The return of college football is one of the most exciting times of the year — there is something about college marching bands giving that first performance of the season and fight songs echoing throughout the stadiums that just feels good.
With the 2025 season set to begin, there has been an entire offseason of movement through the transfer portal and the arrival of another class of freshmen entering the league. One of the more entertaining aspects of the college football season is watching a game and hearing a name that makes you do a double-take. A name that you hear and have to ask, "Wait...did they just say 'General Booty?'" It humanizes the sport and also creates a lasting impression.
General Booty, by the way, played quarterback for Oklahoma and Louisiana-Monroe. He entered the transfer portal for the second time in December 2024, but he never signed with another program.
Even if the 2025 college football landscape is Booty-less, there’s no shortage of incredible names out there for players who are sure to become household favorites.
What are the best names in college football this year?
Here are the 15 best names in college football right now.
| Player Name | School |
| Panda Askew | East Carolina |
| Grant Beerman | Illinois |
| Rocky Beers | Colorado State |
| Sirr Bible | San Jose State |
| Chief Borders | UNLV |
| Da'Realyst Clark | Kent State |
| Demon Clowney | South Carolina |
| Memorable Factor | Duke |
| Hannes Hammer | Virginia Tech |
| D-Icey Hopkins | Georgia State |
| Legend Journey | Cal |
| King Large | SMU |
| Jaden Muskrat | Virginia Tech |
| Dude Person | Central Arkansas |
| Squirrel White | Florida State |
Panda Askew, OL, East Carolina Pirates
Askew is a grad transfer to the Pirates after spending four seasons at UNC-Charlotte. He is listed at 6-3, 300 pounds and is an offensive lineman. He is majoring in recreation and parks management.
Grant Beerman, LB, Illinois Fighting Illini
Beerman has one of the most recognizable names in all of college football. The Illinois linebacker was easy to follow during his recruitment, and he chose to join the Illini over offers from Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Pittsburgh. He is heading into his freshman year, but he already feels like a household name.
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Da'Realyst Clark, WR, Kent State Golden Flashes
It’s likely tough to live up to expectations when your name is Da'Realyst. Clark has bounced around in his college career, starting at Division III Defiance College in 2022. He transferred to Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan. last season and had 63 yards over 10 games. However, he impressed coaches enough that he was able to join Kent State in 2025.
Demon Clowney, LB, South Carolina Gamecocks
If you’re wondering whether or not Demon Clowney is related to Gamecock legend Jadeveon Clowney, he is. The two are cousins. Although Demon has the cooler first name, he hasn't quite lived up to the hype over his collegiate career. The linebacker played at Ole Miss in 2022, but he then transferred to Charlotte in 2023. He will make his debut for South Carolina.
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Memorable Factor, LB, Duke Blue Devils
Factor is entering his senior season as a linebacker for the Blue Devils. He was born in London and named after his grandfather. Factor has been at Duke since 2023, but he's still looking for his first game action with the team. Currently, his college career hasn’t been too memorable, outside of his name.
Hannes Hammer, OL, Virginia Tech Hokies
Hammer is a 6-7, 313-pound offensive lineman from Cologne, Germany. Heading into his sophomore season with the Hokies, Hammer looks to either make his case to reach the NFL or go into city planning.
D-Icey Hopkins, S, Georgia State Panthers
Hopkins has seen only one season of action for the Panthers. The junior safety finished with 23 total tackles, three deflected passes, and a forced fumble in 2024. He was a two-star prospect out of high school, but he stayed in state with the Panthers.
Squirrel White, WR, Florida State Seminoles
White spent the first three years of his college career at Tennessee. He transferred to Florida State for his senior season. White left the Volunteers with 131 receptions for 1,665 yards and six touchdowns.