Five True Freshmen Expected to Impact 2025 College Football Season

As college football programs prepare for the 2025 season, several teams are highlighting the potential impact of their freshmen players. Michigan, boasting a top-10 recruiting class, is expected to feature multiple freshmen, including starting quarterback J.J. Underwood, the fourth true freshman to start at Michigan, and five-star offensive lineman Andrew Babalola, who unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury. West Virginia's roster sees fewer freshmen due to transfer-heavy recruiting, but defensive lineman Brandon Caesar and safety Julien Horton are among the freshmen expected to contribute. Iowa faces high expectations with new leadership at quarterback and several freshmen competing for roles amid a challenging schedule, with analysts noting the potential for breakout performances from newcomers. LSU has raised expectations for veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who was honored with the symbolic No. 18 jersey, signaling leadership and high hopes for a playoff run. Overall, freshmen across these programs are poised to play significant roles, reflecting a blend of top recruits and strategic roster management as the 2025 college football season approaches.