate plenty of smiles. Scores of known (and successful) commodities exist upfront on both sides of the ball as linemen compose 45% of today’s top100 ranker. Of course, some of that is due to other positions being riddled with uncertainty. That said, this year’s collection of talented big boys is too much to ignore. Offensive Tackle is particularly deep and well-represented with 16 slots, the most of any position.”

With only a few days left until kickoff, here’s the full breakdown of the Top 100 players in college football this coming year.

1. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Jeremiah Smith-Ohio State-Ohio State football-Buckeyes — (© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Clark Brooks: “No need to overthink this one. Smith was spectacular as a freshman and has all the makings of a future star. He has the size (6’3, 215), the speed (former Florida state champion in the 110 and 400 meter hurdles), and skill (did you not watch any college football last year?) to be the next phenom at the position and rule the sport for the next two years.

“While his counting stats speak for themselves, he also kicked ass in a very efficient manner. Half of his targets last year either moved the chains or resulted in points. Plus, no returning P4 receiver boasts a higher yards/route run (3.13).”

2. EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

Brooks: “An impact player in every sense of the word, Stewart has a knack for causing chaos and demoralizing opposing offensive linemen. At 6’6, 250 – he’s the only returning defensive lineman to sit inside the top4 in both havoc plays (62) and PFF pass rush grade (91.4).

“Freakish vibes. And, the rising sophomore is just getting started.”

3. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Caleb Downs-Ohio State-Ohio State football-Buckeyes — (© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Brooks: “Safety ordinarily isn’t considered the most impactful position. So seeing one inside the top3 in this list should scream how talented Downs is. He lines up all over – at centerfield, in the box, on the flank or nickel – wherever his team needs him.

“Fittingly, Downs can lock receivers down one-on-one, plug run lanes, and be a general nuisance to offensive play callers on any given snap. Moreover, each of the last two years – playing for two of college football’s biggest brands – he finished among PFF’s top10 highest-graded safeties.”

4. EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas

Brooks: “Like fellow sensational sophomore Dylan Stewart, Simmons is tenacious, active, and quite good at disrupting offenses. If logging 9 sacks wasn’t enough, his 17.6% Impact Rate – or percentage of snaps that result in a havoc play or defensive stop) is the best figure of any returning P4 defender.

“To do that as a first-year in the Land Where It Just Means More is special stuff.”

5. QB Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

Brooks: “We at On3 are higher on him than the consensus, but he just delivers value all over. In my annual QB study, Leavitt was my favorite player to chart. He is a potent passer with lethal precision, minimizes mistakes masterfully, and displays nice feats of athleticism.

“Charles Powers comp’d him “Bo Nix-plus” recently (which might sound like a slight but Nix did end up figuring it out and becoming a first rounder) but I think he might have the potential to reach another echelon with his arm talent. Speaking of, his 59.7% Depth Adjusted Accuracy would have only trailed Cam Ward’s clip in last year’s QB Study.”

6. WR Ryan Williams, Alabama

Alabama WR Ryan Williams (Butch Dill / USA TODAY Sports)

Brooks: “Williams is one of the most electric pass catchers around and should be the primary engine for Alabama’s offense. As a 17-year-old, he was the only SECer with at least 28 receptions to post a +10.0 yards/target and +9.0 yards after catch average.

“Even with the extra attention he’s bound to get from opponents, there’s a strong expectation that he will continue to amaze and provide game-altering splash plays for the Crimson Tide.”

7. CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame

Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore freshman All-American — (Mike Miller/Blue & Gold)

Brooks: “Moore is a stud. He didn’t back down from any challenges last year and emerged as one of the position’s best players despite being a freshman – a noticeable trend on this list.

“Playing a high percentage of man coverage (61%), he was 1/23 high volume corners last year to allow a sub-5.2 yards/target and 0.75 yards/coverage snap. Plus, the stingy 6’2 Golden Domer sports the 3rd-best PFF coverage grade (86.5) among returners ahead of this fall.”

8. QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

south carolina gamecocks quarterback lanorris sellers — (Katie Dugan/GamecockCentral).

Brooks: “Sellers puts the spec.. Umm rec spec .. into spectacular. Few QBs are blessed with physical tools like his. And unlike some of these other aliens of that ilk, he has to date shown to be a prudent, accurate passer that avoids biffs and tossing the ball into harm’s way.

“To that point, he was the only SEC high volume starter last fall to finish inside the conference’s top2 in both Depth Adjusted Accuracy and Interceptable%. He is capable of scoring on any play with his arm or his legs – both in and out of structure. Fumbles are something to monitor, but his upside is premium.”

9. LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

Brooks: “Hill is a brawny, aggressive force in the middle of the Longhorns’ defense. His meaty 6’3, 235 lb frame packs a pretty punch; and he’s a handful when he generates positive inertia.

“His steady presence has netted 77 stops, 10 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles the last couple of seasons.”

10. QB Arch Manning, Texas

Booger McFarland and Dan Orlovsky discussed Texas benching Quinn Ewers for Arch Manning vs. Georgia. — Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Brooks: “You might have heard about this kid. Well like many, we at On3 expect big things out of Manning 3.0. In previous years, labeling a Sarkisian QB as a Checkdown Charlie or Offensive Executive would be a given. But in this case, it would be downright reprehensible.

“Like his uncles, he has premier passing abilities. He can layer throws, hit targets all over the yard, and stay in attack mode from the pocket with excellent balance, timing, and anticipation. Like his grandpa, he has noticeable twitch and burst that do him well outside of structure and as a designed rusher. Yes, Manning ought to benefit from his environment. But he’s also talented enough to elevate Texas to planes it hasn’t been in a generation.”

11. RB Jeremiah Love, Notre Dame

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love — (Chad Weaver, Blue & Gold)

Brooks: “Love is a big play waiting to happen. He ripped off a breakaway in half of Notre Dame’s games. His 7.1 yards/touch was top30-worthy and only 7 backs donned a better EPA/attempt.

“But while those highlights are fun, I am enamored with his hardnosed rushing style. Last year, Love was 1/5 RBs to rock a +4.3 YAC average and +38% Missed Tackle Forced Rate according to PFF.”

12. QB DJ Lagway, Florida

Florida QB DJ Lagway — (Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Brooks: “Lagway oozes juice. He was the only P4 QB to sport a double-digit PFF Big Time Throw%. He led the SEC in Splash Pass% (+35). And he finished with college football’s 2nd-best yards/dropback clip…as a freshman.

“Granted, the Samford game considerably boosted his bottom line. But even with that matchup omitted from his profile, both his 8.7 Y/A and 15.6% Explosive Pass% (+20) were top of the crop in my off-season QB study. Florida might be set up to fail due to another brutal schedule. But Lagway’s haymakers ought to give the Gators a fighter’s chance any given Saturday.”

13. INT Peter Woods, Clemson

Peter Woods (Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports)

Brooks: “Woods is an excellent matchup dictator for Clemson’s formidable defensive front. He has experience lining up everywhere from a nose-shade to flanking a TE, with standout returns.

“Among high-volume DTs, he’s the only returner ahead of this fall inside the top15 in Impact, Havoc, and Stop Rates. And for good measure, the versatile Woods has the 6th-best Pass Rush Win Rate against true sets per PFF.”

14. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

LSU — Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Brooks: “I really like what Nuss brings to the table. Of course he had a shot to be a first-rounder in this year’s draft, but he should squarely be in the QB1 discussion moving forward. His heat-seeking arm is often what makes folks rubberneck his way. But in my opinion, his best trait is his feet.

“Nuss consistently is able to quick step and reset vs pressure and dance all thru the pocket avoiding takedowns – a necessity in this day and day no matter what style of quarterback you are. And from where I sit, it didn’t hurt his case that he also finished above the group average in my off-season QB study in Explosive Pass%, Interceptable%, and Accuracy% beyond 10 yards downfield.”

15. EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson

Brooks: “It wouldn’t shock me in the slightest if Parker is a top10 pick next April. Simply, he just produces.

“Including his gaudy 12 sacks, 7 TFLs and 5 forced fumbles, his 93 impact plays were the 8th-most among defenders last year. And among edges, he’s the only returner to rank top5 in both stops and havoc plays by volume.”

16. EDGE LT Overton, Alabama

Alabama DL LT Overton vs. USF (courtesy UA Athletics)

Brooks: “Coming off a breakout season, Overton is starting to live up to his 5-star pedigree. Beefy and strong, he’s well-suited to blow up run concepts and control his gap.

“But he’s much more than a space eater. Overton snatched 66 impact plays and has a top20 True Pass Set Win Rate among returning edges.”

17. OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Brooks: “The OT1 debate in college football is wide open. There’s even an opinion Fano isn’t even the best tackle on his own team. But for right now, this hoss is our guy to headline the group.

“Fano is a certified bulldozer in the trenches and an undeniably visibly-pleasing run blocker. Plus, the rising junior is now an asset when Utah drops back. He disallowed pressure on 96.9% of his pass sets last year – a mark only bested by 6 returning P4 tackles.”

18. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images — Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Brooks: “McCoy blossomed during his sophomore season. He’s fluid and fast with pretty good results shielding targets.

“His 11 overall forced incompletions are the most of any returning SEC DB. Specializing as a zone cover corner, only two returning CBs top his 87.5 PFF grade spot dropping.”

19. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Brooks: “Tyson is a bonafide playmaker. In the five games before his injury, he averaged roughly 9 catches for 124 per contest while totaling 6 tuddies. But, he wasn’t just a target vacuum compiling stats.

“Tyson was resoundingly economical with his opportunities. Only Jeremiah Smith tops his 3.04 yards/route run amongst returning P4 pass catchers. Assuming he picks up where he left off, Leavitt’s favorite target should be one of the most prolific receivers in college football this fall.”

20. EDGE Rueben Bain, Miami

Rueben Bain WF — Rueben Bain (Neil Gershman-Zooba Images)

Brooks: “When healthy, Bain is a relentless ball of energy with a red-hot motor. Injury prevented him from leveling up during his sophomore campaign. But despite that momentary setback, his upside remains high.

“Even with last year’s “dip”, Bain topped positional averages across the board regarding Impact, Havoc, and Stop Rates. And over the last two years, he’s won a quarter of his pass rushes versus true pass sets.”

21. CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

smu-drops-behind-alabama-ap-poll-released-after-conference-championships — Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Brooks: “Terrell has a good argument to be considered college football’s most well-rounded cornerback. Solid in both zone and man, he was consistently reliable preventing yardage.

“After all, he was one of the more active ball hawks last fall tallying 12 defended passes. And behind 19 stops, no returner at the position logged more total impact plays than his 39.”

22. QB Drew Allar, Penn State

Drew Allar, Penn State - © Jordan Prather-Imagn Images — Drew Allar, Penn State – © Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Brooks: “He’s yet to put it all together and be a consistent downfield thrower, but Allar has the ingredients to be a very impactful QB this season; especially after how Penn State invested in upgrading its pass catchers. He is a big passer with a sturdy, durable frame built to do damage from the pocket.

“With a compact release, his downfield offerings hardly require any strain and he can deliver fastballs even without a firm foundation. Plus, he’s shown to be a trusty decision maker that avoids football boo boos. He has a very deliberate style of moving and doesn’t win many footraces. That said, defenders can bounce right off of him; and when he can build up momentum, the ante gets upped.”

23. INT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati

Brooks: “Most nosetackles strive to occupy space and be glorified Frisian horses in the middle of the line. But “The Godfather’s” approach to the game aims to provide value in other ways; namely as a twitchy pass rusher and reliable run game stopper.

“Over the last three seasons he’s accumulated over 60 pressures and defensive stops. Though a health scare affected his off-season last summer, many are expecting him to once again appear on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List due to his weight room prowess.”

24. CB AJ Harris, Penn State

Penn State cornerback AJ Harris — (Credit: Steve Manuel | Blue White Illustrated)

Brooks: “The former consensus top100 recruit and top10 cornerback of the 2023 class is one of the better shadow DBs ahead of this fall. He might not always strive to goad passers into risky throws or yearn to get his jersey dirty.

“But Harris doesn’t mind if his name gets called much – as long as he’s erasing his assignment. And it certainly helps his case knowing he is 1/4 returning corners with a +75.0 PFF coverage grade in both man and zone.”

25. QB Carson Beck, Miami

Georgia QB Carson Beck at SEC Media Days — © Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports

Brooks: “This time last year, Beck was the consensus QB1 with hardly any blemishes on his passing profile. Obviously, things changed and Beck’s 2024 football season didn’t go as planned. His general accuracy soured, he logged more interceptables, he continued to stink when forced to pass off his mark, and suffered a surgery-requiring injury on his throwing arm. Yet, I remain optimistic he can regain his old form as one of the game’s soundest distributors within structure.

“Not only did he remain a standout midrange passer – one of his better selling points ahead of last season – but he logged my QB study’s lowest Uncatchable Pass Rate. Plus, he probably won’t suffer from the same level of backbreaking butterfingers for the 2nd-straight year. Not only were Beck’s 665 “drop yards” the most in the SEC by 130, it was the highest total I have charted within the conference since 2018. Practically a sixth of his throws +10 yards past the line of scrimmage were dropped.”