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25 Latino Standouts Making Noise in College Football This Season
At long last, college football returns this week and it’s never too early to prepare for the next college football season. After Ohio State won last year’s College Football Playoff title in the first-ever 12-team format, the 2025 season looks to pick up where it left off with exciting action.
Before the first full slate of games takes place in the final week of August, the 2025 season will kick off with a five-game slate on Saturday, Aug. 23. Week 0 will be highlighted by a matchup between Iowa State and Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, for the 10th edition of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
25 Latinos to Watch During the 2025 College Football Season
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech: Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez might as well be on a wanted poster, considering how many watch lists have named him this preseason. He had one of the best seasons in college football last year with 127 tackles and earned recognition on the Butkus, Chuck Bednarik, Lombardi, and Bronko Nagurski Award watch lists. Rodriguez was also selected as the Big 12 preseason Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in solo tackles.
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KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A\&M: Concepcion made the move to A&M after two record-breaking seasons at NC State, where he set program freshman records in receptions (71), yards (839), and touchdowns (10). He was named 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Fernando Carmona Jr., OL, Arkansas: A 6-foot-5, 325-pound redshirt senior from Las Vegas, Carmona is one of the country’s best offensive linemen. He is on the Outland Trophy watch list and earned First Team USA Today All-SEC honors. He also serves on the SEC Leadership Council.
Tony Rojas, LB, Penn State: The 6-foot-2 junior linebacker is one of the Big Ten’s best defenders. With 58 tackles and three interceptions in 2024, he’s expected to be a key player this year.
Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama: Cuevas transferred from Washington to Alabama and caught 16 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown last season. He’s on the John Mackey Award watch list for the best tight end in the nation.
Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt: Pavia became one of the biggest surprises in 2024, leading Vanderbilt to upset wins over Alabama and Auburn. He threw for 2,293 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 801 yards and 8 more scores.
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Trebor Peña, WR, Penn State: Peña transferred from Syracuse after leading the ACC with 84 catches, 941 yards, and 9 touchdowns. He brings explosive playmaking to the Nittany Lions.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana: Mendoza threw for over 3,000 yards at Cal in 2024. Now at Indiana, he is set to lead the Hoosiers’ offense in the Big Ten.
Gabe Rubio, DE, Notre Dame: The fifth-year senior battled injuries but recorded a career-high 24 tackles and his first sack last year. He’ll be key on Notre Dame’s defensive line.
Tyler Martinez, LB, New Mexico State: Martinez tallied 96 tackles in 2024, earning Second Team All-Conference USA honors.
Joey Aguilar, QB, Tennessee: After two prolific seasons at Appalachian State, Aguilar transferred to Tennessee to lead the Volunteers’ offense in 2025.
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Devin Sanchez, DB, Ohio State: The freshman was one of the top recruits in the nation and is already in the Buckeyes’ defensive rotation after joining the defending champions early.
Joenel Aguero, S, Georgia: Limited by injuries early in his career, Aguero is ready for a breakout junior season as a starting safety for the Bulldogs.
Willie Rodriguez, TE, Kentucky: Rodriguez flashed potential as a freshman with five catches for 94 yards and will see a bigger role this season.
Raul Aguirre Jr., LB, Miami: The 6-foot-2 linebacker has played in 23 games over two seasons and is primed for a breakout year with the Hurricanes.
Gabe Plascencia, K, San Diego State: The senior kicker has made 12 straight field goals and was named Mountain West preseason Specialist of the Year.
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Peyton Woodyard, S, Oregon: Woodyard played in 14 games as a freshman and is competing for a starting spot this season.
Jordan Ochoa, LB, Nebraska: A redshirt freshman, Ochoa debuted in last year’s Pinstripe Bowl and is expected to contribute heavily in 2025.
Josh Padilla, OL, Ohio State: Padilla provides key depth for the Buckeyes, capable of stepping in at center or guard.
David Amador II, WR, UTSA: Despite injuries, Amador flashed his talent with two 100-yard games in 2024. He’s expected to be a big weapon for the Roadrunners.
Ivan Carreon, WR, Oklahoma: Carreon ended his freshman year strong with a standout Armed Forces Bowl performance, showcasing his potential as a big-bodied receiver.
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Logan Loya, WR, Minnesota: A transfer from UCLA, Loya brings experience and production, with 12 touchdowns last season.
Rico Flores Jr., WR, UCLA: Flores’ 2024 season was cut short by an ACL injury, but he showed promise at both Notre Dame and UCLA. Healthy again, he’s ready for a strong return.
Caleb Sanchez, QB, Columbia: Sanchez made history by helping Columbia win its first Ivy League title in 61 years as a freshman. He’ll now lead the Lions into 2025 with big expectations.
Zach Calzada, QB, Kentucky: Calzada is best remembered for leading Texas A\&M to an upset over No. 1 Alabama in 2021. After stints at Auburn and Incarnate Word, the veteran is back in the SEC with Kentucky.
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