Super Bowl 2025 Recruits
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are once again at the center of the football universe as they prepare to clash in Super Bowl 2025. While these two powerhouse franchises have built their rosters with elite talent, it’s always fascinating to look back at where these stars startedtheir high school recruiting rankings. Several of the biggest names on both teams were once top-tier recruits garnering nationwide attention, while others were overlooked gems who have since proven the doubters wrong. Let’s dive into where these players ranked as recruits before they rose to NFL superstardom.
Kansas City Chiefs’ Key Players and Their Recruiting Rankings
The reigning champions have built their success on a mix of superstar talent and player development. Some of their most crucial players were five-star can’t-miss prospects, while others had to fight their way up from relative obscurity. Patrick Mahomes (QB) – 3-star recruit
Yes, the best quarterback in the world was just a three-star prospect coming out of Whitehouse High School in Texas. Mahomes wasn’t initially viewed as a generational talent, partly because he also excelled in baseball, making scouts unsure about his football future. He eventually committed to Texas Tech, where he blossomed into a superstar before becoming the face of the Chiefs’ dynasty. Travis Kelce (TE) – 2-star recruit
Kelce wasn’t a high-profile recruit at Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio. A two-star quarterback prospect, he went largely unnoticed before Cincinnati gave him a chance to develop as a tight end. Fast forward to today, and he’s arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history. Safe to say, the recruiting services missed on this one. Chris Jones (DT) – 5-star recruit
Not every Chiefs star was overlooked. Jones was a monster coming out of Mississippi, earning a five-star rating. A disruptive force on the defensive line, he lived up to the hype at Mississippi State before becoming a cornerstone of Kansas City’s defense. Isiah Pacheco (RB) – 3-star recruit
Pacheco wasn’t a household name when he committed to Rutgers, but he played with a relentless attitude that has carried over to the NFL. Now, he’s a crucial piece of the Chiefs’ offense and a fan favorite thanks to his bruising running style.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Key Players and Their Recruiting Rankings
The Eagles have built a balanced roster blending homegrown talents with high-profile acquisitions. Let’s explore where some of their biggest contributors ranked coming out of high school. Jalen Hurts (QB) – 4-star recruit
Hurts was a highly regarded dual-threat quarterback coming out of Texas and chose Alabama over several other top programs. After transferring to Oklahoma, he polished his passing game and eventually became the leader of the Eagles’ offense. His journey from college star to NFL MVP candidate proves that rankings only tell part of the story. DeVonta Smith (WR) – 5-star recruit
Unlike some stars who were underrated, Smith was highly touted as an elite prospect. He lived up to expectations at Alabama, winning the Heisman Trophy before making an immediate impact in Philadelphia. His route-running skills and big-game performances have made him a nightmare for defenses. A.J. Brown (WR) – 4-star recruit
Brown was seen as an elite wide receiver prospect coming out of high school in Mississippi. Initially choosing Ole Miss over several powerhouse programs, he developed into a dominant playmaker. His transition to the Eagles has cemented him as one of the best receivers in the league. Haason Reddick (LB) – Unranked recruit
Reddick’s story is the ultimate underdog tale. Coming out of high school, he wasn’t even ranked as a recruit. He walked on at Temple and worked his way into becoming a first-round NFL draft pick. Now, he’s one of the most feared pass rushers in the league.
Recruiting Rankings Don’t Define NFL Success
If there’s one takeaway from this list, it’s that recruiting rankings are only a small piece of a player’s football journey. While many five-star talents go on to have successful careers, countless unheralded recruits develop into NFL stars. Super Bowl 2025 will showcase players from all recruiting backgroundssome who were destined for greatness from the moment they stepped onto a high school field and others who had to fight every step of the way. Regardless of their rankings back then, every one of them has earned their place on the sport’s biggest stage. As the Chiefs and Eagles prepare for battle, one thing is clear: whether you were a five-star recruit or an overlooked two-star, the NFL only cares about one thingperformance on the field. And these players have certainly delivered.
