Bryce Underwood goes on record with boldest proclamation possible ahead of Michigan’s Week 1 season opener
Being a star in college football is difficult enough, but a select few freshman in a decade can make their mark in a unique way. Last year, we saw Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith deliver on the hype by leading the Buckeyes to the National Championship parade. This year, Michigan Wolverines quarterback phenom Bryce Underwood has […]
Being a star in college football is difficult enough, but a select few freshman in a decade can make their mark in a unique way. Last year, we saw Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith deliver on the hype by leading the Buckeyes to the National Championship parade. This year, Michigan Wolverines quarterback phenom Bryce Underwood has plans to do similar.
The massive 6-foot-4 dual-threat athlete is in line to start Week 1 after veteran transfer Mikey Keene has missed most of training camp with an injury. He made it clear in a recent interview with the Big Ten Network that he’s as unique as anyone in college football history.
“Nobody’s seen a freshman like me,” Underwood boldly proclaimed.
The bar to be that much of a standout is incredibly high, though. Here’s a quick rundown of my top five freshmen of all time.
In college football, true freshmen—players straight out of high school without redshirting—rarely dominate due to the leap in competition, physicality, and complexity. Yet, a select few have shattered expectations, delivering legendary seasons that propelled their teams to glory and etched their names in history. Based on impact, stats, awards, and team success, here are the five greatest true freshman performances ever.
5. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (2024): Jeremiah Smith exploded onto the scene as the consensus No. 1 recruit, breaking the FBS freshman receiving record with 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, plus 47 rushing yards and a score. His playoff heroics—19 receptions for 381 yards and five TDs across four games—earned Rose Bowl MVP honors and helped Ohio State capture the national championship.
Smith’s blend of size (6-3, 215 lbs), speed, and highlight-reel grabs made him arguably the top receiver in college football, earning Big Ten Freshman and Receiver of the Year awards. His season ranks among the best by any Florida high school alum, rivaling legends like Sammy Watkins.
4. Tony Dorsett, RB, Pitt (1973): Tony Dorsett burst forth with 1,586 rushing yards—the most by a freshman at the time—on his way to consensus All-American honors. Averaging over 144 yards per game, he powered Pitt to a 6-4-1 record and Fiesta Bowl berth, marking the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher. Dorsett’s elusiveness and vision set the tone for a career that included a Heisman and national title. His freshman year remains a benchmark for immediate impact, tying or setting multiple records en route to Pitt’s revival.
3. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson (2018): Trevor Lawrence redefined freshman quarterback play, throwing for 3,280 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just four interceptions while completing 65.2% of passes. Taking over midseason, he led Clemson to a 15-0 record and national championship, dismantling Alabama 44-16 in the title game. Lawrence’s poise under pressure earned ACC Rookie of the Year and set the stage for his No. 1 NFL draft status. As one of only two true freshman QBs to win a national title as starter, his season stands out for elevating Clemson’s dynasty.
2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma (2004): Adrian Peterson’s 1,925 rushing yards on 339 carries set the freshman record, with 15 touchdowns and 11 games over 100 yards. Despite injuries, he earned unanimous All-American nods, finished second in Heisman voting, and propelled Oklahoma to the BCS title game. Peterson’s explosive power and speed averaged 5.7 yards per carry, earning Big 12 Offensive Freshman and Newcomer of the Year. His dominance foreshadowed an NFL Hall of Fame trajectory, making this one of the most prolific rushing debuts ever.
1. Herschel Walker, RB, Georgia (1980): Herschel Walker’s 1,616 yards on 274 carries with 15 touchdowns led Georgia to a 12-0 record and national championship, earning third in Heisman voting and first-team All-American status. He set the NCAA freshman rushing record while powering wins like the Sugar Bowl MVP performance against Notre Dame.
Walker’s blend of speed, strength, and vision made him unstoppable, finishing with MVP honors in the title game. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of freshman excellence, his impact transformed Georgia and college football.
These players not only posted gaudy stats but elevated their programs, proving true freshmen can be game-changers. Their legacies endure as blueprints for future stars.
