1.Cj Carr
Grandson of legendary Michigan Head Coach Lyod Carr might forge his own legacy in the historic college football program Notre Dame.
2025 was record breaking season for Notre Dame QB. Lead the Fighting Irish to 10-2 record that SHOULDVE made him qualify for the college football playoffs but let’s not get into that…
Carr had some very impressive numbers he should be very proud of himself, I was really impressed way he threw the ball in tight windows, staying poised in the pocket. The kid is the next star for Notre Dame.
Passing: 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions.
Efficiency: He finished with a 66.6% completion rate and a 168.1 passer rating, which ranked No. 6 nationally.
PFF Standing: He earned a 93.4 grade for his performance against Purdue—the highest grade for a Notre Dame QB since PFF began tracking the stat in 2014
Analysts and fans point to several “historic” moments from his 2025 campaign that proved his elite status:
- Big Game Poise: In his first career start against Miami, he led a late scoring drive to tie the game in the fourth quarter.
- Record-Breaking Starts: Through his first six games, he threw for 1,622 yards, the most by an Irish quarterback in that span since 2014.
- Vertical Threat: He set a freshman record with eight passes of 40+ yards
“He has this unique trait that very few people have,” Freeman said. “He is … a competitive, selfless individual. It’s not about CJ Carr. He’s not so competitive that, ‘I want to be able to throw for this amount.’ It’s like, ‘Whatever we got to do to win, if I got to motivate, if I got to work, if I got to put my head down and run if I got to throw the ball,’ whatever it takes to win, like, he has that trait. He hates to lose, and then he’s mature in the way he prepares.” https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46423123/notre-dame-freeman-praises-cj-carr-rare-early-success
2026 really looking forward to watching CJ Carr always hungry to watching upcoming QB’s with first round talent.
2.Kj Duff
Caught my eye in 2025 as I live in NYC, Rutgers is the Tri-State Area College Football team and one there standout players is KJ Duff, Wide Receiver that broke out that earned himself Second Team All-Big Ten.
Why He Caught My Eye
2025, Duff became the 7th player in Rutgers history to have 1,000 yards receiving taking advantage of his 6foot6inches body to dominate cornerbacks.
#1 game in 2026 was against Big Ten opponent Purdue by recording 241 yards which is insane.
Final Stats- 60 Receptions, 1084 yards and 7 TD‘s.
Against an Iowa defense known for having one of the most disciplined secondaries in the country (led by veteran DBs like Sebastian Castro and Zach Lutmer), Duff was a model of efficiency.
- Stats: 151 receiving yards on a career-high 9 receptions.
- The Matchup: Iowa typically utilizes a “bend-but-don’t-break” zone. Duff specialized in finding the soft spots in their coverage and using his size to secure catches in traffic.
- Impact: He was the primary reason Rutgers was able to move the chains against a unit that rarely gives up explosive plays.
Perfectly represents that Blue Collar New Jersey Work Ethic as from Coach Schiano and teammates give him high praise for always pushing to get better in the gym.
Player of this caliber would be receiving multi-milion dollar NIL Deals from top CFB programs like LSU, Miami, Alabama but stayed loyal to Rutgers. I respect the loyalty.
3.Mark Fletcher Jr
The “U” is back returning to there Dynasty from the 80s to early 2000’s. Returning to the College Football National Championship after long layoff bringing back the New Era of Miami Hurricanes football. Heart and Soul of the Hurricanes is Running Back Mark Fletcher Jr.
Earned the nickname “Big Bully” during his recruitment and lived up to the name in 2025 having one of the best offensive seasons in the ACC Conference.
Season Totals: 1,192 Rushing Yards(ACC Leader) and 14 TD’s.
The Profile
- Vitals: 6’2″, 225 lbs.
- Style: A “prototype” three-down back with a rare blend of power and grace. Scouts describe him as having the build of a linebacker but the movement of a receiver.
- Key Strength: Yards after contact. In early 2025, he averaged 3.8 yards after contact per run, showing elite leg drive to run through arm tackles.
Made his name known performing under the lights for the College Football Playoff averaging 131.7 rushing yards. National Championship vs the tough Indiana defense rushed for 112 yards & 2 TD’s. Showing the football fans he’s one of the best running backs in the Country, next great RB alumni from the Hurricanes. E
Extremely impressed way he performed against the best College Football Teams. Dealing with adversity with the sad passing of his Father made it even more impressed. He shined with all the mental pressure. Shows the mental toughness.
“He’s a dawg, man,” Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. said. “When you’re the top dawg, that’s all you can create. … It’s a guy that will get the job done no matter what. He loves adversity. That’s what a dawg is. He will push through it.” https://www.news4jax.com/sports/2026/01/13/mario-cristobals-path-back-to-miami-was-forged-by-family-he-has-miami-on-the-cusp-of-a-cfp-title/
Crying post game as Mario Cristobal consoled after the Championship Loss to Indiana. Making mission to return to the CFB Final once more and Mark Fletcher Jr hungry for it. Staying for his senior year and will remain Loyal to the “U”. Pursuit of excellence in 2026 looking for historic Miami running back season ending with a championship to increase his Draft Value.
4.Sammy Brown
Alpha of the Clemson Tigers defensive side of the ball is Sophmore Linebacker Sammy Brown. Defensive equivalent of a Pitbull. High motor styled player that coaches love and same for me as well. Deep appreciation for Captains of the defense like Sammy Brown who just are relentless every single play and just have that dawg mentality.
The Linebacker is freak athlete with high level machine. Finished 2025 as 3rd Team All-American.
The 2025 “Workhorse” Campaign
- Stats- 106 tackles, 13.5 TFL’s, 5 sacks and 5 Pass Breakups.
- Iron Man-734 Defensive Snaps
- Award-First Team All-American ACC
Sammy Brown’s skill set is a unique blend of “old school” toughness and “new age” athleticism. He isn’t just an aggressive hitter; he is a scientifically gifted athlete who uses a wrestling and track background to dominate the field.
Standout Skills
Quick to Trigger- Gifted with reading plays. Not afraid to go. Perfectly times the plays.
Freestyle Wrestling- Two time State Wrestling Champion to his advantage. Beautifully tackling form bringing down running backs with ease and with his strong lower body can push back offensive lineman.
Clemson Football isn’t matching there standards of winning Championships or competing for titles in 2025 as there season was subpar but on the brightside they have the leader for “Meathead” University Sammy Brown who looks to be top candidate for Dick Butkus Award.
5.Brandon Finney
Deep appreciation for lockdown corners since I started watching Football and I love watching True Freshman Brandon Finney Oregon rising star cornerback.
Heavily recruited as top 10 cornerback out of high school choose Oregon as he came with #1 cornerback recruit Na’eem Offord to Oregon. Late in season earned himself starting spot and will never give it up!!
Major compliment for cornerback is when QB’s stop throwing to your side of the field, November that stopped happening. Honestly insane he’s receiving that respect as a true freshman in 2025.
2025 Stat Line: The Breakout
Finney didn’t just play; he took over games during Oregon’s 2025 College Football Playoff run.
- Tackles: 42 total (28 solo).
- Interceptions: 3 (including a massive game-tying pick-six against Indiana in the regular season).
- Passes Defended: 8.
- Turnovers: 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 forced fumbles.
- Big Stage Production: He was named the Orange Bowl MVP on January 1, 2026, after a dominant performance against Texas Tech (2 INTs, 1 fumble recovery, 6 tackles
- Comparison- Antonio Cromartie
“His preparation is second to none,” Lanning said. “He works really hard and watches a lot of film, works hard on the practice field. He strains in practice, and it shows up in games.” https://247sports.com/college/oregon/article/brandon-finney-jr-has-aspirations-beyond-his-years-im-trying-to-be-the-best-corner-in-america-257158684/
“I’m not satisfied with what I’ve done,” Finney Jr. said when speaking to media members on Wednesday. “I’m not trying to be the best freshman, I’m trying to be the best corner in America.” https://duckswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/ducks/football/2025/10/15/oregon-ducks-brandon-finney-jr-high-expectations/86712305007/
2026 looking forward to watching Brandon Finney Jr play at the highest level as he continues to improve physically and mentally. Competing against the best wide receivers in the country in the Big Ten Conference & College Football Playoff potentially.
6.Drew Mestemaker
Fascinated by underdogs, sleeper propsects that are flying under the radar and North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker perfectly fits the bill. Walk on for North Texas in the beginning but by the end of the year was Number One in the NATION for Passing Yards what an amazing underdog story.
2025 Stats: The “Statistical King”
Mestemaker put up video-game numbers at North Texas, earning him the Burlsworth Trophy (given to the nation’s best former walk-on):
- Passing Yards: 4,379 (No. 1 in the nation).
- Passing TDs: 34.
- Total Yards: 4,468.
- Signature Game: He threw for 608 yards in a single game against Charlotte.
- Accolades: American Conference Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-AAC.
“I’ve seen the growth of a guy coming in as a fifth-string walk-on just hoping for an opportunity to keep throwing the ball, to two short years later, you’re watching him on SportsCenter. To watch him handle that, stay the same guy, not have an ego… has been fun to watch.” — Coach Eric Morris
Transferring from North Texas to Oklahoma State following Eric Morris and his Air Raid offense. Becoming the next Brandon Weeden and Mason for Oklahoma State. Bigger spotlight for scoring machine quarterback.
7.Malachi Toney
Crown Jewel for the upstart University of Miami football team is rising star Wide Receiver Malachi Toney. Taking the Hurricanes by storm by being the offensive centerpiece in 2026.
Freshman Season Miami
Record breaking season- School record 109 receptions, 1211 receiving yards and 10 TD’s.
Utility Player–Used as rusher(113 yards 1 TD)
Awards–ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year and First Team All-ACC
Skyrocketed into the conversation by performing at a high level. Toney had 10 catches for 122 yards and a TD in the National Championship Game against Indiana.
Played like a fearless veteran on the field dominating the tough Indiana defense playing great against talented first rounders like D’Angelo Ponds.
Majority of freshman heavily rely on there speed but Toney has a natural talent for route running. Might be five foot 11 but plays like’s a prototype six foot three receiver.
Coach Mario Cristobal has a ultimate weapon in Malachi Toney as the next great wide receiver from the Hurricanes.
“Malachi Toney, he’s special. We were trying to keep him a secret, but it didn’t take long. What’s special about him is just his approach to the game. That guy approaches the game as if he’s a fifth-year, sixth-year NFL vet. Always at it. Always working. He’s just getting started.” — Postgame, September 2025
Looking forward to watching Malachi Toney perform next year in his Sophmore Season hopefully he brings Miami Hurricanes back to the National Championship being a major centerpiece. True pleasure watching this Star play on the football field.
8. Xavier Lucas
Real sucker for shut down cornerback with the mixture of smash mouth playing style. Miami Hurricane Cornerback Xavier Lucas perfectly represents that.
Malachi Toney is the Offensive Centerpiece, Xavier Lucas is the Defensive Centerpiece as a true sophomore.
2025 season
2025 was a breakout year Wisconsin transfer to premier cornerback to the Miami Hurricanes.
At 6’2 and 198lbs, Lucas takes advantage of his physical size and athletic gifts just jamming receivers from the line of scrimmage. Perfectly representing what Miami represents that toughness.
Xavier Lucas has been the most consistent corner… He can make the checks at the corner position. You can put him at safety. He knows what to do. He eats up the film room and wants to be coached and developed.” — Spring Practice, 2025
2025 stats
-Shutdown Corner in 2025 targeted fewer than 4 times per game.
–Finished the season with 45 total tackles(30)solo proving he is just as dangerous in run support as he is coverage.
Cotton Bowl vs Ohio State #1 mission was defending the superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith. Xavier made the most important play of the game by picking off Julian Sayin to win the game in the 4th quarter.
Miami Hurricanes are back on the map and Xavier Lucas gonna take advantage of the opportunity by being one of the best cornerbacks in the country in 2026.
9.Colin Simmons
New Breed of Texas Longhorn football is terrifying passing rusher Colin Simmons. Rising Star Defensive End.
Freshman Year for Colin Simmons was awarded Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, Freshman All-American and SEC All-American. Can’t have better Freshman Year in football than this!! Texas Longhorns have a potential top 5 pick in few years.
Simmons 2025 Season
Avoided the Sophomore slump in 2025 by continuing his excellence. Solidifying himself as one of the most feared edge rushers in college football. He was a dominant force for a Texas defense that featured several high-profile stars, ending the season as the SEC sack leader.
2025 Defensive Production
- Sacks: 12.0 (led the SEC; recorded at least one sack in each of the final five games).
- Tackles for Loss (TFL): 15.5 (accounting for 63 yards lost).
- Total Tackles: 43 (23 Solo / 20 Assisted).
- Forced Fumbles: 3 (including high-impact strip-sacks against Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas).
- QB Hurries: 15
Accolades & Achievements
- SEC Sack Leader: Finished the season atop the conference rankings.
- First-Team All-SEC: Unanimous selection by coaches.
- Second-Team All-American: Named by the AFCA and The Sporting News.
- Multi-Week SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week: Won the award four times in a six-week span (Weeks 7, 8, 10, and 13).
- Lombardi & Nagurski Finalist
Plays like a predator on the field. Relentless pursuit of the QB and the ball. Plays like Von Miller and Micah Parsons. Addition of his physical capabilities is a great leader on the defense. Steve Sarkisian loves him.
“Colin’s another guy that, as you grow in our program, you start to assume new roles, new responsibilities, and he’s grown into one of the leaders on that defense with (Ty’Anthony Smith) and it felt very natural and comfortable. It didn’t feel fabricated,” Sarkisian said. “When he went to speak to the team, it felt like that’s exactly what he was supposed to do in that moment.”
Key Defensive Players like Colin Simmons make college football teams win National Championships. Absolutely loved watching Simmons play in 2025 he’s a beast and will continue to dominate in 2026.
10.Nate Sheppard
True freshmen are usually expected to wait their turn, learn the playbook, and maybe contribute on special teams. Nate Sheppard clearly didn’t get that memo.
The Mandeville, Louisiana native arrived in Durham in January 2025 as a four-star recruit with plenty of hype, but few could have predicted he would rewrite the Duke record books before his first semester was even over. As we head into the 2026 spring season, Sheppard isn’t just a “promising young back”—he’s the face of the Blue Devils’ offense.
A Freshman Season for the Ages
Sheppard’s 2025 campaign was a statistical firework display. Stepping into Manny Diaz’s high-octane system, he quickly moved from “depth chart curiosity” to RB1. By the time the dust settled on the 2025-26 bowl season, Sheppard had put up numbers that rivaled the best in the country:
- Rushing Dominance: 1,132 yards on 200 carries (5.7 yards per carry).
- The End Zone Finder: 11 rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving score.
- Dual-Threat Reliability: 37 receptions for 286 yards, proving he’s a three-down nightmare for defensive coordinators.
- Ball Security: Perhaps most impressively for a rookie, he finished the season with zero fumbles.
His performance earned him Second-Team All-ACC honors and a spot on The Athletic’s Freshman All-America Second Team. He also became just the second player in history to record both a rushing and receiving touchdown in the ACC Championship game, joining the legendary Dalvin Cook.
“He plays beyond his years, and he has obviously transformed our offense in terms of our ability to be really dynamic in the running game,” head coach Manny Diaz said in a September availability.
The “Smash-Mouth” Speedster
At 5’10” and 200 lbs, Sheppard plays with a “smash-mouth” intensity that belies his track-star speed (he was a 10.99s 100m sprinter in high school). He doesn’t just run around defenders; he runs through them.
Scouts have raved about his “nuclear” first step and his ability to finish runs. Whether it was his 170-yard explosion against Arizona State in the Sun Bowl or his game-sealing performances during Duke’s late-season win streak, Sheppard showed a veteran’s poise in the biggest moments.
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