Intriguing Underclassmen to Watch in College Football

Roughly one-third of the way through the college football season, and the 2025 NFL Draft Class looks like one of the weaker ones in recent memory. While the right pick – or group of picks – could certainly change the trajectory of a franchise, it’s nonetheless an increasingly evident reality that some of the prospects that are most intriguing to scouts are underclassmen. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of 10 players to know that are not eligible this season:

QB Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee – The battle for the #1 overall selection next year has already begun, and Iamaleava is my early favorite. The 6’6” signal caller has the frame, the mobility, the arm, the efficiency, the coaching, and the production to make NFL teams want to tank. If he were draft eligible this year, he would be my top pick in this year’s draft.

QB Arch Manning, Texas – Nobody is going to get more media attention than Arch Manning, who looked outstanding when called upon against UTSA but had some bumps against ULM. Despite speculation, it remains likely that Manning will finish the season behind Ewers. However, the anticipation will be sky high when he takes the reigns of the Longhorns program next year.

QB Dylan Raiola, Nebraska – NIL played a significant factor in getting the Cornhusker legacy to flip from Georgia late in the process, and, so far, this way money very well spent. The true freshman has given life to the Nebraska program, and he’s completing over 72% of his passes. A year behind the first two QBs mentioned in this article, Raiola is a candidate for #1 in 2027.

WR Ryan Williams, Alabama – If there’s one player that looks like an early challenger to Raiola for #1 overall in 2027, it’s Ryan Williams. Yes, it’s been since Keyshawn Johnson that a WR has been first off the board, but Ryan Williams is special. At just 17 years old (he graduated high school a year early), he’s Alabama’s #1 receiver – averaging 95 yards and 1.3 TDs per game.

WR Eric Singleton, Georgia Tech – He won’t be as high on draft boards as others on this list, but Singleton is a fun prospect. A lowly 3 star out of high school, he was a bright spot as a true freshman for the Yellow Jackets last season – with nearly 800 yards receiving. Over the last 3 games, he’s averaging 92 ypg. An electric player, he’s a reminder that – even with all these recruiting services – it’s still easy to miss elite talent.

OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami – Standing at 6’6” and 315lbs., Mauigoa plays for one of the top OL evaluators and coaches in the country, Mario Cristobal. A highly rated prospect, he instantly won the starting job for the Hurricanes, and, while taking some expected bumps, he earned a Freshman All American selection. This year, Cristobal is already calling him “one of the best players in the country at any position.”

DL Peter Woods, Clemson – Though currently dinged up, I love the versatility of Woods’ game. He fits multiple fronts and is reminiscent of a former Clemson Tiger, Christian Wilkins, who was taken #13 overall and given a hefty contract this offseason. In his one game this season, he was a rare bright spot against UGA.

DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn – When someone talks about wanting a player to be “first off the bus,” Keldric Faulk is who comes to mind. Standing at 6’6” and a lean 288lbs., Faulk has a “Jadeveon Clowney-esque” look to him… except he’s carrying 20 extra pounds. The Auburn Tiger already has 3 sacks on this season while still developing a full compliment of pass rush skills. 

S KJ Bolden, UGA – As a high school recruit, Bolden was heavily recruited by everyone in the country, but Kirby Smart made him a top priority and would not let him get out of state. It’s rare that a true freshman is good enough to rise above talented upperclassman at UGA, but Bolden has been called upon early and often this season. He looks like a future top selection at his position. 

S Caleb Downs, Ohio State – The word “freak” gets thrown around, but Caleb Downs is an absolute freak. He was arguably the most coveted player in the transfer portal after a dominant freshman year at Alabama. So gifted that there’s been speculation about him being used on offense, Downs is continuing to stand out on the Buckeyes defense. While safeties are rarely targeted early, I will be surprised if Downs falls outside the top 10. He may push to be the first safety in the top 5 since Sean Taylor.