Freshman quarterbacks are rarely handed the keys to powerhouse programs and when they are, growing pains are expected. But in the 2025 college football season, a handful of young signal-callers are not just surviving; they’re thriving.
From household programs like Notre Dame and Ohio State to surprise stories at Michigan and North Texas, these freshmen are flipping expectations and fast-tracking their rise. Here’s a closer look at four young quarterbacks making major noise this season — and why they might be the future of the sport.
Notable Freshman QBs Thriving In 2025
CJ Carr: From Overlooked to Unshakable at Notre Dame
Entering the year, CJ Carr wasn’t even a lock to start for Notre Dame. Days before the opener, there were still debates about who should lead the Irish under center — and after a close loss to Miami in Week 1, some even questioned if Carr should be benched.
Fast forward to midseason, and Carr has quickly silenced every doubt.
The redshirt freshman has shown elite poise and maturity beyond his years, guiding Notre Dame through a tough early schedule and keeping them competitive in matchups against national title contenders like Miami and Texas A&M. Far from being the problem, Carr has been the reason the Irish have had a fighting chance.
He currently ranks seventh nationally in QBR (86.3) — a testament to his sharp decision-making, pinpoint accuracy, and composure under pressure. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Carr has the size and the arm to make all the throws, and he’s earning praise from NFL scouts already. He was billed as a future star and now, he’s becoming one right before our eyes.
If he continues at this pace, don’t be surprised if Carr is being discussed as a legitimate NFL Draft prospect as early as 2026.
Julian Sayin: The Silent Assassin at Ohio State
It’s not easy being the quarterback at Ohio State. The expectations are enormous, and the talent surrounding you is elite. For many, Julian Sayin was just the next name in a long line of Buckeye passers, hidden behind five-star weapons like Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Max Klare.
But this season, Sayin has made it clear: he’s not just a product of his surroundings, he’s the real deal.
Through six games, Sayin leads the entire country in completion percentage at 80.2%. He’s delivered 13 touchdowns to just three interceptions, and perhaps most impressively, he’s doing it with control and confidence that’s rare for a first-year starter. In a dominant win over Minnesota, Sayin completed 85% of his passes, a surgical performance that showcased his decision-making and rhythm.
As he continues to grow into the role, Sayin could be the difference between Ohio State merely defending their title and repeating as national champions. He’s got the arm, the system, and now, the confidence — a dangerous combination.
Bryce Underwood: The Raw Star Already Shining at Michigan
Not many true freshmen can walk into The Big House and carry the weight of Michigan football on their shoulders. But Bryce Underwood isn’t your average 18-year-old.
Highly touted for his elite physical tools, Underwood was one of the most hyped quarterback recruits in recent years — and so far, he’s giving Wolverines fans plenty of reasons to believe. His numbers haven’t popped just yet — three touchdowns, a 59% completion rate, and some inconsistencies as a passer, but the upside is obvious.
At 6-foot-3 with a cannon arm and high-end athleticism, Underwood already looks the part. His mobility makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators, and as he gains more experience, the efficiency is bound to improve. For now, Michigan will gladly take the raw brilliance as he continues developing into what many believe could be a future No. 1 overall draft pick.
The lights are bright in Ann Arbor, but Underwood hasn’t flinched and that may be the most important sign of all.
Drew Mestemaker: The Best QB You Haven’t Heard Of
While the headlines have mostly focused on the big names at blue-blood schools, Drew Mestemaker is quietly writing one of the best freshman stories in the country at North Texas.
Under the guidance of head coach Eric Morris, Mestemaker led UNT to a 5-0 start (now 5-1), the best in program history, and has done it with startling efficiency. He’s thrown for 13 touchdowns, three interceptions, and has looked unflappable while guiding an offense that’s gaining national attention.
Mestemaker has the size and production to be a future NFL name, and while North Texas may not be a traditional power, it might not be able to hold onto him much longer. In the era of the transfer portal and NIL, it’s rare to find a player this good flying under the radar and it won’t last.
As his profile continues to rise, don’t be surprised if bigger programs, and pro scouts, start circling his name.
The Future Is Now
In a sport dominated by upperclassmen and transfer veterans, these four freshman quarterbacks are breaking the mold. Whether it’s Carr’s leadership at Notre Dame, Sayin’s precision at Ohio State, Underwood’s raw star power at Michigan, or Mestemaker’s quiet brilliance at North Texas, each is proving that youth doesn’t have to mean inexperience — it can also mean potential, promise, and production.
With half the season still to go, this group could define the landscape of college football’s future — and maybe even its present.
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