Here are 10 CCL/ESCC players to watch in 2025

The CCL/ESCC Class of 2025 featured plenty of talented players who signed with Power Four and other Division-I schools. While the megaconference will lose plenty of talent with this season’s group of seniors graduating, the cupboard is far from bare.

Here are 10 CCL/ESCC players to watch for the 2025 season.

Zach Washington, St. Francis

Class: 2026

Position: WR

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17755753/Zach-Washington

Washington was one of the most-efficient wide outs in the state in a talented St. Francis wide receivers room. He caught 32 passes for 655 yards, averaging 20.5 yards per catch, and nine touchdowns while becoming a top kickoff-return threat, returning three kicks for a touchdown. Power Four programs have taken notice and Washington holds offers from schools like Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Miami, Wisconsin and Ole Miss. Washington garnered IHSFCA All-State and All-CCL/ESCC accolades.

Braeden Jones, Mount Carmel

Class: 2026

Position: DL

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18456741/Braeden-Jones

Jones created constant pressure on the Caravan’s defensive line in his first varsity season to help Mount Carmel win a third straight Class 7A state championship. The USC commit finished with 48 tackles, had 3.5 sacks, broke up five passes and recovered a fumble. Before Jones committed to USC, he held offers from schools like Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa State, Florida and Texas A&M. Jones earned All-CCL/ESCC honors last year.

King Liggins, Brother Rice

Class: 2026

Position: DL

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17856675/King-Liggins

Liggins was part of a dominant Crusaders defensive line that anchored one of the best defenses in the CCL/ESCC. His 6-foot-4, 270-pound frame made him hard to stop from the middle of the line, helping Brother Rice having one of the best run defenses in the megaconference. Power Four programs like Illinois, Iowa State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Northwestern have all offered. Liggins earned All-CCL/ESCC accolades and should be a major threat again this fall.

Trenton Walker, Nazareth

Class: 2026

Position: WR

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17730763/Trenton-Walker

Walker became a major threat for the Roadrunners and quarterback Logan Malachuk in their run to a third straight Class 5A state championship. He finished with 1,420 receiving yards off 77 catches, averaging 18.4 yards per catch, and 19 touchdowns. College programs took notice of Walker after a breakout junior year. Iowa State and Toledo both offered at the beginning of the year and more could follow.

Trae Taylor, Carmel

Class: 2027

Position: QB

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21009211/Trae-Taylor

Taylor might be one of Illinois' most sought-after quarterbacks since J.J. McCarthy. Nearly ever Power Four program has offered him, including Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan, Miami, LSU, Indiana, Illinois and Texas A&M. In his first season as a varsity starter for the Corsairs, Taylor threw for 3,061 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, seven interception and added 437 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Everyone will be watching the leap he takes next year.

Quentin Burrell, Mount Carmel

Class: 2027

Position: WR

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20228458/Quentin-Burrell

Burrell burst onto the scene and became one of the most-electric wide receivers in the state. He was one of quarterback Jack Elliott’s top targets and caught 75 passes for 1,257 yards, averaging 16.8 yards per game and 17 touchdowns. Schools haven’t wasted time chasing after Burrell. He already holds offers from schools like Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Louisville, Michigan State and figures to earn more. Burrell earned All-CCL/ESCC accolades in a championship season.

Israel Abrams, Montini

Class: 2027

Position: QB

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22552865/Israel-Abrams

Abrams took over as the Broncos starting quarterback midway through the year and gave the offense a jolt that led to a Class 3A state championship. In his first taste of varsity action, he finished with 2,003 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, three interceptions and added 221 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Colleges have been impressed, with Purdue, Minnesota and Toledo all offering this month. He’ll try to build off an impressive season where he earned All-CCL/ESCC.

Rico Schrieber, Marist

Class: 2026

Position: OL

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18679661/Rico-Schrieber

Schrieber turned heads when he started to garner interest from college programs after his freshman season with the RedHawks. At 6-foot-7, 331 pounds, Schrieber is a big presence who’s hard to get past and helped Marist reach the Class 8A second round before losing to eventual champion Loyola. Schools like Miami, Indiana, Florida, Iowa State, Kentucky and Vanderbilt have all offered. Schrieber earned All-CCL/ESCC honors and should be one of the top linemen in the megaconference to watch.

Tommy Thies, Fenwick

Class: 2026

Position: DB

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17965325/Tommy-Thies

Thies took a major step during his junior season and served as a key leader in the Friars' secondary. He finished the year with 85.5 tackles, six for a loss, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and one forced fumble. Some Division-I programs like Western Michigan, Miami (Ohio), Toledo and Northern Illinois have offered. Thies will be a major leader for Fenwick’s defense next season.

Brayden Parks, Brother Rice

Class: 2027

Position: DL

Hudl profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19549649/Brayden-Parks

Parks joined Liggins in being a menace on the Crusaders defensive line. The duo constantly clogged up the middle and Parks developed well starting as a sophomore. Power Four programs already took notice before his sophomore season and he now holds offers schools like Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Kansas State. At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, Parks' stock will only continue to rise over the next two years.