How good is the Houston Texans’ young core of talent going into the 2025 NFL season? Well, one publication calls it the league’s top option.

ESPN’s Aaron Schatz recently released his power rankings for teams’ talent under 25 heading into August, citing players with the most potential to breakout this fall on Sundays. Last season, the Texans were among the top 10, trusting players like offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, wide receiver Tank Dell and quarterback C.J. Stroud.

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With two of them “graduating,” plus the arrival of cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safety Calen Bullock, Stroud, All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr. served as the backbone to the league’s top young roster for the impending year.

“Stroud’s birthday is Oct. 3 and Anderson’s is Sept. 2, and both players will turn 24. The former first-rounders had standout rookie seasons, with Stroud and Anderson taking home 2023 NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, respectively. Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns, and Anderson had 45 tackles and seven sacks.

“The Texans also have a ton of youth in the secondary, including three starters. Stingley, who made first-team All-Pro last season, is still just 24. The other outside cornerback, Lassiter, is 22 years old, and so is free safety Calen Bullock.”

Schatz also mentioned linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, who is coming off his best season as the team’s weakside linebacker. He also targeted both rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, who have been impressive during drills at training camp.

The final name mentioned was offensive tackle Tay Ersery, who has been a promising prospect throughout the early stages of training camp. The offensive tackle and former All-Big Ten Lineman of the Year shouldn’t have to be “the guy” going in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, but the hope is he’ll replace Laremy Tunsil as the long-term left tackle prospect.

Looking at the names listed, Houston has a potential top-10 quarterback, top-five edge rusher, top-20 cornerback, top-10 safety and three promising young talents on offense. If that’s not enough, the Texans also feature a bona fide stud All-Pro corner who is locked into his contract through 2029.

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Everything is in place for the Texans as they enter Year 3 of the DeMeco Ryans era. That’s a step in the right direction for building a contender who can hoist a Lombardi Trophy.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans named by ESPN top talent under 25 roster for 2025 NFL season