RIPPED Unwrapped | The Top Rookies of 2025

Collect the Top Rookies of 2025

Date: Dec 31, 2025

Topics: 2025 Topps Ripped Unwrapped, Rookie Cards, Topps Ripped Unwrapped

Length: 1253 Words

Reading Time: ~7 Minutes

The top rookies of 2025 are the most impactful first-year players as seen through the lens of Topps releases. From Flagship base rookies to Chrome cards and key inserts, these are the rookies whose Topps cards are driving collector interest this season.

Whether you’re chasing the next cornerstone rookie or tracking which names are gaining Hobby momentum, this list captures the standout rookies of 2025.

The top 2025 Topps rookies include standout MLB, NBA, and international soccer players whose Flagship and Chrome rookie cards are driving collector demand. From Nick Kurtz’s power surge to Cooper Flagg’s No. 1 overall pick status, these cards represent the strongest rookie investments of the year.

Top 2025 Topps Rookies to Collect

2025 Topps Chrome® Baseball Update Series #USC178 Nick Kurtz RC

player Info

• 2025 Al rookie of the year
• led all rookies in homers (36)
• one of three players in 2025 with at least 400 plate appearances and an ops of over 1.000

set Info

• 2o0-card base set

What They Said

• “There’s only a few guys in the game that can hit oppo homers and know, when you got it, you got it, which he did. It’s like Barry Bonds and Jim Thome and a couple Hall of Famers.” – a’s manager mark kotsay on Nick Kurtz

2025 Topps Chrome® Baseball Update Series #USC9 Marcelo Mayer RC

player Info

• no. 4 pick in the 2021 mlb draft
• made mlb debut on may 24, 2025
• one of three players from eastlake high school to be selected in the first round of the mlb draft

set Info

• 200-card base set

What They Said

• “This was a guy who has played shortstop his entire life, took some reps at second base and looked completely comfortable and natural. Played third base for the first time over an extended period in the big leagues, starting with his debut, and he every bit played the part of a really good defensive third baseman.” – red sox chief baseball officer craig breslow

2025/26 Topps Premier League Black Edge Edition #BE23 Rio Ngumoha RC

player Info

• joined the chelsea academy at 8 years old
• stars for liverpool
• youngest player to score a goal for liverpool

set Info

• 280-card base set

What They Said

• “He’s a player who accelerates off the mark like a sprinter and his ability to reach high speeds from a standing start adds to his threat. Furthermore, though it’s a common optical illusion in football, he is one of those players who appears faster when running with the ball than without it.” – Tor-Kristian Karlsen, espn

2025 Topps Chrome® Baseball Update Series #USC88 Drake Baldwin RC

player Info

• 10th braves player to be named rookie of the year
• ranked first among nl rookies in fwar (3.1)
• made mlb debut on march 27, 2025

set Info

• 2o0-card base set

What They Said

• “He’s just matured, got more confident, and his whole game has picked up. And he’s so much better today than he was [Opening Day] in San Diego. He is light years ahead of where he was then even, right now, after all the experience.” – former braves manager brian snitker

2025 Topps Baseball Series 1 #181 James Wood RC

player info

• second-round pick in the 2021 MLB draft by the Padres
• traded to the nationals in 2022
• recorded nine home runs with the nationals in 2024

set info

• 350-card base set

What they said

• “I always talk about him being like a gazelle in the outfield. It doesn’t look like he’s running fast, but you look at his sprint-speed numbers, and you’re like, Jesus Christ, this guy is really good.” – Fredericksburg Nats manager Jake Lowery

2025 Topps Baseball Series 1 #314 Jacob Wilson RC

player info

• no. 6 pick in the 2023 MLB draft
• made MLB debut on July 19, 2024
• 2023 Eastern League most valuable player

set info

• 350 card base set

What they said

• “I’ve seen multiple times where there’s a sinker up and in that was going to hit him, and he hit it to second base. Sometimes they’re a hit, sometimes they’re not. Every time, though, I’m like, ‘How the hell did he do that?’ Being able to touch it, not break your bat and go the other way with it? I’m at a loss for words.” – Nick Kurtz on Jacob Wilson

2025-26 Topps Basketball #201 Cooper Flagg RC

player Info

• No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft
• 2025 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Award winner
• 2024 National high school player of the year

Set Info

• 300-card base set

what they said

• “Cooper is his own special player. I think his defensive instincts and playmaking ability far exceed most 18 year olds.” – los angeles lakers head coach jj redick

2025-26 Topps Basketball #202 Dylan Harper RC

player Info

• no. 2 pick in the 2025 nba draft
• 2025 all big-ten team member
• 2024 morgan wooten national player of the year

Set Info

• 300-card base set

What They Said

• “I think he’s gonna be actually impactful. And when you watch him, and he’s a kid, he was a freshman in college last year. There’s a comfort and an ease with how he plays that you just see immediately. he really knows where to go.” – sports analyst bill simmons

2025-26 Topps Basketball #204 Kon Knueppel RC

player Info

• No. 4 pick in the 2025 nba draft
• 2025 acc tournament mvp
• 2024 mr. Wisconsin basketball

set Info

• 3o0-card base set

What They Said

• “he’s an amazing human being. He fits our culture that we continue to build here. A lot of times on our team, we talk about consistent competitors, we talk about being obsessed with daily improvement, and that’s what Kon’s about.” – Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee

2025-26 Topps Basketball #207 Jeremiah Fears RC

player Info

• No. 7 pick in the 2025 nba draft
• first rookie to record at least 8 steals in a game
• fiba under-18 americup team

set Info

• 300-card base set

What They Said

• “He just doesn’t back down from anything. He’s tough. He wants to grow and get better. He’s extremely talented. And the fact that he’s doing this at 18-years-old, it’s incredible.” – new orleans pelicans head coach willie green

2025 Topps RIPPED Unwrapped Collector FAQs

What are the best 2025 Topps rookie cards to collect?
- The top 2025 Topps rookie cards feature players like Nick Kurtz, Cooper Flagg, and Marcelo Mayer, whose Flagship and Chrome RCs combine performance, pedigree, and collector demand..
Are international soccer rookies worth collecting?
- Yes, young stars like Rio Ngumoha offer long-term upside, especially in limited or premium Topps soccer sets.
Which 2025 Topps rookies come from basketball releases?
- The 2025–26 Topps Basketball set features top rookies such as Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Kon Knueppel, and Jeremiah Fears. Each appears in the 300-card base set, highlighting high NBA draft picks and early-career standouts.
Why is Rio Ngumoha’s Topps rookie card notable?
- Rio Ngumoha’s rookie card in 2025/26 Topps Premier League Black Edge Edition stands out due to his record as Liverpool’s youngest goal scorer and his rapid development. His card appeals to collectors focused on emerging international soccer talent.
Are Flagship Topps Series 1 rookies still important to collect?
- Yes, Flagship rookies like James Wood and Jacob Wilson in 2025 Topps Series 1 remain essential. Flagship cards often serve as a player’s most recognizable rookie and anchor many long-term collections despite larger print runs.