Promising 2027 Breakout Candidates For The '25 Season

As we enter July, we'll be looking at players who should be poised for a significant role jump and the opportunity to establish themselves on the map moving forward.    Griffen had a really solid sophomore year and I came away impressed with how much he improved. He started every game and looked more confident each week. He's got a good frame for playing on the outside and isn't afraid to challenge receivers. He finished with 36 tackles, 8 PBUs, 2 interceptions, and added 4 total touchdowns, which tells you he's a playmaker on both sides. I really like his ball skills and the way he stays in phase without grabbing or panicking. I think he's just scratching the surface and should keep trending up.     Cavalcante started working into varsity last year and showed right away that he belongs. He even took a pick back for six, which is always a statement play. He's confident on the field and plays with good poise for a younger guy. He can tackle in space, doesn't shy from contact, and has a smooth backpedal that keeps him balanced. He reads routes well, trusts his breaks, and just looks comfortable out there. I think with more reps, he'll keep taking big steps forward and be a name to watch.     Sanders is just one of those guys who looks the part the second he steps on the field. He's a fluid athlete, moves naturally, and doesn't fight his body when he opens up. He's strong too, already squatting 565, which shows up in how he plays and finishes. You can tell he lives in the gym and is serious about building his body the right way. I think he's set up to take a big jump and should be more than ready to roll this fall.     McKinsey got his feet wet as a sophomore and showed he can play at the Varsity level. He's a solid athlete with good versatility on offense, soft hands, and the ability to make catches all over the field. He played both ways last season but looks set to focus mainly on offense moving forward. He also returned some kicks, adding even more value. He's active, reliable, and finds ways to contribute in every phase. With that foundation, he looks primed for a true breakout this fall.     Nattam looks set to step into a starting role this fall, and I think he's ready to make some noise. He's got good speed and changes direction about as well as anyone I've seen in this group. He stays light on his feet, doesn't slow down when cutting, and just has that natural feel for finding space. I like his upside a lot and think once he gets comfortable with more reps, he's going to be a real problem for defenses. I'm excited to see what he does with a bigger role.

As we enter July, we'll be looking at players who should be poised for a significant role jump and the opportunity to establish themselves on the map moving forward.