ESPN ranks Top 10 freshmen to watch in 2025 college football season

Not many storylines in college football are better than a freshman finding success. Youngsters can capture the attention of fans if their impact comes right away. The 2025 season is expected to be no different, having some stars entering the sport.

ESPN has released a list of 10 first-year players to watch this year. All of them come from massive programs, many of which have the expectation of competing in the College Football Playoff.

Surprisingly, three of them are quarterbacks — a position extremely tough to produce as a true freshman. That being said, let’s check out the full top 10 from the Worldwide Leader.

1. Michigan QB Bryce Underwood

The biggest recruiting win of the cycle went to the Michigan Wolverines. Pulling Underwood away from LSU gave Sherrone Moore his quarterback of the future.

But now, Underwood might be the present as well. Michigan opens the season on Aug. 30 against New Mexico and Underwood is expected to be the starter. A massive season ahead for a program looking to get back to winning ways.

2. Alabama QB Keelon Russell

There is going to be a hill for Russell to climb if he sees the field early on. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer recently stated the Crimson Tide would roll with Ty Simpson if there were a game to play in the immediate future.

Even so, ESPN is going to be keeping an eye on Russell during his true freshman campaign. After all, he finished as a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and No. 2 overall per the On3 Industry Ranking.

3. Oregon WR Dakorien Moore

Dan Lanning and Will Stein were able to go into the Lone Star State and pull one of the best players. Moore was previously committed to LSU and Texas was heavily involved. He still chose to play in the Pacific Northwest at Oregon.

Wide receivers are able to produce in the Ducks’ scheme at a high level. And when you have to talent of Moore, numbers are expected to pile up in a big way.

4. Oklahoma OT Michael Fasusi

Uncharacteristically, Oklahoma found itself in desperate need of offensive line help. Fasusi was not the only big-time recruit in the OU class but certainly projects as someone would could make a quick impact.

Left or right side, Bill Bedenbaugh could work Fasusi at multiple spots. Snaps will be there throughout the season, and if he can develop, maybe earn a starting place as the season progresses.

5. Texas DT Justus Terry

Texas is going to rely on outside faces at defensive tackle this season. Steve Sarkisian hit the NCAA transfer portal hard, bringing in four guys. However, Terry might be too talented to be kept off the field over other experienced players.

In-state Georgia finished runner-up for Terry, shocking some of the recruiting world. Texas now has quite a player to work with heading into the 2025 season.

6. Colorado QB Julian Lewis

Deion Sanders has only really known one quarterback during his two seasons at Colorado: his son. So, with Shedeur leaving for the NFL, a new face of the program was needed.

Lewis reclassified to 2025 and heads out West from Carrollton (GA). A quarterback battle is taking place with Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, possibly moving Lewis down ESPN’s list a tad.

7. Ohio State CB Devin Sanchez

Ohio State was home to the freshman who made the biggest impact last year. ESPN has Sanchez slated at No. 7 but the Buckeyes have hope that Sanchez’s level is similar to Jeremiah Smith.

A young, talented defensive back calling Columbus home is nothing new. Not many have this much buzz coming out of spring practice, though. Sanchez appears to have a bright future ahead.

8. LSU CB DJ Pickett

Speaking of talented defensive backs, LSU needed to add one to its roster. The secondary has been a massive hole under Brian Kelly during his time in Baton Rouge. Pickett was about as must-get as you can have.

LSU hopes the perceived talent translates on the field if given early playing time. Corey Raymond is known to produce star players and needs to hit quickly with Pickett.

9. USC DE Jahkeem Stewart

In a list filled with skill position players, never would you expect USC to be one with a defensive lineman. But Lincoln Riley splashed with Stewart out of the Boot to bring a talented pass rusher to Los Angeles.

Position versatility is certainly there for Stewart as he settles in. Another reclassification, the former four-star, should still be playing high school football. Instead, he projects as a potential impact player for the Trojans.

10. Clemson RB Gideon Davidson

Running back is a popular position for freshmen to make an impact. Clemson certainly needs an impact runner and Davidson provides a ton of potential.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik is Clemson’s returning leading rusher. Dabo Swinney might have no problem handing the ball off to a first-year player in order to fix the issue.