College football has always thrived on breakout stars, the young athletes who arrive on the scene and capture the imagination of fans across the country. Every season, we look forward to seeing which underclassmen or emerging talents seize the opportunity to transform from highly touted recruits into household names under the bright lights of Saturday afternoons. The 2025 season is shaping up to be no different, and among the names drawing early buzz are Rico Scott, Jalen Hale, Josh Cueva, Keon Keeley, and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. Each brings a unique set of skills and storylines that make them prime candidates to ascend into stardom, but as always, only a few will turn potential into production. Examining their backgrounds, opportunities, and the situations around their programs provides a glimpse into who might rise to the top when the games matter most.
Rico Scott is perhaps the most intriguing wide receiver prospect entering the season. Coming out of Bishop McDevitt High School in Pennsylvania, Scott made a name for himself as a versatile pass-catcher with elite route-running skills, strong hands, and the ability to adjust midair to make tough contested catches. He committed to Alabama with a clear understanding of the standard he was walking into. Alabama has never lacked for receiver talent, from Julio Jones to Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Jameson Williams. The Crimson Tide system thrives when it has playmakers on the outside, and while there may be a crowded receiver room, Scott is not just another body in the depth chart. Coaches rave about his maturity and willingness to put in work in the film room, while his athleticism suggests he is more than capable of becoming a reliable option for Alabama’s quarterback. The Tide are retooling after some key departures, and that often means younger players get chances earlier than expected. Scott’s blend of speed, technical polish, and football IQ makes him a prime candidate to turn heads, and the national spotlight that comes with Alabama football could push him into breakout territory as soon as this fall.
If Rico Scott represents the polished technician at wideout, Jalen Hale embodies raw explosiveness and game-breaking potential. A product of Texas high school football powerhouses, Hale has been on radars since his sophomore year in high school thanks to his track-star speed and ability to stretch defenses vertically. At six-foot-one with long strides, Hale has the prototype build of a modern outside receiver who can both blow past cornerbacks and rise above them to snag deep throws. What separates Hale from other burners, however, is his ability to create separation on intermediate routes, a skill that translates more consistently to the college game. He committed to Alabama in a class full of playmakers, and while it has taken time for him to climb the depth chart, the 2025 season feels like a make-or-break year. Hale has flashed in practices and limited game reps, but now with opportunities opening up, he could explode into one of the most feared receivers in the SEC. The Crimson Tide offense has long relied on wideouts who can change the complexion of a game with one play, and Hale fits that archetype perfectly. His chemistry with the quarterback will be a storyline early, but if they connect, Hale has the potential to lead the SEC in big plays and become a breakout national star.
While receivers like Scott and Hale grab attention with highlight-reel plays, Josh Cueva offers intrigue on the other side of the ball as a defensive back with instincts and range. Defensive backs are often overlooked until they shut down a star receiver or come up with a clutch interception, but Cueva is the type of player who could make his presence felt on a weekly basis. Known for his ball-hawking ability in high school, Cueva’s transition to the college game has been steady, with coaches praising his discipline in coverage and ability to track the ball in the air. At six feet with quick-twitch athleticism, he has the versatility to play both cornerback and safety, which increases his chances of seeing the field consistently. In today’s college football, where high-octane passing offenses dominate, having a defender who can neutralize top wideouts is invaluable. Cueva has shown in practice that he is not afraid of physical matchups, and that confidence will serve him well against elite competition. If he can pile up a few interceptions early and make game-changing plays in high-profile matchups, his stock could rise rapidly. Cueva has the kind of skill set that translates not just to college success but also to NFL potential, which makes 2025 a critical season for his development and breakout status.
Keon Keeley might be the most physically imposing name on this list. A defensive end with prototypical size at six-foot-six and nearly 250 pounds, Keeley has long been viewed as one of the most dominant pass-rushing prospects in recent memory. Coming out of high school, he was a top-ranked recruit, and his frame combined with explosive first-step quickness drew comparisons to NFL stars before he even set foot on campus. Keeley has been patiently developing in a system known for producing defensive linemen, and 2025 appears to be his moment to step into a starting role. Pass rushers are often the quickest to become household names because their impact is visible—sacks, pressures, and forced turnovers change games immediately. Keeley has all the tools: length to bat down passes, strength to shed blockers, and a relentless motor to chase down quarterbacks. What makes him particularly dangerous is his ability to line up in different spots, giving defensive coordinators flexibility in how they deploy him. If Keeley puts it all together this year, double-digit sacks are not out of the question, and that would catapult him into All-American conversations. Given the importance of elite edge defenders in modern football, Keeley might be the most likely of this group to make a leap that has fans and scouts buzzing alike.
Then there is Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., a name that carries both promise and expectation due to his lineage. The son of former Alabama star and NFL cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, the younger Kirkpatrick has inherited not only his father’s size and athletic ability but also the pressure of living up to the family name. At cornerback, he has the long frame and quick feet that college coaches crave, and while his technique is still developing, his ceiling is extremely high. Kirkpatrick Jr. has the advantage of growing up around the game, studying defensive schemes and preparation habits from an early age. That background gives him a mental edge as he continues to refine his physical skills. His transition into a more prominent role could happen as early as this season, especially if his team needs fresh energy in the secondary. Legacy players often get more attention from fans and media, which can be a blessing and a curse, but Kirkpatrick Jr. seems to thrive under that spotlight. If he manages to lock down opposing receivers and make highlight plays in key games, he will not only step out of his father’s shadow but also build his own reputation as one of the next great defensive backs in college football.
The beauty of college football is that breakout stars often emerge in unexpected ways. Injuries, depth chart movement, and even the dynamics of certain matchups can catapult a player from obscurity into the national conversation overnight. Rico Scott and Jalen Hale have the chance to carry the torch of Alabama’s legendary receiver tradition, with Scott offering consistency and Hale bringing big-play fireworks. Josh Cueva has the opportunity to become a feared defensive presence, someone who quarterbacks and coordinators have to account for every snap. Keon Keeley could wreak havoc in backfields across the country, solidifying his reputation as the next dominant edge rusher. Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. carries the legacy factor, and if he lives up to the hype, his story will resonate with fans who remember his father’s days in Tuscaloosa.
Which of them emerges as college football’s next big star in 2025 will ultimately depend on opportunity, health, and consistency. Yet each of these players enters the season with not only talent but also storylines that draw attention. In an era where college football is constantly searching for the next face of the sport, the breakout watch is as exciting as the games themselves. Whether it is the smooth precision of Rico Scott, the explosive dynamism of Jalen Hale, the defensive instincts of Josh Cueva, the raw power of Keon Keeley, or the legacy-driven rise of Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., one thing is certain: fans should pay close attention, because one of these names is likely to be etched into the fabric of the 2025 season as a star who changed the course of games and maybe even the trajectory of a program. The breakout watch is on, and the stage is set for one of these gifted athletes to seize the moment and define themselves as college football’s next big star.
