Predicting impact true freshmen these days is one of the hardest things to do in college football.

It's never been easy pointing out which prospect is going to have the perfect mixture of athletic excellence and opportunity to earn snaps, but now with the transfer portal providing instant fixes, it's even rarer to pinpoint which teams will have flashing vacancy signs next year before this season is even over.

But it sure is fun to try, isn't it? We sure think so.

Is it way too early? Yep. It's never too soon to take a glimpse into our crystal ball, though, and as much high school game tape as we've watched and with the prep all-star games in our rearview, we've got to put all that work to good use, don't we?

From a handful of quarterbacks to some dynamic defenders, some fit the bill of having that concoction of being elite and having a spot designed just for them on their team of choice.

It's time to zero in on who could break out next year before they even memorize their college class schedule. Let's take a look at some possibilities of true freshmen who could work their way on to your radar in 2025.

Christopher Burgess Jr., Notre Dame Edge

Christopher Burgess Jr. wasn't Notre Dame's highest-ranked recruit in the 2025 recruiting class, but the 6'3", 265-pound twitched-up edge-rusher from Chicago is undeniable.

He also has a big opportunity next year with the Fighting Irish having to replace three defensive linemen who've played a ton of snaps and not returning anybody who has seen regular time.

He's up to the challenge.

Burgess reportedly was a star at the All-American Bowl, even earning MVP honors in one of the practice days showcasing his talents against the best in the nation.

He stayed close to home, and the Irish are glad he did as defensive line coach Al Washington will now get to mold the No. 123-ranked player in the nation and the ninth-rated edge-rusher into a difference-maker next year.

Offensive tackle Will Black could have gone on this list, but there are a lot of young players getting important snaps on the front this year. But on the other side of the line, so many upperclassmen are exhausting eligibility.

Head coach Marcus Freeman has shown he isn't scared to play freshmen, and Burgess is an explosive athlete who could add 10-15 pounds of muscle and have the versatility to play a lot of spots. Look for him to get reps immediately.

Caleb Cunningham, Ole Miss Wide Receiver

You don't convince 5-star pass-catcher Caleb Cunningham to spurn his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide, stay in-state and sign with Ole Miss and then let him watch from the sideline.

Don't bet on that happening.

The 6'1", 190-pound Ackerman, Mississippi, native had offers from virtually everybody but ultimately decided to play for coach Lane Kiffin. Even though the Rebels will be replacing quarterback Jaxson Dart, there's still plenty of excitement surrounding Austin Simmons.

Cunningham also will be the beneficiary of explosive receivers Tre Harris, Antwane "Juice" Wells and Jordan Watkins heading to the NFL.

In typical Kiffin fashion, he addressed the major need of pass-catcher through the portal with additions like De'Zhaun Stribling (Oklahoma State), Caleb Odom (Alabama) and Deuce Alexander (Wake Forest) to go along with Cayden Lee, Ayden Williams, and others.

But Cunningham is going to have a big-time role on this team that will grow as the season progresses. Kiffin coaches a receiver-friendly offense, and he just so happened to get one of the most talented players at the position in the class from his backyard.

What better "Come play for the Rebels" billboard do you need? Cunningham could wind up being one of the faces of an exciting program, and the future may be now for him in 2025.

Linkon Cure, Kansas State Tight End

In a day and age where it seems the Oregon Ducks are one of the scariest teams out there when it comes to recruiting against—no matter if it's high schoolers or in the transfer portal era—Linkon Cure went with his heart.

The 6'5", 223-pound tight end is a big, athletic playmaker who has the potential to be an elite force right away. He can block as an inline tight end, and he has a major motor that allows him to split out and be a linebacker mismatch.

That's why everybody wanted the Goodland, Kansas, native, and why the Ducks made a major run at him. Ultimately, though, despite predictions from several experts who said coach Dan Lanning would flip him, Cure signed with Kansas State, where he'd been committed since July.

It's a gargantuan recruiting win for coach Chris Klieman and the Wildcats, who desperately need to surround quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards with other electrifying weapons if they want to get back to the top of the Big 12.

Cure has those freakish abilities to leap out of the building, burst downfield and do a lot of different things with the ball in his hands. He's simply a winner, and he's the type of player whose national recruitment could lead him anywhere.

He's sticking close to home and playing in the "Little Apple," giving the 'Cats the nation's top-ranked tight end.

Gideon Davidson, Clemson Running Back

The bottom line for the Clemson Tigers is there are some unavoidable question marks surrounding the running back position.

Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley has done a lot of terrific things since joining coach Dabo Swinney's staff, and one of the guys who helped make all that tick was Phil Mafah, but he is now out of eligibility.

Now that Jay Haynes tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the ACC championship Game, more questions abound.

Good thing for the Tigers that one of their top commitments was elite running back Gideon Davidson, a 6'0", 193-pound prototypical starting running back from Lynchburg, Virginia, who was the nation's No. 55-ranked overall player and the third-rated running back.

For a runner of his size, Davidson is surprisingly nimble in the hole. His athleticism jumps out on film, and he was coveted by many of the top teams. His deceptive speed is explosive, too, and he is the type of freshman player who can make a name for himself as a leader, after winning a pair of state championships in high school.

There are a lot of things to like about Davidson stepping in and getting day one reps, even if Haynes is back. This one looks like a no-brainer to take some of the pressure off Cade Klubnik next year.

Iose Epenesa, Iowa Defensive End

The name on the back of Iose Epenesa's jersey is going to be extremely familiar, not only to Iowa Hawkeyes fans but to folks around the nation who remember what a star his older brother was.

When A.J. Epenesa roamed the field for coach Kirk Ferentz in Iowa City, he was a Freshman All-Big Ten player who really blossomed as a sophomore and junior and ultimately was a second-round pick after his junior season. The Buffalo Bills player made a name for himself.

Now, it's the younger Epenesa's turn.

The 6'4", 270-pound defensive end has his brother's size and versatility. He can play off the edge, which is likely where he will start his career, but he also could grow and shift inside. Most importantly, he seems college-ready athletically right now.

Epenesa has a big-time get-up about his game, and he plays with the type of fire you love to see. He was also a standout basketball player and track and field athlete in Edwardsville, Illinois, and he is used to winning.

He's the No. 42-ranked overall player and the fifth-rated defensive lineman in the nation, and even though Ferentz doesn't give first-year players a ton of starts, it may be too tough to let Epenesa stand over there and watch.

This kid was invited to the U.S. Navy All-American Bowl and Polynesian Bowl for a reason, and he was even a standout in the former, per Rivals' Sam Spiegelman.

Tae Harris, Georgia Tech Safety

There are bigger defensive backs than Georgia Tech incoming freshman safety Tae Harris. But few pack the punch he does.

At 5'10", 200 pounds, he played for powerhouse Cedartown (Georgia) High School, and he's used to playing on a big stage and winning big games.

Along with offensive tackle Josh Petty, he proved the Yellow Jackets and coach Brent Key can win some big-time battles in prospects' living rooms.

Harris is the real deal. He plays with a swagger, and his game is much bigger than his body looks. He packs a major punch hitting ball-carriers and displays a nose for the ball, too.

He is the nation's No. 4-rated safety and the 51st-ranked player overall, and those just aren't the type of recruiting battles the Ramblin' Wreck are used to winning.

It was an extremely topsy-turvy final couple months of his recruitment as Harris committed to Clemson in November and then flipped to Georgia Tech in December, sticking closer to home.

According to 247Sports' GoJackets website's Rod Mackenzie, Harris stood out at postseason all-star games, and he's now poised to try to win a starting job. Key is still building his program in Atlanta, and Harris has the talent to step in and make a major impact right away.

Antwann Hill Jr., Memphis Quarterback

Players of Antwann Hill Jr.'s ilk simply don't go to programs like Memphis.

But the American Athletic Conference's Tigers are showing the college football world they aren't scared to compete in the Name, Image and Likeness game, and they will get in there and try to win some major recruiting battles.

Getting Hill, a 6'4.5", 220-pound signal-caller from Warner Robins, Georgia, to sign with them was a major win for the Tigers and coach Ryan Silverfield.

Now, the physically imposing quarterback who had offers from Florida and others just has to win the job against players like Nevada transfer Brendon Lewis and redshirt freshman Arrington Maiden.

Replacing record-setting quarterback Seth Henigan won't be easy. But the Tigers have a talented QB room, and if you think it's unprecedented for them to start a freshman, well, Henigan did, so you don't have to go that far back to see it happens.

If Hill doesn't start right away, you've got to think he's a flight risk in the transfer portal, so the pressure is on him to perform and Memphis to acknowledge it with snaps. But this is a program trying to win a conference.

Hill may have the ability to match the hype. The No. 178-ranked overall player and the 16th-rated quarterback had some moments at the U.S. Navy All-American Bowl, and he could put up big numbers immediately, especially considering he's not playing against top-tier competition every week.

Dakorien Moore, Oregon Wide Receiver

There isn't a Jeremiah Smith who comes around every year. As a matter of fact, we may not see a generational talent like the Ohio State freshman megastar for some time.

But if there is a guy who could potentially enter Smith's statistical stratosphere in 2025, it would be Oregon freshman Dakorien Moore. The Duncanville, Texas, native had Keelon Russell (remember that name) throwing him the ball in high school, and Moore will have a major role in Eugene.

Will it be next season? It definitely could.

After all, Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden are off to the NFL, leaving Evan Stewart as the biggest star in the receiver room and a lot of untapped talent. The Ducks landed Florida State transfer Malik Benson from the portal, but he hasn't really blossomed yet in college.

So, there will be snaps available, and with Dillon Gabriel gone, possibly that means Dante Moore will get his chance to lead the Ducks, and there will be a whole new vibe.

Moore is a speed-burning, 5'11", 182-pound pass-catcher who was the nation's top-rated receiver, and he's the type of player who is gone to the end zone in an eye-blink once he makes a move on a defender.

He isn't the big, physical presence of Smith at all. But Moore could carve his own stardom with a different type of skill set.

Keelon Russell, Alabama Quarterback

How fitting is it that, even in an alphabetical listing, Keelon Russell is next to his high school teammate, Dakorien Moore.

Unfortunately, the pair won't be hooking up for collegiate touchdowns, but both will be getting the opportunity to play championship-caliber football.

While Moore's time will be spent in the Pacific Northwest with the Ducks, Russell flipped his commitment from nearby SMU to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide and be the "next big thing" under center for coach Kalen DeBoer as he tries to build his program in Title Town.

Russell is the perfect quarterback to run his system. And while many think Ty Simpson will be the starter, don't be so sure. Jalen Milroe was a dynamic talent, but it was a square-peg, round-hole fit with DeBoer's offense.

Even so, neither Simpson nor Austin Mack ever could wrestle snaps away from Milroe, so what makes you think DeBoer is married to playing either one of them in 2025? Russell already is on campus and will know the offense by the time the season rolls around.

The second-ranked overall prospect in the nation is a superb athlete, standing 6'3", 175 pounds and drawing comparisons to Washington Commanders phenom and former LSU (and Arizona State) starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. He can beat teams with his legs and has precision accuracy, as well.

Despite needing to add weight and strength, Russell is the most college-ready quarterback in the class and has all the tools to be great right away.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California Quarterback

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele's recruitment really blew up late, as he surged up the rankings. Even though he is the nation's No. 106-ranked overall prospect and eighth-ranked signal-caller, On3 had him as a 5-star.

The Hawaii native caused quite a stir when, despite being committed to California, he flipped in December to the Oregon Ducks, where he signed. Then, after just a few weeks in Eugene, he realized it wasn't for him and went back into the portal.

Now, he's back in Berkeley, where he felt like he belonged all along, and what a massive win that is for coach Justin Wilcox.

With Fernando Mendoza out of the picture and off to Indiana, the path is cleared for Sagapolutele to start right away for the Bears. The 6'2.5", 217-pound southpaw will compete against CJ Harris, who started the L.A. Bowl, and freshman EJ Caminong, but neither has the ability as the incoming freshman.

Sagapolutele threw for 46 touchdowns and four interceptions as a senior in high school in Hawaii, and he has a huge arm and can make all the throws. On top of that, he's got the athleticism to tuck the ball and run for yards when plays break down.

Even if the Bears add a transfer portal quarterback, Sagapolutele has what it takes to be an instant-impact playmaker for a team that needs a star under center.

David Sanders Jr., Tennessee Offensive Tackle

There is a gaping hole for a starting offensive tackle on Rocky Top, and it's just the right size for 6'6", 290-pound David Sanders Jr. to fit.

Coach Josh Heupel, offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and company got one of the biggest signings of the cycle when they convinced the top-rated offensive tackle in the 2025 class to come play for the Tennessee Volunteers.

Despite a final-weekend-before-signing-day frenzy that saw the Charlotte, North Carolina, native take a last-minute visit to his runner-up school, the Ohio State Buckeyes, that had Vols fans everywhere sweating, Sanders signed on the dotted line for the Big Orange.

There's very little chance he's watching football next year. Instead, he'll be on the field and potentially slotted in as the left tackle protecting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Even if he slides into the right tackle spot vacated by John Campbell, Sanders has the potential to someday soon be a blind-side blocker.

Blessed with huge power and terrific athleticism, Sanders is a "can't-miss" offensive line prospect and a day one starter. Tennessee has some pretty good, young offensive linemen with some potential already on the roster and paid big out of the portal last year for Lance Heard, who had an up-and-down redshirt freshman season.

But Sanders will get plenty of on-the-job training. He is an investment that could pay huge dividends for a Vols team that needs him to be elite right away.

Jahkeem Stewart, USC Defensive Lineman

When Jahkeem "Thanos" Stewart reclassified from the 2026 recruiting class to '25, it became a free-for-all to try to convince the enormous defensive line prospect to give some of the top programs in the nation a look.

Because he is from New Orleans, most guessed he would stay close to home and play for Brian Kelly's LSU Tigers, and the Bayou Bengals indeed were a finalist. But Stewart ultimately decided to spurn his home-state school (as well as several other big-time programs) to play for Lincoln Riley at USC.

Now, Trojans defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn has a centerpiece around which to rebuild his defense that showed flashes of being competitive in USC's first year in the Big Ten. Stewart has all the ability to be a multiyear starter and a star right away.

At 6'6", 270 pounds, Stewart could add 50 pounds and still not lose a step of quickness. Right now, it's even possible for him to get after passers off the edge because he has so much athletic ability. You simply don't see guys his size who can move like him.

According to SI.com's Kendell Hollowell, Stewart is making $2 million per year in NIL money to play for the Trojans, so you'd better believe he is going to have the opportunity to step onto the field and be a major contributor right away. This is a young kid with huge upside and NFL potential.

Bryce Underwood, Michigan Quarterback

Another player who almost wound up at LSU but didn't was perhaps the biggest recruiting loss of any team this cycle.

The nation's No. 1-ranked overall player—quarterback Bryce Underwood—had been committed to the Bayou Bengals since January 2024, and he seemed all set to play for coach Brian Kelly.

But the 6'3.5", 205-pound Belleville, Michigan, native never shut the door on the home-state Michigan Wolverines and first-year coach Sherrone Moore, and that persistence by Big Blue paid off when Underwood flipped in late November and signed in December.

Now, with a hefty NIL deal and with no real star power under center blocking his path, it appears Moore and the Wolverines are content to build around Underwood, who could get a chance to start right away but at least will work his way in as the season progresses.

The blend of elite athleticism, arm strength and production make Underwood a tantalizing prospect, and that's why he was the consensus No. 1 overall player. Alabama signee Keelon Russell may be more college-ready, but Underwood could be special.

He didn't do much of the camp circuit, so even though everybody knows his name and it didn't cause him to drop, how he'll translate on the collegiate level is a little bit of an enigma.

Don't doubt him, though. He is a dynamic athlete who is used to winning and now will be the face of a proud program surrounded by family and friends. He has legendary potential.

Dallas Wilson, Florida Wide Receiver

Just think for a minute—the Oregon Ducks had two 5-star receivers in Dakorien Moore and Dallas Wilson already signed and set to play in Eugene.

But Wilson's heart was never in it after traveling all the way across the country from his Tampa home, and he basically immediately was released from his letter of intent with Oregon and headed back home to play for coach Billy Napier's Florida Gators.

What a massive win for a Florida team that was one of the nation's hottest during the second half of the season in 2024 and is building around elite freshman quarterback DJ Lagway.

Now, the nation's fourth-rated receiver and No. 20 overall player will team with Vernell Brown III to give Napier and Co. a super duo for Lagway to help develop.

Wilson is the complete package, and his 247Sports profile compares him to departing Ole Miss receiver Tre Harris. He is praised for his hands, his size and his speed, but it's the latter that makes him very special.

Not only can the 6'3", 205-pound pass-catcher stretch the field and take the lid off a defense, but when he gets in the open field, he has the long strides to gallop away from defenders.

Brown will be the in-space guy, and Wilson can keep defenses honest. There will be a lot of pain trying to contain the young skill-position stars Napier has stocked.

Chad Woodfork, TCU Edge

It's been an odd three years for coach Sonny Dykes at TCU after making it to the national championship game following his first season, dipping to 5-7 and then rebounding to 9-4 in 2024.

The nice, little uptick this past season led to some great recruiting wins, too.

The Horned Frogs finished with the No. 24-ranked class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings, and one of the top players in the group is speedy edge-rusher Chad Woodfork from Humble, Texas.

The 6'4", 220-pound defensive end had a lot of interest because of his elite ability, but he ultimately chose to play for Dykes in Fort Worth. He is the nation's No. 102-ranked overall player and the eighth-rated edge.

In a year that wasn't deep at the position, Woodfork could wind up outplaying that ranking, too. He is a very quick defensive lineman for his size and possesses the frame to add a lot of quality weight.

Woodfork pledged to the Horned Frogs back in May, and despite a frantic blitz by Texas Tech to try to steal him away, he stayed true to his word. While he isn't the most physical player right now, his athleticism is off the charts.

That first step is dynamic, and it's the reason he almost certainly will at least be utilized in "rabbit packages" as a true freshman in '25.

All stats courtesy of CFBStats and Sports Reference unless otherwise noted. Recruit rankings courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.

Follow Brad Shepard on Twitter, @Brad_Shepard.