2025 ESPN 300 rankings: Top QBs, new five-stars, biggest risers

The ESPN 300 for college football's 2025 recruiting class has debuted, as our scouts have spent the past several months evaluating prospects at multiple camps, combines and workouts.

While we prioritize our rankings off game tape, our supplemental spring evaluations are instrumental in showing physical and athletic development from the fall.

Only two other times in the nearly 20 years of ranking players have quarterbacks held the top two spots in the ESPN 300. Malachi Nelson and Dante Moore did it in 2023, and 2018 saw Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence battle for the top spot until the final ranking.

Quarterback Julian Lewis, a USC commit, remains No. 1 for the 2025 class, but Bryce Underwood, an LSU commit, has really elevated his game and is within striking distance. Underwood's ability to alter tempo and change ball speeds has really improved. He's also starting to develop more nuance to his throws instead of just being a fastball pitcher.

However, there isn't much more Lewis can do to prove himself, considering the level of production he's had at such an early stage versus top-tier competition. As we turn our focus to the 2025 class, a few prospects join Lewis and Underwood among the five-star ranks, and others are starting to stand out with the nation's best.

Jump to a section:
New five-stars | Big risers
Notable newcomers

New five-stars

LB Jonah Williams

Ranking: No. 8 (previously No. 23)
Uncommitted

Williams had already established himself as a top prospect coming out of his junior season. He is a versatile player who can contribute at safety, linebacker and even receiver, showing big-play ability at all three. He notched three pick-sixes in high school, including a pair that went for 100 yards. Williams was his district's defensive player of the year and excels at baseball. His March camp performance in Houston only accentuated his on-field play and boosted him to a fifth star. A big body at 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, he backed up his top-end game speed with an impressive 4.53 laser-timed 40-yard dash. Williams is an explosive player who demonstrated better-than-expected change of direction along with strong ball skills. Williams is reminiscent of former Notre Dame standout Kyle Hamilton. The two-sport star is coveted by programs such as Texas, Oklahoma, USC, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon and Texas A&M.

OT Solomon Thomas

Ranking: No. 14 (previously No. 20)
Committed: Florida State Seminoles

Thomas climbed into five-star range after consistently stacking great performances over the past year. He competed at a high level at the Under Armour Future 50 camp last summer, even with his left hand in a cast, and posted excellent junior tape. A 300-pounder who carries his weight well with a thick sturdy build, he has tested well and demonstrates good feet and body control in his play. He maximizes those physical tools with a competitive demeanor and aggressive style of play. Thomas is listed as a tackle but could move inside in college. If he does, he'll bring valuable versatility to play either position.

CB Devin Sanchez

Ranking: No. 12
Committed: Ohio State Buckeyes

Sanchez sat right on the cusp of a fifth star in the ESPN Junior 300 and propels into elite status with his verified 100-meter time this spring. He is a prospect at a premium position with coveted height, length and excellent speed. At 6-foot-2, he has the size to match up with bigger receivers and is a confident player with good feet who can stay with smaller, shifty receivers as well. He uses his length well to break up passes and continues to display the speed to cover ground and close. This is a player with all of the physical tools to be an elite college corner.

ATH D.J. Pickett

Ranking: No. 13
Uncommitted

A versatile player who has contributed on both sides of the ball, the lengthy, smooth athlete best projects to the secondary in college. He has the frame to develop at safety but moves well enough to project to play cornerback with his range and fluidity. Like Sanchez, he has posted good track times for his size. His ball skills, quickness and ability to play multiple positions bump him up in the rankings. A coveted prospect, Pickett has visits set with multiple schools in the coming months, including Miami, where his cousin Booker signed, as well as Oregon, Georgia and LSU with other programs in the mix as well.

Big risers

OT Ty Haywood

Ranking: No. 17 (previously No. 101)
Uncommitted

Haywood's performance at the Dallas Under Armour Next Camp in March provided a fresh reminder why the 2025 offensive line class is far deeper than the 2024 cycle -- and he's a big reason why. Haywood hasn't shied away from opportunities to compete over the last year. He demonstrates great lower body flexibility and excellent agility. With a wingspan over 80 inches, he possesses outstanding length and uses it well. Texas, Texas A&M, TCU, Oklahoma and Alabama are all working to get him on campus this spring.

DE Isaiah Gibson

Ranking: No. 28 (previously No. 135)
Committed: USC Trojans

Gibson's impressive junior film initially propelled him into the ESPN 300. After seeing the USC commit in person this offseason, he proved deserving of another big boost. An edge defender with tremendous length, he immediately catches your eye with his frame and keeps your attention with strong testing results. Gibson notched 20 sacks over the past two seasons and has the physical tools to be a disruptive pass-rushing presence. He should only improve in that area. Despite his lean build, Gibson has also shown good fight against the run with the functional strength to set the edge. He's establishing himself as one of the top pass-rushers in the class and can develop into a well-rounded defender, which is why he's jumping up in the rankings.

S Tae Harris

Ranking: No. 60 (previously No. 131)
Committed: Clemson Tigers

Harris made headlines this offseason by decommitting from in-state Georgia and then committing to Clemson. He created some on-field buzz as well, running a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash at a camp in Miami. His speed and range grab your attention, but Harris also shows good physicality in his play. His speed and toughness will bring versatility to the Tigers' secondary, where he can play either corner or safety.

QB Husan Longstreet

Ranking: No. 68 (previously No. 260)
Uncommitted

Longstreet was a standout in a very talented quarterback group at the UA Next Camp in Los Angeles. He was also MVP at Elite 11 in L.A. Longstreet has grown 2½ inches over the past two recruiting cycles while also bulking up. He's a dynamic athlete who can make every throw and change arm angles. Longstreet is scheduled to announce his commitment in April and is down to Oregon, UCLA, Auburn, Louisville, Michigan, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Miami.

QB Keelon Russell

Ranking: No. 81 (previously No. 212)
Committed: SMU Mustangs

Russell is tall, super-athletic and has a smooth stroke of a release and Duncanville to back-to-back state championships. The SMU commit, who was the Elite 11 MVP in Dallas, is coming in at the right time for the Mustangs as they join the Power 5 ranks as a member of the ACC.

CB Adonyss Currie

Ranking: No. 97 (previously No. 143)
Uncommitted

The 6-foot-2, 170-pound Currie has the measurables and recently ran a 4.45 laser-timed 40-yard dash. His 21.2 200-master dash is the best in the 2025 class, and he also posted a 10.6 100-meter. Those are blazing times. There aren't many corners with his height and that type of movement skills. Miami and Texas A&M are early contenders with Nebraska, Oregon and Washington in the mix.

DT Landon Rink

Ranking: No. 141 (previously No. 165)
Committed: Texas A&M Aggies

Rink is one of the most underrated prospects in this class. He deserves to be among the top defensive linemen considering his resumé. Rink consistently posts strong testing numbers and performances. He has gained nearly 50 pounds since spring 2022 while maintaining good testing numbers. He nicely blends strong physical tools, good technique and intense effort. His physical ceiling might not be as high as other players in the ESPN 300, but he should make an early impact and become a consistent, productive player in the trenches. Rink committed to Texas A&M on Wednesday.

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Notable new entrants

DL Smith Orogbo

Ranking: No. 101
Uncommitted

Orogbo could continue to rise the rankings with further evaluation once we see him in person. Orogbo is a disruptive edge defender who displays good snap anticipation and an explosive first step. He needs to continue to add mass but is active with his hands and can play with leverage. He moves well and can redirect and be a factor down the line of scrimmage. Texas Tech and SMU are in-state programs working to get Orogbo on campus this spring, with other programs also getting in the mix.

S Lagonza Hayward Jr.

Ranking: No. 104
Uncommitted

Hayward had a fantastic camp in Atlanta in March and has clocked in at 21 mph max speed on film at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. He has extremely long arms and his broad jump (over 10 feet) currently ranks third in the class and reflects his rare explosiveness. He could end up as a hybrid linebacker/nickel cornerback-type depending on his future size but is very scheme versatile. Tennessee, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, South Carolina are top contenders.

TE Andrew Olesh

Ranking: No. 151
Uncommitted

Olesh is emerging as one of the top tight ends in the 2025 cycle. He has a lean build and needs to continue to fill out, but he is an excellent receiving threat. Olesh uses his length well, has good hands and consistently extends to attack the ball. He also demonstrates particularly good body control and is a good route runner who can create separation. While Olesh needs to add weight, he still shows effort in his blocking. In addition to in-state Penn State, multiple SEC and ACC schools are working to get in the mix for Olesh.

LB Abduall Sanders Jr.

Ranking: No. 153
Committed: Alabama Crimson Tide

Sanders worked his way into the ESPN 300 with his impressive performance at the Los Angeles UA Next camp. He doesn't wow you physically at 6-1 and 225 pounds. Sanders lacks great length but moves deceptively well. He can be active against the run between the tackles with good agility and quickness. On film, he showed he can be productive in coverage as well. Sanders also performed well in a camp setting that would not necessarily highlight his strengths. It reinforced that the Alabama commit can be a three-down defender and one of the top linebackers in the class.

ATH Dalen Penson

Ranking: No. 162
Uncommitted

He projects at multiple positions, but the money position is at cornerback. He is a multisport athlete with off-the-chart testing variables. He's a triple jumper, long jumper and terrific in the high hurdles. He posted a scorching 4.48 laser-timed 40-yard dash in Atlanta and broad jumped over 10 feet. The 5-foot-11 Penson lacks ideal height but makes up for it in other areas. Penson should see his recruiting take off. He has visited Kentucky and Georgia Tech.

CB Bryson Webber

Ranking: No. 164
Uncommitted

Webber is a prospect we have kept our eye on throughout this recruiting cycle. We finally saw him in person in Houston last month. Webber measured 6-2½, ran a blazing 4.54 laser-timed 40-yard dash. He has also been clocked at 10.9 in the 100-meter. He was quite competitive during the one-on-one circuit and camp. We love Webber's length and speed combination to contest jump balls. Colleges are just starting to take notice of the under-the-radar talent, but Nebraska has already gotten in on him.

WR Rahim Hutchins Jr.

Ranking: No. 195
Uncommitted

Another track standout, Hutchins is a smooth, fluid athlete who is still developing bulk and strength, but his speed gives him an edge. He has run 10.83 100-meter in track and is a serious long jumper. He has a high ceiling for development and was one of the top performers at the UA Next camp in Houston consistently winning his reps. Houston, Nebraska, Michigan State are the early schools who have recognized his rare talent.

WR Jacob Washington

Ranking: No. 203
Uncommitted

Washington really surprised us with his explosiveness and quickness compared to what we had seen on film to this point. He posted the fastest 1/10 split of any player in the class who attended a camp and possesses excellent explosiveness off the line for a receiver with his length. We did not anticipate the 6-foot-3 wideout getting into his routes that fast or running a 4.54 laser-timed 40-yard dash. His recruiting is starting to take off with Arkansas, Missouri, Houston, Georgia Tech, Penn State and Mississippi State in the mix early.