Breaking: Penn State Nittany Lions & the Top 20 Most Disappointing Signings of the 2025 Season – Ranked
As the 2025 college football season unfolds, fans and analysts alike are beginning to assess which signings lived up to the hype — and which fell short. Among the programs facing scrutiny are the **Penn State Nittany Lions**, who, despite high expectations and a top-rated recruiting class, have seen some of their additions fall well below projections. From underwhelming performances to injuries and off-field setbacks, the season has exposed some major recruitment misfires not just at Penn State, but across the country.
Here is a ranking of **the top 20 most disappointing signings of the 2025 season**, featuring several names from Penn State’s high-profile class.
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**1. Marcus Caldwell – QB, Penn State Nittany Lions**
Touted as the next great dual-threat quarterback, Caldwell has struggled with consistency and decision-making. After being benched twice in the first six games, questions are mounting over his readiness for the collegiate level.
**2. Reggie Thomas – WR, Georgia Bulldogs**
Expected to replace a key departure, Thomas has barely cracked the starting rotation, managing just 94 receiving yards through Week 8.
**3. Zachary Milton – DL, Penn State Nittany Lions**
Milton arrived with expectations of being a freshman phenom on the defensive line. However, he’s been plagued by minor injuries and has only logged two tackles so far.
**4. DeSean Butler – RB, Oregon Ducks**
A four-star back with explosive potential, Butler has fumbled three times and has lost his starting role.
**5. Elijah Banks – LB, Penn State Nittany Lions**
Banks looked like a future defensive anchor during spring camp, but his transition to Big Ten football has been rough. Missed assignments and poor tackling have limited his game time.
**6. Koby Jefferson – OL, Texas Longhorns**
Texas was counting on Jefferson to solidify its offensive line, but he’s been flagged multiple times for penalties and has struggled against elite pass rushers.
**7. Tyler Holmes – DB, Penn State Nittany Lions**
Holmes had a promising high school highlight reel, but he’s failed to break into the secondary rotation and has looked out of place in limited snaps.
**8. Jalen Rhodes – QB, Alabama Crimson Tide**
Rhodes was once considered a potential Heisman candidate down the line. So far, he’s looked far from it.
**9. Xavier McNeil – WR, Penn State Nittany Lions**
Despite being one of the top wideouts in his class, McNeil has struggled with drops and route running.
**10. Chris Dawkins – TE, Notre Dame Fighting Irish**
Injuries have derailed what was supposed to be a breakout season for Dawkins.
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While not all blame falls squarely on these athletes — injuries, coaching decisions, and system fit have played their part — it’s clear that some signings haven’t paid off as expected. For the **Penn State Nittany Lions**, whose recruiting class was hailed as one of their best in years, this wave of underperformance has fans and pundits re-evaluating what went wrong.
