The 2025 season in college football has reached its halfway point, with Week 7 heading into full swing on Saturday.
Throughout the course of the 2025 campaign, true freshmen have performed at a high level across a variety of position groups. Naturally, quarterbacks and other offensive skill positions, such as running backs and wide receivers, often command the most headlines, but there are freshmen at other positions who have balled out this season.
In no particular order, here are the top five freshmen in college football:
Maryland QB Malik Washington
The 6-foot-5, 231-pound Washington from Glen Burnie, Md., has been sensational for the Terrapins, leading the Big Ten program to a 4-1 record. The dual-threat quarterback is completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 1,257 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has 11 carries for 22 yards and three more scores on the ground.
Duke RB Nate Sheppard
As the Blue Devils have won three straight to move their record to 4-2 overall, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Sheppard has proven terrific for this Atlantic Coast Conference program. On the year, he’s rushed 56 times for 447 yards and four touchdowns. Sheppard, from Mandeville, La., is averaging a ridiculous 8.0 yards per carry. He’s also caught 14 passes for 102 yards and one score through the air.
Miami WR Malachi Toney
The 5-foot-11, 188-pound Toney has been electric for the No. 2 Hurricanes (5-0), who look like the team to beat in the ACC and are eyeing a deep run in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Toney, who is from Miami, has hauled in 29 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaging a solid 12.9 yards per reception. Toney has also returned five punts for 43 total yards.
Syracuse DB/WR Demetres Samuel Jr.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Samuel has been great as a starting cornerback for the Orange despite being just 17 years old. The native of Palm Bay, Fla., has collected 25 total tackles, 19 solo tackles, one interception and an impressive eight pass breakups. On offense, he has one reception for 10 yards, and Samuel has also returned one punt for four yards. Syracuse, out of the ACC, is 3-3 overall and has lost two straight.
Maryland EDGE Sidney Stewart
The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Stewart from Joppa, Md., has proven stellar on the edge for the Terrapins in 2025. In fact, he’s one of the best edge-rushers around the country as a true freshman. Stewart has 15 total tackles, 11 solo tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries and one safety.
