For this edition of Unc’s BIG-List, I’m predicting and ranking the Top 20 athletes of the Big 2025. We’re in for some big surprises here, so read all the way to #1. Before we get to the 20, let’s start with five Honorable Mentions.
Honorable Mentions:
Many people say that Shai “Free Throws Coming For” Gilgeous-Alexander is the future of the league. But I’m not sold yet, so I’m putting him as the best honorable mention. If he can escape the Free Throw Merchant allegations, I’ll move him up to the Top-20.
At the second-best Honorable Mention, we have superstar Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. This year he nearly broke the Regular Season rushing record, but instead sat out in Week 18. So for that reason, he isn’t making the Top-20, as he’s shown he’s not committed. He’s been too much of a last-in, first-out type of guy.
Here’s a name right here. Decoldest ToEvaDoIt Crawford is a rising star at the wide receiver position playing for the Lousiana Tech Bulldogs. He left a lot to be desired after this past season, in which he put up 2 receptions for 17 whole yards, with his longest reception being 10 yards. He’s in this spot not because of his current skill, but because of his generational future potential.
The BIG-List:
First up on the list coming in at number 20, we have Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce. Pierce recorded an interception against the Steelers in the 2024 Wild Card Round, which signals he will be an the first dual-threat defender in 2025, playing both D-Line and cornerback. Measuring in at a modest 6’, 355lbs, he’ll be gracefully gliding across the gridiron, sacking your QB1 and locking up your favorite wide receiver at the same time.
At #19 we have Reds Shortstop and MLB The Show 25 cover athlete Elly de la Cruz. “Error de la Strikeout” is one of, if not the, fastest players in the MLB, which he uses to turn singles into doubles, doubles into triples, and triples into home runs. Elly is a well-rounded player who will be an elite player in the MLB this season.
Jeremiah Smith is easily a Top-5 receiver in College Football right now, and he’s only a true freshman, so he’ll be a threat for whatever school he’s playing.
During the 2024 F1 Season, Ferrari announced they were signing Lewis Hamilton at the end of the season. Sadly, Carlos Sainz took the fall and was set to lose his seat at the end of the season. So, he signed with Williams Racing, a bottom-feeder team. Sainz is one of the most underrated drivers in the current grid. This year he has the potential to finally bring Williams to modern-day glory.
Angel “Chopped Chin” Wiley exploded onto the sports scene very recently. Appearing in Atlanta Dream games, Wiley is an absolute game-changer that this team is lucky to have. I expect his immaculate performance will continue because he’s just so tough.
Barack Obama was the 45th President, and is the 15th athlete on this list. He’s taken a step away from the game to focus on politics, but he’s been in the lab throughout those years, so don’t be surprised if he unhangs the jersey…
For #14, I’m choosing 7’ 3” San Antonio Spurs Forward Hector Banana Bread, less commonly referred to as Victor Wembanyama. The Frenchman was drafted first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft and has shown he deserved that draft position. Wembanyama’s new nickname has reignited the debate over the origins of Banana bread. Some culinary historians believe the bread was created during the Great Depression to use up overripe bananas. While others believe corporations developed it to promote flour and baking soda. The provocative debate sparked by Victor’s amazing performances has elevated his game, so expect to see him in the Top-10 very soon.
Aaron Brooks! Who does Aaron Brooks play for? He’s the last one. He was in Phoenix last year. You should know because you live in Phoenix you can probably track where he has been. Alright, Charles, who you got? He’s either playing in China or Japan. China or Japan? We need it more specific. That’s not the name of the team. Guangdong Tigers! NI HAO! NI HAO! NI HAO! VICTORY LAP! VICTORY LAP! VICTORY LAP! I KNOW CHINESE! VICTORY LAP! VICTORY LAP! BUBUBUBUM! VICTORY LAP!
After the conclusion of the 2024 College Football Season, DJ Uiagalelei has shown that he truly has the potential to be the greatest burger flipper of all time. He’s not on this list for his football skills, but instead his fast-food acumen. He has offers from every major fast food restaurant including McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Wendy’s. Experts say DJ Uneedtogetajob is favoring McDonald’s.
Just outside of the Top-10 is Bills quarterback Josh Allen. After a generational regular season in a very weak AFC East, the Bills cruised to the playoffs, in which they squeaked past the Broncos and then beat the Ravens. In the AFC Championship, Allen showed that he was still a playoff choker and sold the game to the Kansas City Refs.
College Gymnastics legend Livvy Dunne is a gymnast who competes for the LSU Tigers. Her boyfriend Paul Skenes, star pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, starts the Top-10 for 2025. After making the All-Star game his rookie year and winning NL ROY, Paul Skenes has a Cy Young-filled future ahead of him.
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is one of the greatest sports television personalities of all time. Recently, he’s announced he’s been in the lab with Chris Matthews, also known as Lethal Shooter. I could see him making a big comeback into the basketball world after all the work he’s put in since last hitting the court.
GOAT. It’s as simple as that. Build the statue and prepare to vote for him for HOF.
Move over LeBron, the new face of the NBA is here, and he plays in Portland. Scoot Henderson has silently blossomed into an elite player this season. Mark my words, he will be in the Hall of Fame one day.
At the Big #6, we have Jameis “Jameis Winston” Winston. Jameis is easily the most likable player in the NFL and has some extremely memorable quotes and moments. Despite being seen as a “career backup,” I think he could genuinely be a starting quarterback in the right situation under a good, QB-whispering Head Coach.
Sitting at #5 is former 4th-round pick and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Bobby Dalbec. After an impressive 2024 campaign, in which he put up an impressive .133 AVG and a .217 OBP, I expect him to follow that up with an even more amazing 2025 season with his new team in Chicago.
The first and only multi-sport athlete on this list is Christan “The Rizzler” Joseph who finds himself in the #4 spot. Playing for both the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, The Rizzler is a dominant force on the hardwood and the ice. Combined with the second-best father-son duo in sports, Andrew “A.J.” Befumo and Eric “Big Justice” Befumo, opposing teams quake in their boots. Despite having alleged ties to the Mafia, Joseph is a clean player who respects the game and sticks to the fundamentals.
Starting off the Top-3 is University of Louisiana-Monroe quarterback General Booty. Booty will easily prove himself to be the best quarterback in all of College Football and will cruise to a Heisman Trophy. Just because he has a funny name and plays for a lower-level team doesn’t mean he isn’t on the same level as legends such as Prime Johnny Football.
Dak Prescott is easily a Top-2 quarterback in this league,* so he’s sitting at #2 on the list. If he hadn’t gotten injured this year, he would’ve easily been in any serious MVP conversations.
*The UFL
Boy oh boy where do I even begin? Bronny… honey, my pookie bear. I have loved you ever since I first laid eyes on you. The way you drive into the paint and strike fear into your enemy’s eyes. Your silky smooth touch around the rim, and that gorgeous jump shot. I would do anything for you. I wish it were possible to freeze time so I would never have to watch you retire. You had a rough childhood, but you never gave up hope. You are even amazing off the court, you’re a great husband and father, sometimes I even call you dad. I forever dread and weep, thinking of the day you will one day retire. I would sacrifice my own life if it were the only thing that could put a smile on your beautiful face. You have given me so much joy, and heartbreak over the years. Not only have you changed the game of basketball and the world forever, but you’ve eternally changed my world. And now you’re getting older, but still the goat, my goat. I love you pookie bear, my glorious king, Lebron James Jr.
