By Mark Pszonak
1. QB John Mateer – Oklahoma (Washington State)
Matter has to have a huge impact if the Sooners hope to bounce back after a disappointing first season in the SEC. Early reports from Norman are positive, which is a good start, but will he be able to prosper once the heart of the season hits, which is brutal with games against Michigan, Alabama, LSU, Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ole Miss?
2. QB Carson Beck – Miami-Florida (Georgia)
I’m not convinced that Beck will have a huge positive impact in Coral Gables, especially coming off a disappointing 2024 season and an injury, but whether he succeeds or fails, his level of play will be extremely impactful on the Canes season. Plenty is expected from Beck, who will try to be as productive as last year’s transfer quarterback addition, Cam Ward, who is a likely top five draft pick next month. Many will be dissecting everything that Beck does this season.
3. WR Kevin Concepcion – Texas A&M (NC State)
The NC State offense was broken in 2024, and because of that people seem to forget how dynamic Concepcion was during his true freshman season in 2023 when he had 839 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns, plus 320 yards rushing. The Aggies will be creative in finding ways to get the ball in his hands, which if successful can make him one of the top offensive playmakers in the SEC in 2025.
4. RB Makhi Hughes – Oregon (Tulane)
While the Ducks’ backfield does return Noah Whittinghton, Hughes has the potential for an All-American season in Eugene. His skillset is perfectly made for Oregon’s offense, and after rushing for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns during his first two seasons with Tulane, Hughes has an opportunity to flourish in the national spotlight in 2025.
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5. RB Justice Haynes – Michigan (Alabama)
Most of the attention will be on true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, but Haynes’ level of success in 2025 may be equally important. He was a top-level recruit coming out of high school, but in two seasons with the Tide he only rushed for 616 yards. The potential is definitely there, but will he produce at the level many expect as the workhorse back for the first time in his collegiate career?
