By Dorrington Myers
April 12 was a feast for football fans. Spring Games kicked off across the country as teams showcased their early 2025 potential—and trust me, there was no shortage of talent on display. From promising new faces making strong first impressions to seasoned veterans showing noticeable growth in their games, it was a day packed with standout moments.
High-impact transfers also made waves, proving they’re ready to shake things up this fall. While I might not cover every single matchup, the grind, hustle and heart from every player who stepped onto the field deserves recognition. This breakdown spans multiple conferences, highlighting key performances that caught my eye.
Notre Dame: CJ Carr Steals the Show
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish might have lost Riley Leonard to the NFL Draft, but there was no sign of a setback under center. In fact, they looked even deeper at the quarterback position. Freshman standout CJ Carr looked poised and polished, going 14-of-19 for 170 yards, two touchdowns and just one interception. He led with confidence and made big-time throws when it counted. Kenny Minchey followed with a mixed performance—6-of-14 for 106 yards and a rushing score—while Steve Angeli rounded out the group with a sharp 8-of-11 for 108 yards and a touchdown. All signs point to a healthy, competitive QB room that’s ready to roll for the Irish.
Ohio State: Still the Standard
The defending national champs looked exactly how you’d expect—loaded. The biggest spring storyline in Columbus, Ohio? Who takes the reins at QB1. Julian Sayin made a strong case, finishing 17-of-24 for 170 yards and a touchdown. Sayin looked smooth—spreading the ball around, showing off improved accuracy on deep balls and comeback routes, and looking every bit like a guy who’s ready to lead. Behind a dominant offensive line and with new transfer CJ Donaldson bruising defenders in the backfield, Ohio State looks like a well-oiled machine. In terms of complete rosters, they’re right behind Notre Dame on my list.
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Virginia: New Faces, New Fire
Don’t sleep on the Cavaliers. Virginia’s offense showed serious spark—led by North Texas transfer Chandler Morris, who went 12-of-15 for 155 yards in a near-flawless debut. One player who absolutely stood out was wide receiver Dillon Newton-Short. He did it all—hauling in two catches for 43 yards (including a highlight-worthy deep ball up the sideline), running crisp routes even when not targeted, and laying down key blocks in the run game—including a pancake from his receiver spot. His unselfish play helped spring teammates like Kameron Courtney, who scored on a walk-in touchdown.
Virginia’s tight end group was also productive: Hayden Rollison (4 receptions, 39 yards), Dakota Twitty (2 receptions, 51 yards), John Rivera (2 receptions, 24 yards), and Henry Omohundro (1 reception, 8 yards) all chipped in. At running back, North Carolina Central transfer J’Mari Taylor impressed with nine carries for 52 yards, showing quickness and vision. If this spring game is a sign of things to come, Virginia’s offense is trending up—fast.
Georgia Bulldogs: Reloading, Not Rebuilding
Change is nothing new in Athens, Ga.—and once again, the Bulldogs are proving they know how to keep the train rolling. With Carson Beck off to Miami, the quarterback battle was front and center during Georgia’s spring game, and both contenders showed flashes of promise.
Gunner Stockton led the charge with a strong performance, throwing for 309 yards on 17-of-34 passing with two touchdowns and one interception. He pushed the ball downfield with confidence and looked comfortable running the offense. Not far behind was Ryan Puglisi, who went 20-of-49 for 224 yards, two touchdowns and an interception—showing grit and a live arm, even while working through growing pains.
At wide receiver, familiar names made the biggest impact. Dillon Bell hauled in five catches for 78 yards, while London Humphreys lit it up with four catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing big-play ability and reliable hands. Georgia’s offense might be in transition, but they’re not skipping a beat. This team looks locked in and ready to chase another title.
Final Thoughts
Spring football is just the beginning. Across the country, teams took the field with fresh faces new schemes, and plenty of unanswered questions—and many found the clarity they were looking for. While there’s still a long road ahead, the foundation is being laid, and the excitement is building. I can’t wait to see how these storylines unfold as we march toward the fall. Buckle up—this season is going to be something special.
