True Freshmen, NFL Rookies Impact Early 2025 Season

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed quarterback Carter Bradley to their practice squad after he rehabbed in Jacksonville following an Aug. 25 injury settlement with the 49ers; Bradley, son of former Jaguars coach Gus Bradley, took part in his first practice at the team’s new facility. Denver rookie defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones made his NFL debut in Week 4 against Cincinnati, playing six defensive snaps and earning praise for his size, motor and rapid development after being the 101st overall pick. Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith has used four true freshmen so far in 2025 — Aydan West, Jack Wills, Derrick Simmons and Jayden Savoury — and said he doesn’t expect many other freshmen to burn redshirts. South Carolina has featured multiple true freshmen across offense, defense and special teams through five games, with early contributors including receivers Donovan Murph and Brian Rowe Jr. and left guard Shedrick Sarratt Jr. Kentucky fell 13-35 at South Carolina, where the Wildcats were dominated by the Gamecocks’ pass rush (Cutter Boley was sacked six times); two of Kentucky’s 2025 recruits played in the game and the class ranks No. 25 nationally with 21 commitments.