True Freshman Quarterbacks Lead Teams to Mixed Results in College Football

What's Happening?

In the 2025 college football season, four true freshman quarterbacks have emerged as starters for their respective teams, each experiencing varying degrees of success. Bryce Underwood at Michigan, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele at California, Malik Washington at Maryland, and Bear Bachmeier at BYU have all taken the field as starting quarterbacks. Underwood led Michigan to a 24-10 victory over Wisconsin, showcasing his skills with a 29-yard touchdown pass. Sagapolutele faced challenges against Duke, throwing three interceptions in a 45-21 loss. Washington's Maryland team was narrowly defeated by Washington Huskies, despite his early lead. Bachmeier excelled with a career-high 351 passing yards in BYU's 38-24 win over West Virginia.

Why It's Important?

The performance of these freshman quarterbacks is significant as it highlights the potential for young talent to make an immediate impact in college football. Their early starts could influence recruiting strategies and team dynamics, as coaches may be more willing to give opportunities to younger players. The success of these quarterbacks could also affect their teams' standings and bowl game prospects. For the players, strong performances can enhance their visibility and future prospects in professional football. Conversely, struggles like those faced by Sagapolutele could lead to adjustments in coaching strategies or player development focus.

What's Next?

As the season progresses, these quarterbacks will continue to be under scrutiny as they develop their skills and adapt to the collegiate level. Their performances in upcoming games will be critical in determining their teams' success and their own future roles. Coaches may need to adjust game plans to better support their young quarterbacks, while the players themselves will need to focus on improving consistency and reducing errors. The outcomes of their games will also influence their teams' chances of qualifying for prestigious bowl games, adding pressure to perform well.