Like the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game before it, the Navy All-American Bowl will feature juniors for the first time in its history. Seven recruits are expected to announce their collegiate commits at the event, and several top players from the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes will exhibit their talents. But who are the top prospects to watch?
Top 10 Players To Watch in the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl
The weeklong all-star practices culminate in a clash between the West vs. East teams at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The action will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 1 p.m. ET.
Note: the program a player has committed to will be in parentheses
Ty Hawkins, QB (SMU)
Ty Hawkins was destined to be a must-watch collegiate passer. His size (6’0″, 190 pounds) and play in structure cloud his NFL outlook at this point, but his dual-threat ability (over 2,000 career rushing yards) and creativity thrive on Saturdays.
He was recruited early in high school to play baseball and even competed in track, becoming a Texas 6A regional qualifier in both the triple jump and long jump as a junior. His versatility extended to the football field, where, as a freshman, he produced a 25-274-2 receiving line and a 10-113-2 rushing line on the varsity team.
Hawkins has shined at QB since, reaching career highs as a junior with a 66.9% completion rate, 2,235 yards, 25 TDs, and 11 INTs on top of 967 yards and 15 TDs on 105 carries.
Antwann Hill Jr., QB (Memphis)
Across four years and 47 games, Antwann Hill Jr. has torched the Georgia high school circuit for 10,904 yards, 123 TDs, and 19 picks. For those keeping count, that’s an average of 232 yards, 2.6 TDs, and 0.4 INTs per contest.
The 6’5″ and 220-pound signal-caller committed to Memphis last June, giving the Tigers their highest-ranked QB recruit in the modern era.
Iose Epenesa, DL (Iowa)
Yes, Hawkeyes fans, there is one more Epenesa brother to benefit from. Iose, the younger brother of A.J. (two-time All-Big Ten selection and current Buffalo Bill) and Eric (current walk-on LB), may actually be the best of the bunch.
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He fires off the ball with seeing speed and can turn that speed into power on contact, blowing offensive tackles back. His length generates space at the point of attack, and he can capitalize on it with his bend.
Kaliq Lockett and Jaime Ffrench, WR (Texas)
The Texas Longhorns have a pair of elite WR recruits on display at the Navy All-American Bowl: five-star Kaliq Lockett and four-star Jaime Ffrench.
Lockett is the vertical threat of the two, concluding his four-year varisty career with a 150-2,698-29 receiving line (18.0 yards per catch). His length and suddenness create serpation at ease and will fite perfectly into Steve Sarkisian’s offense.
But don’t forget Ffrench. He may not possess the same speed and movement skills as Lockett, but he’s a smooth athlete, continues to work after his initial route, and often outmuscles DBs at the line and at the catch point.
Linkon Cure, TE (Kansas State)
At 6’5″ and 223 pounds, Linkon Cure looks more like a rocked-up WR than a true inline TE, but that only adds to his allure. He fits the new-age move TE mold, where he can be a receiving mismatch all over the field.
Don’t just take my word for it; look at what Cure did in his senior campaign:
- 57 receptions, 1,049 yards, 17 TDs
- 34 carries, 208 yards, 6 TDs
That’s a whole lot of production, and in just nine games, no less! I think it’s safe to say Cure will be the … cure … to any offensive woes the Kansas State Wildcats have.
Will Black, OT (Notre Dame)
Next up off the Notre Dame OL conveyor belt: Will Black. The Connecticut native is one of the most “fun to watch” OTs you’ll see due to his overall athleticism at 6’7″ and 292 pounds. Just watch him take a screen pass to the house:
I’ve talked about Tackle Throwback Screen a lot lately
This is a cool one from Choate Rosemary Hall & Notre Dame OL Commit Will Black – big man was ROLLING! pic.twitter.com/ONvJyRk1GN
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) November 4, 2024
His multi-sport background (hockey, basketball, and lacrosse) is clear to see, especially in his feet. Black already has several pass sets at his disposal and can ride smaller, twitchier EDGEs around the arc.
Tyler Atkinson, LB (Uncommitted)
Tyler Atkinson may only be a junior, but the 2026 recruit pops on screen — even against the seniors at the Navy All-American practices. He won 2024 MaxPreps National Junior of the Year after leading Grayson High School (Loganville, Ga.) to its first state title since 2020.
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Atkinson finished the 2024 season with 166 total tackles, 32 TFLs, 13 sacks, 46 QB hurries, one forced fumble, and one INT … please allow me to catch my breath. They weren’t empty stats, either, as in the championship game, he racked up 13 tackles, three TFLs, and two sacks to help push his squad over the edge 38-24.
Chuck McDonald, CB (Alabama)
There isn’t much not to like about Chuck McDonald’s profile. He boasts a solid frame at 6’1″ and 190 pounds, owns sought-after top-end speed (11.10 in the 100-meter), and already has an advanced understanding of positioning in man coverage. There’s a reason he is a unanimous four-star recruit.
His length, ability to stay in phase, and innate ability to get his head around with the ball in the air could lead to playing team early on, even at Alabama.
Quincy Porter, WR (Ohio State)
The next great Ohio State WR? Jeremiah Smith is an actual generational talent, but Quincy Porter can produce early for the Buckeyes. Despite towering at 6’3″ and 200 pounds, he can quickly accelerate downfield with and without the ball, contorts his body for difficult catches, and showcases elite ball skills on the move.
Working with WRs coach and co-OC Brian Hartline will only raise Porter’s floor and ceiling.
Andrew Babalola, OT (Michigan)
Andrew Bablola already looks the part of a starting collegiate tackle, standing 6’6″ and 300 pounds with reported 34″ arms. However, what’s more impressive than his size is how he carries it.
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Babalola only began playing football as a junior in 2023 after starring on the basketball court. His athleticism and quick feet are evident on the field, but he also comes equipped with an immovable base and suffocating grip strength.
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