August 11, 2025
By Billy Tucker, ESPN: The start of the college football season is approaching, which means numerous true freshmen are battling for roles — or even starting spots — on their teams. Transfers and upperclassmen are trying to hold off the newcomers, but every season, several talented first-year players make immediate impacts.
It didn’t take long for Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Alabama’s Ryan Williams to establish themselves as difference-makers last fall. By the end of the season, the true freshmen were the best receivers in the country, and Smith helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship.
Who’s next? We look at 10 potential freshman breakout candidates. This initial list is based on spring and preseason camp performances combined with roster needs.
Read the full story…
Looking for more SuperWest team news? Find it at our Team News Feed
- Instant takeaways from Oregon State’s 27-23 loss to Appalachian State - October 4, 2025
- QB Nico Iamaleava on first win at UCLA: ‘This means everything to me’ - October 4, 2025
- Arizona football blows out Oklahoma State, matches 2024 win total - October 4, 2025