NOLAN LUMBY / CONTRIBUTOR

Balancing academics while managing a football team can be quite challenging. Injuries, bye-weeks and trades add to the stress as Toreros approach the second  half of the season. Despite these obstacles, this year’s NFL season has brought excitement across the board, particularly regarding the 2025 draft class. 

  Many USD students who have taken on the role of general manager for their teams have abandoned the notion of “waiting for the rookies” to make an impact.         

USD student media manager Cherishann Diamzon shares her fantasy standing this year. Photo courtesy of  Cherishann Diamzon

  The 2025 rookie class is already making significant contributions, and their early performances are reshaping the league standings.

  Several names have quickly emerged as stand out players early in the season. One of the most surprising is Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, a running   back for Washington.           

  As  a   seventh-round pick, expectations were modest, but he has greatly surpassed them. USD senior and Fantasy Football manager Joey Hawley commented on Jacory’s performance. 

 “With  Austin Ekeler sidelined due to injury, I didn’t expect much from the Commanders’ backfield,” Hawly said.  “Croskey-Merritt is explosive and has devastating speed. Although he’s still unproven, he definitely has a promising career ahead.”         

     In week five, he earned both FedEx Ground Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week honors. Over five games, he accumulated 283 rushing yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry, along with four touchdowns.

   Another   rookie   making waves is Emeka Egbuka, a wide-receiver for the Buccaneers, who was named offensive  rookie  of  the  month for September. He leads  all  rookie receivers with 445 receiving yards and five touchdowns.  His efficiency  highlights  his value beyond just  sheer  volume.

   As  quarterback,  Jaxson Dart of the Giants  has made a significant impact, and he’s not alone. After becoming  the starter  in Week  four, Dart has made  it  his mission to maintain his starting role completing 17 out of 25 passes for 195 yards and rushing 13 times for 58 yards in a victory over the Eagles. Dart joined Patrick  Mahomes as only the second quarterback since 1991 to lead an opening-drive touchdown in each of his first three career starts. His dual-threat mobility has quietly made him a viable fantasy option.

  Cameron Skattebo of the Giants has also been energizing the offense. This mid-round rookie has emerged as a reliable fantasy flex option, scoring double-digit points in five consecutive games due to his hard-nosed running style and reliability in the red zone. His impressive performance solidified his status as one of the most effective rookie running backs so far, demonstrating that this class’s playmakers are already making an impact at every position.

  What is behind these early successes? In  many cases, it’s the opportunity; Croskey-Merritt has thrived due to significant carries, while  Egbuka  has capitalized on chances created by injuries and inconsistent performance from veteran players. Dart’s ability to operate both in the pocket and as a runner makes him a dual-threat quarterback, a valuable asset that not all rookie quarterbacks possess.

  No team trusts its young players more than the Chicago Bears. With their number 1 one draft pick, Caleb Williams, at the helm, they have maintained a 3-2 record in 2025, coming off a 5-12 record last year. 

  One player to keep  an eye on is Kyle Monangai of  the Bears.  While  he hasn’t had a breakout game yet, the coaching staff has gradually increased his snap share and red-zone involvement, indicating that they are gaining trust in him. USD senior Gabriel Romero expressed his thoughts on the Bears’ season so far.

  “I have my doubts about such a young team, but I can’t deny they bring a new excitement to the team  that  could lead to success for the program,” Romero said. “The management’s trust in the next generation has paid off so far.”

 Similarly,  TreVeyon  Henderson of the Ravens is flying  under the radar, even though he is seeing steady touches and showing flashes of big-play potential. These rookies may  not win you a week just yet, but they could become pivotal in a playoff race come December. Not every rookie is  dominating box scores, but that doesn’t mean they’re unimportant. Some first-year players  are quietly  establishing roles that could become  significant  for fantasy leagues as the season progresses.   

 Fantasy     history   demonstrates that patience with developing rookies often pays off, and this class has plenty of potential waiting to be unleashed.

  The 2025 rookie class is shaping up to be one of the most impactful in recent memory, particularly in positions where opportunity  and  efficiency align. 

  As the season continues, players who can maintain their performance, adapt to changes and avoid injuries will reveal their true value. For now, the rookie class has already made a significant impact on the standings, affecting many fantasy managers  for  better or worse.

About 29.2 million people in the U.S. play fantasy football. Photo courtesy of  @emeka.egbuka/Instagram