The 2025 college football season showcased a diverse group of emerging talent across the Division I and junior college ranks, with several players advancing from redshirt years to key on‑field roles while others remain on the sidelines awaiting opportunities.
Key Performances and Progressions
Cornerback Ormanie Arnold (Cincinnati) appeared in 10 games, tallying 16 tackles and three pass breakups, matching his career‑high of four tackles against Kansas. In the previous year he logged the same number of tackles and added a season‑ending pass breakup versus TCU.
Defensive back Will Hicks (Hampton) earned All‑CAA honors after posting 72 tackles, 4.0 sacks and an interception in 12 games, highlighted by a 13‑tackle effort versus Monmouth.
Defensive lineman Deven Dyer (Western New Mexico) recorded 30 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack in 11 contests, including a career‑high six tackles and a forced fumble against West Texas A&M.
Long snapper Lincoln Epstein (Central Michigan) saw action in three games, handling both punts and placements as a redshirt freshman.
Punter Michael Kern (California) averaged 41.5 yards per punt over 39 attempts, delivering a season‑long 60‑yard punt against Duke and posting back‑to‑back averages of 47.5 and 47.0 yards in consecutive games.
Quarterback Luke Moga (Oregon) made his collegiate debut in three games, completing 3‑of‑5 for 58 yards and rushing for 49 yards.
Receiver Troy Omeire (UNLV) became a reliable target, catching 31 passes for 514 yards and five touchdowns across 14 games, including a 68‑yard score versus Colorado State.
Running back Keifer Seibley (North Texas) added 274 rushing yards and five touchdowns in eight games, highlighted by a 71‑yard, two‑touchdown performance against Charlotte.
Defensive back Kevin Longstreet (USC) contributed four tackles and four pass breakups in four games, showing early promise in the secondary.
Offensive lineman Markus Fetcho (Laney College) helped his team to a 9‑2 record in his freshman season at the junior college level.
Why These Developments Matter
These individual statistics illustrate how redshirting and gradual playing time can translate into meaningful contributions, influencing team depth charts and recruiting evaluations. Players like Arnold and Hicks demonstrate that consistent, if modest, production can earn conference honors and increase a program’s defensive stability. Special teams impact, as seen from Epstein’s snapping duties and Kern’s punting range, often swings field position battles, a critical yet under‑reported facet of game strategy.
the progression of junior college athletes such as Dyer and Fetcho underscores the role of community colleges as pipelines to four‑year programs, affecting talent distribution across the NCAA landscape.
Possible Future Scenarios
Should Arnold continue to match or exceed his four‑tackle ceiling, Cincinnati could rely on him as a starting corner in the upcoming season, potentially influencing defensive schemes against high‑powered passing attacks.
If Hicks maintains his tackle and sack production, Hampton may attract increased scouting attention, possibly leading to postseason all‑conference selections and higher visibility for NFL scouts.
Deven Dyer’s demonstrated ability to generate tackles for loss and forced fumbles could earn him a starting role at Western New Mexico, which might translate into a transfer opportunity to a higher‑profile program.
Continued strong punting performances from Michael Kern could position him as a candidate for national special‑teams awards and increase his prospects for professional consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which players earned conference honors in 2025?
Will Hicks (All‑CAA) and Troy Omeire (Mountain West Championship game contributions) were highlighted for their conference‑level impact.
How many players redshirted in the past two seasons?
Several athletes, including Ormanie Arnold (2022), Joshua Barnes (2024), Jalen Charles (2024), and Lincoln Epstein (2024), utilized redshirt status to preserve eligibility.
What positions saw the most statistical improvement from 2024 to 2025?
Defensive backs (Arnold, Hicks, Longstreet) and defensive linemen (Dyer) posted higher tackle and disruption numbers, while special teams players (Kern, Epstein) expanded their roles.
Which emerging player or trend do you think will have the biggest impact on college football next season?
