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How Under-the-Radar Athletes Become the Season’s Breakouts
In college football, the brightest stars often arrive with built-in fanfare—top‑10 rankings, national hype, and media spotlights. But every season, the narrative shifts. Under-the-radar players quietly beat expectations and transform into game‑shaping contributors. These are the sleepers—the unheralded athletes whose work ethic, poise, and timing create breakout moments that demand attention.
ESPN’s 2025 Breakout Watchlist
Adam Rittenberg recently spotlighted 43 “sleeper” athletes poised to break out in the 2025 season—a testament to how preparation meets opportunity in the most unexpected places. Among them:
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Cam Calhoun, Alabama CB, a sophomore praised by coaches nationwide for his sticky coverage and sudden rise in offseason recognition.
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Cashius Howell, Texas A&M DE, is another under-the-radar defender spotlighted for his disruptive potential this year.
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James Thompson Jr., DT, Illinois (and former Wisconsin Badger), was also highlighted as a breakout candidate despite limited recent game action.
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Other Players To Watch: Nyziah Hunter (WR, Nebraska), Keanu Tanuvasa (DT, BYU), Matt Gulbin (IOL, Michigan State).
These stories demonstrate that breakout potential lives in every position and every class—from transfers to redshirt sophomores, from defensive linemen to wide receivers.
What Fuels the Sleeper Phenomenon?
Trust and Momentum Within the Program
These athletes often don’t show up on radar screens because their game grows behind the scenes—through coaching trust, steady practices, or offseason progress that doesn’t come with press releases.
Timing & Unseen Opportunities
Injuries, roster openings, or positional changes can create sudden openings. Rittenberg’s selections are often those who rise when circumstances align.
Consistency When It Counts
True sleepers put together consistent performances. It’s not about one highlight reel; it’s about reliability and making the most of every snap.
Lessons for Under-Recruited Athletes
For athletes overlooked in recruiting rankings or playing for smaller programs, sleeper breaks offer a source of inspiration. Here’s what to take away:
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Let Performance Speak – Your film and coach’s trust are worth more than preseason hype. Build consistency game after game.
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Stay Prepared – Be camp-ready, season-ready—you never know when your number gets called.
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Build Your Brand – Share your journey, highlights, and platforms as moments arrive. Visibility follows performance.
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Embrace All Roles – Whether you’re a backup, a transfer, or a late bloomer, getting ready matters most.
Notable Sleeper Profiles to Watch
| Player | Team | Position | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Calhoun | Alabama | CB | Effortless coverage, recognized across the SEC as a breakout |
| Cashius Howell | Texas A&M | DE | Edge disruptor with a growing offseason buzz |
| James Thompson Jr. | Illinois | DT | Former recruit ready to re-emerge—valued for high motor and resilience |
| Nyziah Hunter et al. | Various | Multiple | A wide array of positions and schools are represented in ESPN’s sleeper list |
Sleeper Today, Star Tomorrow
Under-the-radar players can define seasons—often becoming catalysts for team success and fan excitement. Every year’s breakout story starts somewhere unseen—on a scout chart, overlooked at camps, or buried on depth charts.
This is your reminder to watch the margins—not just for the glimpses of greatness, but where it’s being built. Sleeper today, star tomorrow—it starts with getting ready for your moment.
