The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be pivotal for several freshman quarterbacks who have recently been named starters. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, six freshmen are under intense scrutiny, with expectations high to perform. This article ranks these players by the level of pressure they will face on the field.
Top Contender: Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes
Leading the list is Julian Sayin, the newly appointed starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Officially announced by head coach Ryan Day on Monday, Sayin takes the reins from last season’s national champions. The five-star recruit redshirted last year, allowing him time to acclimatize. With a talented roster surrounding him, including Heisman candidate wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, expectations are sky-high. Ohio State, currently ranked No. 3, will open its season against the top-ranked Texas Longhorns, and Sayin must deliver to maintain the Buckeyes’ championship legacy.
Second Place: CJ Carr, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Following closely is CJ Carr, who has secured the starting position for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His official announcement came on Tuesday, and he steps into the role after Notre Dame’s recent appearance in the College Football Playoff national championship game. The Irish, currently ranked No. 6, will face tough competition early in the season, beginning with No. 10 Miami. Carr’s performance will be critical as Notre Dame also takes on ranked teams like No. 19 Texas A&M and No. 25 Boise State. A slow start could jeopardize the team’s playoff aspirations by Halloween.
Challenging Situation: Bryce Underwood, Michigan Wolverines
At No. 3 is Bryce Underwood, a quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines. As of now, the team has not officially named its starting quarterback due to internal issues, but Underwood is expected to be the frontrunner over graduate transfers. Michigan’s recent struggles have raised concerns, especially after finishing the previous season with a 6-5 record. The Wolverines will face tough opponents this year, including No. 18 Oklahoma and ranked teams like USC and Washington. The pressure to turn the season around is palpable for Underwood.
Potential Breakout: Malik Washington, Maryland Terrapins
Next is Malik Washington of the Maryland Terrapins, who is positioned as a potential starting quarterback. Although not officially named starter yet, he has garnered attention as a key player to watch. Maryland’s head coach Mike Locksley faces a challenging season after finishing 4-8 last year, with his job security potentially hinging on Washington’s performance. A successful season would not only boost the team but also quell growing criticism of Locksley’s tenure.
Surprising Potential: Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California Golden Bears
The California Golden Bears’ Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is another freshman to watch. Initially committed to Oregon, he ultimately chose California, where he secured the starting role over an Ohio State transfer. California has struggled in recent seasons, finishing 6-7 in the last two years. Sagapolutele’s ability to lead could transform the team’s fortunes, especially after narrow losses in their first season in the ACC.
Lower Expectations: Bear Bachmeier, BYU Cougars
Lastly, Bear Bachmeier makes history as the first freshman to lead the BYU Cougars as their starting quarterback for a season opener. He replaces Jake Retzlaff, who transferred to Tulane. With expectations relatively low for BYU this season, Bachmeier may face less pressure compared to his peers. The team’s over/under win total is set at 6.5, indicating that while he carries the weight of being a starter, the burden may not be as heavy.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on these freshmen quarterbacks. Their performances will not only influence their teams’ playoff hopes but also shape their own futures in college football. Each player carries a distinct level of pressure, making this season a critical one in their early careers.