There are high expectations surrounding the Chicago Bears heading into the 2025 season, which starts with their new head coach Ben Johnson and continues with a talented roster looking to turn things around after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

When looking at the roster that general manager Ryan Poles has assembled, there’s no shortage of talent, be it established veterans and young players on the rise. For Chicago, they’re looking for some of those young, promising players to break out and help the team contend in the NFC North and make a return to the playoffs.

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With that in mind, here are four Bears players who are primed for breakout seasons in 2025.

QB Caleb Williams

There’s no one else who belongs at the top of this list than Caleb Williams, who is primed to take a big step forward in his sophomore season. This entire offseason has been about building around Williams – the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson, shoring up the offensive line and adding more weapons. Despite a rocky environment, Williams had a quietly impressive rookie season (including 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions), and it was certainly enough to lure Johnson to Chicago. Now, Williams gets to work with one of the brightest offensive minds in the league with improved pass protection and even more weapons in the passing game. Simply put, the stage is set for Williams to have a breakout year.

WR Rome Odunze

Who says the Bears can’t have two breakout players from last year’s draft class? Rome Odunze was the third wide receiver selected in last year’s draft, but there’s no denying his incredibly high ceiling – especially with Ben Johnson now in place. Odunze had a solid rookie season with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns despite being the third receiver behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. But with Allen no longer in Chicago, the stage is set for Odunze to have a bigger role on offense – especially as his rapport with draftmate Williams continues to flourish.

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TE Colston Loveland

Chicago’s top rookie Colston Loveland has yet to hit the practice field, but there are already incredibly high expectations for the 10th overall pick heading into the 2025 season – and it once again comes back to Ben Johnson. While Johnson will surely utilize 12 personnel with Loveland and Cole Kmet, Loveland is at his best as a threat in the passing game – so much so that he’s likened comparisons to Sam LaPorta, who Johnson coached during his time with the Detroit Lions. Loveland’s route-running and playmaking ability should make him a favorite target for Caleb Williams, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Loveland make an immediate impact as a rookie in this offense.

DT Gervon Dexter Sr.

The Bears defense has plenty of established veterans already on the roster, but third-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. is certainly one to watch after an encouraging first year as a starter. Dexter’s ability to get after the quarterback from the interior is exactly what this defensive front needs to elevate their pass rush. Last season, Dexter thrived alongside nose tackle Andrew Billings, including 24 total tackles, four sacks and 12 QB hits. But when Billings was lost for the season to a torn pec, Dexter’s production declined (one sack in his final seven games). Now with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and another veteran in Grady Jarrett lending him a hand, Dexter’s stock is quickly rising heading into his third season.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears players primed for breakout seasons in 2025