The Rise of Freshman Quarterbacks in NCAA Football

Evaluating freshman quarterbacks in college football is an inexact science. No situations are the same and supporting cast, scheme and maturity all factor heavily into how quickly young passers adjust. Despite the inherent challenges and growing pains, several freshman quarterbacks, including redshirts, have not only met but exceeded expectations in the first half of the season. These young players are making a significant impact on their teams, some even leading top-25 programs. Let's examine some of these standout performers.

CJ Carr, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

CJ Carr stands out as one of college football's most poised quarterbacks, regardless of his class. The redshirt freshman has demonstrated remarkable decision-making and accuracy, contributing to his high QBR (86.3), which ranks seventh nationally. He has lost just 25 yards on negative plays through five weeks and has done a remarkable job protecting the football, tossing 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Even in Notre Dame's losses to Miami or Texas A&M, Carr kept the Irish in contention.

Carr, who measures 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds, possesses the size and arm talent to execute any throw. His mental toughness and competitiveness further enhance his abilities. As the former No. 2 pocket passer in the ESPN 300, Carr has the potential to become a top-five NFL draft pick in the future.

Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes

Julian Sayin benefits from playing with one of the nation's best supporting casts, but he has also played a crucial role in the team's success by consistently making smart decisions. The redshirt freshman has proven to be an efficient distributor and a reliable game manager, avoiding risky throws. Sayin's completion percentage of 80.2% leads the nation through six weeks, and he completed an impressive 85% of his passes in a decisive victory over Minnesota.

With 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions, Sayin has demonstrated poise, confidence, and a knack for delivering clutch plays. As the former five-star recruit continues to develop, more explosive plays are anticipated.

Read also: Dominate with Passing in NCAA 25

Bear Bachmeier, BYU Cougars

Bear Bachmeier stepped into the starting role following Jake Retzlaff's unexpected departure and has since guided the Cougars to a 5-0 start. The true freshman benefits from an experienced team around him and has been a consistent contributor as a runner throughout the year. Bachmeier has completed 68% of his passes and has only turned the ball over once.

While the former No. 12-ranked dual-threat prospect still needs improvement on intermediate and deep throws, he is efficient, executes routine plays effectively, and helps BYU avoid unfavorable long-yardage situations.

Malik Washington, Maryland Terrapins

Maryland's schedule has provided Malik Washington with the opportunity to grow into his role as quarterback. The Terrapins have not hesitated to throw the ball, averaging 40 pass attempts against four FBS opponents. As a true freshman, Washington has handled the pressure well, minimizing turnovers with only one interception and one sack.

Although the former No. 3 dual-threat prospect has faced challenges with downfield throws, completing just 51% of his attempts beyond 5 yards, Washington's physical attributes suggest he has the potential to develop into a significant player. His performance in upcoming games against Nebraska, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois will be a key indicator of his progress.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California Golden Bears

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is perhaps the most high-risk, high-reward freshman quarterback currently playing. Scouts admire his release, arm strength, and ability to alter arm angles, but his decision-making has been too risky at times. In a surprising loss to San Diego State, he completed 17 of 38 passes with two interceptions, including a pick-six, while Cal's offensive line struggled to protect him at home against Duke.

Read also: Mastering the Pistol Offense

Because Sagapolutele is not a runner, the offense relies heavily on his skill and decision-making. While he possesses significant potential, he needs to play with more discipline, even as a true freshman. His low completion percentage and high turnover rate are not sustainable for the former No. 14-ranked pocket passer.

Bryce Underwood, Michigan Wolverines

Bryce Underwood entered college football with immense expectations as a former five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall prospect. While his talent is evident and he has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, he has also experienced typical true freshman struggles and inconsistent accuracy, particularly during an early road game against Oklahoma's formidable defense.

Underwood has thrown just three touchdowns and has a completion rate of only 59%. Despite his exceptional physical traits and athleticism, he is still developing his understanding of the nuances of the game. Although Underwood's potential is undeniable, he is still in the early stages of his development. As he gains more experience, his efficiency is expected to improve.

Micah Alejado, Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors

Micah Alejado, lightly recruited due to concerns about his size and arm strength, has consistently exceeded expectations, mirroring his success at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. The redshirt freshman has been productive and efficient for Timmy Chang and the 2-2 Rainbow Warriors.

Alejado has not committed any turnovers and delivered a stellar performance in a win against Air Force, completing 35 of 47 passes for 457 yards and three touchdowns. With a completion rate of 70%, Alejado has positioned the Warriors for a potential bowl appearance.

Brad Jackson, Texas State Bobcats

Brad Jackson has been a standout performer for the Bobcats. The former three-star recruit from Texas has thrown seven touchdowns with only one interception and has contributed a dual-threat element with his athleticism, adding nearly 300 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Jackson's emergence has made the Bobcats legitimate contenders in the Sun Belt Conference.

Drake Lindsey, Minnesota Golden Gophers

Drake Lindsey, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 230 pounds, is not a significant running threat, but he has steadily progressed as a passer, completing nearly 65% of his passes with only two interceptions. He threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns against Rutgers but struggled to make vertical throws in a loss to Ohio State. Minnesota's strong defense has helped the redshirt freshman ease into his role, but the team's schedule is becoming more challenging. Lindsey, a former three-star recruit, will need to elevate his game to the next level.

Mason Heintschel, Pittsburgh Panthers

Mason Heintschel made his first start against Boston College and delivered an impressive performance. Heintschel completed 30 of 41 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns. While Boston College has struggled defensively, allowing 28 or more points in every game against FBS opponents, Heintschel's performance was a promising sign for the Panthers.

Promising Quarterbacks to Watch

Besides the standout freshman quarterbacks, several other quarterbacks show great promise. Here's a quick look at some of the highest-rated quarterbacks:

Cade Klubnik: A highly-rated quarterback with strong overall scores.
Drew Allar: Another top quarterback known for his abilities.
Garrett Nussmeier: A quarterback with balanced scores.
Carson Beck: A quarterback with high potential and good scores.
John Mateer: Showing strong potential with high scores in key areas.
LaNorris Sellers: A developing quarterback with promising attributes.
Sam Leavitt: A quarterback to watch, with good scores across the board.
Arch Manning: A quarterback with good potential and high scores.

And many more: The list continues with players like Blake Horvath, DJ Lagway, Avery Johnson, Darian Mensah, Kevin Jennings, Luke Altmyer, Diego Pavia, Jake Retzlaff, Kaidon Salter, Nico Iamaleava, Rocco Becht, Sawyer Robertson, Behren Morton, Devon Dampier, Dylan Raiola, Fernando Mendoza, Jalon Daniels, Josh Hoover, Noah Fifita, Alonza Barnett III, Haynes King, Jayden Maiava, Maddux Madsen, Taylen Green, Julian Sayin, Marcel Reed, Miller Moss, Dante Moore, Jackson Arnold, Austin Simmons, Brendan Sorsby, Byrum Brown, Caden Veltkamp, Conner Weigman, Eli Holstein, Gio Lopez, Kyron Drones, Maalik Murphy, Tommy Castellanos, Braylon Braxton, Brendon Lewis, Chandler Morris, Demond Williams Jr., Dequan Finn, Gunner Stockton, Joey Aguilar, Matthew Sluka, Preston Stone, Samari Collier, Ty Simpson, Aidan Chiles, Billy Edwards Jr., Blake Shapen, Bryce Underwood, Jaylen Raynor, Mark Gronowski, Mikey Keene, Parker Navarro, Zach Calzada, Ashton Daniels, Athan Kaliakmanis, Austin Mack, Beau Pribula, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, CJ Carr, Colton Joseph, Gavin Wimsatt, Joe Fagnano, Kadin Semonza, Keelon Russell, Lincoln Kienholz, Michael Hawkins Jr., Tavien St. Clair, Tucker Gleason, Walker Eget, Alex Orji, Anthony Colandrea, Dermaricus Davis, Devin Brown, and E.J.

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