The G5 conferences are full of hidden gems and every season a few athletes break out into the national spotlight. For 2025, three names stand out as must-watch talents: Sire Gaines (Boise State RB), Junior Vandeross III (Toledo WR) and Trey White (San Diego State DE). Here’s why I believe each is poised for a big year – and what they need to do to reach the next level.
Sire Gaines – Boise State RB
Sire Gaines enters 2025 with massive shoes to fill at Boise State. The Broncos are coming off a historic 12-2 season, repeating as Mountain West champs and earning their first-ever College Football Playoff berth. With Heisman finalist RB Ashton Jeanty off to the NFL after a record-breaking campaign, the Broncos will now turn to Gaines to be their workhorse.
A highly touted recruit, Gaines flashed his potential early in 2024, rushing 12 times for 110 yards and a touchdown in the opener before dealing with an ankle injury for the rest of the season. Head coach Spencer Danielson has full confidence in his back, stating, “Because of how he’s wired and his skillset, the nation is going to see a lot of Sire Gaines.”
How He’s Helped His Team
Even in limited action, Gaines showed explosiveness and vision. Coaches and teammates believe he has all the tools to be the next great Bronco back.
What to Improve in 2025
Gaines needs to prove he can handle a full season’s workload and stay healthy. If he can replicate his efficiency over a longer stretch, he’ll be a cornerstone of Boise State’s offense and a contender to be one of the top G5 backs in the nation.
Junior Vandeross III – Toledo WR
Junior Vandeross III was a dynamic playmaker for Toledo in 2024, leading the Rockets with 85 catches for 957 yards and five touchdowns over 13 games. He averaged 11.3 yards per catch and consistently helped the Rockets move the chains. Vandeross delivered in crucial moments, including a massive day in the six-overtime GameAbove Sports Bowl where he finished with 194 yards receiving, 12 receptions, and a touchdown.
How He’s Helped His Team
Vandeross was a key target for a Toledo squad that finished 8–5. He stretched defenses, converted critical third downs and made plays when the Rockets needed a big play.
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What to Improve in 2025
To take the next step, Vandeross should focus on increasing his touchdown output and red-zone efficiency. If he can become a more dominant scoring threat, he’ll be on NFL radars by season’s end.
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Trey White – San Diego State DE
Trey White emerged as one of college football’s biggest breakout stars in 2024. As a sophomore captain, he posted 12.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, earning First Team All-Mountain West honors. Over 27 career games, he’s tallied 76 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, and 12.5 sacks, along with an interception and three pass breakups. One of the top returning G5 players for 2025 and ranked No. 23 among all returning players nationwide, White was a dominant force off the edge and one of the few bright spots for a San Diego State team that finished 3–9.
How He’s Helped His Team
White’s pass-rushing presence changed games. His leadership as a young captain set the tone for the defense and helped keep the Aztecs competitive in several tough matchups. He’s the kind of player opponents must scheme around.
What to Improve in 2025
White will need to maintain his production while drawing extra attention from opposing lines. Improving his run defense could round out his game and cement him as one of the top edge prospects in the country.
