In theory, National Signing Day last Wednesday concluded the 2025 recruiting cycle for most teams. In reality, recruiting is a 365-day-a-year endeavor, and the strain on the coaching staff will not ease until the NCAA limits the number of transfer portal windows allowed each year. 

Every coach of every team loves their recruiting class every single year. Why else would they have offered scholarships or asked the student-athlete to join their school? So, you can imagine the humorous responses I received when I reached out to find out the high school talent or transfers they thought would contribute immediately.

Multiple coaches noted that they will better understand each player’s abilities when spring practice begins. We’ll revisit this topic in late April or early May after spring practice concludes and include NCAA Division III and NAIA when their roster is settled. Still, many coaches responded and provided insight into their 2025 signing class.

FCS

Abilene Christian

Head coach Keith Patterson said he believes incoming freshman defensive lineman Cuvanti Crawford (Dallas Carter) could make an immediate impact on passing downs. Patterson noted Crawford’s 6-foot-4 frame and his explosiveness. Patterson believes former Tomball High School standouts and Washington State transfers Landon and Luke Roaten will contribute on the offensive line as they develop.

Houston Christian

HCU head coach Jason Bachtel knows the value of recruiting in Houston, which includes the universities. The Huskies believe they found a star in 6-foot-3 wide receiver Ja’Ryan Wallace. The redshirt sophomore transfer from Houston appeared in six games for the Cougars and was the No. 72-ranked wide receiver in the nation out of Braswell High School.

Lamar 

The Cardinals' recruiting classes have drastically improved under head coach Peter Rossomando, and 2025 was no exception. Rossomando believes Duncanville freshman linebacker Nehemiah Borner could contribute in 2025. Borner enrolled in January and will compete in spring practice, which Rossomando notes is a big plus for players who wish to hit the field early. Summer Creek wide receiver Blake Thomas is another incoming freshman who could see playing time early.

Rossomando noted the Cardinals only sign transfers they expect to contribute immediately. However, he is excited about Illinois State transfer Paul Omodia, who played in 12 games last year after redshirting the 2023 campaign. The 6-foot-2, 194-pound George Bush product is a “bigger and longer” defensive back than FCS teams typically sign. HCU transfer defensive end Andrew Huff is expected to help Lamar’s pass rush in 2025.

Stephen F. Austin

Jalen Mayo, a native of Hampton, Virginia, is who Lumberjacks head coach Colby Carthel said will make an immediate impact in 2025. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound defensive back was a safety for his first two seasons at Virginia Union before moving to cornerback last year. Mayo had 52 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, broke up seven passes, and blocked three kicks on special teams.

Tarleton 

Two FBS transfers, running back Tylan Hines (Hawaii) and defensive lineman Angelo Anderson (Tulane), are expected to make an immediate impact for the Texans. Two other transfers to watch are wide receiver T’iar Young (Lock Haven) and linebacker Yasir Holmes (Frostburg State). Tarleton believes that Alvarado quarterback Cardea Collier, Richland linebacker Roddrick Roberts, and redshirt sophomore defensive back David Spruiells, a transfer from North Texas, are some players with the highest upside.

UIW 

“If they don’t check the early impact and bright future (boxes), then we won’t go after them,” UIW head coach Clint Killough said. While the Cardinals have earned the right to be picky with who they offer, Killough believes two freshmen could see the field in 2025. According to Killough, San Antonio Pieper wide receiver Isaiah Champagne and North Crowley linebacker Ja’Brelle Asberry possess the speed to play next season.

UTRGV

There will be football in the Rio Grande Valley in 2025! Head coach Travis Bush and staff signed 38 players, including 10 from an FBS institution. Bush believes UTSA transfer quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger will have an immediate impact in his final season of college eligibility. Richmond Randle wide receiver Keilan Sweeny is an intriguing prospect to watch in the future after he flew under the radar for most of the season before scoring a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown in a state title victory.

NCAA Division II

Angelo State

A true freshman rarely sees immediate playing time for the Rams as head coach Jeff Girsch has built his program by developing high school talent. Girsch believes Waco Midway defensive back Landon Whisenton will play a significant role in the secondary in a few years and notes that Frisco Lone Star linebacker Easton Pulliam is “gonna be a beast.” Girsch also raved about every defensive lineman signed and believes each has all-conference potential.

Midwestern State

NSD marks the one-year mark in Rich Renner’s tenure as head coach of the Mustangs. MSU signed 38 players this year, and Renner believes Tyler Chapel Hill defensive back Trevor Brooks can have an immediate impact for the Mustangs. Renner believes Dayton offensive lineman Donahvan Thibodeaux has the potential to be an NFL-caliber player.

Sul Ross State

While the Lobos administration has embarked on a months-long search for a head football coach to replace Barry Derickson, the staff has continued to recruit. Brazoswood running back Jose Trevino and Stafford defensive back Brian O'Neal could make an immediate impact in 2025. Walnut Grove wide receiver Ryan Van Roekel has the potential to be a standout in the future.

Texas A&M-Kingsville

Many expect Javelinas head coach Scott Parr to bring offensive firepower to Kingsville in 2025. The offensive production next season will likely rest on the shoulders of Louisiana Tech transfer quarterback Jack Turner, who played for Parr at Navarro before following him to Ruston and the LSC. Parr is excited about the potential of the wide receivers signed this year, led by Landon Heber, who cleared 6-foot-9 in the high jump at a recent track meet.

UTPB

Aiden Serrano departs Midland Legacy after setting the school record for most career receptions, and UTPB head coach Kris McCullough believes he will see playing time next season. Cypress Falls defensive back Shawn Battle has the speed and aggressiveness to contribute in 2025. McCullough is excited about the future of Waco La Vega linebacker Warren Richardson, who was named 12-4A Most Valuable Player.

West Texas A&M

After losing a large senior class, WT head coach Josh Lynn might need to rely on some youth in 2025. The Buffs believe they signed an outstanding class, and Lynn said Aledo offensive lineman Cody Cartwright and Round Rock Stony Point wide receiver Andrew Gomez could contribute immediately. Gomez had a breakout season in 2024, catching 42 passes for 897 yards and 12 touchdowns.

NJCAA

Tyler 

Head coach Tanner Jacobson and staff reloaded the Apaches' roster after they tied for first place in the challenging SWJCFC. Offensively, Jacobson said Lamar High School wide receiver Trey Douglas and offensive lineman Anthony Pellerin from Jersey Village have a shot at cracking the starting lineup in 2025. The Apache defense signed some outstanding players, including Layton Christian Academy (Utah) defensive tackle Jobe Tuafale, a native of Australia, and three-star Edge Benjamin Roberts from Kahuku, Hawaii.