Week 7 of the 2025 college football season is here, and a fresh batch of true freshmen are making waves. It’s not always the five-star recruits grabbing headlines—plenty of three-star prospects are stealing the show, too.
Advanced analytics have helped sift through the 2025 recruiting class over the first six weeks. The top true freshmen at each offensive and defensive position are starting to separate themselves. If you want the full rankings, check out the article on 247Sports.
Offensive Standouts
Offensively, a few true freshmen have really turned heads. Three-star players, in particular, are making the most noise.
Quarterback: Bryce Underwood, Michigan
Bryce Underwood has been a pleasant surprise for Michigan. He plays with a calm confidence, and his quick reads have made him stand out among his peers.
Wide Receiver: Dakorien Moore, Oregon
Dakorien Moore has quickly become a go-to guy for Oregon. His speed and ability to shake defenders have made him a constant threat downfield.
Running Back: Anthony Thompson, Hudson Western Reserve Academy
Anthony Thompson hasn’t picked a college yet, but his high school performances are turning heads. At 6-foot-8, he’s a rare mix of size and speed, and coaches everywhere are watching his next move.
Defensive Standouts
The defensive side of the ball has its own crop of impressive freshmen. They’re stepping up and proving they belong.
Defensive Lineman: Elijah Griffin, Georgia
Elijah Griffin is holding it down on Georgia’s defensive line. His knack for getting into the backfield and making stops has been huge for the Bulldogs.
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There’s not one clear linebacker leading the pack, but the influx of freshman talent is obvious across defensive units.
Defensive Back: [Name], [School]
Freshman defensive backs are making their mark, too. They’re stepping up in coverage and coming away with some big interceptions.
Unexpected Stars
Honestly, one of the coolest parts of this season is seeing unexpected names pop up. Nine of the twelve position groups are led by former three-star recruits—so much for recruiting rankings telling the whole story.
- Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood
- Georgia defensive lineman Elijah Griffin
- Oregon wide receiver Dakorien Moore
These guys are outplaying expectations. Sometimes, it’s just about who works hardest and seizes the moment, regardless of how many stars they had in high school.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, these true freshmen are setting themselves up for big things. Colleges may start putting more stock in on-field performance and analytics, not just star ratings.
Anthony Thompson’s Decision
Anthony Thompson is announcing his college pick on October 21, and a lot of folks are watching. He’s visited programs like Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, Kentucky, Texas, and North Carolina—his decision could shake up football recruiting, and maybe even basketball, too.
Conclusion
The 2025 college football season has already thrown us some real curveballs. True freshmen, many of whom barely made preseason lists, are suddenly making headlines.
It’s honestly pretty wild to watch these young athletes jump right in and shake things up. Who knows how far they’ll go or which names we’ll be talking about in a few months?
If you’re curious for more rankings or want the full scoop, check out the article on 247Sports.
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