Matt Zentiz of CBS Sports and 247 Sports released a list of 20 under-the-radar players in the Big 12 who could breakout for a big year in 2025.
On that list, two Cincinnati Bearcats were mentioned: wide receiver Jeff Caldwell and defensive linemen Marquaze Parker. Caldwell transferred to Cincinnati this spring after playing for Lindenwood last season, while Parker was a true freshman at Cincinnati last season.
Caldwell will be entering his senior season at Cincinnati, spending the last 3 seasons at Lindenwood. Last season, Caldwell totaled 1,011 yards on 52 receptions and 10 touchdowns.
Caldwell stands at 6-foot-5, 200 pounds and makes an incredible red zone threat. Caldwell was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which is regarded as the Heisman Trophy of the FCS. Caldwell will take the role that Xzavier Henderson played as well as Alec Peirce.
Parker totaled 8 tackles, two of them being for a loss, in the 5 games he appeared in last season. Parker was a 3-star recruit as a part of the class of 2024 and was the No. 13 player out of Arkansas that season.
Parker is listed at 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, and plays a defensive end. With his size, strength, and speed, Parker makes for a mismatch in almost every game and has the tools to have a big season for the Bearcats.