Top 10 returning players to watch out for in 2025 college football season ft. Jeremiah Smith

More than ever, college football stars in 2025 are a constant moving dervish of motion. Between players who will enter the NFL Draft and those who will transfer to other schools, figuring out college football is an impossibility. That said, here are some players we're confident in of staying put for 2025. A few of these players could yet transfer or go pro. But as things stand, here's a top 10 who will or will probably be back.

Top 10 likely returning college football players in 2025

If the NCAA grants Kyle McCord another year of eligibility, he immediately becomes a must-see QB in 2025. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

10. Kyle McCord, Syracuse (if granted an extra year)

There is an x-factor here. McCord is out of eligibility but has appealed to the NCAA for another season. A decision is expected shortly, and if recent trends hold, any colorable argument for another year seems to be granted.

McCord passed for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns with the Orange. If he's back, he's a must-watch player.

9. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Klubnik chose to turn down the NFL and should star at Clemson in 2025. After all, he passed for 3,639 yards and 36 scores in 2024. With another year at the helm, Klubnik will be a good bet in chasing a second consecutive CFP berth for his Tigers.

8. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Sellers was something of a revelation in his redshirt freshman season at Carolina. He passed for 2,534 yards and 18 scores while rushing for 674 yards and seven more touchdowns. Injuries are a concern with such a mobile QB, but if Sellers is healthy, he's a 2025 star.

7. Arch Manning, Texas

Manning's situation could get complicated if Quinn Ewers returns to Texas. In an extended relief outing after Ewers' early-season injury, Manning showed his next-level skills.

Manning has thrown for 969 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for another 107 yards and four scores. He's a star at Texas and if Ewers returns, he'll probably be a transfer star elsewhere.

6. Caleb Downs, Ohio State

After a season at each of the two top programs, Downs is a next-level guy immediately. He's got another year of college to complete, but with 179 tackles including 11 tackles for loss and 10 pass breaks ups between 2023 at Alabama and 2024 at Ohio State, he's already a star.

5. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Love has been a star for the Irish, already racking up 1,076 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. His burst of speed and athleticism are still on display as Notre Dame hunts for a national title.

4. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska

It took courage for Matt Rhule to hand his offense to a true freshman. Raiola's numbers are solid, but his moxie and leadership are next level. Look for a big jump on this year's 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025 with the Huskers.

3. Colin Simmons, Texas

A super freshman, Simmons is one of the players who could jump to the NFL tomorrow, if the rules allow it. He has 44 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and nine sacks, and may yet have a massive impact on the CFP title.

2. Ryan Williams, Alabama

Williams has been an amazing talent, playing well above his 17 years of age. As a true frosh at Alabama, Williams posted 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Another year of college and a year of program familiarity for Kalen DeBoer will leave Williams ready for a massive sophomore campaign.

1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

The all-everything Ohio State freshman wide receiver has been all he should be. He's already sitting on 70 catches for 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns. He's the top NFL pick if he were eligible, instead, he's a Buckeye again.

What do you think of our 2025 stars? Anybody we missed for the list? Share your takes below in the comments section!