The Evolving Landscape of College Football
The world of college football has been shifting dramatically in recent times, with data becoming a crucial element. This shift has prompted significant team movements and has increased playtime for many top true freshmen across the nation.
As the season unfolds, it’s clear that several true freshmen have already established themselves as standout players.
Let’s delve into the top ten true freshmen so far, highlighting impressive talents on both offense and defense.
Michigan QB Blythe Underwood
Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, the top recruit of 2025, stepped into the starting quarterback role right from week one. He’s made quite an impression as a freshman.
In his first three games, Underwood racked up 628 yards, tossed two touchdowns, and threw one interception while completing 57.5% of his passes. Sure, those numbers stand out, but it’s his decision-making that’s been noteworthy, though he hasn’t received much backup from his teammates.
The Wolverines’ receiving corps has dropped eight passes this season, which is not ideal—around 14.8%. Under pressure 23 times in three games, Underwood’s still managed to get the ball away relatively quickly, averaging 2.68 seconds per throw and boasting a solid 13.8% pressure-to-sack ratio.
There’s definite room for improvement, but for a true freshman, Underwood has shown promise through these early contests.
Cal QB Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele
Considered one of the most underrated recruits in the 2025 class, Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele switched from Oregon to Cal, becoming a vital successor to Fernando Mendoza.
As the starting quarterback, he made quite the mark against Oregon, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns in a convincing 34-15 victory. Over three games, he has accumulated 780 passing yards, six touchdowns, and an interception, contributing to a 3-0 start for the team.
While he faces a 10.1% drop rate, his ability to navigate pressure and make big plays demonstrates his potential as he pushes downfield with a powerful arm.
Don’t be surprised if he starts climbing the ranks among college quarterbacks as the season continues.
Oregon WR Dakorien Moore
Dakorien Moore, a five-star recruit from the 2025 class, is seizing his early chances at Oregon. With lead receiver Evan Stewart possibly out for the season, Moore has quickly become quarterback Dante Moore’s go-to target, forming a promising connection.
In his first three games, he’s caught nine passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. However, an ongoing hip injury may sideline him for week four, but he’s certainly making a name for himself as a key player for the Ducks.
Oklahoma LT Michael Fasoussi
Michael Fasoussi, a five-star offensive lineman in the 2025 class, had a challenging debut as an Oklahoma left tackle. Even in his lone start, he managed to impress against Michigan.
With 34 pass-blocking snaps, he faced only two pressures and didn’t commit any penalties. Overall, he played 66 snaps and held his ground quite well for a college freshman.
After missing week three due to injuries, he aims to return for the SEC opener against the No. 22 Auburn Tigers this weekend.
Edge rusher Chaz Coleman from Penn State
Chaz Coleman has made quite an entrance for Penn State. The four-star recruit has emerged as a dynamic pass rusher, leading the team with ten pressures and boasting a remarkable 28.6% win rate after three games.
In true passing situations, that rate increases to a staggering 42.9%. Although he needs to improve his run defense—having missed three tackles—his pass-rushing capabilities speak volumes.
Maryland’s Defensive Linemen Sydney Stewart & Zahilmatis
Maryland has struck gold with its recruiting class, particularly with Sydney Stewart, a three-star defensive lineman, and four-star Zahilmatis. Both have quickly taken on starting roles and have made significant contributions.
Stewart leads the team with 13 pressures and has recorded two sacks in three games. Meanwhile, Zahilmatis plays over 40 snaps per game and ranks second in pressures, showing a victory rate of 18.6%, which jumps to 33.3% in true pass sets.
These two are already making a difference in Maryland’s defense, and they’ll likely continue to gain attention in Big Ten play.
Miami Slot Receiver Malakitney
Malakitney, a three-star recruit for the 2025 class at Miami, has been a pleasant surprise this season. In his debut against Notre Dame, he caught six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, helping secure a crucial win.
Now, he’s Carson Beck’s top target, having tallied 18 receptions for 228 yards in the first three games. His impressive stats place him at the top among true freshman receivers in the Power Five conferences.
Standing at 5’11”, his speed and separation from the slot have proven vital for Beck, who is already being talked about as an early Heisman candidate.
Ohio State Running Back Beau Jackson
Amidst concerns about finding a reliable running back replacement after losing second-round NFL picks Quinshon Judkins and Treveyon Henderson, true freshman Beau Jackson is stepping up.
The four-star recruit has made a noticeable impact, rushing for 217 yards and touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 12.1 yards per carry in his first two games.
While it’s important to note these performances came against Grambling and Ohio, Jackson is showing promise as a potential solution for the Buckeyes, achieving over 100 yards with fewer than ten carries in each game.
Maryland QB Malik Washington
Malik Washington, another four-star recruit from the 2025 class, is taking charge of the Maryland Terrapins’ offense this season.
In victories over Northern Illinois and Towson, Washington has thrown for 773 yards, six touchdowns, and only one interception, achieving a 62% completion rate. He’s particularly excelled with deep throws, connecting seven times on passes over 20 yards—four of which were touchdowns.
Of course, he’s faced some dropped passes, affecting his completion percentage, but the four-star recruit is showing his capabilities early on.
As he gears up for his first true test in Big Ten play against the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend, all eyes will be on him.
