2025 National Radar High School Preseason Watchlist
- National Radar Staff
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
Scouting the Future of College Football Starts Here
Each year, National Radar sets the standard for high school football evaluations—and the 2025 Preseason Watchlist is no exception. This carefully curated list highlights some of the nation’s most promising student-athletes across all positions and classes, from rising freshmen to senior standouts. These athletes have not only excelled on the field, but they have also proven themselves in person at elite exposure events including the Recruit Nation College Prospect Showcases, Dream All-American Tryouts, Dream 7v7 Shootouts, and the prestigious Dream Football Classic.
What makes this list unique is the level of personal evaluation involved. Every player featured has been assessed firsthand by college coaches, National Radar scouts, or Dream All-American Selection Committee members. Measurables, skill set, football IQ, and competitive edge were all factored into each evaluation, providing college programs with authentic, performance-based insights—not just highlight film hype. This approach ensures that every athlete listed has earned their place through verified exposure and real-time competition.
The 2025 Watchlist is designed with one goal in mind: to bridge the gap between elite high school talent and college football opportunities. Whether a coach is looking for a power-five prospect or a hidden gem with next-level potential, our interactive database offers an efficient, comprehensive platform to discover talent. From in-depth athlete profiles to academic and contact information, college recruiters have everything they need at their fingertips.
Importantly, this list is not static—it’s a living, breathing database that evolves as the season progresses. As new data rolls in from verified camps, games, and training evaluations, rankings and star ratings may shift. We encourage athletes, parents, and coaches to continue submitting updated film, transcripts, and performance milestones to keep profiles fresh and competitive.
National Radar is committed to fairness, accuracy, and opportunity. We understand that not every athlete plays at a nationally ranked program or receives national media coverage. That’s why we travel coast to coast—to give every deserving athlete a platform. The Watchlist represents the best of what we’ve seen so far, but we know the story is still being written for many athletes this season.
Star Ratings Breakdown:
Our star rating system is built to reflect verified exposure, current recruiting status, and long-term potential.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Players who currently hold Division 1 scholarship offers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Players who hold college offers outside of Division 1 (D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Top performers at a Recruit Nation Showcase, Dream 7v7, or Dream All-American Tryout
⭐️⭐️ / ⭐️ – Standouts who have shown potential and are considered "next in line" to break out
To the players featured: congratulations on this recognition. To the athletes still grinding for their shot—keep going. Our scouts are still watching, coaches are still recruiting, and the next update is always just one play away.
Planning your 2026 Camp Schedule? The Recruit Nation Camp Schedule is live. Get evaluated early and get on the radar of college coaches!
Quarterbacks
These quarterback classes are loaded with field generals who command the game with poise, precision, and leadership. These signal-callers have demonstrated the ability to read defenses, deliver tight-window throws, extend plays under pressure, and operate both under center and in spread systems. Each has been personally evaluated for arm strength, football IQ, accuracy, and decision-making in live-action settings at Recruit Nation events. With college-ready traits and high ceilings, these quarterbacks are primed to lead offenses at the next level.
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Running Backs
These running back classes feature explosive, versatile athletes capable of changing the game with a single touch. Whether attacking downhill or bouncing outside, they have showcased elite vision, acceleration, and contact balance. Many have also proven to be dual threats—capable of catching passes out of the backfield and protecting the quarterback in pass-blocking situations. Their well-rounded skill sets and consistent production make them valuable assets for college backfields.
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Wide Receivers
These wide receiver classes are stacked with dynamic playmakers who excel in space and win in contested situations. They possess a blend of route-running savvy, reliable hands, and the ability to stretch the field vertically. Through live 7v7 reps and competitive drills, they’ve consistently shown separation ability and a knack for making tough catches look routine. These receivers are primed to bring explosiveness and reliability to any collegiate passing attack.
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Tight Ends
These tight end classes are filled with hybrid athletes who redefine the position with their versatility. Equally effective as blockers and receivers, they’ve demonstrated the ability to line up in multiple formations and create mismatches all over the field. Evaluated for their physicality, catch radius, and route discipline, these tight ends are the modern mold—capable of impacting the game as both a security blanket and a vertical threat.
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Offensive Line
These offensive line classes bring size, strength, and technical prowess to the forefront. From bookend tackles to interior maulers, this group has impressed in pass sets, run blocking, and combo schemes. Their footwork, hand placement, and understanding of leverage have been carefully assessed in camp and live-action settings. Built to protect and open lanes, these linemen are the backbone of future college offenses.
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Defensive Line
These defensive line classes are built to disrupt. Whether coming off the edge or plugging gaps inside, these linemen combine quick-twitch explosiveness with polished hand techniques and relentless effort. They’ve proven themselves in trench battles against top offensive linemen and have shown the ability to control the line of scrimmage. Their motor, frame, and power make them must-watch prospects for college defenses.
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Linebackers
These linebacker classes are anchored by instinctive, fast-flowing defenders who impact every phase of the game. They read keys quickly, fill gaps with authority, and have the lateral quickness to cover in space. Whether blitzing, playing the run, or dropping into coverage, they’ve demonstrated a complete linebacker profile. Evaluated for toughness, intelligence, and leadership, these athletes are tone-setters on the defensive side of the ball.
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Defensive Backs
These defensive back classes are comprised of true ballhawks—athletes with the speed, instincts, and technique to neutralize elite receivers. From boundary corners to rangy safeties, they’ve impressed in both man and zone schemes, showcasing anticipation, footwork, and recovery speed. Evaluated in 1v1 matchups and live team settings, these DBs bring a lockdown mentality and the ability to flip momentum with timely turnovers.
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Kickers/Punters
These specialist classes include some of the most consistent and powerful legs in high school football. The kickers have shown range, accuracy, and the mental toughness to perform under pressure, while punters demonstrated hang time, directional control, and the ability to flip field position. Evaluated in both training and live-game scenarios, these special teams standouts are poised to make an immediate impact at the college level.
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