Grayscale's Q3 2025 altcoin list shakes things up! AVAX in, OP out, and XRP still on the sidelines. What does it all mean for crypto?
The altcoin market is always buzzing, and Q3 2025 is no exception. Grayscale dropped its latest "Top 20" altcoin list, and it's got everyone talking. AVAX is in, OP is out, and XRP? Still waiting for its invite to the party.
Grayscale's Q3 2025 Altcoin Shuffle
Grayscale's Q3 2025 list signals a shift in crypto investment. Avalanche (AVAX) and Morpho made the cut, while Lido DAO (LDO) and Optimism (OP) got the boot. Grayscale cited project performance and sector trends, especially in smart contract platforms, as the reason for the reshuffle. AVAX's inclusion reflects real-world adoption and ecosystem momentum, fueled by gaming and stablecoin usage. Morpho, with its DeFi lending, also caught Grayscale's eye.
The Curious Case of XRP and ADA
Despite developments, Ripple (XRP) and Cardano (ADA) remain absent from Grayscale's list. This sparked questions about the metrics shaping institutional preferences. XRP has gained renewed attention, climbing about 14% year-to-date and asserting itself as a challenger in smart-contract ecosystems. In the U.S. President Trump’s executive order establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and digital asset stockpile included XRP, Solana, and Cardano, a surprising move that underscores shifting government sentiment.
Why the Cold Shoulder to OP and LDO?
Lido's dominance in liquid staking couldn't save it from potential U.S. regulatory changes. As for Optimism, despite its adoption, the OP token hasn't seen significant revenue growth. Grayscale flagged ambiguity around its "superchain" vision, especially with Ethereum's rollup interoperability plans.
Market Reaction and Grayscale's Next Move
The exclusion of XRP and ADA seemed to impact investor sentiment, with both tokens experiencing price dips. But while some assets were sidelined, Grayscale unveiled a new investment vehicle: the Grayscale Space and Time Trust. This focuses on the Space and Time blockchain, supporting real-time data processing for smart contracts, AI, and dApps.
Altcoins Beyond the Top 20
Beyond the big names, memecoins are resurging, with DOGE, PEPE, and new entrants like TrumpCoin and PepeCat capturing attention. While volatile, they're seen by some as speculative plays. Neo Pepe Coin ($NEOP), is rapidly gaining notoriety as the best crypto presale currently available. Each token purchase contributes directly to a community-managed treasury, governed transparently via the NEOPGovernor smart contract. With a threshold of just one million $NEOP tokens needed to submit a proposal, the Neo Pepe DAO ensures a genuinely decentralized decision-making environment.
Looking Ahead
The altcoin landscape is constantly evolving. Keep an eye on those smart contract platforms, DeFi protocols, and maybe even those meme coins if you're feeling lucky. Who knows what Q4 2025 will bring? One thing's for sure: it'll be interesting.
