If the late, great astronomer Carl Sagan were still around, and dabbling in the fantasy football arts, he’d point out there are billions and billions of difficult decisions to be made while crafting faux gridiron teams.
Figuring out the top rookie from the Class of 2025 is not one of them.
His name is Ashton Jeanty. He singlehandedly carried mid-major Boise State into the College Football Playoff last season, And he’s going to be doing nearly all of the major lifting for the mostly minor Las Vegas Raiders offense.
Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. The Raiders, and Jeanty’s fantasy backers, would be quite pleased with half that. That’s possible thanks to a much improved offense led by new quarterback Geno Smith and sophomore tight end Brock Bowers.
Here’s how our list of top 15 newcomers looks in early August:
1. Ashton Jeanty (Raiders RB)
Need another reason for optimism? Jeanty proved quite proficient as a pass catcher over his last two seasons in Boise, logging 66 receptions for more than 700 yards and six touchdowns. Even more reason why this rookie will be taken in the first round of every fantasy draft, including yours.
2. Omarion Hampton (Chargers RB)
This North Carolina standout tallied more than 4,000 total yards and 33 TDs in his last two years as a Tar Heel, and he’ll likely be the No. 1 run option in Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Former Steeler Najee Harris could challenge for goal-line carries, but Hampton is going to be Justin Herbert’s favorite running option for a while.
3. Travis Hunter (Jaguars WR)
Why do we rate the Heisman Trophy winner so highly, when he’s believed to be a better defensive standout than offensive threat? Because we don’t believe Jacksonville gave up so much draft capital to take a shutdown cornerback. They need him on offense to help revive the career of QB Trevor Lawrence. Hunter’s upside as a receiver? All-world.
4. Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers WR)
The former Arizona standout could be set up for fantasy stardom. After 26 TDs in his three years in Tucson, McMillan comes to a Carolina team in need of a No. 1 receiver, and with a quarterback (Bryce Young) who made great strides at the end of last season. He’ll challenge former Viking Adam Thielen for the title of Young’s Favorite.
5. TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots RB)
Henderson is one of two RBs on this list who led Ohio State to the national championship. Henderson is set up for more immediate success in an improved New England offense under new head coach Mike Vrabel. HIs main competition, Rhamondre Stevenson, had but one TD run in his last seven games of ‘24.
6. Matthew Golden (Packers WR)
This former Texas standout may have landed in the perfect spot. Green Bay QB Jordan Love has had plenty of No. 2 and No. 3 receiver types, but they haven’t had a true No. 1 since Davante Adams left town. Golden could eventually prove to be that, though for now he’s one of many mouths to feed in the Packers’ receivers room.
7. Tyler Warren (Colts TE)
Our next two picks are tight ends, and the ex-Penn State star should step right into the Indy lineup. He caught 104 passes and ran 26 times as a senior in Happy Valley, and he could eventually emerge as the top pass-catching option for the Colts’ QB, who we’re guessing will be Daniel Jones before too long.
8. Colston Loveland (Bears TE)
Some consider this Michigan product a better pro prospect than Warren, mostly because he’ll be playing for Chicago’s new coach, offensive whiz Ben Johnson. Loveland’s problem, at least initially, is he’s behind TE Cole Kmet on the depth chart, and lags behind D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze as Bears receiving options.
9. Kaleb Johnson (Steelers RB)
While all the talk in Pittsburgh has been about offensive additions Aaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf, this Iowa rookie could have as much impact on the team’s 2025 fortunes. He had more than 1,700 total yards and 23 touchdowns last season in Iowa City, and he could quickly supplant Jaylen Warren as the Steelers’ No. 1 back, especially near the goal line.
10. Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers WR)
Talent-wise, you could argue this former Buckeyes star is the second-best talent in this class. His problem is Tampa Bay already has Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Two perennial all-pros. But the latter suffered an ugly dislocated ankle to end his ‘24 season and might not be 100 percent to start. That could be the opening Egbuka needs.
11. R.J. Harvey (Broncos RB)
There was a lot of hype about this guy who tallied more than 4,500 total yards in his last three seasons at Central Florida, with 47 touchdowns. Looked like a sure starter in Sean Payton’s run-first offense. But then the Broncos added former Chargers standout J.K. Dobbins. We’re guessing Harvey may have to wait until Dobbins goes down with injury, as is his wont.
12. Luther Burden III (Bears WR)
Burden has also received a lot of hype because of Ben Johnson’s success with slot receivers (see Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown). But there are an awful lot of mouths to feed in Chicago, and no guarantee that QB Caleb Williams will suddenly regain his Heisman Trophy form as a pro.
13. Tre Harris (Chargers WR)
While Harris posted solid numbers at both Louisiana Tech and Mississippi, his fantasy hype is mostly tied to the fact that, thanks to the surprising retirement of Mike Williams, he was boosted up the Chargers’ wide receiver depth chart, though he’ll have to edge out the newly-signed Keenan Allen for Los Angeles’ No. 2 receiver spot behind ‘24 rookie stud Ladd McConkey.
14. Cam Ward (Titans QB)
He’s clearly the best rookie quarterback prospect. By a mile. And he’ll clearly be a big improvement at the position for Tennessee. But by any standard there are at least two dozen better options at the position. Has no fantasy value except in the deepest of dynasty leagues.
15. Quinshon Judkins (Browns RB)
TreVeyon Henderson’s Buckeyes teammate had the misfortune to be drafted by one of the league’s perennial trainwrecks. Then he was arrested last month on a domestic violence charge. The latter is very likely to lead to a suspension. But even if that is a ways down the road, it’s already a good time to forget about this alleged abuser.
Other notable rookies
Cam Skattebo (Giants RB), Jaydon Blue (Cowboys RB), Jayden Higgins (Texans WR), Dylan Sampson (Browns RB), Jack Bech (Raiders WR), Jaxson Dart (Giants QB), Kyle Williams (Patriots WR), Jaylin Noel (Texans WR), Savion Williams (Packers WR), Woody Marks (Texans RB).
Coming up
August 17: Veterans we’re not especially high on this fantasy season.
August 24: Veterans we’re rating higher than experts’ consensus.
August 31: Our annual Nipsey Russell-inspired NFL Preview.
You can hear Kevin Cusick on Wednesdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X — @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.
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