College Football's Top 25 Prospects 2024-2026

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6. Jaylen Mbakwe, CB​

Alabama | 2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 2

Mbakwe has all the elite traits of a high-level cornerback with the exception of ideal height (6-feet). He has posted a 10.46 100-meter dash per Milesplit.com and has hit 21.6 mph on the field. He has exceptional recovery speed and changes direction smoothly with limited wasted movement. He is a dogged competitor with excellent feet and hips for the position, and has the ball skills to line up at any skill position with success. A Tide commit, Mbakwe should see the field early in Tuscaloosa given his mental and physical makeup.

Player comparison: Clark Phillips III, Utah

 

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5. Ryan Williams, WR​

Alabama | 2025 ESPN Junior 300 ranking: 3

Williams is checking boxes that could land him among the best wide receiver prospects in the ESPN 300 era. He is a vertical threat with big-play speed (4.41 40-yard dash), tracking at an impressive 21.7 mph in uniform. He possesses elite footwork and quickness, making him a dangerous route runner. Through his sophomore season, he has accounted for 28 receiving touchdowns, 17 rushing touchdowns and 2,747 total yards of offense. His combination of strong testing measurables and on-field production slots Williams inside the top five of this all-class ranking.

Player comparison: Calvin Ridley, Alabama

 

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4. Dylan Raiola, QB​

Georgia | 2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 1

Unlike Lewis and Underwood, Raiola is a more finished product and has instant impact written all over him. A classic, polished thrower, Raiola will not be a dynamic player with his legs at the next level but can already make every college throw with timing, strength and accuracy when he gets hot. It will be important for Raiola to become more functionally consistent in his methods, but that will come with experience. Raiola doesn't have amazing stats -- 2,435 yards, 22 touchdowns, 5 interceptions as a junior -- but he's a winner, as Chandler High School (Arizona) is 20-5 over the past two seasons. He also boasts an NFL background, as he's the son of 14-year Detroit Lions veteran Dominic Raiola.

Player comparison: Tyler Van Dyke, Miami

 

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3. David Sanders, OT​

Uncommitted | 2025 ESPN Junior 300 ranking: 2

Sanders has the physical makeup (6-6, 250 pounds, 81-inch wingspan) of a future No. 1 draft pick if he continues to fill out his lean but strong build and retains his great agility (4.8 40-yard dash). Sanders' film reveals raw talent with the potential of him evolving into an elite-level tackle. He has excellent functional strength and is a flexible big man who slides effortlessly in pass protection. As pleasant as he is off the field, he is a tenacious finisher on it. His physical tools, promising upside and competitive nature equate to an elite prospect.

Player comparison: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia

 

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2. Bryce Underwood, QB​

Uncommitted | 2025 Junior ESPN 300 ranking: 1

At a glance, Underwood is one of the best underclassman prospects we have evaluated since ESPN began ranking recruits in 2006. He stands 6-3 and is a chiseled 205 pounds with long limbs that hint at continued physical development. Underwood plays with a good base from within the pocket and can pick apart a defense while also creating his own magic. He's an exceptional thrower off platform and is smooth in movements outside of the pocket. He posted a 31-inch vertical jump at the Under Armour Ohio camp, which is a display of excellent explosiveness. In his first two seasons under center, he led Belleville High School (Michigan) to back-to-back state championships while throwing for over 5,000 yards and 76 touchdowns.

Player comparison: Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

 

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1. Julian Lewis, QB​

USC | Class of 2026 ranking: 1

Lewis' NFL coaches were in awe after his MVP performance at the Under Armour Next 8th grade All-American Game. The encore? How about completing 65% of his passes for over 4,000 yards and 48 touchdowns as a freshman. He is as smooth and fluid as they come and cool under pressure. At 6 feet, 185 pounds, he's advanced physically and plays with the maturity level of a senior. Lewis has terrific anticipation and ball placement. Few players have performed at his level as a varsity freshman starter. A Georgia state championship loss did not dampen the season for Lewis, who threw for a state final-record 532 passing yards and five touchdowns.

Player comparison: C.J. Stroud, Ohio State