Pok’s Football Week in Review: Portal Additions & the 2025 Watch List

The overall football world may be quiet right now, but the writing does not stop over here at The League Winners! Welcome back to another edition of Pok’s Football Week in Review!

In this week’s edition, we have another transfer portal recruiting roundup for USF, FAU, and FIU. After last week’s preview, I have my full 2025 College Football Watch List. Additionally, we have the first edition of the “Player of the Day” and another edition of the Grab Bag.

It’s a very fun and special edition of the column this week! So sit back and enjoy as we dive into another fun week of football!

College Football Recruiting Roundup

Florida Atlantic Owls

Another week, another slate of transfer portal additions!

To start things off, the Florida Atlantic Owls added wide receiver Quincy Brown and linebacker Eric Butler Jr.

Brown, a former four-star recruit out of high school, was at Texas State this spring before entering the portal. He has spent time at both TCU and Nicholls State, the latter of which he recorded the majority of his college production. Across two seasons with the Colonels, Brown had 603 yards and five touchdowns. He also had three touchdowns during his two seasons at TCU.

As a player, Brown has the speed to put pressure on any level of the defense. He has an ADOT of 11 or higher in his past two seasons while also having six contested catches. Brown has also started to show off some after-the-catch ability; the wideout has 145 yards after the catch and seven missed tackles forced over the past two seasons.

With a great size and speed combination, Brown was heavily sought after by many high-level college football programs. In choosing FAU, the wideout is set to immediately contribute and help elevate the Owls’ offense toa new level with Caden Veltkamp.

As for Butler Jr., the linebacker spent the 2024-2025 season at Coffeyville Community College. Appearing in five games for the Red Ravens, Butler Jr. had 10 tackles and one tackle for loss. In this spring’s transfer portal, Butler had interest from Arkansas State and New Mexico State.

When it comes to this season, Butler Jr. can compete for a spot to get onto the field. The Owls’ linebackers are very young and inexperienced; with his size and on-field production, the former Red Raven could help the FAU defense find its footing up the middle.

FIU Panthers

As for the FIU Panthers, wideout JoJo Stone officially signed to the school and had a shoutout from head coach Willie Simmons. Stone, a former high-level recruit out of high school,  brings impressive route running, speed, and overall athletic ability at the position.

Additionally, the Panthers brought in a reinforcement on the offensive line in the form of Zaire Flournoy. A redshirt senior from UAB, Flournoy has flashed in both the run and pass games during his time with the Blazers. The veteran is poised to provide depth or solid play for the Panthers in 2025, as he has the ability to help the offense find even more success than they did last year.

USF Bulls

The USF Bulls landed a key offensive target while also potentially closing in on a big-time recruit.

After much speculation, Minnesota transfer Tyler Williams landed at South Florida and officially signed with the school. Despite only having one career touchdown catch, the former Gopher and Georgia Bulldog was the 17th-best wideout in the entire 2023 recruiting class. He has impressive athletic ability, deep speed, and just overall ability at the position. Williams also has an impressive athletic pedigree, as his uncle is NBA legend Tracy McGrady.

In 2025, Williams will likely be competing with some other impressive wideouts that are already on the USF roster. But with his overall talent and ability, I would not be surprised to see Williams emerge with a role to start off the regular season.

In high school recruiting news, USF is a finalist for defensive end Kamdon Gillespie, along with Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. Gillespie, a three-star prospect, uses his hands in an impressive way for such a young player. He understands how to rip in the run game and utilize moves in the passing game. Combined with the versatility to play snaps on the interior and an extremely athletic build, Gillespie could be a great addition for a very fun 2026 class for the Bulls.

Pok’s 2025 Watch List

After a short preview last week, my full 2025 College Football Watch List is here!

Before we dive into it below, I need to explain my methodology of how I picked these players.

The players on my watch list fall into one, or both, of two categories. The first category of players are from the teams I will primarily be covering this year: USF, FIU, and FAU. These players are being highlighted in bold for the 2025 season; this could either be for expected production, the importance of a player to a team, or the importance that the 2025 season is for a player.

On the other hand, the second category of players is for those I am watching for in the 2026 NFL draft. These are the players who could be hearing their names called in less than a year or see their stock fall in the opposite direction.

In combining these two categories, I hope that I have created a comprehensive list of football players ahead of the 2025 regular season! And if you have any players that you feel need to be on this list, feel free to share below! Also, stay tuned for the other watch lists from the other great writers here at the League Winners. You definitely do not want to miss it!

2025 College Football Watch List

Quarterback

• Deshawn Purdie, Wake Forest
• Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
• Byrum Brown, USF
• Caden Veltkamp, FAU
  • Arguably the gold goose of the FAU offense this season, Veltkamp can bring the Owls to new heights or be the root cause of their disappointment. With a bevy of talent and skill, I feel that the former is a bit more likely for Veltkamp, who has a chance to put himself on the map in 2025.
• Keyone Jenkins, FIU
• Lanorris Sellers, South Carolina
  • I am excited to see the steps Sellers can take this season. He is a fun player at the position who could blossom into a star.
• Katin Houser, East Carolina
  • Houser is a young player, but I loved what I saw from him last season. He has a live arm, great mobility, speed, and the accuracy to hit every throw on the field. With more consistency, fans may become much more familiar with the Pirates’ QB.
• Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
• Arch Manning, Texas
• Aidan Chiles, Michigan State
• Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
  • We have a long way to go, but I could easily see Nussmeier being my QB1 by the end of the season. Like many of the names on this list, the LSU Tiger has all of the talent in the world; he just needs to be more consistent and cut down on the mistakes to vault to a new level.

Running Back

• Anthony Carrie, FIU
  • I truly think a breakout is on the horizon for Carrie if he gets enough snaps. FIU’s offense is perfect for him to capitalize on his potential.
• Devonte Lyons, FIU
• CJ Campbell, Rutgers
• Gemari Sands, FAU
• Xavier Terrell, FAU
• Alvon Isaac, USF
• Sam Franklin, USF
• Cam Robinson, UConn
• Chris Johnson Jr., SMU
• Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami
  • If you liked Damien Martinez, you may like Fletcher even more. Between his power, speed, and hands, the Miami running back is one of my favorite overall players for this upcoming season.
• Makhi Hughes, Oregon
• Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
• Jayden Ott, Oklahoma
• Desmond Reid, Pitt
  • Speed kills, and Reid has plenty of it. I am eager to see how the running back takes his next leap forward in Pittsburgh’s offense.
• Jereymiah Love, Notre Dame

Wide Receiver

• Eric Nelson Jr., FIU
• Alex Perry, FIU
• JoJo Stone, FIU
  • Talent and opportunity usually result in a breakout. Just like with Carrie, I think Stone can easily make his mark for the Panthers this season.
• Easton Messer, FAU
• JR Wilson, FAU
• Jade Card, FAU
• Chaz Nimrod, USF
• Brandon Winton, USF
  • Out of all the players I watched this spring, Winton has some of the best route running and movement ability that I have seen. He is a player who firmly has my attention heading into the regular season.
• Jeremiah Koger, USF
• JeyQuan Smith, USF
• Tyler Williams, USF
• Joshisa Trader, Miami
• Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
• Evan Stewart, Oregon
• Jaden Greathouse, Notre Dame
  • Notre Dame’s wideout popped consistently during their 2024-25 season. With another year to grow and develop, Greathouse could quickly become more of a household name by the end of 2025.
• Eugene Wilson III, Florida
• Ja’Kobi Lane, USC

Tight End

• Wyatt Sullivan, USF
  • A transfer from FAU, Sullivan has the talent and ability to be a great tight end. USF will likely give him that shot this season, and I am very excited to see how Sullivan builds on what he showed this spring.
• Jonathan Echols, USF
• Reid Mikeska, FAU
• Martavious Collins, FAU
• Jackson Verdugo, FIU
• Sean Burke, FIU
• Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
  • Sadiq has some of the best pure athleticism from a tight end on the field. He was a stud for Oregon whenever called upon, and I expect more of the same this season with new quarterback Dante Moore.
• Jack Endries, Texas
• Oscar Delp, Georgia

Offensive Tackle

• Francis Mauigoa, Miami
• Isaiah World, Oregon
• Spencer Fano, Utah
• Carson Osmus, FAU
• Madden Sanker, FAU
• Keon Rohé, FAU
• Connor McLaughlin, USF
• Viliami Makahununiu, FIU
• Zaire Flournoy, FIU

Interior Offensive Linemen

• Cole Best, USF
• Antonio Tripp Jr., FIU
• Qae’Shon Sapp, FAU
  • For an uncertain unit, Sapp needs to come in and make a significant mark for the Owls. If he steps up, the offense could have an even higher ceiling; if he does not, the Owls’ offense could have some extended offenisve line questions.
• Jake Slaughter, Florida

Defensive Linemen

• Josh Celiscar, USF
  • A Texas A&M transfer, Celiscar had a dominant spring game for the Bulls. A versatile player, USF needs the veteran to be a key piece for a program trying to take a leap in 2025.
• Dinellson Exume, USF
• Jacob Merrifield, USF
• Dante Anderson, FIU
  • A Florida State transfer, Anderson’s role is very similar to Celiscar’s role at USF. With his overall talent and skill, Anderson is poised to be a main cog in a potentially exciting defensive line group for the Panthers.
• Keegan Davis, FIU
• Bryce Langston, FAU
• Tyclean Luman, FAU
• Wilky Denuad, FAU
• T.J. Parker, Clemson
• Peter Woods, Clemson
• Caleb Banks, Florida
• Tyreak Sapp, Florida
• Zane Durant, Penn State

EDGE

• Gavench Marcelin, FAU
• Deshaun Batiste, FAU
• Ira Singleton, USF
  • I do not know how USF will deploy Singleton, but I know that he is a player who will help USF win football games – that much is for sure.
• Brooks Williams Jr., USF
• Kenton Simmons, FIU
• Eddie Walls III, Houston
  • Walls III has a chance to vault himself into national conversations with a good year at Houston, especially with his upper-level pass-rushing ability.
• Reuben Bain Jr., Miami
  • Bain is a player who has all of the tools and ability to be a dominant edge rusher. I am excited to see how he takes the next step in his development this season.
• Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
• Patrick Peyton, LSU
• Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Linebacker

• Percy Courtney Jr., FIU
  • Mr. Do-It-All this spring, I expect Courtney Jr. to be an all-around weapon for the Panthers. He has the skill to make plays all over the field and will definitely help FIU win games on defense.
• Dwight Nunno, FIU
• Josiah Taylor, FIU
• Tyler Stolsky, FAU
  • Stolsky is my favorite linebacker in a very young group for the Owls. With good instincts and athleticism, I expect the Minnesota transfer to help command and uphold the defense.
• Zyere Horton, FAU
• Zavier Hamilton, USF
• Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
  • Hill Jr. is the epitome of what you want in a modern linebacker. He has been successful in every phase of the game and should be a key reason why Texas continues to succeed in 2025. I cannot wait to watch him this season.
• Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
• C.J. Allen, Georgia
• Harold Perkins, LSU

Cornerback

• Cameron Goggins, FAU
• Lawrence Johnson, FAU
  • If he wins a starting job, Johnson has all the skill and ability to shut down wideouts consistently. With so many defensive backs being brought in, the room’s depth chart is very unclear. This is a position group that I plan to seriously monitor over the coming months.
• Zion Paret, FAU
• Brian Blades II, FIU
• Victor Evans III, FIU
  • Evans III was a monster during the spring and the Navy versus White game. In a defense that has produced upper-level college talent before, Evans III may be the next player in line to burst onto the scene for the Panthers.
• Jai-A Celestine, FIU
• De’Shawn Rucker, USF
• James Chenault, USF
• Jonas Duclona, USF
  • I enjoyed how Duclona mirrored and stuck with wideouts during the spring game for USF. In a room that has positions up for grabs, I would not be surprised to see Duclona snatch a starting role and thrive in it.
• Mansoor Delane, LSU
• Tacario Davis, Washington
• Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina

Safety

• Antonio Patterson, FIU
  • Patterson is a big-time hitter at the safety position. Expect him to make multiple highlight-reel plays for the Panthers on defense.
• Bobby Salla Jr., FIU
• Demetrius Hill, FIU
• Kyle Boylston, FAU
  • A two-sport athlete, Boylston has all of the potential to be a standout defensive back for the Owls. If he gets an opportunity, I think the safety could be a standout on the entire defensive unit.
• Jayden Sweeney, FAU
• Tavin Ward, USF
• Jaelen Stokes, USF
• Caleb Downs, Ohio State
  • The best player in college football? If it is not Downs, I am not sure there are five better choices than him. He is a true joy to watch on a football field.
• Kamari Ramsey, USC

Kicker/Punter

• Nico Grammatica, USF
• Chase Leon, USF
• Noah Grant, FIU
• Bert Auburn, Miami

Player of the Day: Fernando Mendoza, QB – Indiana

For the first edition of the “Player of the Day,” I am going with someone who has been getting a lot of buzz lately: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Mendoza, who transferred this past winter, played at the University of California in 2023 and 2024. He threw for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns with 12 big-time throws. As a football player, I really enjoyed what I saw from Mendoza. Watching three games from 2024 so far (Miami, Florida State, Auburn) allowed me to come up with some positives from the quarterback’s game:

• Positive arm strength with a willingness to let it rip into any window
• Great, great touch and accuracy on many of his throws
• Good feel for the pocket. Knows when to stay and knows when to take off. 
• Above average movement skills as a passer and good escapability as a passer. 
• Good feet/base as a passer.
• Very solid under pressure. Can deliver strikes in the face of pass rushers
• Can be in full command of the offense 

Additionally, I had some negatives from the quarterback’s game, which can be found below:

• Gunslinger mentality means that he will try to fit throws into every window, leading to some interceptions
• Sporadically holds onto the ball too long, leading to some big hits. 
• Small tendency to chuck the ball under pressure. Must make sure that it doesn’t result in turnovers.

From an overall standpoint, the former Cal quarterback has everything necessary to be an elite quarterback prospect. He can make every throw, utilize different platforms and arm angles, and escape pressure when necessary. Mendoza has great touch, accuracy, and feel for the game. However, those same traits cause the quarterback to get into trouble; Mendoza tends to occasionally hold onto the ball too long or force throws into windows.

At Indiana this year, Mendoza needs to build on his good plays and work to eliminate the bad ones. I would love to see steps forward, specifically in processing and refinement in decision-making. Additionally, I want to see more refinement in his feel for the game, specifically when it comes to throwing the ball away.

The foundation and upside is all there for the star quarterback. If he is able to build upon it, his stock could become a rocket ship in the 2026 class.

Grab Bag: Other Football Notes from The Week

As promised, here are my other notes from the week:

• JT Made That and USF are set to have an exclusive collaboration soon. Once again, the Bulls are ahead of the curve for not just G5 athletics, but overall college athletics.
• OL Jackson Cantwell, the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, committed to Miami. It is really impressive how “The U” has turned things around under Mario Cristobal.
• The NFL announced its international slate of football games for the 2025 season, and honestly, it’s not all that bad!

And that is a wrap for this week, my friends! Stay tuned for more football content next week. For now, have a good day and enjoy the rest of your week!