ESPN 300 player rankings: Top QB fit, college football playoff impact recruits and more

As the regular season wraps up for most high school programs across the country, we have updated the ESPN 300 player rankings for the Class of 2025.

There are no changes at the very top as quarterbacks Bryce Underwood and Julian Lewis are having record-breaking seasons and remain ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. However, we saw movement inside the top 10 and several prospects make their first appearance inside the coveted rankings including a new five-star in reclassed defensive end Jahkeem Stewart.

In this latest release, 283 out of 300 prospects are already committed and with that our scouts went more in depth on the class's college football impact. We cover system fits for household names, such as Underwood and Lewis, and others are falling under the national radar in search of the next Ashton Jeanty.

Here's a breakdown of the latest rankings:

Jump to a section:
Five-star reclassification | QB fits
Who impacts the CFP in 2025?
Under-the-radar prospects

Stewart remains a five-star after reclassifying

Stewart is the most notable reclassification from the 2026 to 2025 class. He was previously ESPN's No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2026 and maintained his five-star status in this transition.

Stewart is one of the most physically impressive defensive line prospects and has excellent height and elite length at 6-foot-6, 270 pounds with a wingspan over 80 inches. Stewart was also consistently among the top camp performers each of the previous three offseasons. He won multiple MVP honors on the strength of impressive testing numbers (He runs a 4.85 40-yard dash.) combined with very good drill and competition performances.

He flashed really good explosiveness on film. Stewart also has rare bend for a taller edge defender. His ability to fire off with low pad level will allow him to accentuate his power as he grows into his big frame at the college level. He also has active hands for his age. While he can further improve his agility, he does overall move well for his size and can factor into pursuit. Stewart's size and athleticism also allow him to offer positional versatility. He mostly lined up at defensive tackle as a sophomore -- and that's where he projects in college -- but he can play on the edge. If for some reason the defensive line doesn't work out, Stewart could also be developed into an excellent offensive tackle.

Why did Stewart not move into the No. 1 position in the 2025 rankings considering all those positive attributes? Because there's no substitute for experience. While Stewart has never shied away from competition, 2023 will end up being his only season of high school football because of transfers and this reclassification. Yes, he performed quite strongly that year. But game experience is invaluable and missing two of his past three high school seasons can't go overlooked, at least initially.

The bottom line: Stewart has elite physical tools and flashes dominance. The lack of game experience is concerning, but he still has a high ceiling and promising future. As such, he lands among the nation's top 2025 prospects at No. 11 overall and No. 1 DE.

In terms of Stewart's recruitment, he was at Oregon for the Ducks' 32-31 win over Ohio State on Oct. 12. Stewart told ESPN's Eli Lederman he will visit LSU (Nov. 9), USC (Nov. 16) and Ohio State (Nov. 30) over the final month of the regular season with the expectation that he will take his decision right up to the early signing period.

How the top QBs fit

QB Bryce Underwood, LSU commit

ESPN 300 rank: 1

Offensive coordinator Joe Sloan tailors his multiple-formation scheme approach to his quarterback's ability. Garrett Nussmeier is different from Jayden Daniels. Both are different from Underwood. Yet all share similar traits. Sloan's RPO-based offense moves the pocket and changes the launch point, immediately incorporating and encouraging the quarterback run. That's where Nussmeier and Daniels differ. Underwood is more of a passer first, fitting into the Nussmeier category.

QB Julian Lewis, USC commit

ESPN 300 rank: 2

USC wants to get the ball out of the quarterback's hand quickly, which marries well with Lewis' skill set. This is an RPO-based, horizontal screen scheme that combines with the run game to set up deep shots downfield. USC needs its quarterbacks to change their arm angle and release the ball from different points because of how quick it asks the quarterback to make decisions based on token fakes in the backfield. Lewis' athleticism, however, is more in the mold of Miller Moss than Caleb Williams.

QB Keelon Russell, Alabama commit

ESPN 300 rank: 14

Michael Penix Jr. originally committed to Tennessee before signing with Indiana, where Kalen DeBoer was the offensive coordinator. Russell's development is further along at the same stage compared to the Falcons' 2024 first-round draft pick. They share a bevy of traits starting with accuracy, timing and the ability to push the ball downfield with pinpoint accuracy. It's easy to see what DeBoer sees in Russell. He has one of the highest ceilings of any quarterback in this class.

Commits primed to impact the 2025 College Football Playoff

WR Dakorien Moore, Oregon commit

ESPN 300 rank: 3

Alabama's Ryan Williams and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith are among several freshmen receivers making a significant impact in 2024. Moore is poised to follow a similar trajectory. Much like Williams, Moore consistently tested well in camp settings, including a 4.56 laser-timed 40-yard dash. He backed up those performances on the field. The five-star tallied over 60 catches and 1,300 yards as a junior. He's on pace to post similar numbers this year for Duncanville High School, one of the top programs in Texas. Moore is an explosive target with strong ball skills who has played in big games and faced good high school competition. He has the tools to make the jump to the Big Ten. Tez Johnson is carrying the load in the Ducks' passing attack this season, but Moore looks like an excellent option to replace some of the production they will lose with his impending departure.

OT David Sanders, Tennessee commit

ESPN 300 rank: 5

Linemen can face a tougher challenge making an immediate impact jumping from high school to major college football. Recently, though, Will Campbell (LSU, 2022), Kadyn Proctor (Alabama, 2023) and Jordan Seaton (Colorado, 2024) effectively made the leap. Sanders could be next. The offensive tackle has outstanding length, flexibility and mobility. He doesn't have as much mass as the previous three examples, but his frame suggests he can support more size. He already plays with a tenacious, physical demeanor. Add his tools to a currently senior-heavy Tennessee offensive line, including at right tackle, and there's opportunity for Sanders to compete and win a job right away like the other former five-stars.

OG S.J. Alofaituli, Miami commit

ESPN 300 rank: 12

Alofaituli's size and physicality are unassuming, but we've seen enough to confidently slot him as a five-star and think he'll be an immediate contributor upon his arrival, just like current Miami starter Francis Mauigoa. Alofaituli has above-average arm length and elite initial quickness coupled with excellent flexibility and pad level. He generates great power beyond what his 6-foot-3, 285-pound stature might suggest. Alofaituli has been a multiyear starter for a top national high school program (Bishop Gorman) and has impressed in every in-person evaluation. Miami filled a need at center via the portal this season, but that will be a need again this offseason. The Canes will likely also battle to secure and upgrade one of their guard spots. Opportunity could meet Alofaituli's ability and find him in the starting lineup in Year 1.

RB Harlem Berry, LSU commit

ESPN 300 rank: 26

Talented 2024 signee Caden Durham currently leads LSU in rushing. While the freshman certainly has a promising future, the Tigers' second-leading rusher is a senior and their overall ground attack ranks near the bottom of the SEC. Berry, the top-ranked running back in the class, could provide a quick boost. Louisiana's No. 1 prospect has helped elevate St. Martin's Episcopal with multiple 2,000-yard rushing seasons. He is a home run threat with big-play speed -- he won the fastest man competition at Future 50 in summer of 2023. Berry will be tough to keep off the field because he's a runner with good vision, quick feet to elude defenders and the ability to pull away when he gets into the open. He should pair nicely with Durham.

DE Iose Epenesa, Iowa commit

ESPN 300 rank: 28

Epenesa's older brother, A.J., signed with Iowa in the 2017 cycle, then racked up 4.5 sacks to earn Big Ten All-Freshman honors and kickstart a successful college career before becoming a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills. Fast forward a few years, and another Epenesa has a chance to make an even greater initial impact. Iose has good initial burst, uses his hands well and shows good awareness for a young lineman. He generates power to push into the backfield -- Epenesa is a multisport athlete who excels in the shot put -- while also setting the edge. Two key Iowa defensive ends, Ethan Hurkett and Deontae Craig, are both seniors. Combine Epenesa's lineage, physical tools and impending opportunity, and he is a player to watch next fall.

Falling under the radar

QB Stone Saunders, Kentucky commit

ESPN 300 rank: 290

There are other quarterback prospects in the class with more physical talent or ideal measurables, but Saunders is a remarkably productive gamer. He has thrown 27 touchdowns to just five interceptions through nine games for Bishop McDevitt High School (Pa.) and owns Pennsylvania's state record with 183 career touchdown passes. His athleticism isn't overwhelming, but he understands anticipation, timing and ball placement.

College comp: Hank Bachmeier, Wake Forest

QB Antwann Hill, Memphis commit

ESPN 300 rank: 61

Memphis has become a strong program, but Hill doesn't receive the respect he deserves simply because he's committed to a Group of 5 school. The Georgia native is big, athletic and has thrown 30 touchdowns to three interceptions so far this season. Hill is still a bit raw, so there's a lot of clay to mold whether he's expected to play right away or not.

College comp: Aidan Chiles, Michigan State

RB Kentrell Rinehart, NC State commit

ESPN 300 rank: 280

Not many big backs clock in at 21.5 mph max speed in pads, but Rinehart does. Currently 207 pounds, he should quickly get to 220 pounds and he's very light on his feet. NC State is in dire need of a fixture in the backfield to re-energize its run game. Rinehart provides both power and breakaway straight-line speed.

College comp: Damien Martinez, Miami

CB Bryson Webber, Nebraska commit

ESPN 300 rank: 188

While he needs some polish, Webber stands over 6-foot-2 and runs both a 10.56 100-meter dash and a 4.54 laser-timed 40-yard dash. In addition to his size, the Texas native has the length and speed to play in space and develop into a lockdown corner with press ability. He's also very productive in run support and plays with a physical nature.

College comp: Malik Muhammad, Texas

QB Cameron Dyer, Arizona State commit

ESPN 300 rank: 230

Dyer might be the most underrated quarterback in the class. He has a ton of physical attributes that are reminiscent of Cam Ward, who also went largely unnoticed as a prep prospect. Kenny Dillingham's offense will maximize Dyer's dual-threat traits. Dyer's creative instincts when the play breaks down are outstanding.

College comp: Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech