Way-Too-Early Top 21 College Football Players to Watch in Spring Games

College football's spring season may look different in the coming years. As programs like Texas, USC, Nebraska and Missouri move away from spring scrimmages, other schools may follow suit. Florida State also isn't holding a spring game because of stadium renovations. For now though, we've only seen a few programs elect not to host spring games. 

That means, however, that in most cases, we'll get to see the likes of highly touted true freshmen and shiny new transfers during the spring games. 

Let's run through the way-too-early top players to watch during the 2025 spring games. 

Carson Beck, Miami: April 12

Although Carson Beck initially entered his name into the 2025 NFL Draft, he ended up at Miami. Is he finally the quarterback to lead the Hurricanes to a playoff run? The spring game on April 12 will give us a glimpse of what may be coming this season.  

Bryce Underwood, Michigan: April 19 

One of the biggest flips this past recruiting cycle was 5-star quarterback Bryce Underwood flipping from LSU to Michigan last November. He's the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the class of 2025, and he just might be good enough to lead Michigan back to the CFP next season. 

Julian Sayin, Ohio State: April 12 

As Ohio State reloads from winning the national title, it has a talented quarterback under center. Set to replace Will Howard is Julian Sayin, a former 5-star recruit from the class of 2024. Sayin initially signed with Alabama but transferred to Ohio State after Nick Saban's retirement. Instead of a spring game like they held in years past, the Buckeyes will feature a "spring showcase." 

John Mateer, Oklahoma: April 12

After a breakout season at Washington State, John Mateer has since transferred to Oklahoma. The Sooners could use an experienced signal caller to compete in the SEC next season. 

Julian Lewis, Colorado: April 19 

Colorado football will be without Shedeur Sanders at quarterback in 2025. To replace him, Deion Sanders recruited 4-star quarterback Julian Lewis, who is the No. 7 ranked prospect from the state of Georgia in his class. 

Akylin Dear, Alabama: April 12 

Alabama finished with 2025's No. 3 ranked class, which is big for head coach Kalen DeBoer following a disappointing debut season in Tuscaloosa. As Alabama moves on from quarterback Jalen Milroe, the Tide will need to rely on a strong run game. 4-star running back Akylin Dear can help them do just that. 

Harlem Berry, LSU: April 12 

Harlem Berry is hyped up to be LSU's next generational running back. The 5-star out of Metairie, Louisiana, rushed for over 2,000 yards in each of his four seasons in high school. LSU fans will be eager to see what Berry can do.   

Anthony Rogers, Ohio State: April 12

Ohio State will have to replace both Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson in 2025, as both are headed to the NFL. It's a good thing that the Buckeyes' 2025 class includes 4-star running back Anthony Rogers, who is the No. 5 running back prospect from the class of 2025. He'll likely be featured heavily during the Buckeyes' showcase.  

Justice Haynes, Michigan: April 19

Haynes transferred to Michigan after two underwhelming seasons at Alabama, combining for just 616 yards and nine touchdowns. Haynes will join a talented young offense, including Bryce Underwood, in Ann Arbor. We'll see if a change of scenery is just what he needs. 

Gideon Davidson, Clemson: April 5

As Clemson looks to make it back to the Playoff in 2025, having someone to replace Phil Mafah is a good idea. It seems like Dabo Swinney is turning to Gideon Davidson, the No. 5 ranked running back in the class of 2025. 

Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn: April 12 

Eric Singleton Jr. had consecutive great seasons at Georgia Tech, combining for 1,468 yards and nine touchdowns. He now takes his talents to the SEC, joining Hugh Freeze's Auburn team in 2025.  

Nic Anderson, LSU: April 12

The redshirt junior is expected to contribute right away for LSU, joining Garrett Nussmeier and the Tigers offense. Anderson missed all of 2024 because of a quadriceps injury, one year after accounting for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns. He should elevate LSU's pass game significantly in 2025. 

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State: April 12

What will Ohio State's phenom freshman from last season do as a sophomore in 2025? During OSU's spring showcase, we'll see if Smith has even more of an involved role in the Buckeyes' offense. Last season, Smith finished with 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 17.3 yards per catch.  

Kiotti Armstrong, Texas A&M:  April 19

As Marcel Reed returns under center for the Aggies, he'll have a big target to throw to in tight end Kiotti Armstrong. The 4-star recruit is the No. 2 ranked tight end from the class of 2025, standing at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds. He'll likely be featured early during the Aggies' spring game.  

Zachariah Branch, Georgia: April 12 

Georgia added a talented playmaker to its roster this offseason, landing USC transfer Zachariah Branch. He had 503 yards receiving with a touchdown last season. He's also a dynamic punt and kickoff returner, as well. 

Patrick Payton, LSU: April 12 

Edge-rusher Patrick Payton has transferred to LSU following three outstanding seasons at Florida State. During his 2022-24 seasons, Payton accounted for 109 tackles, 16 sacks and three forced fumbles. He'll join an LSU defense eager to improve upon its 61st finish in total defense last season. 

Isaiah Gibson, Georgia: April 12 

Edge-rusher Isaiah Gibson is the No. 1 overall prospect for his position group in the class of 2025. He's also the No. 3 prospect from the state of Georgia, so Kirby Smart getting him to stay close to home is a big get.

Amare Adams, Clemson: April 5  

Speaking of highly touted defensive linemen, you can add Amare Adams to the list. The 5-star prospect is the No. 2 defensive lineman in his class, and the top-rated prospect out of his home state of South Carolina. He just might be talented enough to see the field as a true freshman in 2025. 

Na'eem Offord, Oregon: April 25

Na'eem Offord is the No. 3 ranked cornerback from the class of 2025. He signed with the Ducks despite being the No. 1 overall ranked prospect out of his home state of Alabama. He'll look to bring the Ducks back to the Playoff in 2025.  

Khmori House, UNC: Spring game TBD

One of new Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick's big gets from his first recruiting cycle was landing linebacker Khmori House, a Washington transfer. Sure, he had help from his son Steve, who served as the Huskies' defensive coordinator last year during House's true freshman season. Last year, House accounted for 33 total stops, including four passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble.  

Tae Harris, Georgia Tech: April 12

Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key successfully landed a top-10 prospect out of the state of Georgia in 4-star safety Tae Harris. He's the No. 3 safety from the class of 2025 and flipped from Clemson last fall. Harris immediately elevates Tech's defense heading into the 2025 season.