2025 Ballers: The Names to Know for College Football’s Future

These players are already showcasing the skills, athleticism, and football IQ necessary to succeed at the next level. From explosive offensive playmakers to game-changing defenders, the class of 2025 is packed with prospects who could define the future of the sport. In this report, we spotlight the rising stars that every recruiter, scout, and coach should have on their radar. These are the names poised to leave a mark on high school football and beyond.    [player_tooltip player_id='495329' first='Terence' last='Gaines'] is a dynamic and explosive running back with a rare combination of speed, power, and agility. He consistently breaks tackles and showcases excellent vision in reading defenses to exploit openings. Gaines excels as both a rusher and receiver, making him a complete back for any offensive scheme. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations has caught the attention of FCS and FBS programs, with offers and strong interest already on the table. As a leader on and off the field, Gaines is poised to become a standout collegiate athlete.     Jon Stephens stands out as Alabama's highest-rated offensive lineman with a remarkable 91% evaluation grade. His combination of size, athleticism, and technique makes him a dominant force in both pass protection and run blocking. With Ivy League and FCS offers in hand, Stephens has also garnered interest from programs across all levels of competition. Coaches praise his high football IQ and ability to quickly adapt to various defensive schemes. Stephens's work ethic and leadership on the line set him apart as a cornerstone for any college program.     [player_tooltip player_id='744119' first='Bishop' last='Burkhalter'] is a versatile 3-star linebacker who has proven himself as one of Alabama's elite defensive players. With back-to-back seasons of 100+ tackles in the highly competitive 6A classification, his instincts and tackling ability are unmatched. Burkhalter's athleticism allows him to thrive in coverage, making him a dual-threat as both a linebacker and athlete. He holds multiple offers from FCS and FBS programs, making him a highly sought-after recruit. His relentless motor and ability to elevate his teammates make him a cornerstone player for any college defense.     Rickie Williams is one of Alabama's premier coverage defensive backs, with elite instincts and ball-hawking ability. He excels in man-to-man and zone coverage, consistently shutting down top receivers with his quickness and technique. Williams's agility and anticipation make him a constant turnover threat, adding value to any defensive unit. He has drawn interest from FCS and HBCU programs, making him a rising star in the 2025 class. His commitment to perfecting his craft ensures his continued development as a collegiate prospect.     [player_tooltip player_id='741069' first='CJ' last='May'], a Louisville commit, is a generational talent with the potential to become a future NFL player. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. May's versatility as a defensive end and athlete allows him to disrupt plays in the backfield and drop into coverage seamlessly. Coaches rave about his relentless work ethic and high ceiling, projecting him as an immediate impact player at the college level. With his unique skill set, May is on track to be a name fans will hear on Sundays in the near future.

These players are already showcasing the skills, athleticism, and football IQ necessary to succeed at the next level. From explosive offensive playmakers to game-changing defenders, the class of 2025 is packed with prospects who could define the future of the sport. In this report, we spotlight the rising stars that every recruiter, scout, and coach should have on their radar. These are the names poised to leave a mark on high school football and beyond.