Updated Rivals300: Top Recruits Shuffle, Fresh Faces Break Into Elite Rankings
The latest update to the Rivals300 rankings has arrived, and as expected, it has brought a fresh wave of excitement and intrigue to the world of college football recruiting. With positional battles intensifying, breakout stars emerging, and some major shifts at the top, the July edition of the 2025 Rivals300 reflects how dynamic and unpredictable the recruiting landscape truly is. From rising stars to surprising drops, the updated rankings are packed with key takeaways that will shape the months ahead on the recruiting trail.
New Name at No. 1
The biggest change comes at the very top of the list, where elite defensive lineman Elijah Griffin has taken over the No. 1 overall spot. The Georgia native has been a force all offseason, dominating camps, 7-on-7 matchups, and spring workouts. Griffin’s strength, agility, and ability to collapse the pocket have made him a nightmare for offensive linemen. His rise reflects the growing value of disruptive defensive players who can control the line of scrimmage, especially in today’s pass-heavy era.
Griffin’s ascent pushes former No. 1 Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top quarterback and LSU commit, to the No. 2 spot. While Underwood’s talent remains unquestioned—his poise, deep-ball accuracy, and athleticism are elite—Griffin’s dominance was simply too consistent to ignore. Still, the battle for the top spot remains far from over, and both players will have plenty of opportunities this fall to state their case.
Quarterback Rankings Shake Up
Quarterback remains the most-watched position in any recruiting class, and the 2025 cycle is no different. After Underwood, the next group of signal-callers includes George MacIntyre (Tennessee commit), Deuce Knight (Notre Dame), and KJ Lacey (Texas). All have maintained spots within the top 30, and all are capable of climbing even higher.
Knight, in particular, has been turning heads with his dual-threat ability and growing confidence in the pocket. Meanwhile, MacIntyre offers prototypical size and mechanics, and Lacey continues to impress with his quick release and decision-making.
While no one has overtaken Underwood just yet, the race for “QB2” is as competitive as ever. With Elite 11 Finals, fall camps, and senior seasons on the horizon, these rankings could continue to shuffle in the months ahead.
Biggest Risers in the Rankings
One of the most exciting aspects of any Rivals300 update is seeing which players have made significant moves. Several prospects saw their stock rise after dominant offseason showings:
DJ Pickett (ATH): Pickett continues to climb the rankings and is now firmly entrenched in five-star territory. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball—particularly at cornerback—makes him one of the most coveted prospects in the nation. Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are in a fierce battle for his commitment.
Ty Haywood (OL): The Texas-based offensive lineman is quickly rising into the national spotlight. A dominant performance on the camp circuit helped Haywood break into the top 100. He’s strong, technically sound, and already built like a college player.
Jonah Williams (DL): Williams is another fast riser who has seen his ranking soar. With a relentless motor and impressive athleticism for his size, he’s drawing interest from top-tier SEC programs and now has the ranking to match.
These players have not only climbed the board but are now in the conversation for five-star status as they continue to develop and showcase their talent.
Fresh Faces Make an Impact
Every Rivals300 update brings new names into the spotlight, and this edition is no different. Several prospects made their debut in the rankings, some even cracking the top 150. Among the most notable new additions:
Chris Ewald Jr. (DB): Ewald has shown exceptional range and ball skills in recent months, and evaluators have taken notice. Now in the Rivals300, he brings added star power to a deep class of defensive backs.
Michael Terry III (ATH): An explosive two-way player, Terry impressed with his versatility and playmaking ability during the spring. Schools are beginning to zero in on whether his future is at wide receiver or in the secondary.
Kamden Harrison (WR): Harrison’s combination of speed and route-running precision makes him one of the most exciting new receivers in the class. He could continue to climb with a strong senior season.
Positional Battles Heat Up
As the rankings shuffle, so too do the positional power rankings. At wide receiver, Dakorien Moore (LSU commit) remains at the top, but Jaime Ffrench and Ryan Williams are hot on his heels. The competition at wideout is fierce, and each has the potential to finish as WR1.
In the trenches, David Sanders Jr., the elite offensive tackle and top-five prospect, continues to anchor the offensive line group. However, players like Fasusi, Haywood, and Juan Gaston are beginning to close the gap.
At cornerback, Na’eem Offord (Alabama) and DJ Pickett headline the position, but several others—like Devin Williams and Kaleb Beasley—are quietly pushing for top-10 positional recognition.
Recruiting Momentum Builds
As always, updated rankings have a ripple effect in the recruiting world. Schools with rising commits get a boost in class rankings and visibility. LSU, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee all saw several of their top commits maintain or improve their standing.
Uncommitted risers are now firmly in the crosshairs of blueblood programs. As fall visits approach, expect to see a wave of new offers, flips, and commitment announcements.
Looking Ahead
With the high school football season nearing, the next phase of evaluations will take place under the Friday night lights. Players will have the chance to prove they’re more than just camp standouts, and recruiters will be watching closely.
The updated Rivals300 has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling stretch in the 2025 recruiting cycle. From top-tier battles to rising stars, this class continues to deliver storylines that will shape the future of college football.