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.
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