Levi’s Stadium will host Super Bowl 60 in a matter of days, throwing up several fascinating plot lines. Will the Patriots extend to seven Super Bowl wins? Can the Seahawks go 2-2? Will Drake Maye deliver in his sophomore season? Will Mike Vrabel deliver in his first season in New England, marking one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NFL history? Will Mike McDonald and Sam Darnold scupper those fairytale stories? The water-cooler discussions will continue before and after the game.
But while everyone will have an opinion on the game, the Halftime Show, the Super Bowl betting lines, and every sub-plot surrounding the biggest event in American sports, it’s worth remembering that several players who were playing college football just 12 months ago will be involved in the biggest games in their careers. While many will be accustomed to pressure – and some relish it – it must feel surreal to be involved in a Super Bowl this early in their careers.
The Patriots and Seahawks drafted 22 players in the 2025 Draft. Below, we look at those rookies who made the most impact in their debut season:
Grey Zabel (Seahawks)
Zabel walked straight into a major role as the Seahawks’ guard and held it. Seattle badly needed stability up front, and Zabel gave them legitimate starter-level play from the first day of the season. The New York Times/Athletic published a think-piece on the 23-year-old, calling him essential to the Seahawks’ run to the Super Bowl. He looks and plays like he has been in the NFL for years.
Will Campbell (Patriots)
The LSU alum made an immediate impact at offensive tackle for the Patriots, starting 13 games before suffering a knee injury in late November. He was reactivated before the end of the regular season in January. Campbell, who was drafted 4th overall, will probably be joined by Jared Wilson in the Super Bowl starting line-up, marking the first time in history that two rookies have started on the offensive line for a Super Bowl team.
TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots)
While not an automatic starter, Henderson has been a difference-maker for the Patriots at running back, finishing the season with nine touchdowns. Those included a three-touchdown game against the Jets, making him the third rookie in Patriots history to achieve such a feat. He really caught fire in November, when he was named as the AFC Offensive Player of the Month. He was also got named in the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Nick Emmanwori (Seahawks)
The first thing you note about Emmanwori is his versatility. He grew into the season, belling his 21 years and earning All-Rookie honors. He finished the campaign with 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 11 pass deflections. There is a sense around Seattle that he has a high ceiling at the safety position. Tom Brady has been waxing lyrical about the former Gamecocks star, too.
