College Rookie Sleepers to Watch and Bet On Next Season

College football has so many emerging prospects, it can be very easy for many rookies to be overlooked by fans.

Many don’t begin to start making a name for themselves until their final season ahead of the NFL draft, when teams and fans begin to take notice because of the excitement they may bring when it comes to making the professional game.

Of course, there are some names that grip fans a lot earlier than others. Indeed, bettors on college football may notice a few individuals a little earlier than others. Those who bet on college football can often find emerging stars who they like the look of talent-wise when it comes to making bets on the game, as they recognize the players who can make a potential difference to their bets.

They can be players who do just enough to swing the momentum of a game, accomplish better-than-average or standard statistics, but remain under the radar. They can be individuals who don’t capture the headlines, yet they show glimpses of what could potentially make them successful in the NFL if they were to be drafted.

Which players fit the mould of being a sleeper?

Which players can be considered ‘sleepers’ and potential top athletes that can make a difference in the upcoming season for bettors?

While there are names that everyone recognizes as top prospects and NFL-bound, there are others that can be considered ‘sleepers’ at this stage of their careers. Indeed, some players are showing some signs of quality already in the early period of their college careers, but they aren’t necessarily being spoken about in the same breath as some of their colleagues.

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Carnell Tate is an exciting prospect who could have a breakout year at Ohio State this season. The Buckeyes had a number of names at wide receiver last season, with star player Emeka Egbuka being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft as the #19 pick. Others have left in the transfer portal, giving Tate a potential opportunity to thrive.

He was arguably overshadowed by bigger names last season. This year, he could show everyone how good his body control and wide catch radius are, which, combined with his route-running and big-play abilities, make him a player who could be a strong betting option for college football fans.

Bryce Young, DL, Notre Dame

There may already be a Bryce Young in the NFL, but we’re not talking about the Carolina Panthers quarterback. His namesake is an emerging defensive lineman at Notre Dame entering his sophomore year and looks every bit the player that college football betting fans are going to enjoy backing with their future wagers.

Young will need to step up as the Fighting Irish saw Rylie Mills taken in the fifth round of the draft by the Seattle Seahawks. However, it could be enough for him to break out on his own and become a star that bettors will enjoy watching. He’s positioned to become a high-impact player on the defensive line, and having totaled 23 tackles and three blocked kicks last year, there’s a lot to like about the additional responsibility he’ll have this upcoming season.

Barion Brown, WR, LSU

Barion Brown could be about to be a player that many college football bettors recognize more so this year than they have previously, with him potentially having the tools to thrive in a new environment. A senior, he transferred from Kentucky after he finished the season with 50 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns.

Now at LSU, he will be surrounded by better players at the quarterback position and throughout the offense. Having already shown he has proven return ability and speed, he could quickly become a household name for college football bettors, especially where yardage prop bets are concerned.

Nick Dawkins, C, Penn State

The 2024 season was when Nick Dawkins made a name for himself with Penn State. He has had to wait for his time, as he was behind the likes of Michal Menet, Juice Scruggs, and Hunter Nourzad in his first four seasons, making just 26 appearances (no starts). Now, he’ll have his chance to showcase why he could be the next to follow those three and head to the NFL.

A captain of the team, he has already been quietly building his name and capturing the attention of college football bettors. He has all-conference honors, and he has shown he can be reliable for Penn State at center. He will be a critical part of the offense once again this season, and if he is, bettors may like the value he brings when looking at the school’s run game and the props that become available throughout the season.