The preseason is finally here, and five players will use Thursday night’s spotlight as their chance to rewrite their careers or announce themselves to the football world. When the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions meet in Canton, Ohio, for the 2025 Hall of Fame Game, these athletes won’t just be playing exhibition football-they’ll be fighting for their NFL futures.
Five Players to Watch During Hall of Fame Game
1. Trey Lance, QB – Chargers
Remember Trey Lance? Once seen as the future of the 49ers, the former No. 3 overall pick has had a rocky road. Injuries, limited starts, and a short stint with the Cowboys left him searching for stability. Now, with the Chargers, Lance is getting another shot and starting in the Hall of Fame Game, no less.
He’s only thrown five career touchdown passes and has a 2–3 record as a starter, but the physical tools are still there. This game could be the beginning of his redemption arc or the end of the line. Either way, all eyes will be on him as he tries to prove those elite athletic abilities can translate into NFL success.
🚨🚨FOOTBALL IS ALMOST BACK🚨🚨
THE #NFL HALL OF FAME GAME WILL BE PLAYED IN EXACTLY FIVE WEEKS FROM TODAY.
The Detroit #Lions and Los Angeles #Chargers in Canton, Ohio.
SHOULD BE A LOT OF FUN🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/ZavO05umoK
MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 27, 2025
2. Omarion Hampton, RB – Chargers
Omarion Hampton, the Chargers’ first-round selection this season, may already have Chargers fans talking, and for good cause. Hampton has been making the most of his camp reps while Najee Harris is still on the non-football injury list after recovering from an eye injury sustained in a fireworks incident.
He can catch out of the backfield and is a strong, downhill runner. Some fantasy football analysts have even dubbed him the 2025 rookie to watch. Thursday night represents his first chance to show why the Chargers invested so heavily in him, and with Harris sidelined, Hampton gets prime opportunities to showcase his versatility.
3. Isaac TeSlaa, WR – Lions
Meanwhile, Isaac TeSlaa may not be a household name yet, but the Lions think they’ve found something special. Drafted from a small school and questioned by analysts as a reach, TeSlaa’s got the size (6’4″), the hands, and the mindset to prove doubters wrong.
He’s joining a crowded receiver room that includes Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta, but he’s expected to see real action in sub-packages and special teams. The Hall of Fame Game is his chance to make a first impression and maybe surprise a few people in the process.
4. Hendon Hooker, QB – Lions
On the other side, Hendon Hooker is finally getting his chance after trailing behind Jared Goff throughout the 2024-25 season. After a stellar collegiate career at Tennessee, where he won SEC Offensive Player of the Year, he was selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
He only played in three games the previous season, but has shown well in camp. Hooker is anticipated to take over Thursday night while Goff is resting, giving him the perfect platform to demonstrate his development and readiness for a larger role.
5. Tre Harris, WR – Chargers
If there’s one player who turned heads in college last season, it was Tre Harris. Despite playing just eight games at Ole Miss, he racked up over 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-American honors.
Now with the Chargers, who are still adjusting to life without the recently retired Mike Williams, Harris has a real shot at a significant role. Ladd McConkey may be the go-to guy for now, but Harris has the potential to step in and shine. Thursday’s game is his first big test to show he can make the jump from college star to NFL contributor.
With young talent ready to take the spotlight and plenty of storylines brewing, the Hall of Fame Game won’t just be about celebrating the past. It’ll be a preview of the league’s future, where careers could be made or broken under the lights in Canton.
