Top College Football Freshmen in Best Position for Key Roles in 2025
Although the December and February signing periods offer a rush of excitement, few freshmen actually end up earning significant first-year roles.
Those who do, in many situations, are just special.
Last season, Ohio State leaned on wideout Jeremiah Smith all the way to a national championship. He's clearly an exception to the rule, but the 19-year-old offered yet another reminder that age is not always a limiting factor.
The newest wave of true freshmen expected to make a major impact features a Big Ten quarterback, two ACC running backs and more.
Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan
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As the 2025 offseason began, I was inclined to believe Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene had an inside track to being QB1 in Week 1 for Michigan. However, an upper-body injury sidelined him in spring practice.
Consequently, it sure looks like The Bryce Underwood Show in Ann Arbor.
Between his pedigree—the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class—Michigan's issues at QB last year and the program's brand, the recipe for outsized expectations is nearly perfect. Underwood should not be viewed as an immediate savior, especially since U-M's receiving corps is one enormous question mark.
Despite all of that, though, the buzz building around Underwood is understandably exciting for the Wolverines and their future.
Gideon Davidson, RB, Clemson
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Somewhat similarly, an injury has also provided a larger-than-anticipated opportunity for Gideon Davidson in his debut season.
Clemson signed the 4-star prospect with an eye on the future, knowing he could compete for early snaps but likely playing behind Jay Haynes. But in the ACC Championship Game, Haynes exited with a torn left ACL.
The 20-year-old is trending to return, perhaps even in September, but he likely won't be asked to shoulder a heavy load right away.
Instead, those carries will probably fall to a rotation of Davidson, converted wide receiver Adam Randall and David Eziomume.
Ousmane Kromah, RB, Florida State
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If you followed the 2024 season, you know Florida State was a disaster.
So, after trudging to 2.9 yards per carry and barely hitting 1,000 total rushing yards, the Seminoles tried to revamp the offense. They landed Oklahoma transfer Gavin Sawchuk for the backfield, but Ousmane Kromah has emerged, too.
A last-second decommit from Georgia, he flipped to FSU, enrolled early and has quickly bolstered the position.
Kromah has handled first-string reps in fall camp and seems poised to play an important—maybe the lead—role for the 'Noles in 2025.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Dallas Wilson, WR, Florida
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The bad news? Because of a recent injury, Florida receiver Dallas Wilson has missed some practice time and doesn't have a firm return date.
The good news? The staff has already seen plenty from him.
During the spring game, Wilson made headlines with a massive performance. He reeled in 10 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns, leading to considerable praise from UF coach Billy Napier at SEC Media Days.
"There will be a different level of self-discipline and intensity and urgency once we get to the season," he told reporters, "but there's no question Dallas is going to make our team better."
Eugene Wilson III and J. Michael Sturdivant are expected to lead the receiving corps, but Wilson may quickly close the gap.
Dakorien Moore, WR, Oregon
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Dakorien Moore arrived with no shortage of hype, given he was rated the fourth-best prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
That billing tends to lead itself to initial expectation, as you'd expect, but a notable injury is also boosting the 18-year-old's chances of playing a key role. Oregon will be without top receiver Evan Stewart (knee) for much, if not all, of the season.
So, the Ducks sort of need Moore to contribute now.
While the receiving corps is talented, no player other than Gary Bryant Jr. truly has notable college production or experience. Even then, he's only slightly above 1,000 yards for his career.
Moore has a chance to become the No. 1 target for Oregon's new quarterback, whether that's Dante Moore or Austin Novosad.
David Sanders Jr., RT, Tennessee
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You may recall the head-turning news of quarterback Nico Iamaleava bolting Tennessee at the end of spring practice. That, of course, remains the main storyline for the Volunteers as the regular season nears.
But there's a neat development at right tackle.
While a competition remains at center, David Sanders Jr. appears to have locked down a starting job. Listed at 6'6" and 305 pounds, he has consistently played with the first-string group in workouts.
Since the Vols faced an overhaul of the offensive line this offseason, Sanders has a clear path to becoming a fixture of the unit for years to come.
Graceson Littleton, DB, Texas
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On the other side of the Arch Manning hysteria is a Texas defense that should be among the nation's top units in 2025.
Led by Colin Simmons and Ethan Burke, the pass rush should be fantastic. Anthony Hill Jr. is arguably the best linebacker in the country, while the secondary brings back All-American safety Michael Taaffe and lots of experience.
Graceson Littleton, nevertheless, has made an impact.
Eric Henry of 247Sports recently noted UT coach Steve Sarkisian said "Graceson's had a heck of a camp" while competing at the Star position.
Texas' strong depth in the secondary may limit Littleton's snap ceiling, but he's trending the right way to contribute for a top national title threat.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
