The final week of the regular season was nothing short of thrilling, showcasing the incredible talent of true freshmen across college football. As rivalry games unfolded, we witnessed standout performances that will surely be remembered. From running backs racking up over 100 yards to a quarterback throwing for an astonishing 450 yards in his first start, the excitement was palpable. Let’s dive into the highlights of these young stars who made their mark in week fourteen.
True Freshman of the Week: RB Isaac Brown – Louisville
In a standout performance, Isaac Brown and fellow true freshman Duke Watson dominated the field during Louisville’s 41-14 victory over Kentucky. Brown was a force to be reckoned with, scoring both the first and last touchdowns for the Cardinals. He finished the game with an impressive 178 yards on 26 carries, showcasing his remarkable vision and agility as he navigated through the line of scrimmage. His compact running style and ability to maintain balance after contact were evident, as he racked up 115 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.
The highlight of Brown’s game came in the fourth quarter when he broke free, outracing the Kentucky secondary for a spectacular 67-yard touchdown that sealed the win. This performance brought his season total to 1,074 rushing yards, making him the first freshman in Louisville history to surpass the 1,000-yard mark. With such a promising start, fans are eager to see what the future holds for this budding star.
2. QB Micah Alejado – Hawaii
Another true freshman making waves was Micah Alejado, who stepped up in a big way for Hawaii. With starter Brayden Schager sidelined due to injury, Alejado took the reins and delivered a jaw-dropping performance in his first collegiate start. He completed 37 of 57 passes for a staggering 468 yards and five touchdowns, all without throwing an interception, leading Hawaii to a 38-30 victory over New Mexico.
What was most impressive was how composed Alejado appeared throughout the game. He displayed excellent timing with his receivers, connecting on several deep passes, and even showcased his mobility by rushing for 54 yards. Having finished his high school career with an astounding 9,233 passing yards and 125 touchdowns against just four interceptions, Alejado’s performance was a testament to his potential as a future star in college football.
3. LB Sammy Brown – Clemson
On the defensive side, Sammy Brown made his presence felt in Clemson’s narrow 17-14 loss to South Carolina. Despite not playing as many snaps in the second half, Brown finished the game with 9 tackles, 1 sack, and 1.5 tackles for loss. His athleticism and strength shone through as he effectively contained South Carolina’s powerful rushing attack.
A former Five-Star Plus+ recruit, Brown’s ability to chase down South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers on a long run early in the game saved a potential touchdown. As the regular season wrapped up, Brown finished with the second most tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (5) on Clemson’s roster, solidifying his status as a key player for the Tigers.
4. QB CJ Bailey – NC State
In a thrilling showdown, CJ Bailey showcased his talent in NC State’s 35-30 win over North Carolina. The true freshman led a game-winning two-minute drill, highlighted by a 44-yard deep pass to Noah Rogers that set up the go-ahead touchdown. Bailey completed 14 of 20 passes for 242 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while also rushing for 54 yards.
His ability to improvise and make plays under pressure was impressive, and he finished the season leading all true freshmen with 14 passing touchdowns. Bailey’s performance not only secured the victory but also left fans excited about his future prospects.
5. WR Cam Coleman – Auburn
The Iron Bowl featured another exciting true freshman performance from Cam Coleman, who has been on a hot streak lately. Despite Auburn’s 28-14 loss to Alabama, Coleman scored the team’s only offensive touchdown. He made an incredible catch, getting behind Alabama cornerback and fellow true freshman Zabien Brown, showcasing his ability to high-point the ball.
Coleman finished the game with seven catches for 78 yards and the touchdown. Over the past three games, he has amassed 206 yards and eight touchdowns, proving himself as a reliable target. Having been named On3’s True Freshman of the Week previously, Coleman’s strong finish to the season has fans buzzing about his potential.
6. RB Duke Watson – Louisville
Alongside Brown, Duke Watson was a dynamic force in Louisville’s win over Kentucky. Watson kicked off the scoring with a sensational 58-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter, showing off his impressive speed. He added another touchdown later in the game, finishing with 104 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries.
With Louisville rushing for a remarkable 358 yards against Kentucky, the combination of Watson and Brown in the backfield has fans excited for the future. Their performances signal a bright path ahead for the Cardinals.
7. DL Dominick McKinley – LSU
In LSU’s 37-17 victory over Oklahoma, Dominick McKinley showcased the skills that earned him a Five-Star Plus+ ranking. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound defensive lineman was a disruptive force, recording two sacks and three stops in just 17 snaps. His ability to generate pressure from the interior is a promising sign for LSU as they head into the bowl season.
8. CB Leonard Moore – Notre Dame
Finally, Leonard Moore led a strong defensive showing for Notre Dame in their 49-35 win over USC. The 6-foot-2 cornerback had two pass breakups and allowed only two catches on 10 targets for a mere 27 yards. His performance, aside from a late meaningless touchdown, highlights his potential as a key player in Notre Dame’s secondary.
With several true freshmen stepping up in significant ways, the future of college football looks bright. These young athletes have not only made an impact this season but have also set the stage for exciting careers ahead. What more can we expect from these rising stars as they continue to develop? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion for college football is alive and well!
