Top 10 College Football Players for 2025 by Joel Klatt: Smith or Downs? Arch or Klubnik?
Published: August 1, 2025, 4:45 p.m. ET
Joel Klatt, Lead College Football Analyst, presents his rankings of the best college football players for the upcoming 2025 season. The standout player to watch is expected to take the field on Saturdays, claiming the top spot among college football elites. As I gear up for the season, I shared my top 10 players during the latest episode of “The Joel Klatt Show.” This list highlights talents likely to be selected in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing solely on their upcoming performance.
This ranking serves as an insightful preview for the 2025 season, indicating which teams might make significant runs. One particular team features three players on this list (and nearly had a fourth), while another boasts what I consider the top two talents in college football. Let’s dive into my picks for the top 10 players for the 2025 college football season.
10. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Peter Woods made his mark on Clemson’s defensive line last season. I’m enthusiastic about Clemson’s potential to dominate the ACC and perhaps contend for the national title. While I’m unsure if they’ll claim the championship, I can imagine them making a strong case for the title game. Dabo Swinney might silence critics who claimed the game had passed him by in recent years jordan vs philippines box score today.
The Tigers’ defense is formidable, with a solid interior defensive line. I believe in building defenses from front to back and inside out, which some NFL analysts might dispute, arguing for the significance of outside play. Yet, to perform consistently well at the college level, a solid core is essential. This fundamental approach has allowed schools like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State to win the last three championships.
Woods stands out as the nation’s top defensive tackle. His versatility has seen him excel as both a dominating force upfront and as an edge player, showcasing incredible athleticism. Woods disrupts opposing teams’ timing, snuffing runs and pressuring quarterbacks. Expect to hear his name frequently, especially as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.
9. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor emerged as one of the premier offensive tackles last year. He has been a starter at left tackle since arriving in Tuscaloosa. Last season marked his breakout. While preparing for Alabama’s match against Wisconsin, Proctor’s film blew me away, indicating he had become the exceptional player we saw later in the year.
Proctor excels in both pass protection and run blocking. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 366 pounds, he showcases dominating potential across all game phases. carlos yulo sea games 2019
8. T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
T.J. Parker is another Clemson player expected to contribute significantly to one of the top defenses this season. I considered placing cornerback Avieon Terrell on this list, but Parker’s performance truly stands out. Keep an eye on this Clemson defense; it could be the best in the country.
Parker was an All-American in his freshman year, followed by an impressive season recording 19.5 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks, and six forced fumbles. At 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, he possesses a powerful blend of size and athleticism, making him a game-changer along the edge. I also believe incoming defensive coordinator Tom Allen can elevate Parker’s game, similar to how he helped Abdul Carter thrive at Penn State.
7. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. stands as a cornerstone of Texas’ respected defense. As an All-American last year, he played a pivotal role in defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s unit. Now returning for his junior campaign, I anticipate a breakout year that could position him for the Butkus Award.
Hill recorded over 100 tackles, with 16.5 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks. He excels not just in making stops but also in plays behind the line of scrimmage. We’ll see how he performs right off the bat in Week 1 when Texas faces Ohio State—a challenging matchup for the Buckeyes due to Hill’s impactful play. He embodies what Steve Sarkisian is building in Austin.
6. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love’s skills from the backfield were crucial in turning Notre Dame’s season around last year. Full disclosure: I was skeptical about Notre Dame initially, particularly after their early loss to Northern Illinois. However, I underestimated Love’s athleticism. Despite my reservations about Notre Dame’s aerial attack, they boasted a robust offensive line that pushed teams around, as seen in their College Football Playoff victory over Georgia.
Love represents a new era for Notre Dame’s ground game. Historically, Brian Kelly’s teams excelled in rushing until facing SEC competition later in the season. Love offers the Irish a dynamic back, which they’ve lacked previously. He demonstrated his potential with a standout 98-yard touchdown run against Indiana in last year’s CFP, despite not showcasing his full abilities late into the season due to injury. With over 7.0 yards per carry, Love is a game-changing player.
5. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
At just 17, Ryan Williams was among the most gifted players in the nation last season. Now 18, Williams attained first-team All-SEC honors at an astonishingly young age, showcasing his potential. His 75-yard touchdown against Georgia remains one of the year’s highlights.
Williams possesses exceptional speed alongside remarkable body control. His ability to read the field and adjust to defenders sets him apart. Many times, he won contested catches with acrobatic maneuvers, delivering electrifying plays. Watching Williams in action is a genuine thrill.
4. Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Arch Manning’s athleticism could add a new dynamic to Texas’ offense, which was lacking in previous seasons. I acknowledge that Manning hasn’t been a full-time starter yet, and the hype might feel overwhelming, but his potential is undeniable. In two starts last year, Manning demonstrated impressive skills reminiscent of Trevor Lawrence at Clemson.
In those appearances, Manning tallied 13 total touchdowns and only two interceptions, proving he is more than just a name. consider in bisaya His mobility and the different throws he can make elevate Texas’ offensive capabilities. Manning’s agility allows him to break away for long runs, and his throws challenge defenses in ways that Quinn Ewers did not. He can complete deep passes, threatening defenses tremendously, especially when considering Texas’ talented receivers.
3. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Cade Klubnik enjoyed a significantly improved Year 2 as Clemson’s starting quarterback, guiding them to the CFP. With three players from Clemson featured on this list, Klubnik stands as the highest-ranked quarterback, potentially a frontrunner for the Heisman trophy. He evolved tremendously last year and is now a rare third-year quarterback who has remained consistent within the same system.
Despite questions at running back, Clemson’s recruiting efforts have positioned it well. The Tigers return four starting offensive linemen, fostering a solid foundation. Even during mid-season struggles last year, Klubnik’s efficacy wasn’t in question. He shined during Clemson’s playoff loss to Texas, finishing with 36 passing touchdowns, seven rushing touchdowns, and just six interceptions. While he may not have Manning’s athleticism, his ability to protect the ball while making plays is commendable, paving the way for a successful 2025 season.
2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs has been a standout leader for Ohio State’s defense last season. His instincts, tackling ability, and athletic prowess are highly regarded among those following this sport.
Downs showcased his athleticism as a punt returner, scoring a touchdown against Indiana last season. However, it’s his impact as a safety that distinguishes him. crypto.com arena His skills prompted Ohio State to adjust its defense in the middle of last season to maximize his influence on the game. This strategic change improved the Buckeyes’ pass rush significantly.
Personally, I enjoy discussing the game with Downs, even if we often interrupt him during lunch breaks in Columbus for “Big Noon Saturday.” His intellect and preparation shine through in his play.
1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith’s freshman season at Ohio State was nothing short of legendary. I firmly believe Smith is the best player heading into the year. Having played against Adrian Peterson when he was a freshman, I thought he alone could make an immediate NFL impact straight from high school. Now, Smith joins that elite conversation.
It’s rare to see a player arrive with the hype Smith received and not only meet but exceed those expectations. nu quest laguna He was consistently the most outstanding player on the field last year, regardless of the opponent. When speaking with opposing coaches about stopping Smith, they often confessed there was no real strategy to counter his talent.
Smith seems to possess a physique designed for greatness. He’s listed at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, though there are reports of him weighing closer to 220 or 225 pounds now, with a speed boost as well. He has incredible hands, catching everything thrown his way. While I considered comparisons to Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones, Smith’s unique blend of attributes makes him one-of-a-kind. For the first time in my career, I sense a player poised to reach the lofty legacy of Randy Moss and Jerry Rice one day; it’s a joy to witness Smith’s career unfold on Saturdays.
In a pivotal moment of Ryan Day’s coaching tenure last season, he trusted the true freshman to make a play that contributed to Ohio State’s national championship victory. That speaks volumes about Smith’s exceptional talent.
What do you think about these rankings?
