Sports
Clay’s NFL season projections and unit grades: The top offenses, defenses, rosters and schedules
Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season is around the corner. What better way to raise (or temper) expectations than with a complete breakdown of predictions and projections?
Below is a guide of what to expect once the season kicks off Thursday — including power rankings of all 32 teams, a list of teams that will score the most points and defenses that will allow the fewest, and a look at the toughest and easiest schedules. We also make predictions for the playoffs and Super Bowl LX.
If you’re looking for even more in-depth content, check my rankings and assessments of the best and worst positional units across the league, as well as my 80-page projections PDF.
Jump ahead to …
Schedule: Easiest | Toughest
Offense projections: Best | Worst
Defense projections: Best | Worst
Power rankings | Super Bowl pick
Easiest schedule
The 49ers are coming off a last-place finish in the NFC West, but that set them up with the league’s easiest projected 2025 schedule. They do not play any of the league’s eight Super Bowl favorites, per ESPN Bet odds (Ravens, Lions, Eagles, Bills, Chiefs, Packers, Bengals, Commanders), and have many attractive matchups against underwhelming NFC South and AFC South teams.
San Francisco’s unique games are versus the Bears, Giants and Browns — the latter two are projected to finish in the bottom seven of the league, per ESPN’s Football Power Index. The Titans, Colts, Jaguars and Cardinals round out the top-five easiest schedules.
Toughest schedule
No surprise here, as the Lions are the defending champions of the tough NFC North. In addition to the six games against the Vikings, Packers and the improved Bears, the Lions will face NFC East and AFC North teams. Detroit’s trio of unique games is also about as hard as you can get: Buccaneers, Chiefs and Rams.
The good news for Detroit is that the rest of the division (and several No. 1-seed contenders) will also face a tough slate. The Eagles, Vikings, Giants and Browns round out the top-five toughest schedules.
Projected highest-scoring teams
The Bills haven’t led the NFL in scoring since 1990, but they’ve been close during the Josh Allen era, ranking no lower than sixth each of the past five seasons (top-three four times). This season, the reigning NFL MVP is set up with a solid (and perhaps improved) supporting cast, led by RB James Cook, WR Khalil Shakir, second-year WR Keon Coleman, TE Dalton Kincaid and newcomer WR Joshua Palmer.
2. Baltimore Ravens, 473 points
3. Philadelphia Eagles, 452 points
Projected lowest-scoring teams
The Browns were last in scoring in 2024 and haven’t finished better than 10th since 2007. They should be a strong bet to finish at or near the bottom in 2025, especially with so much uncertainty at quarterback (some mix of Joe Flacco, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders). Additionally, the once-elite offensive line isn’t as good as years past, and there are no established needle-moving pass catchers behind WR Jerry Jeudy and TE David Njoku.
2. New Orleans Saints, 314 points
3. New York Giants, 332 points
Projected defenses to allow the fewest points
Though the Texans ranked in the middle of the pack in points allowed last season, their defense finished top five in sacks (49) and forced turnovers (29). They were also first in pass rush win rate (48.7%). Thirteen of the unit’s top 14 players who got the most snaps return this season, including standout edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, safety Jalen Pitre and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
2. Denver Broncos, 357 points
3. Pittsburgh Steelers, 358 points
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Why C.J. Stroud ‘feels great’ about new O-line
C.J. Stroud joins “First Take” to discuss how the Texans’ offensive line has improved as a unit to protect him better in the 2025 NFL season.
Projected defenses to allow the most points
The Cowboys allowed the second-most points last season, and that was with Micah Parsons for 13 games. Parsons was traded to Green Bay on Thursday for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks. Linebacker Eric Kendricks, nickel corner Jourdan Lewis and edge rusher Chauncey Golston are also gone.
Sprinkle in a few lingering injuries (including top linebacker DeMarvion Overshown), and the Cowboys have the shakiest defense in the league. Facing the Eagles and Commanders twice will only boost their points allowed.
2. Las Vegas Raiders, 428 points
3. Carolina Panthers, 427 points
Team-by-team rankings
Asterisks indicate my projected playoff teams.
This team has it all: an elite coach in John Harbaugh, perhaps the league’s best QB in two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, a terrific offensive supporting cast (led by RB Derrick Henry, WR Zay Flowers, TE Mark Andrews, OT Ronnie Stanley and C Tyler Linderbaum) and a terrific defense that returns 10 of its top 11 snap-getters from 2024 (including stars in S Kyle Hamilton, CB Marlon Humphrey, LB Roquan Smith and DT Nnamdi Madubuike). They also strengthened their secondary by signing cornerback Jaire Alexander.
We already discussed Buffalo’s stellar offensive outlook, but Sean McDermott’s defense deserves some love, as well. Led by edge rusher Greg Rousseau, corner Christian Benford, defensive tackle Ed Oliver and new edge rusher Joey Bosa, this should be a solid unit. The Bills are equipped for another run at a title.
Injuries decimated the Lions’ defense in 2024, which led to a quick playoff exit after a dominant 15-2 regular season. The departures of coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, as well as new players on the interior offensive line, create notable uncertainties. But Detroit’s roster is still stacked with talent. I expect the Lions to contend for the top NFC seed again despite projecting them to have the toughest schedule.
The reigning Super Bowl champions took a hit on defense during the offseason, losing edge Brandon Graham, cornerback Darius Slay, edge Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. But at its worst, this team is solid on paper because of its elite offense with RB Saquon Barkley, QB Jalen Hurts and WR A.J. Brown. The Eagles have a legitimate shot to repeat.
Perhaps the Chiefs are headed for some regression after they had so many close wins last season but suffered a shellacking against the Eagles for the title. But it’s hard to doubt a franchise that has reached five of the past six Super Bowls, including three in a row. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes appears to have more offensive support this season, even with wide receiver Rashee Rice being suspended for the first six games. Their strong defense also returns 13 of its top 15 snap-getters from 2024.
Tampa Bay has found its franchise quarterback in Baker Mayfield and he’ll have one of the league’s top supporting casts, which now includes first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. The defense still has concerns at certain positions, but the unit can be good enough to give the Bucs a shot at their fifth consecutive division title and sixth straight trip to the postseason.
Sean Payton turned Denver into a playoff team last season, and he’ll have an even better squad on paper this season. A defense led by cornerback Pat Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and defensive tackle Zach Allen is outstanding, and it added more playmakers in two former 49ers (LB Dre Greenlaw and S Talanoa Hufanga). Second-year QB Bo Nix will benefit from a terrific offensive line and skill-position upgrades like tight end Evan Engram.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s back injury could derail things, but the Rams have constructed one of their best rosters in several years. They struck gold with edge rusher Jared Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and we know they’re well-coached under Sean McVay. On offense, they replaced wide receiver Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams, who tied for 15th in ESPN’s open receiver score last season.
The Vikings remain elite in a lot of areas, including offensive line, pass catchers (led by WR Justin Jefferson) and defense (a unit that includes defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave). The big question, of course, is how well quarterback J.J. McCarthy plays after the 2024 first-round pick missed his rookie season because of a knee injury.
The Packers are solid on both sides of the ball, and the offense could be even better with improved targets, including first-round receiver Matthew Golden, and a fully healthy QB in Jordan Love. The blockbuster trade for edge rusher Micah Parsons revamps their defensive line and could be enough to cement Green Bay as a playoff contender.
Second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels appears to be the real deal and can carry this team far, especially with more veterans on offense, such as left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The defense remains a major red flag, but defensive mastermind Dan Quinn could again coach it into a competent unit.
The Bengals have missed the playoffs in back-to-back years despite winning nine-plus games in four consecutive seasons. It’s hard to imagine a team that has quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (both in the top 10 of our top 100 players) missing the postseason again, but giant questions loom along the offensive line and defense.
The Bears are one of the league’s most fascinating teams. New coach/offensive mastermind Ben Johnson will look to get the most out of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who will have the benefit of a terrific young group of pass catchers and a much-improved offensive line. The defense is, at worst, solid and helps give Chicago a legit shot at the postseason.
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Why Mina Kimes expects a big turnaround from Caleb Williams
Mina Kimes and Chris Canty discuss whether they expect a bigger turnaround from Caleb Williams or Bryce Young this NFL season.
Losing elite left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season is brutal, and the Chargers’ defense certainly has several concerning areas — the unit ranked in the bottom 10 at linebacker and cornerback in my positional group rankings. Still, the Justin Herbert-led offense looks good, and Jim Harbaugh’s record speaks for itself (55-25-1 in five seasons as an NFL head coach).
A T.J. Watt-led defense that added cornerback Jalen Ramsey this offseason is perhaps the league’s best on paper, but the big question is how much the team will get out of 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers couldn’t move the needle for a talented Jets roster last season, and this offensive supporting cast is below average. Mike Tomlin’s leadership should keep this team in the wild-card mix, though.
AFC sleeper alert! The Patriots are much better in nearly all areas compared with last season. After finishing with the fewest sacks in the NFL last season (28), the defense improved by signing DT Milton Williams, edge Harold Landry III, LB Robert Spillane and CB Carlton Davis III. Second-year QB Drake Maye will have wide receiver Stefon Diggs and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson as options. And Mike Vrabel replaced Jerod Mayo as head coach.
Houston remains the favorite in the AFC South, with an aforementioned terrific defense and a solid offense. There are some lingering offensive line concerns, as the unit could have four new starters this season, but third-year QB C.J. Stroud and standout wideout Nico Collins give this team a higher floor.
NFC sleeper alert! Jonathan Gannon’s defense is much improved after investing heavily up front. The Cardinals signed edge Josh Sweat, along with defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell in free agency. And in the draft, they took defensive tackle Walter Nolen III in the first round, though he will start the season on the reserve/PUP list because of a calf issue. The Kyler Murray-led offense could also be better if wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. makes a Year 2 leap.
As usual, Kyle Shanahan’s offense figures to be very good, but injuries at wide receiver are already piling up — the 49ers aren’t sure if Jauan Jennings will be available for Week 1. The big red flag here is a defense that had many notable departures, leaving the 49ers with big concerns at defensive tackle, corner and safety. Edge rusher Nick Bosa and new coordinator Robert Saleh will have their work cut out for them.
Quarterback aside, the Colts arguably have a top-10 roster. The defense looks pretty good (cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum were much-needed upgrades in the secondary), and the offense includes several difference-makers (RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Michael Pittman Jr., G Quenton Nelson, OT Braden Smith and first-round rookie TE Tyler Warren). If new starting QB Daniel Jones can give the team somewhat competent play, the Colts might surprise the league.
Mike McDonald’s defense looks to have the league’s best interior line, including Leonard Williams, second-year Byron Murphy II and Jarran Reed. The offense is more of a wild card, as new quarterback Sam Darnold will need to sustain his improved play from 2024. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp and running back Kenneth Walker III will need to stay healthy, too.
With Tua Tagovailoa under center, the Dolphins’ offense has a ton of upside, but it also struggled to make the most of receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle last season. The offensive line is concerning. The defense is even shakier, especially with all five secondary starters from 2024 gone and little done to replace them. There’s also uncertainty at edge rusher after Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips missed most of the past two seasons. This is a career-defining year for coach Mike McDaniel.
The Falcons’ defense finished with the second-fewest sacks last season (31), but there’s potential for a step forward if first-round edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. are the real deal. The offense has a much brighter outlook, but second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. started only three games last season and threw an interception in each one. He has a good supporting cast, led by WR Drake London, RB Bijan Robinson and a quality line, but Penix will need a Year 2 leap for Atlanta to enter the playoff discussion.
Dallas’ offseason had more headlines than impact additions. A healthy Dak Prescott/CeeDee Lamb duo will be a big boost in the right direction, but an offensive line already battling injuries isn’t what it was a few years ago. The defense also has to figure out its identity without Micah Parsons on the edge.
The Giants have clear weak spots, but there’s potential for them to outperform this ranking. The defense is quietly very good on paper after the additions of cornerback Paulson Adebo, safety Jevon Holland and first-round edge rusher Abdul Carter to a group that already included DT Dexter Lawrence II, edge Brian Burns and LB Bobby Okereke. The offense, led by WR Malik Nabers, has questions along the line, but competent QB play from Russell Wilson or first-round pick Jaxson Dart can get this team into the wild-card discussion.
The Jets fumbled away a stacked roster last season, and the outlook doesn’t appear bright now. A defense that includes DT Quinnen Williams, edge Jermaine Johnson and CB Sauce Gardner should be above average, but an offense led by quarterback Justin Fields and unproven skill players beyond wide receiver Garrett Wilson figures to be very limited.
The Jaguars drafted one of the league’s most interesting players in Travis Hunter, but the rookie will be hard-pressed to make up for the voids this roster has on both sides of the ball. Little (no pun intended, Walker Little) was done to address perhaps the league’s shakiest offensive line, which puts added pressure on quarterback Trevor Lawrence under new coach Liam Coen. The defense should be solid, with edge Josh Hines-Allen, LB Foyesade Oluokun and CB Tyson Campbell among the impact players.
The Titans are entering a new era with No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at quarterback. Tennessee improved its offensive line, but growing pains are probable and the skill positions are still a work in progress. And besides the great defensive tackle duo of Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat, the defense doesn’t have much for opponents to fear.
Quarterback Bryce Young started to show some life late last season and another step forward will be the key to Carolina outproducing this ranking. He’ll have a better supporting cast after the team selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round. But the league’s worst scoring defense in 2024 could still be shaky — the return to health for star defensive tackle Derrick Brown will be a big help.
Perhaps Pete Carroll can coach this team out of the basement, but even with the additions of QB Geno Smith and RB Ashton Jeanty on offense and the presence of edge Maxx Crosby on an otherwise shaky defense, this roster has too many weak points. I had them ranked last at wide receiver and 30th overall in my positional group rankings.
0:47
Dopp: Ashton Jeanty can be an anchor RB for fantasy managers
Daniel Dopp breaks down why Ashton Jeanty can be an anchor RB for fantasy managers.
The Browns’ defense took a giant step back last season and now looks like a bottom-10 unit on paper (even with edge rusher Myles Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward). The offense is in flux and might not improve until Cleveland takes another flier on a franchise quarterback in the 2026 draft.
Derek Carr’s sudden retirement cemented this one, as Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough will have to step up at quarterback this season. If that’s not enough, the cornerback group might be shakiest in the NFL, and there are age and/or injury concerns with RB Alvin Kamara, LB Demario Davis, edge Cameron Jordan, WR Chris Olave and TE Taysom Hill.
Super Bowl LX prediction: Ravens over Lions
It’s no secret that the Ravens have yet to register a Super Bowl appearance during the Lamar Jackson era (or since 2012), but that could change this season. Baltimore has perhaps its best roster on paper since it defeated the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, sitting at No. 1 in my overall positional group rankings.
The Lions were the best team in the NFL last season before being derailed by a ridiculous stretch of defensive injuries. Now (mostly) healthy, they have a good shot to fend off the defending champion Eagles in the NFC playoffs, reaching their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
Offensive unit grade rankings
Defensive unit grade rankings
School is back in session, temperatures are dropping and summer is over everywhere but on your calendar. Sure, football has taken center stage — but more importantly, that means college basketball is just around the corner.
It was another quiet month for college hoops, with the only real personnel news coming from international prospects making commitments. Practices are underway, but most of the roster-building focus will be on the 2026 recruits making campus visits over the next several weeks.
As a result, the top 25 from the July and August editions remains the same. And much like July’s impact newcomer debate or August’s best nonconference game picks, we’re picking a theme for September. This time, we’re focusing on one candidate from each Top 25 team — whether a returning star, incoming freshman or coach — who could be in the awards and individual honors conversation by the end of the season.
Previous ranking: 1
Braden Smith: Among the players returning to men’s college basketball, Smith is arguably the best bet for the Wooden Award. He’s coming off a season in which he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American. He was second nationally with 8.7 assists per game and averaged nearly 16 points. Matt Painter has improved the options around him this season, which should help his case.
Projected starting lineup
Braden Smith (15.8 PPG)
C.J. Cox (6.0 PPG)
Fletcher Loyer (13.8 PPG)
Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.1 PPG)
Oscar Cluff (17.6 PPG at South Dakota State)
Braden Smith is the obvious choice.
🏆 Big Ten Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/WQqDu2tdFN
— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) March 11, 2025
Previous ranking: 2
Thomas Haugh: The Gators have a lot of viable options for all of the awards, but we’re leaning toward a big breakout from Haugh. He started just seven games during his first two seasons in Gainesville, but his 6-foot-9 size, combined with his playmaking off the dribble or shooting from the perimeter, poses a matchup problem. Watch his 20-point, 11-rebound effort against Texas Tech in the NCAA tournament if you need a refresher.
Projected starting lineup
Boogie Fland (13.5 PPG at Arkansas)
Xaivian Lee (16.9 PPG at Princeton)
Thomas Haugh (9.8 PPG)
Alex Condon (10.6 PPG)
Rueben Chinyelu (6.1 PPG)
Previous ranking: 3
Joseph Tugler: Given that he won the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Award last season and was one of the most dominant defensive players in the country, odds are that Tugler will be in prime contention to repeat for this award. One interesting dynamic is the likelihood he’s starting next to incoming freshman Chris Cenac Jr., a 6-10 center with a long wingspan who has shown flashes of making a huge impact defensively.
Projected starting lineup
Milos Uzan (11.4 PPG)
Emanuel Sharp (12.7 PPG)
Isiah Harwell (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Joseph Tugler (5.5 PPG)
Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 6 in ESPN 100)
Previous ranking: 4
Solo Ball: Braylon Mullins will be one of the best freshmen in the country, but we’re calling it: Ball is right in the mix for All-American honors. He’s an elite shooter who was one of the breakout stars of last season, and should have more space to operate with Mullins and Silas Demary Jr. flanking him on the perimeter.
Projected starting lineup
Silas Demary Jr. (13.5 PPG at Georgia)
Solo Ball (14.4 PPG)
Braylon Mullins (No. 17 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (14.3 PPG)
Tarris Reed Jr. (9.6 PPG)
Previous ranking: 5
Zuby Ejiofor: The returning senior might be the best center in the country. Ejiofor was a first-team All-Big East selection last season after making a jump from 4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds to 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds. He’s a versatile defender, while also getting points in different ways offensively. He’s also an elite offensive rebounder, gets to the free throw line at a high rate and can finish effectively.
Projected starting lineup
Ian Jackson (11.9 PPG at North Carolina)
Joson Sanon (11.9 PPG at Arizona State)
Oziyah Sellers (13.7 PPG at Stanford)
Bryce Hopkins (15.5 PPG at Providence in 2023-24)
Zuby Ejiofor (14.7 PPG)
Previous ranking: 6
A.J. Dybantsa: The No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class enters college with outsized hype and the expectation of potentially being the top pick in the NBA draft — after possibly leading BYU on a deep run in the NCAA tournament. If that all happens, he’ll be in the mix for All-America and Big 12 Player of the Year honors. He’s an absurdly talented scorer, and Kevin Young’s offense, one of the most efficient in the country, will only amplify his numbers.
Projected starting lineup
Robert Wright III (11.5 PPG at Baylor)
Kennard Davis Jr. (16.3 PPG at Southern Illinois)
Richie Saunders (16.5 PPG)
A.J. Dybantsa (No. 1 in ESPN 100)
Keba Keita (7.4 PPG)
2:10
AJ Dybantsa: Sweet 16 is the bare minimum goal for BYU
AJ Dybantsa joins Skubie Mageza to discuss BYU, his favorite thing about Utah and his NBA comps.
Previous ranking: 7
Pat Kelsey: If Louisville is as good as the ranking indicates, Kelsey will be in the Coach of the Year discussion. He led the Cardinals on a remarkable turnaround in Year 1, from eight wins to 27 wins. This season, they’re a legitimate Final Four contender with one of the elite perimeter groups in the country. We’re predicting Kelsey gets his first career NCAA tournament win this season — and also reaches Indianapolis.
Projected starting lineup
Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 8 in ESPN 100)
Isaac McKneely (14.4 PPG at Virginia)
Ryan Conwell (16.5 PPG at Xavier)
J’Vonne Hadley (12.2 PPG)
Kasean Pryor (12.0 PPG in seven games)
Previous ranking: 8
Yaxel Lendeborg: One of the best transfer pickups of the offseason, Lendeborg was a likely first-round pick before withdrawing from the draft and heading to Ann Arbor. Will his production from UAB (15.8 points and 11.0 rebounds over two seasons) translate to the Big Ten? If it does, expect all-conference and All-America honors discussions.
Projected starting lineup
Elliot Cadeau (9.4 PPG at North Carolina)
Roddy Gayle Jr. (9.8 PPG)
Nimari Burnett (9.4 PPG)
Yaxel Lendeborg (17.7 PPG at UAB)
Morez Johnson Jr. (7.0 PPG at Illinois)
Previous ranking: 9
Otega Oweh: The Oklahoma transfer broke out last season at Kentucky, emerging as the Wildcats’ go-to scorer — and a clutch player with multiple game-winning baskets against his former team. He earned second-team All-SEC honors, and is one of two players on the first two all-conference teams returning to college. He’ll receive preseason All-America votes, too.
Projected starting lineup
Jaland Lowe (16.8 PPG at Pitt)
Denzel Aberdeen (7.7 PPG at Florida)
Otega Oweh (16.2 PPG)
Mouhamed Dioubate (7.2 PPG at Alabama)
Jayden Quaintance (9.4 PPG at Arizona State)
0:54
Kentucky survives on winner with 0.5 seconds left
Otega Oweh wins it with 0.5 seconds left to help Kentucky avoid a heartbreaker against Oklahoma.
Previous ranking: 10
JT Toppin: Outside of Cooper Flagg and then Walter Clayton Jr. in the NCAA tournament, there wasn’t a player performing better late last season than Toppin. He was named the Big 12 Player of the Year and a consensus second-team All-American after averaging 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, including double-doubles in all four NCAA tournament games, and stat lines such as 41 points and 15 rebounds, 32 and 12, 30 and 14.
Projected starting lineup
Christian Anderson (10.6 PPG)
Donovan Atwell (13.3 PPG at UNC Greensboro)
LeJuan Watts (13.7 PPG at Washington State)
JT Toppin (18.2 PPG)
Luke Bamgboye (3.8 PPG at VCU)
Historic night from JT Toppin, who poured in 41 points and added 15 rebounds
🔥 A season-high by any Big 12 player
🔥 Most by a Red Raider since Mike Singletary in 2009 pic.twitter.com/Rqm6slunjO— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) February 13, 2025
Previous ranking: 11
Darius Acuff: If Arkansas is going to be ranked in the top-10 nationally this season, it might be because Acuff is the most productive freshman in the SEC. He’ll have the ball immediately, and he plays an attacking brand that should set the tone for a Razorbacks team looking for more consistency.
Projected starting lineup
Darius Acuff (No. 7 in ESPN 100)
D.J. Wagner (11.2 PPG)
Karter Knox (8.3 PPG)
Trevon Brazile (6.8 PPG)
Malique Ewin (14.2 PPG at Florida State)
Previous ranking: 12
Cameron Boozer: He does nothing but win awards and lift trophies; should we really expect that to change in college? Boozer is one of the most decorated high school players in the modern era, and consistently among the most productive players in the 2025 recruiting class. He’s relentless on the glass at both ends of the floor and can score either in the post or facing the basket — or grabbing a rebound and leading the break.
Projected starting lineup
Caleb Foster (5.1 PPG)
Isaiah Evans (6.8 PPG)
Nikolas Khamenia (No. 15 in ESPN 100)
Cameron Boozer (No. 3 in ESPN 100)
Patrick Ngongba II (3.9 PPG)
0:38
Duke commit Cameron Boozer and BYU commit A.J. Dybantsa trade buckets in the second quarter.
Duke commit Cameron Boozer and BYU commit A.J. Dybantsa trade buckets in the second quarter.
Previous ranking: 13
Tommy Lloyd: There’s a world in which three returning starters from a 4-seed combined with two top-12 recruits form one of the best teams in the country, especially when you throw in Motiejus Krivas and incoming freshman Dwayne Aristode as legitimate depth. If all the players can fit and everyone stays healthy, we’re likely underrating the Wildcats. And that would get Lloyd into the Coach of the Year discussions.
Projected starting lineup
Jaden Bradley (12.1 PPG)
Brayden Burries (No. 12 in ESPN 100)
Anthony Dell’Orso (7.2 PPG)
Koa Peat (No. 10 in ESPN 100)
Tobe Awaka (8.0 PPG)
Previous ranking: 14
Tahaad Pettiford: He started only one game, but few players in the country last season were more electric than Pettiford. The left-handed freshman was at his best in big games: 23 points vs. Creighton, 21 vs. Kentucky, 20 vs. Michigan, 24 vs. Georgia, 18 vs. Purdue, 20 vs. Duke, 21 vs. Houston. With five starters gone from a Final Four team, Pettiford will be the guy for Bruce Pearl.
Projected starting lineup
Tahaad Pettiford (11.7 PPG)
Kevin Overton (7.8 PPG at Texas Tech)
Elyjah Freeman (19.3 PPG at D-II Lincoln Memorial)
Keyshawn Hall (18.8 PPG at UCF)
KeShawn Murphy (11.7 PPG at Mississippi State)
Previous ranking: 15
Donovan Dent: UCLA entered the offseason knowing it needed to upgrade its perimeter playmaking, and it landed an elite point guard in Dent. He averaged 20.4 points at New Mexico last season, earning Mountain West Player of the Year honors. His usage rate might drop with the Bruins because he’s surrounded by more talent, but he’ll remain among the best point guards in America.
Projected starting lineup
Donovan Dent (20.4 PPG at New Mexico)
Skyy Clark (8.5 PPG)
Eric Dailey (11.4 PPG)
Tyler Bilodeau (13.5 PPG)
Xavier Booker (4.7 PPG at Michigan State)
Previous ranking: 16
Brad Underwood: This Illinois lineup could take some time to figure out, but it’s also as offensively skilled a group as any other in the Big Ten — in a system that has produced back-to-back top-15 offenses. Can Underwood get this new roster dialed in defensively, as well? That will be the difference between whether the Illini are pushing toward the top of the league or making a first-weekend exit.
Projected starting lineup
Mihailo Petrovic (14.3 PPG for Mega Superbet)
Kylan Boswell (12.3 PPG)
Andrej Stojakovic (17.9 PPG at California)
Zvonimir Ivisic (8.5 PPG at Arkansas)
Tomislav Ivisic (13.0 PPG)
Previous ranking: 17
Labaron Philon: A shocking decision from Philon to withdraw from the NBA draft just before the deadline gave Alabama renewed optimism for the upcoming season. Philon had his moments last season when he looked like one of the best freshmen in the country, including recording 21 points against Kentucky in the SEC tournament and 16 points and nine assists against Illinois earlier in November. Without Mark Sears, Philon will carry a bigger offensive load — and should push for all-league honors.
Projected starting lineup
Labaron Philon (10.6 PPG)
Aden Holloway (11.4 PPG)
Jalil Bethea (7.1 PPG at Miami)
Taylor Bol Bowen (8.0 PPG at Florida State)
Aiden Sherrell (3.4 PPG)
Previous ranking: 18
Tamin Lipsey: A mainstay on the Big 12’s All-Defensive team the past two seasons, Lipsey was also a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2023-24. His usage rate dropped significantly last season, but with Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones both gone, Lipsey might be forced to shoulder more responsibility this campaign. His two-way ability — in T.J. Otzelberger’s system — lends to an all-conference (or better) season.
Projected starting lineup
Tamin Lipsey (10.6 PPG)
Nate Heise (5.1 PPG)
Milan Momcilovic (11.5 PPG)
Joshua Jefferson (13.0 PPG)
Blake Buchanan (5.7 PPG at Virginia)
Previous ranking: 19
Graham Ike: One of the most dominant big men in the country for four years, Ike had his best statistical season at Wyoming in 2021-22. He has averaged 16.9 points and 7.3 rebounds in two seasons at Gonzaga, and should be on track to win his first conference Player of the Year award this season. He will have to adjust to playing without assist king Ryan Nembhard at point guard, though.
Projected starting lineup
Braeden Smith (12.5 PPG at Colgate in 2023-24)
Adam Miller (9.8 PPG at Arizona State)
Tyon Grant-Foster (14.8 PPG at Grand Canyon)
Braden Huff (11.0 PPG)
Graham Ike (17.3 PPG)
Previous ranking: 20
John Blackwell: Wisconsin played much faster and more efficiently offensively last season. Assuming that carries over, Blackwell should take a step forward in his production. He was excellent as a second option to John Tonje a season ago, but Tonje is now gone, taking his 20 points per game with him. Blackwell finished 2024-25 on a tear, scoring at least 18 points in four of his final five games of the season.
Projected starting lineup
Nick Boyd (13.4 PPG at San Diego State)
Andrew Rohde (9.3 PPG at Virginia)
John Blackwell (15.8 PPG)
Austin Rapp (13.8 PPG at Portland)
Nolan Winter (9.4 PPG)
Previous ranking: 21
Darryn Peterson: Expect Peterson to challenge A.J. Dybantsa to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft — and also push for All-America honors and potentially Big 12 Player of the Year (although JT Toppin and Dybantsa could have the edge in the latter due to projected team success). Peterson is an elite offensive player, as a scorer at all three levels and a playmaker. Bill Self will need him to do it all offensively, but Peterson is good enough to handle it.
Projected starting lineup
Darryn Peterson (No. 2 in ESPN 100)
Melvin Council Jr. (14.6 PPG at St. Bonaventure)
Jayden Dawson (13.9 PPG at Loyola Chicago)
Tre White (10.5 PPG at Illinois)
Flory Bidunga (5.9 PPG)
0:59
Will Wade: NC State will get ‘best version of me’
Will Wade makes his introductory speech as NC State’s new basketball coach and says he’ll turn the Wolfpack into a consistent winner.
Previous ranking: 22
Jackson McAndrew: This is another case in which there might be easier awards or honors picks (Owen Freeman, Josh Dix, among others). But buying stock in a breakout player is just more fun at this point in the offseason. McAndrew has an intriguing profile: 6-10, shot 35.4% from 3, took 195 3s and just 48 2s last season. He reached double figures in five of his final seven games as a freshman, and if he can take a step forward, he’ll be a problem in the Big East.
Projected starting lineup
Blake Harper (19.5 PPG at Howard)
Josh Dix (14.4 PPG at Iowa)
Jackson McAndrew (7.8 PPG)
Jasen Green (4.9 PPG)
Owen Freeman (16.7 PPG at Iowa)
Previous ranking: 23
Nate Ament: Much like the impact newcomer debate we had two months ago, we’re going with Ament over his teammate, Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie, due to the freshman’s sky-high potential — and not wanting to miss the boat if it all comes together for Ament this season. He’s a projected top-five NBA draft pick and could be the favorite for at least SEC Freshman of the Year.
Projected starting lineup
Ja’Kobi Gillespie (14.7 PPG at Maryland)
Amaree Abram (12.3 PPG at Louisiana Tech)
Nate Ament (No. 4 in ESPN 100)
Jaylen Carey (8.0 PPG at Vanderbilt)
Felix Okpara (7.1 PPG)
Previous ranking: 24
Will Wade: Darrion Williams would have been the player honors pick, but if the Wolfpack go from a 12-win season to a Top 25 campaign, as we’re predicting, Wade will be a strong Coach of the Year candidate. He did a tremendous job rebuilding the roster via the transfer portal and also signing a pair of ESPN 100 recruits, and he has shown at previous stops that he’s not the type to take a year before turning around a program.
Projected starting lineup
Tre Holloman (9.1 PPG at Michigan State)
Terrance Arceneaux (6.5 PPG at Houston)
Quadir Copeland (9.2 PPG at McNeese)
Darrion Williams (15.1 PPG at Texas Tech)
Ven-Allen Lubin (8.7 PPG at North Carolina)
Previous ranking: 25 Caleb Wilson: There are plenty of questions surrounding Carolina, entering a make-or-break season for coach Hubert Davis. But Wilson being one of the best freshmen in the country and among the most productive players in the ACC would take some of the pressure off the blue-blood program. Davis will give Wilson, a two-way player with tremendous open-court ability, every chance to produce. Side note: We also love Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar as a breakout candidate. Projected starting lineup Kyan Evans (10.6 PPG at Colorado State) San Diego State Aztecs
Seth Trimble (11.6 PPG)
Luka Bogavac (14.9 PPG for SC Derby)
Caleb Wilson (No. 5 in ESPN 100)
Henri Veesaar (9.4 PPG at Arizona)
Next in line
Ohio State Buckeyes
Texas Longhorns
Oregon Ducks
Michigan State Spartans
Real Madrid remain unhappy with LaLiga‘s refereeing, a club source has told ESPN, after a weekend which saw them have three goals disallowed.
Meanwhile, rivals Barcelona and Atlético Madrid both benefitted — according to Madrid — from controversial decisions involving VAR.
Madrid beat Mallorca 2-1 at the Bernabéu on Saturday, despite Kylian Mbappé having two goals ruled out for offside, and Arda Güler having an effort disallowed for handball.
Spain’s refereeing body, the CTA, revamped its structure this summer in an effort to improve officiating — after frequent criticism from Madrid throughout last season — including changing its president, and its head of VAR.
A high-ranking Madrid source told ESPN that the club’s disquiet continues, although there is hope that tensions may ease, and the club’s complaints diminish, as the campaign develops.
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Another club source was reluctant to discuss the decisions Madrid has been subjected to in the season so far.
Madrid are the team with the most goals disallowed by VAR among Europe’s top five leagues in the period which spans last season, and the beginning of this one.
In 41 Madrid league matches, there have been 19 VAR interventions, resulting in nine goals being disallowed.
In second place, Villarreal, Bournemouth, Rennes and Venezia have all had seven goals overturned.
In Madrid’s victory over Mallorca on Saturday, there was one incident in particular which concerned the club: the decision to disallow Güler’s goal in the 57th minute.
The strike was ruled out because the ball struck Güler’s hand before goalkeeper Leo Román made a save, and the Turkish midfielder then dispatched the rebound.
A Madrid source said the club believe the rules — which state a goal should be disallowed in these cases if the handball is “immediate” — were misapplied, as the keeper’s intervention came between the handball and the eventual finish.
Referee José María Sánchez Martínez disallowed two more Madrid goals in the match, one for a marginal offside.
Madrid were also angered by what they argue were “clear refereeing mistakes” which benefited Atlético and Barça in their matches with Alavés and Rayo Vallecano, respectively.
Atlético drew 1-1 at Alavés, but the result could have been worse, with Giuliano Simeone‘s goal wrongly given. The Argentinian forward was offside, with just one opposing player between him and the goal, earlier in the move which led to his seventh-minute finish.
In Barcelona’s 1-1 draw at Rayo, the VAR system was unavailable during the first half in Vallecas due to a technical issue.
The rules state that in those circumstances a game should continue, even if the VAR isn’t working, but a Madrid source described the situation as “scandalous” and believed the use of VAR would have ruled out Lamine Yamal‘s penalty, which made it 1-0 to Barcelona.
It’s been a wild few days in football — not in terms of rumbling transfer sagas, VAR-related controversies or eyebrow-raising results, but in terms of a surprising amount of new music being released by active players.
Monterrey defender Sergio Ramos has released a solo song entitled “Cibeles,” which appears to be a reference to the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid where Real famously celebrate all of their major trophies and titles, of which the 39-year-old veteran won many.
Mi historia, mi música. // My story, my music.
CIBELES 🎶 – August 31
19h CEST 🇪🇸
1PM ET 🇺🇸
12PM CT 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/9anCsHpdzt— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) August 30, 2025
Ramos also seems to ruminate on his emotional exit from the Bernabeu in 2021, crooning “There’s something I never told you: it still hurts, I never wanted to leave.” Apparently against his wishes, the centre-back left and signed for Paris Saint-Germain after amassing five LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues during his 16-year stint with Los Blancos.
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It’s also not the first time he has tried his hand at music, with Ramos also singing lead vocals on a song entitled “La Roja Baila” (“The Red Dance”), which became Spain‘s official single for Euro 2016.
Amazingly, Ramos hasn’t been the only active professional footballer to release new music this month with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise beating his Spanish counterpart to the punch by several days.
Olise debuted a new track titled “Say Less” on social media along with a video that showed the former Crystal Palace star wearing a headscarf, goggles and posing with a bright orange BMX bike.
Of course, footballers dabbling in musical side projects is nothing new with many classic examples having cropped up over the years, from John Barnes’ rap interlude in New Order’s “World in Motion” to the timeless pop singles released by the likes of Ruud Gullit, Andy Cole plus Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle during the 1980s and 1990s.
There are also a raft of slightly more contemporary tracks, many of which have a notably similar rap-lite feel. Jese Rodriguez can be considered a modern day trail-blazer in that regard, with the ex-Real Madrid, PSG and Stoke City midfielder releasing his first material in 2014.
Ryan Babel took the unusual step of releasing his autobiography in the form of a rap album, with several songs causing a ripple of controversy within the Dutch football sphere for dissing his former teammates.
Memphis Depay is arguably one of the most prolific musical footballers with the Netherlands international regularly foisting new tracks and lavish promo videos on the general public. He even chose to celebrate Corinthians’ Brazilian title win in 2025 by recording bespoke rap track “Peita do Coringão” (“The Shirt of the Coringão”) for the occasion.
Alphonso Davies has tried his hand at rap and even announced his contract extension with Bayern Munich earlier this year with a track entitled “Munchen my Throne,” which doesn’t entirely work as pun but hey-ho.
Romelu Lukaku collaborated with Belgian vocalist TheColorGrey to create a song called “New Levels,” which charted the striker’s rise from childhood prodigy to international level battering ram.
After calling time on his playing career, Djibril Cisse was instantly able to focus his efforts on his true passion and has regularly DJ’ed all around the world ever since. The former Liverpool and Marseille striker regularly releases dance tracks.
Performing under the alias “Deuce”, Clint Dempsey was a prominent exponent of the rapping footballer during the mid-2000s and even saw his magnum opus, a song entitled “Dont’ Tread,” used on a Nike commercial for the 2006 World Cup.
However, when it comes to footballing rap gods, all others must bow before Erling Haaland. As unlikely as it may seem, the Manchester City colossus laid down the blueprint at the age of 16 when he performed as part of the “Flow Kingz” alongside his fellow Norway under-19 teammates.
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