On3 2025 Midseason True Freshman All-American Team

We’ve reached the midpoint of the 2025 college football season, making it a perfect time to take stock of one of the sport’s most intriguing storylines — the true freshmen. Across the country, first-year players are not only earning meaningful snaps but shaping outcomes for playoff contenders and rebuilding programs alike.

Several who were featured on On3’s Preaseason True Freshman All-Americans  have lived up to the billing, while others have quickly emerged as breakout stars in their debut seasons.

Here is On3’s Midseason True Freshman All-American Team for the 2025 campaign. Players within each position group are presented in alphabetical order.

QB Malik Washington – Maryland

Malik Washington headlines a talented group of true freshman quarterbacks midway through the 2025 season. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound signal caller has flashed considerable physical tools while guiding Maryland to a 4-2 start, completing 62 percent of his passes for 1,506 yards and 10 touchdowns against two interceptions, while also rushing for three scores. Washington leads all true freshmen in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Washington has shown a big-time arm with the confidence to attack all areas of the field. He is aggressive pushing the ball vertically and unafraid to challenge tight windows, routinely making high-difficulty throws. His athleticism also shows up when plays break down, allowing him to extend plays and pick up key yards on the ground. Washington has shown well in two close Big Ten losses and continues to look more comfortable each week.

A local product from Severn (Md.) Archbishop Spalding, Washington was a major recruiting win for Mike Locksley and gives Maryland its most optimistic quarterback outlook in years. Ranked as the No. 105 overall prospect and No. 11 quarterback in the 2025 cycle according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, Washington looks like a foundational piece for the Terrapins’ future.

RB Bo Jackson – Ohio State

Bo Jackson has emerged as the primary ball carrier for the nation’s top-ranked team. The Cleveland native has quickly become a steady and physical presence in Ohio State’s backfield, showing size, contact balance, and downhill power that belie his true freshman status. Through five games, Jackson has rushed for 407 yards at 7.0 yards per carry with two touchdowns, impressive production on such a loaded roster, especially considering he did not record a carry in the season opener against Texas.

Jackson’s power and vision between the tackles have stood out, as he leads all true freshman running backs in yards after contact with 305, according to Pro Football Focus. His ability to run through arm tackles and stay balanced through contact gives Ryan Day and running backs coach Carlos Locklyn a promising young centerpiece for the Buckeyes’ ground game moving forward. A former four-star prospect and the No. 9 running back and No. 160 overall prospect in the 2025 On300, Jackson looks poised to carry on Ohio State’s tradition of high-end running back play.

RB Nate Sheppard – Duke

Nate Sheppard has quickly emerged as one of the top offensive playmakers among true freshmen and a go-to weapon for Duke’s offense. The Louisiana native leads all true freshman running backs with 447 rushing yards, averaging a sensational 8.0 yards per carry with four touchdowns. He has also proven to be a versatile threat out of the backfield, adding 102 receiving yards and another score through the air.

Sheppard’s combination of vision, instincts, and play speed has made him one of the most efficient young runners in the country. He runs with a low center of gravity and balance through contact, showing the ability to stay square and explode through arm tackles. That well-rounded skill set has allowed him to impact the game both as a runner and receiver. He showed flashes of this dynamic ability as a senior at Mandeville (La.) High, where he averaged more than 200 yards from scrimmage and 3.4 touchdowns per game before sustaining a season-ending injury.

Since arriving in Durham, Sheppard has added quality weight to his frame, up to 200 pounds from around 180 in high school, while retaining his explosiveness. A four-star prospect according to On3, Sheppard looks like a major recruiting steal for the Blue Devils and a dynamic factor for their offense moving forward.

WR Vernell Brown III – Florida

Vernell Brown III has been one of the most reliable true freshman wide receivers in college football this season. The Florida native has caught 27 passes for 366 yards, ranking second among all true freshmen in receiving yards. He has been a first down machine, moving the chains on more than half of his receptions while proving effective working all levels of the field.

Brown’s polish and competitive temperament have translated to the college level. He is a shifty route-runner who creates consistent separation and shows the body control to win at the catch point. His quickness and precision as a route technician make him a natural fit in Florida’s passing attack.

The Gators have found a dynamic tandem in Brown and fellow freshman Dallas Wilson, giving them two of the top first-year wideouts in the country. A Florida legacy from Orlando (Fla.) Jones, Brown was ranked as the No. 30 overall prospect and No. 6 wide receiver in the 2025 cycle according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

WR Dakorien Moore – Oregon

Dakorien Moore has lived up to the hype fitting of a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting cycle. The freshman has already become the leading receiver for No. 8 Oregon and the top target for Heisman contender Dante Moore, showing the talent and polish that made him one of the biggest recruiting wins in recent years.

Through the first half of the season, Moore ranks third among all true freshmen with 335 receiving yards along with two touchdowns. His blend of dynamic long speed, crisp route running, and high-end ball skills have carried over to Saturdays. Moore can take the top off a defense but is equally comfortable working underneath, showing a well-rounded skill set that is rare for a first-year receiver.

As Oregon enters the heart of Big Ten play, Moore’s production and target share should only continue to grow. His early impact highlights the strength of the Ducks’ 2025 freshman class, which also features running backs Dierre Hill and Jordon Davison along with cornerback Brandon Finney. Moore already looks like one of the most naturally gifted young wide receivers in college football.

WR Malachi Toney – Miami

Malachi Toney has been the leading receiver for Carson Beck and the No. 2 Hurricanes, and one of the surest bets for inclusion on the Midseason True Freshman All-American Team. The explosive first-year wideout leads all true freshmen with 375 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions, establishing himself as a go-to target for one of the top teams in college football.

Toney’s versatility has made him a key player in Shannon Dawson’s attack. The offensive coordinator can line him up all over the field to create mismatches, and Toney consistently finds ways to separate and make plays in space. He has shown excellent burst and acceleration in the open field, often winning foot races once he hits the second level. His 211 yards after the catch easily leads all true freshman wide receivers, showing his ability to turn short throws into big gains.

Toney has been at his best in big moments, combining for 189 yards and three touchdowns in marquee matchups against Notre Dame and Florida State. The youngest player on this year’s Midseason True Freshman All-American Team, Toney reclassified from the 2026 to the 2025 cycle and only recently turned 18, making his early production even more remarkable.

OL Michael Carroll – Alabama

Michael Carroll has steadily worked his way into Alabama’s offensive line rotation, nailing down a starting role at right tackle. The former five-star prospect has allowed just three pressures and zero sacks on 78 passing plays so far this season and holds the 2nd highest Pro Football Focus grade (73.1) among Power Five true freshman offensive linemen with at least 100 snaps.

Although he played primarily at guard in high school, Carroll has looked natural working at right tackle for the Crimson Tide. He played particularly well in the win over Vanderbilt and was competitive against a dangerous Missouri front. Carroll’s combination of size, balance, and movement skills makes him one of the more advanced young linemen in the country.

A Pennsylvania native, Carroll ranked as the No. 14 overall prospect in the 2025 Rivals Industry Ranking and the top interior offensive line prospect nationally. Just halfway through his freshman season, he already looks like an impact player for Alabama’s offensive front for years to come.

OL Michael Fasusi – Oklahoma

Michael Fasusi was the headliner in Oklahoma’s 2025 signing class and was considered a key addition as the Sooners looked to retool their offensive line. The former Five-Star Plus+ prospect has already stepped into a major role, starting four games at left tackle and protecting quarterback John Mateer’s blindside. Despite missing some time with injury, Fasusi has performed as well as any freshman lineman in the country.

Fasusi has surrendered only four pressures and one sack on 119 pass-blocking snaps according to Pro Football Focus, an impressive mark for a first-year player at one of the game’s most demanding positions. He combines plus length and power with a physical, aggressive playing style. His punch at the point of attack consistently jars defenders, and his balance in pass protection has fared well against high-level competition.

Fasusi looks like the next star lineman for veteran offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh. The former No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 8 overall prospect in the 2025 Rivals Industry Ranking, he is already validating that lofty status and giving Oklahoma a long-term anchor on the edge.

OL John Mills – Washington

John Mills entered the season as a Preseason True Freshman All-American selection and has lived up to that billing. The 6-foot-6, 325-pound left guard has played 221 snaps for Washington, providing size, strength, and stability up front.

Through his first six games, Mills has surrendered only six pressures and zero sacks on 127 pass-blocking snaps. He holds the highest grade (73.3) among Power Four true freshman offensive linemen with at least 100 snaps, per Pro Football Focus. His ready-made frame and natural play strength have allowed him to adjust quickly to the physical demands of college football.

A San Francisco (Calif.) St. Ignatius product, Mills was a Rivals Industry three-star prospect who initially committed to Texas before flipping to Washington just days before the Early Signing Period.

OL Spike Sowells – NC State

Spike Sowells has come on strong in recent weeks and established himself as a key piece of NC State’s offensive line. Originally projected as a center out of high school, the true freshman has settled in at right guard for the Wolfpack and continues to show steady improvement with each outing.

Sowells turned in his best performance of the season in Saturday’s game against Notre Dame, holding his own against one of the nation’s more physical defensive fronts. He has allowed zero sacks and just four pressures on 128 pass-blocking snaps this season, according to PFF. Sowells brings plus length, a stout base, and a physical edge to his play, showing the power to hold up against interior rushers and the balance to stay square in pass protection.

An NFL legacy, Sowells was a big senior riser in the 2025 cycle on the heels of strong film and an impressive showing at the Navy All-American Bowl. He finished as a four-star prospect and the No. 145 overall player in the Rivals Industry Ranking.

OL Jaymar Tasi – New Mexico

Jaymar Tasi has been one of the most productive true freshman offensive linemen in the country and holds the highest Pro Football Focus grade among all true freshmen with over 100 snaps played. The 6-foot-2, 300-pound lineman has been a standout run blocker for New Mexico, seeing time at both guard spots for the Lobos.

Through his first six games, Tasi has allowed just one pressure and one sack on 68 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. His consistency and ability to handle multiple positions have made him an early contributor in his first college season. Tasi initially signed with Idaho out of Seattle Roosevelt before following head coach Jason Eck to New Mexico.

All-Purpose Caleb Hawkins – North Texas

Caleb Hawkins has been a revelation for North Texas, playing a major role in helping the Mean Green to one of its best starts in years. The true freshman running back has been one of the most productive players in the Group of Five, leading all freshman running backs with seven rushing touchdowns while totaling 307 yards on the ground.

Hawkins brings an impressive blend of power, size, and versatility to the Mean Green offense. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he has the strength to finish runs through contact and the quickness to make defenders miss, leading all true freshmen in missed tackles forced with 22. He has also shown reliable hands as a receiver, adding 120 yards through the air.

A former three-star prospect out of Shawnee (Okla.) North Rock Creek, Hawkins has shown the ability to impact the game as both a runner and receiver gives North Texas a true all-purpose weapon for the program moving forward.

DL Chaz Coleman – Penn State

Chaz Coleman has been one of the most dynamic true freshman pass rushers in college football this season. The Penn State standout earned On3’s True Freshman of the Week in Week 2 and has continued to produce at a high level. According to Pro Football Focus, Coleman holds the highest grade among true freshman pass rushers (81.1) with at least 100 snaps, tallying 12 pressures and one sack through the first half of the season.

Coleman’s athleticism and flexibility have stood out. He shows outstanding first-step quickness and the ability to bend naturally around the edge, traits that have allowed him to make an early impact despite not enrolling until the summer. A former high school quarterback and basketball standout, he quickly adapted to the position and added more than 20 pounds of muscle to his frame since arriving on campus.

Coleman ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 137 overall player in the 2025 On300. His early production suggests he could be the next in a line of disruptive edge defenders for Penn State.

DL Mandrell Desir – Florida State

Mandrell Desir has been a steady disruptor for Florida State, showing the ability to impact games while lining up across multiple spots on the defensive front. The true freshman has played 151 snaps and totaled 12 pressures, eight stops, and one sack, registering at least one pressure in every game this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Desir’s physicality and effort have allowed him to create consistent backfield disruption, while his effort and motor show up on film as a run defender. He was instrumental in Florida State’s Week 1 win over Alabama, making several key plays that helped swing momentum early.

A product of Miami Norland High School, Desir is part of a talented young defensive line group for the Seminoles that includes his twin brother, Darryll Desir. He was ranked as a three-star prospect according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

DL Zahir Mathis – Maryland

Zahir Mathis has been the most productive true freshman pass rusher to this point in the season. He leads all true freshmen with five sacks and ranks second with 21 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus. Mathis has recorded at least one sack in five of Maryland’s six games.

His length and athleticism have shown up off the edge, where he has created steady disruption as both a pass rusher and on special teams. Mathis has also used his reach to affect passing lanes and blocked a kick in Maryland’s game against Wisconsin.

A Philadelphia native, Mathis was initially committed to Ohio State before signing with Maryland during the Late Signing Period. He was rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 170 overall player in the Rivals Industry Ranking.

DL Sidney Stewart – Maryland

Sidney Stewart pairs with Zahir Mathis to give Maryland a productive duo of true freshman pass rushers. While Mathis brings length at 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, Stewart is more compact at 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds. According to Pro Football Focus, he leads all true freshmen with 22 pressures and has also recorded three sacks.

Stewart’s burst, bend, low center of gravity, and active hands have shown up on tape, allowing him to generate steady disruption early in his college career. A cousin of former Maryland basketball player and current New Orleans Pelican Derik Queen, Stewart has made an early impact in his first season on campus.He was rated as a three-star prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking.

LB Antoine Deslauriers – Syracuse

Antoine Deslauriers has been the top true freshman linebacker in the Power Four ranks to this point in the season. The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder has logged 234 snaps for Syracuse, totaling 29 tackles, six pressures, 12 stops, one sack, and one pass breakup, per PFF.

Deslauriers played a key role in Syracuse’s Week 4 win over Clemson and has been a steady contributor throughout the first half of the season. He arrived with an advanced physical build and has shown the ability to handle the transition to the college level right away.

A native of Montreal, Quebec, Deslauriers played his high school football at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee in Georgia. He is joined by classmate Demetres Samuel as impact true freshmen on Syracuse’s defense.

LB Elijah Melendez – Auburn

Elijah Melendez is emerging as a disruptive presence in Auburn’s defense through the first half of the season. The true freshman has recorded 22 tackles, 12 stops, two pressures, and one sack, according to Pro Football Focus.

Melendez is a fast, physical linebacker who uses his speed to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and delivers heavy contact as a tackler. He turned in one of his best performances of the season in Saturday’s game against Georgia, finishing with six tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack.

The 6-foot, 228-pound linebacker was once committed to Miami before signing with Auburn. A native of Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola, Melendez was ranked as the No. 198 overall prospect in the 2025 On300.

DB Brandon Finney – Oregon

Brandon Finney has already made a huge impact in the secondary for a top-ten Oregon team and looks like a budding star in the secondary for Dan Lanning. To this point in the season, he has been the most difficult true freshman cornerback in the country to throw against. Finney has allowed just three completions on 15 targets for 28 yards with zero touchdowns surrendered and holds the lowest completion percentage (20%) among all true freshmen who have played at least 100 snaps, per PFF.

Finney made his biggest play of the season in Oregon’s win over Indiana, intercepting Fernando Mendoza for a pick-six to tie the game in the fourth quarter. At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, he was one of the more physically gifted cornerbacks in the 2025 cycle and was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 58 overall player in the Rivals Industry Ranking.

DB Bryce Fitzgerald – Miami

Bryce Fitzgerald entered college with a reputation as a ballhawk after recording 10 interceptions during his junior season at Miami (Fla.) Columbus. He has carried that skill set to Miami, leading all true freshmen with three interceptions to this point in the season.

Fitzgerald has combined instincts, range, and ball skills with a knack for jumping passing lanes, consistently finding ways to make plays even as part of a deep secondary unit. He has surrendered just 31 yards in coverage this season, according Pro Football Focus.

A plus athlete with advanced coverage ability, Fitzgerald has shown comfort patrolling the deep part of the field. One of the younger impact true freshmen in the country, he turned 18 in August, similar to his teammate Malachi Toney. Fitzgerald was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 120 overall player in the Rivals Industry Ranking.

DB Graceson Littleton – Texas

Graceson Littleton has been a mainstay on Texas’ defense throughout the season, flashing as early as the Week 1 showcase game against Ohio State. His coverage polish and advanced change of direction have made him an instant contributor at slot corner for the Longhorns.

Littleton has logged 236 snaps and leads all true freshman cornerbacks with two interceptions, including one off John Mateer in Red River on Saturday. He has also been active in run support with 17 stops on the season. Littleton’s cover skills give him the potential to see additional work on the outside as his role expands.

The 6-foot, 180-pound defender from Tampa (Fla.) Wiregrass Ranch was ranked as a four-star prospect, the No. 49 overall player, and the No. 6 cornerback in the 2025 On300.

DB John Peters – Western Michigan

John Peters is the lone Group of Five defender on the Midseason True Freshman All-American Team and has earned that distinction with his lockdown play in coverage. The Western Michigan standout has surrendered just six catches on 19 targets for 59 yards and zero touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus.

Beyond simply limiting completions, Peters has made plays on the ball at a high rate, recording one interception and three pass breakups. He’s also proven himself against Power Four opponents, allowing only two receptions on five targets for 11 yards in games against Illinois and Michigan State.

A high-level athlete, Peters was a state medalist hurdler and posted outstanding testing numbers during the recruiting process. The Merrillville (Ind.) High product held a high three-star rating of 88 from On3 in the 2025 cycle.

DB DJ Pickett – LSU

DJ Pickett looks like the next star cornerback at LSU under defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. The true freshman has paired with Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane to give the Tigers one of the nation’s more formidable cornerback duos.

Through six games, Pickett has surrendered just six completions on 13 targets for 64 yards with no touchdowns allowed, while adding an interception. He’s coming off his best outing of the season in LSU’s win over South Carolina and continues to show growth each week.

At 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds, Pickett is a jumbo-sized defender who moves with the fluidity of a much smaller player. He’s also proven to be an effective blitzer, generating four pressures and a sack.Pickett was a massive recruiting win for LSU as the Tigers rebuilt their secondary. The Five-Star Plus+ prospect ranked as the No. 10 overall player and the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 On300.