True Freshman Standouts from Week 4 of College football

Several true freshmen had strong performances over the course of the college football weekend. A former Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackle had a strong outing in Saturday’s most exciting game, an elite talent at wide receiver continued his tear, two true freshmen starting quarterbacks continued to play well and a pair of running backs went over 100 yards.

With that said, let’s highlight some true freshmen who stood out on week four of college football.

True Freshman of the Week: OT Jordan Seaton – Colorado

Jordan Seaton helped Colorado to a win in one of the week’s most exciting game, the Buffaloes’ 38-31 overtime victory over Baylor – one that included a Hail Mary at the end of regulation. The former Five-Star Plus+ prospect was strong in pass protection from his left tackle spot, allowing just one pressure and zero sacks in 63 pass blocking plays, according to Pro Football Focus. Seaton’s performance is particularly impressive considering Baylor was able to pressure Shedeur Sanders for much of the game, finishing with eight sacks as a unit. While was made of Colorado’s offensive line after a week two loss at Nebraska, Seaton has responded, playing his best games of the season over the past two weeks. Deion Sanders and Colorado will need the true freshman to continue playing at a high level as they carry on through Big 12 play.

2. WR Jeremiah Smith – Ohio State

Jeremiah Smith continues to show out early on in his college career. On3’s former No. 1 overall prospect made his presence felt in the Buckeyes’ 49-14 rout of Marshall. Smith’s highlight play of the afternoon came in the third quarter. He drew single coverage on in-breaking route, out-running the defense for a touchdown from 53 yards out. The play was yet another example of his rare combination of route-running skills and top-end play speed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. Smith finished the day with three catches for 70 yards and the touchdown. The former Five-Star Plus+ prospect is off to a sensational start to his freshman season, catching 14 passes for 281 yards and four touchdowns over his first three games.

3. QB Isaac Wilson – Utah

Isaac Wilson once again got the nod for Utah with incumbent starter Cam Rising out with injury. The true freshman faced a much tougher situation than last week – a road test against No. 14 Oklahoma State. Wilson was able to lead the Utes to their first Big 12 win, besting the Cowboys, 22-19. Wilson showed off his mobility over the course of the game, picking up key first downs and ripping off a 48-yard run. The true freshman did a nice job managing the Utes’ offense and was able to evade pressure, using his agility to maneuver around the pocket and extend the play. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions to go with 41 rushing yards. The touchdown came on a deep shot to tight end Brant Kuithe, extending the lead to 22-3 with just over six minutes remaining. Rising, who is working back from a hand injury, should be back in action soon. With that said, Utah has found a winning backup option in Isaac Wilson.

4. RB Fluff Bothwell – South Alabama

Fluff Bothwell becomes the first Group of Five player to be featured as a True Freshman Standout this season. The Oneonta, Alabama native had a big outing on Thursday in South Alabama’s dominant 48-14 road win over Appalachian State. Bothwell was the Jaguars’ leading rusher, finishing with 116 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. The true freshman made a statement early on in the game, ripping off several impressive runs in the first quarter. The 5-foot-10, 220-pounder is a shifty, punishing inside runner who uses is compact frame and outstanding balance to break arm tackles at a high rate. Bothwell certainly does not look like a true freshman physically. He’s gone over 100 yards in each of the last two games. If what we saw on Thursday is any indication, South Alabama looks to have unearthed a gem in Fluff.

5. QB Dylan Raiola – Nebraska

Dylan Raiola and Nebraska faced their toughest contest to this point in the season, hosting Illinois in a matchup of top 25 teams. Though Nebraska ultimately fell in overtime, the true freshman signal caller played well for much of the game. Raiola delivered several difficult passes over the middle and downfield and engineered an impressive touchdown drive right before halftime. Illinois was able to generate more pressure in the second half, particularly in overtime. While it’s sure to be a learning experience for the young quarterback, he still showed his passing talent, finishing 24 of 35 for 297 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

6. LB Sammy Brown – Clemson

Clemson had several true freshman flash on defense in the Tigers’ dominant 59-35 win over NC State. Chief among them was Sammy Brown. The former five-star prospect led the Tigers with eight tackles and made several plays behind the line of scrimmage, credited with four tackles for loss. Brown flashed as a downhill run defender early in the game, knifing through the offensive line for an impressive tackle for loss. Though there are some expected ups and downs in coverage, Brown showed why Clemson is excited about his future in Death Valley.

7. RB Jordan Lyle – Miami

Jordan Lyle proved why Miami is believed to sport one of the deepest backfields in college football. The true freshman from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas was sensational in limited touches in the Hurricanes’ 50-15 win on the road at USF. In the fourth quarter, Lyle ripped off a 91-yard touchdown run, the longest run from scrimmage in program history. Lyle, who ranked as On3’s No. 1 running back in the 2024 recruiting cycle, finished with 104 yards and the touchdown on six carries. Don’t be shocked to see his workload expand as the season rolls on.

8. WR Mazeo Bennett – South Carolina

South Carolina has been in search of playmakers at wide receiver and looks to have found a promising true freshman in Mazeo Bennett. The former four-star prospect turned in his most productive outing of the season in the Gamecocks’ 50-7 win over Akron. With starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers out with an injury, Bennett gave backup Robby Ashford a reliable target, catching five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. The in-state product’s score came late in the first quarter as he worked down the seam and shook a safety before coming down with a pass from Ashford in the end zone. Through four games, Bennett is the Gamecocks’ leading receiver with 159 yards and two touchdowns.