In a significant shift for college football, four freshman quarterbacks have recently been named as starting players for the 2025 season. As the landscape of the sport evolves, six quarterbacks have been identified as facing the most pressure heading into the upcoming season.
Top Freshman Quarterbacks Under Pressure
1. Julian Sayin, quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, is at the top of this list. Head coach Ryan Day confirmed that Sayin, who redshirted last season, will lead the defending national champions. The pressure is immense, as he joins a talented roster that features Jeremiah Smith, a Heisman candidate at wide receiver. Ohio State, currently ranked No. 3, opens its season against top-ranked Texas. Sayin will need to maintain the success of the Buckeyes, who have high expectations after last year’s achievements.
2. CJ Carr of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish follows closely behind. Carr officially secured his starting position on Tuesday and faces the daunting task of succeeding in a team that reached the College Football Playoff national championship game last season. With the Irish ranked No. 6, they will open their season against No. 10 Miami and will also face challenges from No. 19 Texas A&M and No. 25 Boise State in their first five games. A weak start could jeopardize Notre Dame’s playoff aspirations by Halloween.
3. Bryce Underwood is vying for the starting quarterback position at No. 14 Michigan. Although Michigan has not officially announced its starter, Underwood is the favorite to claim the role over graduate transfers and other contenders. The Wolverines face a tough schedule, including a trip to No. 18 Oklahoma and key matchups against USC and Washington. After a disappointing 6-5 record last season, the pressure is on for Underwood to lead Michigan back to prominence.
Emerging Talents and Their Challenges
4. Malik Washington, a potential starter for the Maryland Terrapins, is another player to watch. Although he has not yet been officially named the starter, Washington is considered a frontrunner. Head coach Mike Locksley is under pressure after a challenging 4-8 season, and a bowl appearance may be necessary to quell discussions about his job security. Washington’s performance could prove crucial for the team’s success this season.
5. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele of the California Golden Bears is also stepping into a high-pressure role. After initially committing to Oregon, Sagapolutele returned to Cal and secured the starting job over a transfer from Ohio State. The Golden Bears have struggled with consecutive 6-7 seasons, and with five close conference losses last year, Sagapolutele’s ability to deliver could make a significant difference.
6. Bear Bachmeier is making history as the first freshman to start as quarterback for the BYU Cougars in a season opener. He takes over for Jake Retzlaff, who transferred to Tulane. Given the timing of the change, Bachmeier may have more leeway than some of his peers. Head coach Kalani Sitake has job security after leading the team to an 11-2 record last season, and expectations for the Cougars are moderate, with oddsmakers setting their over/under win total at 6.5.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, these freshman quarterbacks will navigate immense pressure as they aim to prove their worth and lead their teams to success. Each player’s performance will not only impact their individual careers but also the futures of their respective programs.
