The Arch Manning era at Texas getting underway at Ohio State, Dave Portnoy and Carson Beck debuting at Miami are among the big storylines heading into the opening weekend of college football. But don't be surprised if a true freshman or two break out in a major way.
Bear Bachmeier is a four-star quarterback to watch for at BYU. The school has a strong tradition at that position with the likes of Ty Detmer, Jim McMahon and Steve Young, but Bachmeier will be the first true freshman to ever start a season opener in Provo.
Read on for a look at 25 true freshmen to keep an eye on this weekend. The list includes player at nearly every position including kicker.
Amare Adams, DT, ClemsonThe 6-foot-4, 315-pounder will play immediately at Clemson after recording 16 sacks in his high school career. The run-stopper added 43 tackles for loss and looks to leave a legacy similar to Clemson greats Dexter Lawrence, Chester McGlockton and Jeff Bryant.
High school: Murrieta Valley (Murrieta, Calif.)Bachmeier will be the first freshman to ever start a season opener at BYU when he takes the reigns Saturday against Portland State. The three-year high school starter can also run, dashing for 33 rushing scores to go with 59 passing touchdowns.
High school: Cocoa (Fla.)Will start at wide receiver immediately for the Seminoles. During his senior year at Cocoa, Boggs hauled in 99 receptions for 2,133 yards and 21 touchdowns on a state title squad.
High school: Steele (Cibolo, Texas)Cooper's route-running and sure hands have been praised in Dallas and he will get an opportunity right away with the Mustangs, who reached the College Football Playoff last season. As a senior Cooper caught 60 passes for 1,271 yards and 19 touchdowns.
High school: Liberty Christian (Lynchburg, Va.)While Clemson isn't releasing a depth chart ahead of its opener against LSU, Davidson will contribute to a loaded backfield immediately. The MaxPreps National Junior of the Year in 2023 rushed for over 5,000 yards and 80 touchdowns the past two seasons.
High school: Lewisville (Texas)The five-star recruit will first show off his 6-6, 290-pound frame Saturday against Illinois State. Lewisville rushed for 182 yards per game behind Fasusi last season.
High school: North Crowley (Fort Worth, Texas)The 2025 MaxPreps National Player of the Year makes his debut Saturday against Georgia Tech. Gibson led North Crowley to a state championship in Texas and had 2,009 receiving yards as a senior.
High school: Savannah Christian (Savannah, Ga.)After piling up 44 sacks in high school, Griffin is fitting in right away at Georgia. The Bulldog defense has produced 10 first-round picks since the 2022 and Griffin will play from the start.
High school: Pittsburg (Calif.)Helped lead the Pirates to two state championship appearances with 13 interceptions over his final two seasons. Has a chance to see significant playing time in the UCLA secondary after a strong camp.
High school: San Ramon Valley (Danville, Calif.)Tackling machine will fit right in on the A&M defensive line. At San Ramon Valley Jones had 10.5 sacks and 125 tackles as a senior.
High school: Mission Viejo (Calif.)Joins a talented secondary at Alabama where he will contribute right away. Lee had four interceptions as a senior for a Mission Viejo team ranked No. 16 in the nation.
High School: Carrollton (Ga.)While Kaidon Salter was named the starter, Lewis could see a lot of playing time in Colorado's season opener against Georgia Tech.
High school: Wiregrass Ranch (Wesley Chapel, Fla.)A lockdown defensive back who had eight pass breakups and two interceptions on an 11-2 squad in 2024, Littleton will be tested immediately as No. 1 Texas travels to the Horseshoe to take on No. 3 Ohio State.
High school: St. Ignatius College Preparatory (San Francisco, Calif.)The position battle at left guard is fierce at Washington and head coach Jedd Fisch said Mills will split time in the opener against Colorado State with Paki Finau.
High school: Duncanville (Texas)Has a chance to be Jeremiah Smith-level special as a freshman in Eugene. As a senior at Duncanville, Moore had 19 receiving touchdowns.
High school: Campbell (Ewa Beach, Hawaii)Hawaii's all-time passing leader will step under center as starting quarterback when Cal opens its season at Oregon State on Saturday. Sagapolutele threw 46 touchdowns against three interceptions as a high school senior.
High school: Zephyrhills (Fla.)The ball hawk had five interceptions as a senior and caught 35 passes on offense. Pickett may not initially start in Baton Rouge, but he will be on the field a lot.
High school: North Shore (Houston, Texas)Quarterbacks rarely looked in his direction as a senior at North Shore. The five-star joins a secondary at Ohio State that features 2023 MaxPreps National Player of the Year Caleb Downs.
High school: Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.)The No. 6 overall player in the Class of 2025 will start right away for the Volunteers on Saturday against Syracuse. The 6-foot-6 tackle didn't allow a sack during his senior year and paved the way for Providence Day to win three state championships.
High school: The Woodlands (Texas)The five-star kicker has a leg that boomed a 55-yarder as a senior and made 98.6 percent of his extra points.
Jahkeem Stewart, DL, USC
High school: St. Augustine (New Orleans, La.)Hasn't played since 2023 when he compiled 33 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. At USC, Stewart will help anchor the defensive line in the physical Big Ten Conference.
High school: Belleville (Mich.)One of the top prep signal callers ever to come out of Michigan, all eyes will be on Underwood on Saturday at the Big House as the Wolverines take on New Mexico. He will be the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener for the storied program in over 15 years.
High school: Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Md.)Highest-rated quarterback recruit to play at Maryland since 2000. Head coach Mike Locksley has not announced a starting quarterback yet but don't be surprised if it is Washington.
High school: Tampa Bay Tech (Tampa, Fla.)Has the skills and the size to make game-changing plays from the start for the Gators. The track star caught 30 touchdowns in his final three years of high school.
High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)Wyatt stepped on to the field at Mater Dei and played immediately. It could be the same at Oregon as the freshman has garnered buzz for his relentless play.
