Whether or not by the switch portal or a recent wave of highschool expertise, school soccer groups throughout the nation have replenished their rosters and even had an opportunity to judge a few of their early enrollees throughout spring soccer.
Rosters at the moment are largely set and preseason camp is a couple of months away. It’s a good time to mission newcomers who might have the most important influence on the 2025 season for every of the groups on Mark Schlabach’s Approach-Too-Early Prime 25 record.
Prime newcomer: WR Trebor Pena (Transferred from Syracuse)
Why: Whereas tight finish Tyler Warren lined up in all places and caught 104 passes for 1,223 yards final 12 months, Penn State hasn’t had a dominant extensive receiver since Jahan Dotson and did not have an effect choice out extensive in 2024. The Nittany Lions moved swiftly to overtake the place, additionally including Kyron Hudson (USC) and Devonte Ross (Troy), however Pena was the clear-cut high receiving menace within the spring portal. Pena has the ability set — and the mettle — to ship in essential conditions and be a go-to receiver for Drew Allar. Final season, Pena teamed with Kyle McCord at Syracuse to catch 84 passes for 941 yards and 9 touchdowns.
What to anticipate: Search for Pena to grow to be Allar’s constant beneath checkdown goal, significantly on key third-down conversions. Pena is flexible, dependable and slippery in tight quarters. Even when he would not match his 84-catch tempo at Penn State, which does not go almost as typically as Syracuse does, he ought to nonetheless substitute a few of the manufacturing and flexibility void left behind by Warren. The sixth-year senior ought to catch on quick in Completely happy Valley regardless of lacking spring apply. He’ll be the dependable slot who dominates zone protection with savvy route working and sudden breaks to create separation. Do not underestimate his fast influence within the return recreation as properly.
Prime newcomer: RB Gideon Davidson (No. 59 within the ESPN 300)
Why: The third-best working again within the 2025 ESPN 300, Davidson is a good instance of how enrolling early might help springboard a freshman towards an instantaneous influence. Early indicators are that he resembles Travis Etienne along with his fast learn and lower capacity and will step in instantly to assist substitute 1,100-yard rusher Phil Mafah. Davidson was Virginia’s 2024 Gatorade Participant of the Yr and tallied greater than 8,000 yards from scrimmage as a excessive schooler. His youth should not maintain him again given Clemson’s in any other case inexperienced working again room.
What to anticipate: Davidson is not as huge as Mafah, however he is quicker and can add a extra explosive cutback ingredient on zone runs. His nice imaginative and prescient and pace ought to match properly into Clemson’s schemes. Clemson might make the most of him rapidly as a change-of-pace, all-purpose again if he is not the featured again by the point the season opens. Clemson’s skilled passing recreation is the right antidote to take some strain off the freshman.
Prime newcomer: TE Jack Endries (Transferred from Cal)
Why: Do not undervalue a trusted go catcher at this place for a playoff contender with a brand new beginning quarterback. Gunnar Helm was extraordinarily productive in Steve Sarkisian’s offense final season with 60 catches for 786 receiving yards and 7 scores. Endries is lower from the identical fabric. He has smooth fingers with explosive potential after the catch, misleading pace and elusiveness. Endries may not be fairly as athletic as Helm, however he is agile with good physique management and runs very environment friendly routes to get open and catch the soccer. He led Cal in each catches (56) and yards (623) final season.
What to anticipate: Endries’ manufacturing may very well drop a bit at Texas, however he’ll play a significant function for a nationwide championship contender and supply quarterback Arch Manning a much-needed security valve. Endries is an every-down presence who can do no matter an offense requires. He makes use of his sturdy physique to rub off defenders and create separation on crossing routes. Endries will show to be a productive blocker and go catcher in a reasonably inexperienced tight ends room. Though Endries did not get the advantage of jelling with Manning in spring ball, he has a excessive IQ for each his place and the general recreation. He performed in a number of offensive schemes at Cal and may make a clean transition in Austin.
Prime newcomer: WR Zachariah Department (Transferred from USC)
Why: Whereas Talyn Taylor can have an impactful season as a real freshman, Department has expertise. He has been one in all school soccer’s actually dynamic skills with the ball in his fingers. He arrived in school with 4.39 40-yard sprint pace and have become an on the spot playmaker for the Trojans within the return recreation. He was this system’s first-ever freshman to be named a first-team All-American. After his manufacturing stagnated as a sophomore, he hopped within the portal. His playmaking capacity is a welcomed addition for a Georgia offense that was something however surehanded at extensive receiver in 2024, main all FBS packages with 36 receiver drops, in accordance with ESPN Analysis. Department ought to take a few of the strain off new Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton.
What to anticipate: Department might have the perfect season of his profession in Athens and assist the Dawgs offense grow to be extra constant than a 12 months in the past. He is the final word beneath checkdown and security valve who can create separation along with his suddenness and can complement Georgia’s larger exterior targets, equivalent to Texas A&M switch Noah Thomas, to create mismatches. He is explosive with the ball in his fingers after the catch as properly. With out nice returning working again manufacturing, anticipate offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to characteristic Department creatively on screens, jet sweeps, fast slants and crossers to maximise his capacity after the catch in area, He ought to grow to be a go-to third-down choice for Stockton.
Prime newcomer: TE Max Klare (Transferred from Purdue)
Why: The Buckeyes will introduce a bunch of latest starters on offense this season together with quarterback Julian Sayin. What’s the perfect weapon for a brand new quarterback? How about an elite pass-catching tight finish with wonderful fingers and polished route-running abilities who will not obtain numerous defensive consideration? Regardless of Purdue’s anemic offense, Klare managed a formidable 51 catches for 685 yards final season and the Boilermakers utilized him to create mismatches within the passing recreation by a number of units and formations. At 6-foot-4, Klare strikes properly and adjusts to tough throws whereas additionally creating separation as a route runner. He is an important runner who will get up the seam rapidly as a downfield menace.
What to anticipate: Klare is a flexible big-play goal who will double his touchdowns and enhance his yards per catch within the Buckeyes’ offense, however his quantity would possibly go down. Defenses will focus a lot on defending extensive receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate that Klare will probably be left to money in on alternatives beneath. Search for coach Ryan Day to get artistic along with his new playmaker to create mismatches on much less athletic linebackers in single protection and rack up record-breaking offensive numbers.
Prime newcomer: Edge Patrick Payton (Transferred from Florida State)
Why: Will Campbell turned an on the spot starter at LSU and simply went fourth general to the Patriots. So, it is easy to have a look at incoming five-star offensive deal with Solomon Thomas as a pure successor. However LSU’s most impactful newcomer will probably be somebody who will get after quarterbacks, not protects them. Payton needs to be lots motivated to make an instantaneous influence. He notched seven sacks in 2023 alongside future professionals Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, however his manufacturing went backward in a number one function. As soon as considered as a possible excessive draft decide, the clock’s ticking for Payton to show he could be the main man in his remaining 12 months of eligibility. The Tigers want it after shedding high edge rushers Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones, who mixed for 13 sacks in 2024.
What to anticipate: Double-digit sacks. Payton has a greater supporting solid round him and a scheme to get again to type. What does that imply for SEC foes? A Day 1 NFL draft expertise screaming off the sting. He is prolonged, fluid and explosive and may bend the nook and shut on quarterbacks when he is on his recreation and motivated. Consistency is the difficulty, however Payton has a recent begin and eyes on the NFL prize. He has a dynamic ability set, as he can drop in protection and chase performs down in area, however his pace and size will probably be utilized finest as a pass-rush specialist.
Prime newcomer: WR Malachi Fields (Transferred from Virginia)
Why: With Steve Angeli‘s switch to Syracuse, all indicators level to educate Marcus Freeman handing his offense over to redshirt freshman CJ Carr — a giant ask for an unproven, younger quarterback in a program that reached the nationwide title recreation final 12 months. Including a participant like Fields will take some strain off Carr. Fields is a large goal and contested-catch specialist at 6-foot-4, 220 kilos who was lots efficient at Virginia regardless of topsy-turvy quarterback play. He completed eighth within the ACC with 808 receiving yards on 55 catches, almost mirroring his 2023 manufacturing. Fields was additionally a workforce captain at Virginia and is well-equipped to step into the highlight for the Combating Irish in his remaining 12 months of eligibility.
What to anticipate: Extra explosive downfield performs in South Bend. Freeman has been selective within the switch portal, however there are huge plans for Fields in 2025. He ought to get away and truly surpass his manufacturing at Virginia given his superior surrounding solid at Notre Dame. Fields is an instantaneous improve over Notre Dame’s returning receivers, in addition to the departing duo of Jayden Thomas (Transferred to Virginia) and Beaux Collins (New York Giants). Fields is a confirmed receiver with all of the bodily attributes to assist Carr acclimate rapidly as a rookie quarterback, serving as a big-bodied, athletic goal on the skin. Fields is arguably a sharper route runner and a extra sturdy, constant exterior menace than Collins, who averaged 12 yards per catch final 12 months.
Prime newcomer: WR Dakorien Moore (No. 4 within the ESPN 300)
Why: Within the switch portal period, it is more durable than ever for freshmen to make an instantaneous influence. However this is not your typical freshman. Moore is the highest-graded receiver ESPN has evaluated since 2020. His 93 grade tops latest five-stars equivalent to Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith in 2024, Zachariah Department in 2023 and Luther Burden III in 2022. The 2025 Beneath Armour All-American recreation MVP, Moore notched greater than 4,000 receiving yards in a battle-tested atmosphere at Duncanville (Texas) Excessive Faculty, the place he ran a scorching 10.4 100-meter sprint and anchored the college’s 4×200 relay workforce that set a nationwide report final spring with a time of 1:22.25. New Geese beginning quarterback Dante Moore will profit from a blazing beneath weapon who’s a menace after the catch.
What to anticipate: Moore will probably be a starter by midseason — he is just too proficient to maintain off the sphere. He is an even bigger, quicker model of Tez Johnson, who led Oregon in receiving final season and was drafted within the seventh spherical by the Buccaneers. Moore’s dynamic abilities ought to permit the Geese to maneuver veteran playmaker Evan Stewart round extra throughout the offense. Moore is assured, aggressive and sensible. Being on campus this spring was extraordinarily useful for his acclimation to high-level school soccer. Moore checks all of the bins bodily, and Oregon is aware of it could possibly use him in a wide range of methods.
Prime newcomer: WR Lotzeir Brooks (No. 102 within the ESPN 300)
Why: Alabama wasn’t significantly aggressive within the switch portal, so there could possibly be a chance for a freshman from its fourth-ranked recruiting class to emerge. The 5-9, 180-pound Brooks is essentially the most adorned highschool receiver to come back out of New Jersey, setting the state report for receiving yards (4,615) and touchdowns (67). He arrived in Tuscaloosa early and turned heads in Alabama’s spring practices as a slot receiver.
What to anticipate: Enjoying alongside sophomore Ryan Williams, Brooks might emerge as a contributor in Kalen DeBoer’s offense because the season progresses. He is small however dynamic and really fast and sudden in his actions. Brooks creates separation as a route runner, particularly beneath. He is a chain-mover after the catch with nice burst and acceleration, and he sees the sphere properly. Brooks might showcase these attributes early on as a punt returner as properly.
Prime newcomer: DT Keanu Tanuvasa (Transferred from Utah)
Why: BYU ranked thirteenth in FBS workforce protection final 12 months, and its opportunistic secondary led the Massive 12 with 22 interceptions. However its defensive entrance, which wasn’t overly disruptive, misplaced 4 starters, and the Cougars did not have any gamers drafted. If Tanuvasa stays wholesome and performs as much as his potential, each of these issues will change within the close to future. Tanuvasa began 19 of 24 video games for the Utes and was an All-Massive 12 honorable point out final 12 months regardless of enjoying in solely seven video games due to accidents. The 6-4, 301-pounder has two years of eligibility remaining, nevertheless it will not be a shock if he garners early-round draft consideration ought to he play a full season. Till then, he’ll be the kind of inside defensive presence Kalani Sitake likes to construct round.
What to anticipate: His stats will not bounce off the web page, however he would require double-teams and full consideration from opposing offenses, releasing up the Cougars’ go rushers off the sting. If groups attempt to single-block Tanuvasa, anticipate pockets to break down rapidly due to his quickness, energy and excessive motor. His stout presence will eat up blocks and free proficient linebackers Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly to make performs behind the road of scrimmage versus the run. The void up entrance left by Tyler Batty & Co. will not be noticeable due to Tanuvasa’s manufacturing and management.
Prime newcomer: WR Hudson Clement (Transferred from West Virginia)
Why: The Illini have fascinating continuity at quarterback with Luke Altmyer returning for his third season. Now, they should encompass him with playmaking and expertise, particularly contemplating their lack of chunk performs in 2024. So whereas true freshman receiver Brayden Trimble is somebody to look at, Clement has school expertise. A former West Virginia walk-on, Clement began 19 video games over the previous two seasons, together with 12 final 12 months, when he set profession highs in receptions (51) and yards (741). Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin mixed for 51% of Illinois’ receptions final season. Each have moved on, that means there is a ton of alternative for Clement to rapidly stand up to hurry and grow to be Altmyer’s new favourite goal.
What to anticipate: Clement will finish the season as Illinois’ best receiver and the highest goal for Altmyer. His upside is extraordinarily excessive and he is an skilled Energy 4 veteran. Clement confirmed flashes this spring and has a mixture of Bryant’s and Franklin’s traits. The 6-foot-1, 205 pounder has a pleasant body and a savvy really feel for navigating zone protection and discovering the smooth spots within the second and third ranges of the protection. Clement is a really dependable downfield goal with wonderful fingers and physique management. His management expertise within the extensive receiver room will probably be simply as vital as his play on the sphere.
Prime newcomer: RB Kanye Udoh (Transferred from Military)
Why: Following Cam Skattebo would require a sure form of psychological toughness, which is strictly what Udoh brings after spending two years at Military. It is unfair to imagine any participant can substitute Skattebo, who had over 2,300 mixed yards final 12 months for a School Soccer Playoff contender and made an outsized off-the-field influence on this system as properly earlier than departing for the NFL. Udoh was used instantly at Military, working for 524 yards as a freshman, then adopted it up with a 1,117-yard marketing campaign final 12 months with 10 touchdowns on 6.2 yards per contact.
What to anticipate: The continuation of a ground-and-pound offense. Udoh will fill the manufacturing void left by Skattebo with an analogous bodily presence that wears down a protection, eats the clock and makes him a fan favourite like his predecessor. Udoh truly has higher acceleration out of his cuts and top-end pace than Skattebo. If he falls brief on manufacturing, Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown will assist decide up the slack for among the best backfields within the Massive 12.
Prime newcomer: C Boaz Stanley (Transferred from Troy)
Why: The Gamecocks have the expertise to interrupt by and attain the School Soccer Playoff for the primary time, and dual-threat quarterback LaNorris Sellers has a really actual likelihood to grow to be the primary quarterback drafted following the 2025 season. However these expectations might come crashing down if South Carolina cannot solidify its basis from the within out, which isn’t any certain factor contemplating the Gamecocks should substitute their total inside beginning line from final season. Stanley needs to be a steadying presence at middle. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Troy switch arrives with loads of beginning expertise, the flexibility to kick out to deal with in a pinch and a technically sound play fashion — he did not commit any penalties in 2024.
What to anticipate: Stanley would be the catalyst behind an explosive South Carolina offense that exceeds expectations. He’ll maintain Sellers upright and open holes for switch working again Rahsul Faison, who might problem Stanley as the highest newcomer in Columbia. Stanley has a strong decrease physique and wonderful base to anchor in go safety and drive blockers off the ball on downhill run schemes. South Carolina will covet his versatility to play both on the inside or exterior at deal with. Whereas his physicality and leverage will draw rave critiques, his management qualities on the key middle place and ending angle will make Gamecocks teammates higher round him.
Prime newcomer: WR Chase Sowell (Transferred from East Carolina)
Why: Sowell has huge sneakers to fill in Ames. Iowa State is coming off essentially the most wins in program historical past (11), and the Houston Texans simply drafted a pair of Cyclones receivers, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, within the second and third rounds, respectively. Higgins and Noel mixed for simply over 60% of Iowa State’s receptions a 12 months in the past. The 6-foot-4 Sowell arrives with big-play capacity after averaging 19.9 yards per reception final 12 months over 9 video games for East Carolina. Sowell started his profession at Colorado however was restricted by accidents as a freshman earlier than he transferred. He’ll must show he can keep wholesome, however Sowell has the expertise to grow to be a fast favourite of quarterback Rocco Becht and rack up chunk performs for Iowa State.
What to anticipate: Sowell and Xavier Townsend will step in and substitute a lot of the void left by Higgins and Noel. Sowell is lengthy, clean for his measurement and may actually run vertically. He is not fairly as sturdy as his predecessors, however he is extra fluid and elusive. He is a simple mover like Higgins and may execute on all three ranges of the Iowa State passing offense. Matt Campbell is one the perfect within the nation at discovering and growing scheme matches. Sowell is already developed and positively matches the Cyclones’ system.
Prime newcomer: WR Hyperlink Rhodes (Transferred from San Joaquin Delta School)
Why: Rhodes wasn’t a extremely ranked recruit out of Dawn Mountain Excessive Faculty in Las Vegas, however the 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver ranked No. 23 on ESPN’s junior school rankings after breaking out for 607 yards on 46 catches final 12 months at San Joaquin Delta School, the place he additionally gained a California Group School Athletic Affiliation state observe championship by working a ten.59 100-meter sprint for the college’s observe workforce. There’s loads of alternative for Rhodes to jell rapidly with quarterback Kevin Jennings contemplating SMU’s three main receivers from final season are all gone.
What to anticipate: Rhodes wasn’t on campus this spring, however it is going to be onerous to maintain his uncommon mix of measurement and pace off the sphere. SMU’s supporting solid round him lacks firepower, which is why Rhodes can grow to be the quick go-to menace, with freshman ESPN 300 extensive receiver Daylon Singleton a detailed second. Whereas it is a vital bounce in competitors from junior school to the ACC, Rhodes has the explosiveness and good ball abilities to be a playmaker each beneath with yards after the catch in addition to a downfield goal. He additionally has nice abilities within the return recreation.
Prime newcomer: Edge David Bailey (Transferred from Stanford)
Why: Bailey is the jewel of one of many nation’s most spectacular switch lessons. The sting defender entered the portal after Stanford fired Troy Taylor in late March and had no scarcity of suitors, rating because the second-best prospect out there this spring. The previous four-star California native was a disruptive presence virtually as quickly as he stepped foot on campus in Stanford. He tallied 14.5 profession sacks, together with seven in 2024, in addition to 22.5 profession tackles for loss.
What to anticipate: Top-of-the-line entrance sevens in school soccer. The Pink Raiders made a handful of notable additions, together with bringing in one other edge rusher in Romello Peak (Georgia Tech), however Bailey is a lower above. He is not the most important at 6-foot-3, 250 kilos, however he is lots quick and explosive. He’s just like Abdul Carter, the No. 3 decide on this 12 months’s NFL draft. Bailey is a robust, tightly wound burst of pace and energy off the sting and may actually do it as an every-down defender. He is a stout and disruptive early-down run defender, and his capacity to come back off the nook to shut on quarterbacks is nearly as good as anybody in school soccer.
Prime newcomer: QB Fernando Mendoza (Transferred from Cal)
Why: Mendoza is likely one of the most important additions throughout the nation after rating fifth in ESPN’s switch rankings. He arrives in Bloomington with far more fanfare than Kurtis Rourke a 12 months in the past, however he’ll have a excessive bar to clear. Rourke threw for 3,042 yards and 29 touchdowns to simply 5 interceptions after transferring from Ohio, and guided Indiana to an surprising playoff look. Mendoza should now acclimate to Curt Cignetti’s offense and assist the Hoosiers navigate the Massive Ten with a a lot larger goal on their again.
What to anticipate: Mendoza ought to surpass Rourke’s manufacturing and make Indiana a critical contender once more. Initially dedicated to Yale earlier than touchdown at Cal, Mendoza has the soccer aptitude to thrive on this state of affairs. He was quietly one of many ACC’s higher quarterbacks final 12 months, finishing almost 69% of his passes with a 16-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He can have significantly better safety up entrance than he had at Cal and extra explosive weapons at his disposal. When given time, he could make all of the throws and is arguably extra correct with a faster launch than Rourke. Mendoza has nice zip on the ball however is not all flash. He’ll maintain his eyes downfield, take a success when wanted and is ultracompetitive. He ought to flourish on this Hoosiers offense and grow to be a possible first-round decide.
Prime newcomer: WR Jaron Tibbs (Transferred from Purdue)
Why: Kansas State hit the portal onerous to reshape its receiver room and capitalize on its window with dynamic dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson. Tibbs’ manufacturing final season of 25 catches for 305 yards and two touchdowns would not stand out, however he truly led Purdue’s offense in receptions by a wideout. At 6-foot-3, 210 kilos, Tibbs brings nice measurement and an intriguing multisport background. He is the all-time main receiver at Indiana’s Cathedral Excessive Faculty — the alma mater of Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin — with 2,479 yards and was additionally a dynamic basketball participant.
What to anticipate: Tibbs will compete for a big share of targets early on. He had a formidable spring exhibiting wherein his polished ability set helped him gel properly with Johnson. He has a giant body to win positioning on contested balls and powerful fingers with a big catch radius. Tibbs shouldn’t be an explosive chain-mover with the ball in his fingers, however he is a really dependable exterior goal who can work the center of the sphere and grow to be that huge conversion goal for Johnson. Kansas State returns main receiver Jayce Brown, however Tibbs and fellow transfers Jerand Bradley (Boston School) and Caleb Medford (TCU) will spherical out the revamped passing assault.
Prime newcomer: WR Dallas Wilson (No. 43 within the ESPN 300)
Why: Florida’s first order of enterprise is getting quarterback DJ Lagway wholesome after he missed time this spring with a shoulder ailment. Subsequent? Figuring out the suitable weapons to place round its star quarterback. The Gators introduced in a number of new go catchers, together with potential breakouts in freshman Vernell Brown III and switch J. Michael Sturdivant, however Wilson has an opportunity to emerge as the most important hit of all of them. The 6-foot-4 Tampa native almost made it to Oregon earlier than requesting a launch to return house to Florida.
What to anticipate: Massive manufacturing from the true freshman. Wilson amassed almost 2,500 receiving yards as a excessive schooler and did not wait lengthy to make a powerful first impression, catching 10 passes for 195 yards and two scores in Florida’s spring recreation with Louisville switch quarterback Harrison Bailey on the helm. He is a matchup nightmare along with his measurement and pace mixture and he is forward of the curve in regard to the understanding of route ideas. He has spectacular pace with a 6-foot-4, 190-pound body, working within the 4.5s in highschool. Wilson will workforce up with Brown, who was slotted one step forward of him within the ESPN 300 extensive receiver rankings, together with Sturdivant to show an offseason weak spot right into a power.
Prime newcomer: Bryce Underwood (No. 1 within the ESPN 300)
Why: After taking a large step again at quarterback in 2024 following J.J. McCarthy’s departure for the NFL, Michigan went all-in on the NIL entrance to flip Underwood from LSU. He arrives in Ann Arbor as the college’s most anticipated quarterback recruit since not less than Drew Henson — if not ever — and is just the fourth five-star to finish up at Michigan since 2006, per ESPN’s rankings. Underwood was a two-time Gatorade Participant of the Yr winner in Michigan and gained 50 video games as a excessive schooler, totaling almost 13,000 all-purpose yards and 179 touchdowns. Michigan desperately wants quarterback assist after producing the No. 131 passing offense in 2024.
What to anticipate: Sherrone Moore introduced in Fresno State switch Mikey Keene, however Underwood is clearly the long-term reply at quarterback, and he ought to win the job this season and enhance steadily because it progresses. The 6-foot-4, 208-pounder has distinctive arm expertise to assault the intermediate and deep passing ranges with sufficient mobility to increase performs and maintain defenses sincere. He is nice when making off-platform throws with instincts and an general recreation that reminds us of Trevor Lawrence. Underwood did not gentle up spring ball, however he was strong in his first style of school, particularly contemplating he dealt with the workload with Keene sidelined due to harm. There will probably be rising pains, however Underwood ought to solely get higher with extra time, particularly if he can depend on a robust supporting solid whereas settling in early.
Prime newcomer: CB Xavier Lucas (Transferred from Wisconsin)
Why: Whereas QB Carson Beck is the most important title, he was additionally restricted in spring apply as he returns from elbow surgical procedure. Lucas, in the meantime, might emerge as a real No. 1 nook throughout from breakout freshman OJ Frederique Jr. and create a much-improved tandem on the boundaries for a Hurricanes secondary that struggled in 2024. A Florida native, Lucas made 18 tackles, an interception and a sack over 203 snaps as a freshman at Wisconsin. His arrival in Coral Gables triggered a stir after he transferred to Miami regardless of Wisconsin refusing to enter his title within the portal, however he enrolled this spring and rapidly made a robust impression on Miami’s teaching workers.
What to anticipate: Lucas would be the chief of a revamped secondary and make performs all through the backend and perimeter. The Hurricanes introduced in 5 transfers who might push for taking part in time, however Lucas has the perfect ceiling, scheme versatility and general ability set. He has a supreme mix of measurement, size and restoration burst as a shutdown nook. He may also use that measurement at 6-foot-2, 198 kilos to set edge on run help. He has the bodily make-up to be an all-conference-type security as properly. Lucas additionally has a excessive soccer IQ in terms of studying route ideas and enjoying with consciousness. This may permit the Canes to deploy him at each the boundary and area nook place, which provides excessive worth.
Prime newcomer: QB Miller Moss (Transferred from USC)
Why: In including Moss, Jeff Brohm is hoping to go 3-for-3 unlocking switch quarterbacks following the success of Tyler Shough and Jack Plummer. Satirically, Moss lit up Louisville in his first profession begin, throwing for 372 yards and 6 touchdowns within the 2023 Vacation Bowl after beforehand backing up Caleb Williams at USC. Moss gained the Trojans’ beginning job in 2024 and was regular albeit unspectacular, throwing for two,555 yards and 18 touchdowns to 9 interceptions over 9 video games with a 64.4% completion charge earlier than shedding the beginning job. Moss walks into a good state of affairs. Louisville has spent elements of every of the previous two seasons ranked amongst school soccer’s high 25 and returns a robust supporting solid, together with extensive receiver Caullin Lacy and breakout freshman working again Isaac Brown.
What to anticipate: Brohm ought to deliver out the perfect within the former highschool All-American who has struggled to take his recreation to the following stage. Moss is sensible and battle-tested, making him a really perfect candidate for this pro-style offense. Louisville will depend on him to make sensible selections distributing the soccer to a number of weapons. He has a chance to place up huge numbers in Brohm’s passing assault, which pushes the ball vertically, however he will not bear all of the strain because of a formidable dashing attacking to enhance the passing recreation. Moss ought to have higher general steadiness than he had at USC.
Prime newcomer: WR KC Concepcion (Transferred from NC State)
Why: On the floor, the pairing of Concepcion and Texas A&M appears to be like like an ideal match. Concepcion ranked No. 17 on ESPN’s switch rankings and is likely one of the finest returning receivers within the nation. He hit the market within the hopes of discovering an offense that might assist his manufacturing development again towards his freshman output in 2023, when he gained ACC Rookie of the Yr after catching 71 passes for 839 yards. The Aggies, in the meantime, desperately coveted a lead receiver for quarterback Marcel Reed to assist reboot one of many SEC’s weakest passing assaults. Concepcion, Mario Craver (Mississippi State) and Jonah Wilson (Houston) are all a part of the answer for Mike Elko in 2025.
What to anticipate: Concepcion’s manufacturing to resemble 2023. His expertise and work ethic already confirmed up this spring. He is a cultured route runner and an elusive menace with the ball in his fingers. Concepcion is fast to grab passes and transition up the seam for large gainers. He is tough for defensive backs to reflect in off-coverage. Concepcion has the versatile ability set to create mismatches and all-purpose yards from completely different alignments on this Aggies offense. He is poised for a really profitable season as a focus out of the slot.
Prime newcomer: DE Da’Shawn Womack (Transferred from LSU)
Why: Ole Miss had the fourth-worst go protection within the SEC final season and overhauled its secondary through the portal within the offseason. However generally one of the simplest ways to assist a leaky go protection is to beef up the go rush. Womack has the instruments to commonly dwell in opposing backfields, even when the one-time five-star recruit did not get that kind of alternative over two years as a part-time participant at LSU, the place he had 23 tackles and a couple of.5 sacks as an underclassman. Womack has a a lot clearer pathway to common enjoying time in Pete Golding’s scheme below the tutelage of Randall Joyner at Ole Miss in 2025.
What to anticipate: Womack ought to attain double-digit sacks in his first season in Oxford. These are daring expectations, however we really feel Womack nonetheless has untapped potential and is prepared for a breakout season. At 6-foot-4 and 255 kilos in highschool, he nonetheless ran a 4.7 laser-verified 40-yard sprint and had a 30-inch vertical. Womack has stored the pace and solely gotten larger since getting to varsity. He confirmed flashes of his explosive athleticism and created good strain when given the chance in Baton Rouge. Search for him to play a task just like Princely Umanmielen (6-foot-4, 244 kilos, 4.72 40) as they possess comparable measurables with that spectacular burst, stride and bend off the nook.
Prime newcomer: QB John Mateer (Transferred from Washington State)
Why: Oklahoma’s first foray into the SEC fell flat as a result of five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold and the Sooners’ offense averaged simply 24.0 factors per recreation, their worst scoring common since 1998. Arnold then transferred to Auburn, so Mateer fills a large want for Brent Venables at his most vital place. The twin-threat quarterback was liable for 3,965 whole yards main Washington State’s offense final 12 months, and his 44 mixed touchdowns tied with Cam Ward for many within the nation. Mateer will not have any hassle getting in control both, as he adopted his offensive coordinator at Washington State, Ben Arbuckle, on the identical path to Norman.
What to anticipate: Mateer will gentle up SEC scoreboards in 2025 and Oklahoma ought to bounce again. With weapons round him at extensive receiver and a wholesome Jaydn Ott to alleviate some early-down strain within the backfield, the offense ought to come out of the gate quick, significantly with Mateer’s confidence and familiarity with the system. He is a quick-release rhythm passer who will unfold the ball out decisively and precisely beneath and win on his strikes downfield. Mateer can run, too, which can complement this model of the Air Raid pass-heavy offense. The Sooners have far more depth up entrance to maintain him upright, however Mateer will present extra pure playmaking capacity to increase performs and get out of hassle than Arnold did a season in the past.