Freshmen Prospects Emerge As Contenders Across College Basketball, Football, NBA Draft

As college football and basketball programs gear up for the 2025 season, several players are poised for breakout performances. Florida State's Jaylin Lucas, recovering from a season-ending injury, is expected to become a key contributor on offense and special teams, with his speed and versatility praised by head coach Mike Norvell. In basketball, Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh is projected to have an All-American junior season, having improved his scoring efficiency and three-point shooting significantly while stepping into a starting role. Tennessee's basketball program is also excited about true freshman Nate Ament, a highly-touted prospect whose versatile offensive skills have impressed coaches and media alike, positioning him as a potential top NBA draft pick. Meanwhile, the American Athletic Conference is experiencing a talent drain to larger programs, with only a few players like quarterback Caden Veltkamp and tight end Patrick Overmyer considered strong NFL draft prospects for 2026. These developments highlight a dynamic shift in college sports talent, with emerging stars ready to make significant impacts in the upcoming season.