Top 10 True Freshmen Already Producing (CFB)

Identifying which true freshmen will make an immediate impact in college football is a crucial skill for any College Fantasy Football (C2C) or devy league manager. While most first-year players develop on the sidelines, a special few arrive on campus ready to produce from Week 1. These 2025 college football freshmen are not just future stars; they are current assets who can provide a winning edge at a discount.

This guide cuts through the hype to highlight the 10 most impactful true freshmen you need to know for your C2C and devy leagues right now

1. Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan Wolverines

• Scouting Bio: The crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class, Underwood is a prototypical QB at 6’4″, 228 lbs. He entered Ann Arbor with immense pressure as the No. 1 overall recruit and immediately won the starting job.
• 2025 Stats: 733 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT, 77.3 QBR | 1 TD
• Team Context & Projection: Michigan has deployed him conservatively behind an offensive line that has allowed consistent pressure. His supporting cast hasn’t helped, with an ugly 14.8% drop rate. However, his advanced metrics are impressive: a quick 2.68-second average time to throw and a solid 13.8% pressure-to-sack rate show elite poise for a freshman. As the Wolverines open up the playbook, his dual-threat ability and undeniable arm strength will shine. He’s a long-term devy cornerstone whose value will only rise.
• Actionable Takeaway: A prime “buy-low” candidate in devy formats. The stats don’t yet reflect his talent or the difficult early-season schedule. Acquire him before his inevitable breakout.

👉 “Do you think Bryce is already a top-5 devy QB, or are you waiting for the breakout? Comment your take below!”

2. Malik Washington, QB, Maryland Terrapins

• Scouting Bio: A 6’5″, 231-pound four-star recruit and hometown savior for the Terps, Washington was handed the keys to the offense and has not looked back.
• 2025 Stats: 1,038 YDS, 8 TD, 1 INT, 53.2 QBR
• Team Context & Projection: Washington has already led Maryland to a pivotal Big Ten road win over Wisconsin. He ranks among the nation’s top 25 in passing yards and touchdowns, demonstrating efficiency and a knack for the deep ball. Most importantly, he has avoided the turnover bug that plagues most freshman QBs. He is the unequivocal starter and centerpiece of Maryland’s offense.
• Actionable Takeaway: In Superflex or 2QB C2C leagues, Washington is a weekly starter. In devy, he’s a solid QB2 with QB1 upside, proving that elite production can come from a freshman outside the traditional powerhouses.

3. Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele, QB, California Golden Bears

• Scouting Bio: A 6’3″, 225-pound lefty who flipped from Oregon to Cal, becoming their highest-rated QB recruit since Jared Goff. He possesses a strong arm and exceptional poise.
• 2025 Stats: 1,242 YDS, 8 TD, 4 INT, 48.5 QBR
• Team Context & Projection: Keawe-Sagapolutele has led Cal to a 4-1 start, flashing brilliance as a passer and creator. While he had a clunker against San Diego State (a common freshman growing pain), his command of the offense and ability to make off-platform throws are undeniable. He is the unquestioned franchise quarterback in Berkeley.
• Actionable Takeaway: A devy riser who might still be available on waivers in some leagues. His statistical ceiling is high in an offense he fully commands. Target him as a high-upside QB3 for your devy squad.

4. Nate Sheppard, RB, Duke Blue Devils

• Scouting Bio: A 5’10”, 195-pound three-star recruit who was undervalued due to a broken leg that ended his senior high school season. He is a violent, powerful runner with home-run speed.
• 2025 Stats: 44 CAR, 356 YDS, 2 TD | 8.1 YPC | 4 REC, 96 YDS, 1 TD
• Team Context & Projection: Sheppard has already ascended to the top of Duke’s RB committee, earning his first start in Week 5 and exploding for 201 total yards and 2 TDs. The coaching staff praises his maturity, vision, and “explosive potential.” He is transforming Duke’s offense and is poised to be the ACC’s next bell-cow back.
• Actionable Takeaway: The top RB priority on this list for both C2C and devy. If he’s on waivers in your C2C league, use your #1 priority. In devy, he’s a fast-rising RB2 target whose draft stock is skyrocketing.

👉 “Would you stash Sheppard over Dierre Hill Jr. or Bo Jackson? Let’s hear your pick.”

5. Dierre Hill Jr., RB, Oregon Ducks

• Scouting Bio: A 5’11”, 205-pound four-star back known for his “superpower” track speed and elite jump-cutting ability.
• 2025 Stats: 26 CAR, 270 YDS, 2 TD | 10.4 YPC
• Team Context & Projection: In a crowded and talented Oregon backfield, Hill has carved out a significant role with his explosiveness. He was the highest-graded true freshman RB in Week 5 after a team-high 82-yard performance against Penn State. He is Oregon’s leading rusher and a home-run hitter who doesn’t need volume to return massive value.
• Actionable Takeaway: A high-value handcuff with standalone flex appeal in C2C. In devy, he’s a premium asset. His efficiency and role on a national championship contender make him a future star.

6. Dakorien Moore, WR, Oregon Ducks

• Scouting Bio: A 5’11”, 195-pound five-star recruit and the No. 1 WR in the 2025 class. He arrived with a reputation for blazing speed, savvy routes, and elite ball skills.
• 2025 Stats: 19 REC, 296 YDS, 2 TD
• Team Context & Projection: With Evan Stewart injured, Moore has emerged as QB Dante Moore’s go-to target. He leads the Ducks in receptions and receiving yards, a feat underscored by his team-high 7 catches for 89 yards in the huge road win at Penn State. He’s also a tenacious run blocker, ensuring he stays on the field.
• Actionable Takeaway: A must-roster devy asset and a WR2/3 with weekly upside in C2C. He is fulfilling his elite pedigree and is the clear top receiving option on a high-powered offense.

7. Malachi Toney, WR, Miami Hurricanes

• Scouting Bio: A 5’11”, 188-pound three-star who reclassified from the 2026 class, making him one of the youngest players in the country. He was drastically undervalued.
• 2025 Stats: 22 REC, 268 YDS, 1 TD
• Team Context & Projection: Toney immediately became QB Carson Beck’s most reliable target, leading Miami in receptions and yards. He announced his arrival with a 6-catch, 82-yard, 1-TD performance in the season-opening win over Notre Dame. He leads all true freshmen in receptions and yards, demonstrating secure hands and fearlessness in traffic.
• Actionable Takeaway: The most productive true freshman WR in the nation. He is a weekly starter in C2C and a devy league waiver wire gem if somehow still available. His connection with a Heisman-caliber QB is invaluable.

8. Bo Jackson, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Scouting Bio: A 6’0″, 217-pound four-star back from Cleveland, possessing a rare blend of size, speed, and freaky contact balance.
• 2025 Stats: 35 CAR, 297 YDS, 1 TD | 8.5 YPC
• Team Context & Projection: In a committee with CJ Donaldson and James Peoples, Jackson is emerging as the lead back. He has been incredibly efficient, averaging over 8.5 yards per carry. His ability to break tackles and maintain balance through contact is special. As Ohio State’s schedule intensifies, expect them to rely more on their most dynamic runner.
• Actionable Takeaway: A high-upside devy stash. In C2C, he’s a flex play with RB2 upside. He is the future of the Ohio State backfield, and the future might be now. Monitor the backfield split closely.

9. Vernell Brown III, WR, Florida Gators

• Scouting Bio: A 5’11”, 178-pound five-star legacy recruit, Brown became just the third true freshman to start a season opener at WR for Florida, joining Percy Harvin and Antonio Callaway.
• 2025 Stats: 18 REC, 219 YDS | 172 Return YDS
• Team Context & Projection: On a struggling Florida offense, Brown has been the brightest spot. He leads the team in receptions and is a dynamic return threat. He is far and away QB DJ Lagway’s most dynamic weapon and has shown he can produce despite the team’s overall struggles.
• Actionable Takeaway: A strong buy-in devy leagues. His target share and talent are undeniable. In C2C, he’s a PPR asset whose value will only grow as Florida’s offense (and Lagway) develops.

10. Bear Bachmeier, QB, BYU Cougars

• Scouting Bio: A 6’2″, 220-pound true freshman who was thrust into the starting job and has shown impressive dual-threat ability and leadership.
• 2025 Stats: 697 YDS, 6 TD, 0 INT | 163 Rushing YDS, 4 TD
• Team Context & Projection: Bachmeier has led BYU to a 4-0 start, including a gutsy road win over Colorado. He has been remarkably efficient, completing nearly 68% of his passes with zero interceptions. His four rushing TDs already tie a BYU freshman record. He is a confident, composed leader and the unquestioned starter.
• Actionable Takeaway: A prime target in Superflex/2QB C2C leagues. He is a weekly starter due to his high floor and rushing upside. In devy, he’s a fantastic QB3 stash whose value is on a sharp upward trajectory.

Staying ahead of the curve wins championships. In C2C leagues, prioritize adding immediate producers like Nate Sheppard, Malachi Toney, and Bear Bachmeier. For devy dynasty portfolios, invest in the high-ceiling quarterbacks (Underwood, Keawe-Sagapolutele) and every-down running backs (Sheppard, Hill). Don’t wait for their value to become consensus, act now to secure these college football fantasy assets and build a dynasty.

FAQ

Q1: Which true freshman QB is the best devy target in 2025?
Bryce Underwood (Michigan) is the crown jewel of the 2025 class, already starting and showing elite traits. Malik Washington (Maryland) and Bear Bachmeier (BYU) are also producing immediately.

Q2: Who is the best freshman RB for C2C leagues in 2025?
Duke’s Nate Sheppard is the priority stash. He has already taken over his backfield and exploded for 200+ yards in Week 5.

Q3: Is Dakorien Moore a must-roster in devy formats?
Yes. Moore is already Oregon’s top receiver and projects as a future 1st-round NFL pick. He’s an immediate WR2/3 with elite long-term upside.

Q4: Which freshman WR is most undervalued in 2025?
Malachi Toney (Miami) leads all true freshmen in receptions and yards. He’s productive right now and has long-term devy stock rising.

Q5: Which true freshman QB has the best fantasy floor right now?
Bear Bachmeier (BYU) — his rushing ability (163 yards, 4 TDs) plus mistake-free passing makes him a weekly starter in C2C Superflex.

👉 “Which freshman on this list are YOU most excited to stash? Tell us in the comments.”