The 2025 NCAA Track and Field season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling yet. With rising stars returning stronger and faster, this year could be filled with record-breaking performances and unforgettable moments. While the spotlight has already been on a few standout athletes, here are five NCAA track and field athletes poised to dominate the upcoming season.
1. Wanya McCoy – University of Florida
Florida’s Wanya McCoy has been a force to watch in the sprints. In 2024, McCoy was the SEC runner-up in the 60m and champion in the 200m indoors, clocking times of 6.58 seconds in the 60m and 20.29 seconds in the 200m. His outdoor season was even more impressive, running 10.02 (+0.6) in the 100m and breaking the 20-second barrier in the 200m with a 19.93 (+1.0).
McCoy also gained international experience representing The Bahamas at the 2024 Paris Olympics, advancing to the 200m semifinals. With another year of growth, McCoy is poised to challenge for NCAA titles and possibly even records in the sprint events.
2. Godson Oghenebrume – Louisiana State University (LSU)
Godson Oghenebrume of LSU is another sprinter who could steal the spotlight in 2025. He edged out McCoy at the SEC Outdoor Championships and has personal bests of 9.90 (+1.8) in the 100m and 20.63 (+1.7) in the 200m. His indoor 60m best also stands at 6.58, matching McCoy’s mark.
Oghenebrume finished fourth in the 100m at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships, but his consistent performances suggest he’s ready to challenge for the top spot in 2025.
3. Juliette Whittaker – Stanford University
Middle-distance star Juliette Whittaker is set for a breakout year. The Stanford standout made it to the 800m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing seventh with a personal best of 1:57.76 in the semifinals. This time is faster than the current NCAA Indoor 800m record of 1:58.40, set by Athing Mu in 2021.
Whittaker will be pushed by top competitors like Michaela Rose and Sanu Jallow, but she has the experience and speed to claim both NCAA titles and records in the 800m. Her versatility and Olympic experience make her a key athlete to follow.
4. Ethan Strand – University of North Carolina
Ethan Strand has already made headlines in 2025 by breaking the NCAA 3,000m indoor record at the BU Opener. This performance signals that Strand is ready to dominate the distance events this season. His ability to push the pace and close strong makes him a dangerous competitor in both the 3,000m and 5,000m events.
Strand’s momentum suggests he could threaten even more NCAA distance records and position himself as a contender for national titles. His blend of endurance and speed makes him a must-watch athlete this year.
5. Jasmine Jones – University of Southern California (USC)
Emerging as a dual-threat in both sprints and hurdles, Jasmine Jones of USC is set to have a breakout year in 2025. In 2024, she consistently improved her times in the 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles, narrowly missing podium finishes at the NCAA Championships.
With more experience under her belt, Jones could challenge collegiate records in the hurdles and contend for national titles. Her versatility across events makes her one of the most exciting athletes to follow this season.
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