Off a second consecutive College Football Playoff (CFP) championship, the Big Ten is setting its sights on further excellence. The league is not resting on its laurels; instead, it is gearing up to welcome a new generation of stars. With a bumper crop of talent on the way, the Big Ten is looking to maintain its dominance in college football.
The landscape of college football recruiting has changed dramatically over the years. Traditional Signing Day in February used to be the pinnacle for showcasing upcoming talent. However, with the advent of the Early Signing Period, many players have already committed and signed well before the traditional date. This shift means that only a handful of recruits remain available, often finding homes at Group of Five programs.
This year, the Big Ten has made impressive strides, loading up on elite prospects for the 2025 season. Many of these recruits have already signed their letters of intent, and some have even enrolled at their respective universities. As we look ahead to the upcoming college football season, let’s dive into the league’s top 10 recruits and what they bring to the table.
Top 10 Big Ten 2025 recruits
#10 Husan Longstreet, USC QB
A dual-threat quarterback from California, Husan Longstreet was a late addition to the Trojans’ recruiting class. Originally committed to Texas A&M, he made a pivotal switch to USC just two weeks before signing. Standing at just over 6-foot-1, Longstreet is still refining his passing skills. His athleticism is undeniable, and with a brother who played defensive back at Louisville, he certainly has football in his blood.
#9 Iose Epenesa, Iowa DL
Next up is Iose Epenesa, a 6-foot-4 defensive lineman from Illinois. Known for his high motor and relentless pursuit, Epenesa signed with Iowa in December but has yet to enroll. A standout in track and basketball during high school, he will need to build strength in the weight room to compete at the collegiate level. With an older brother who was a second-round NFL Draft pick, expectations are high for Epenesa to follow in his footsteps.
#8 Trey McNutt, Oregon S
Trey McNutt is one of the nation’s top safety prospects, hailing from the Cleveland area. At just 17 years old, this 6-foot safety not only signed with the Ducks in December but is already enrolled. McNutt’s background in track showcases his speed, but his football instincts and physicality make him a perfect fit at safety. He could see significant playing time early in his college career.
#7 Andrew Babalola, Michigan OL
Andrew Babalola, a 6-foot-6 offensive tackle from Kansas, is still relatively new to the game of football. However, his potential is undeniable. After signing with Michigan, he has already enrolled, giving him a head start on his development. Transitioning from a basketball background, Babalola’s athleticism and size make him a formidable prospect for the Wolverines.
#6 Quincy Porter, Ohio State WR
Quincy Porter, a 6-foot-3 receiver from New Jersey, signed with Ohio State in December but has yet to enroll. His impressive high school career as a two-way standout and track athlete has set the stage for him to make an immediate impact. With his height and wingspan, Porter is poised to become a key player for the Buckeyes.
#5 Na’eem Offord, Oregon CB
Na’eem Offord, a 6-foot-1 cornerback from Alabama, made headlines when he decommitted from Ohio State on Signing Day to join Oregon. He is set to play alongside his half-brother, Tulane RB transfer Makhi Hughes. While Offord did not enroll early, his track background and cornerback skills suggest he could see the field soon, making him a future star in the making.
#4 Dakorien Moore, Oregon WR
Arguably the top receiver prospect in the nation, Dakorien Moore stands at 5-foot-11 and hails from Texas. He committed early to Oregon and signed with the Ducks but has yet to enroll. A standout in track, Moore’s speed and agility could make him a day-one contributor, even in the competitive Big Ten.
#3 Tavien St. Clair, Ohio State QB
Tavien St. Clair is a 6-foot-4 in-state recruit with all the tools necessary for success. Although he didn’t face high-level competition in high school, his athletic ability and pocket presence make him a promising prospect. St. Clair signed with Ohio State in December but has not yet enrolled. With time, he could develop into a star quarterback for the Buckeyes.
#2 Devin Sanchez, Ohio State CB
Devin Sanchez, a 6-foot-2 cornerback from Texas, is the son of two college athletes. He signed with Ohio State early but has not enrolled yet. His speed and track star background suggest that he could make an impact not only on defense but also as a game-breaking returner on special teams.
#1 Bryce Underwood, Michigan QB
At the top of the list is Bryce Underwood, one of the most highly regarded recruits in recent memory. Flipping his commitment from LSU to Michigan just before the Early Signing Day, Underwood is a 6-foot-3 passer who has already enrolled. With aspirations of making an immediate impact, he hopes to follow in the footsteps of other successful quarterbacks.
The Big Ten is clearly on the rise, with a promising future ahead. Each of these recruits brings unique skills and potential to their respective programs, and fans can look forward to seeing how they develop in the upcoming seasons. What are your thoughts on the top Big Ten prospects? Share your opinions in the comments below!
