2025 On3 True Freshman All-American Team

With the 2025 college football regular season in the books, On3 has unveiled its True Freshman All-American Team, highlighting the nation’s top first-year standouts. While many highly touted recruits made an impact this fall, a select few separated themselves from the pack.

Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney earns Offensive True Freshman of the Year honors after emerging as one of the most productive young playmakers in the country, while LSU cornerback DJ Pickett takes home Defensive True Freshman of the Year recognition following an outstanding debut season in Baton Rouge.

Several others delivered standout seasons of their own, making for one of the deepest and most talented true freshman classes in recent years.

The On3 True Freshman All-American Team is listed below, with full commentary on each selection.

OFFENSE
WR Malachi Toney, Miami

Offensive True Freshman of the Year

Few, if any, first-year players were more consistently productive or impactful at a high level than Malachi Toney. The Miami wide receiver opened his freshman season with a statement performance in the Hurricanes’ critical win over Notre Dame and closed it as one of the most reliable and explosive weapons in college football. Toney finished the regular season with 84 receptions for 970 yards and seven touchdowns, the most receiving yards of any true freshman and tied for the most touchdown catches. His background as a high school quarterback added another dimension to Miami’s offense, as he threw two touchdown passes and rushed for one more.

Toney’s quickness and playmaking instincts make him dangerous after the catch. He accounted for 350 yards after the catch with an average depth of target of 6.6, according to Pro Football Focus. Whether working out of the slot or moving around the formation, the South Florida native has proven nearly impossible to contain. His playmaking ability was pivotal to Miami’s playoff push as he became the focal point of the Hurricanes’ passing attack. Given his play as a true freshman, it’s safe to say the Fort Lauderdale American Heritage product will enter next season as one of college football’s premier wide receivers. Toney’s performance as a true freshman is even more impressive considering that he should still be in high school, having reclassified into the 2025 cycle late in the recruiting process.

QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was one of college football’s breakout stars as a true freshman, quickly establishing himself as one of the most gifted young quarterbacks in the country. The former five-star threw for 3,117 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading all true freshmen in passing yards and tying for the most passing touchdowns while showcasing elite arm strength, accuracy, and poise well beyond his years. Sagapolutele opened the season with a dazzling debut against Oregon State and closed it by leading Cal to upset wins over Louisville and SMU, with the latter having a direct impact on the College Football Playoff field.

The Hawaii native earned On3’s True Freshman of the Week honors four times during the season, consistently displaying the advanced passing skills that made him such a highly regarded and productive high school prospect. His play as a true freshman has made him the centerpiece of Cal’s offense moving forward. Shortly after being hired, new head coach Tosh Lupoi flew to Hawaii to meet with Sagapolutele and his family, with the star quarterback reaffirming his commitment to return to Berkeley next season. In a year that featured a deep group of true freshman quarterbacks, Sagapolutele’s production and high-level individual play made him the choice for this spot.

RB Caleb Hawkins, North Texas

Caleb Hawkins was the driving force behind the nation’s highest-scoring offense, emerging as one of the best running backs in college football as a true freshman. The former Shawnee (Okla.) North Rock Creek standout led the country with 23 rushing touchdowns and paced all true freshmen with 1,233 rushing yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder was a nightmare to tackle, finishing third nationally with 907 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. Hawkins consistently punished defenders with his blend of power, contact balance, and downhill speed while showing the ability to take over games within North Texas’ high-octane attack. His dominance in the American made him one of the sport’s most productive and reliable young running backs.

RB Bo Jackson, Ohio State

With Ohio State looking to replace NFL starting running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, the defending national champions turned to true freshman Bo Jackson to carry the load. The Cleveland native earned the expanded workload with strong early-season outings before becoming Ohio State’s primary ball carrier. He finished second among all true freshmen and first among those in the Power Four with 1,030 rushing yards to go with five touchdowns. Jackson was steadily productive over the season, finishing with six 100-yard games. His physical running style and contact balance are readily evident, as he’s totaled 697 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. At 6-foot, 217 pounds, Jackson pairs the production with vision, decisiveness, and toughness between the tackles, establishing himself as the running back of both the present and future for the Buckeyes.

WR Andrew Marsh, Michigan

Andrew Marsh emerged as one of Michigan’s most dependable playmakers and a trusted target for fellow true freshman Bryce Underwood. The Houston-area native finished second nationally in receiving yards among true freshmen, catching 42 passes for 641 yards and three touchdowns, an impressive feat considering he did not see significant snaps during the first month of the season. Once in Michigan’s rotation, Marsh showcased strong hands at the catch point and the ability to find space in opposing defenses. The former four-star had a statement showing in the Wolverines’ 24-22 late-season win over Northwestern, earning True Freshman of the Week honors after hauling in 12 receptions for 189 yards and making several clutch grabs on the game-winning drive. With Michigan looking to bolster its receiving corps this offseason, the true freshman figures to play a key role in the Wolverines’ passing attack moving forward.

WR Dakorien Moore, Oregon

Dakorien Moore was one of the most explosive and dangerous true freshmen in the country on a per-game basis, showcasing the elite speed and high-end ball skills that made him a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2025 class. The Duncanville (Texas) High product gave Oregon an instant vertical threat and quickly became a focal point of the Ducks’ offense, finishing the regular season with 28 receptions for 443 yards and three touchdowns, along with 49 rushing yards and another score. Moore was Oregon’s leading receiver before sustaining a knee injury in practice that sidelined him for the final four games of the regular season. The injury was not considered season-ending, leaving open the possibility of a return for the Ducks in the College Football Playoff. The electric freshman was one of several standout newcomers on Oregon’s offense, joining running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill as impact freshmen.

TE Kaelan Chudzinski, Boston College

Tight end is typically a tough position for true freshmen to make an immediate impact, but Kaelan Chudzinski proved to be the exception. The 6-foot-3, 236-pounder led all first-year tight ends with 313 receiving yards and tied for the most touchdowns with four while recording zero drops on 40 targets, according to Pro Football Focus. The Needham (Mass.) St. Sebastian’s School product quickly became one of Boston College’s most dependable pass catchers and a steady option. The son of Eagles staffer Rob Chudzinski, he figures to be a key building block as Bill O’Brien works to improve Boston College’s offense next season.

OL Michael Carroll, Alabama

Michael Carroll was one of three former Rivals Industry five-star prospects to start at offensive tackle in the SEC as a true freshman, and his performance backed up his billing as one of the most ready-to-play linemen in the 2025 cycle. The 6-foot-6, 321-pound Pennsylvania native earned a starting role late in the year after rotating early in the season. Carroll’s breakout came in the Crimson Tide’s Week 6 win over Vanderbilt, allowing zero pressures in a victory that was pivotal for Alabama’s College Football Playoff prospects. Over 446 total snaps, he surrendered just nine pressures and two sacks on 272 passing plays, emerging as a powerful, promising young right tackle for the Crimson Tide.

OL Michael Fasusi, Oklahoma

Michael Fasusi lived up to his billing as a former Five-Star Plus+ prospect and Preseason True Freshman All-American, locking down the starting left tackle job for Oklahoma early in the season and proving he was ready to play from day one. The 6-foot-5, 309-pound Lewisville (Texas) High product brought the same heavy hands, physical edge, and athleticism that made him one of the top linemen in the 2025 cycle. In nearly 600 snaps at left tackle, he allowed just two sacks on 343 passing plays and graded among the best run-blocking true freshmen in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. Fasusi will face fellow True Freshman All-American Michael Carroll and Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

OL David Sanders Jr., Tennessee

David Sanders Jr. lived up to his billing as one of the premier offensive line prospects in the 2025 cycle. The former Five-Star Plus+ prospect missed the first four games of the season due to injury but quickly made an impact once deemed healthy. Sanders logged 425 snaps at right tackle for Tennessee, showing the elite twitch and body control that made him such a coveted recruit. The 6-foot-6, 305-pounder was particularly strong in pass protection, surrendering 11 pressures and just two sacks on 231 pass plays, according to Pro Football Focus. Sanders’ movement skills and ability to recover when off balance stood out in SEC play, especially in matchups against Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt. With high-end movement skills and overall athleticism, it’s safe to say the Charlotte native will enter next season as one of the more high upside young offensive tackles in the country.

OL John Mills, Washington

John Mills stepped into a starting role at left guard from Week 1 and delivered one of the best debut seasons of any true freshman lineman in the country. The 6-foot-6, 325-pounder provided immediate size and strength on the Huskies’ front, finishing as Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded true freshman offensive lineman. The San Francisco St. Ignatius product was particularly sharp in pass protection, allowing just eight pressures and no sacks on 298 pass plays. Late in the year, Mills shifted to right tackle for Washington’s games against Purdue and UCLA and didn’t allow a single pressure in either outing. His consistency and high level of play make him a key long-term piece for the Huskies, whether at guard or tackle.

OL Dontrell Glover, Georgia

Dontrell Glover proved to be one of the biggest surprises on Georgia’s offensive line, earning a key role as a true freshman and logging significant time at both guard spots. The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder played more snaps than any other true freshman offensive lineman in the Power Four. The Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes product excelled in pass protection, allowing just 10 pressures and no sacks on 335 pass plays, according to Pro Football Focus. He most recently turned in a strong outing against Alabama in Georgia’s SEC Championship win. Along with fellow freshman Juan Gaston, Glover gives the Bulldogs a promising young tandem to build around on the interior.

DEFENSE
CB DJ Pickett, LSU

Defensive True Freshman of the Year

DJ Pickett looks like the next star cornerback at LSU. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Florida native was one of several true freshman cornerbacks who turned in an outstanding debut season, along with Alabama’s Dijon Lee and Oregon’s Brandon Finney. While the latter two drew plenty of national attention on College Football Playoff teams, Pickett quietly put together the most complete season of the trio.

The Florida native was excellent in coverage, giving up the fewest yards among the three. He was especially strong in man coverage, not surrendering a touchdown or deep ball while playing on an island at the second-highest rate among true freshman corners, per On3’s Clark Brooks. Pickett also tied for the national lead among true freshman corners with three interceptions, including a game-sealing pick against Florida. He further distinguished himself as an outstanding run defender and blitzer with six pressures, two sacks, and 11 stops, according to Pro Football Focus.

Though LSU was not in postseason contention, the eye test and numbers speak for themselves. The former Five-Star Plus+ prospect touts rare tools at the position with immense size, length, long speed, and physicality. Pickett enters next season as one of the most talented young defensive players in college football.

EDGE Zahir Mathis, Maryland

Zahir Mathis paired with fellow true freshman Sidney Stewart to form the most productive pass-rushing duo among Power Four true freshmen. The 6-foot-6, 222-pound Philadelphia native was a steady, disruptive presence off the edge, finishing second among all Power Four true freshmen with 31 total pressures and first with five sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. Mathis was particularly hot to start the season, generating at least three pressures and a sack in each of Maryland’s first five games. The former four-star prospect’s length and athleticism consistently showed up, allowing him to impact games off the edge.

EDGE Sidney Stewart, Maryland

Sidney Stewart was the most disruptive true freshman pass rusher in college football this season, finishing with 40 total pressures and five sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. While teammate Zahir Mathis brings length and stature, Stewart offers a more compact build at 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds, using his burst, bend, low center of gravity, and active hands to win off the edge. The local product turned in standout performances in Big Ten play, including five pressures and a sack against Michigan. Stewart and Mathis give Mike Locksley a dynamic young duo to anchor Maryland’s pass rush moving forward.

DL Elijah Griffin, Georgia

Elijah Griffin made an immediate impact within Georgia’s deep defensive line rotation, flashing the high-end traits that made him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 cycle. The Savannah, Ga. native tied for second among all true freshman defensive linemen with 12 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. His headline performance came in Georgia’s Week 12 win over Texas, tallying five pressures on 35 snaps and batting down a pass at the line of scrimmage. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound former Five-Star Plus+ prospect has the potential to be the next dominant interior defender in Athens.

DL Mandrell Desir, Florida State

Mandrell Desir was the most disruptive true freshman defensive lineman in college football this fall, leading all first-year interior defenders with 24 pressures and five sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-4, 262-pound Miami Norland product showed the versatility to line up across multiple spots on the defensive front, consistently generating disruption in the backfield with his initial quickness and motor. Desir and his twin brother, Darryll Desir, were late additions to Florida State’s 2024 class after flipping from UCF, and the move looks to have been a late-cycle steal for the Seminoles.

LB Mason Posa, Wisconsin

Mason Posa was one of the best young defenders in the Big Ten during the second half of the season and the clear top true freshman linebacker in college football. The former four-star prospect totaled 61 tackles, four tackles for loss, four sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 363 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-3, 231-pounder showcased his versatility and impact in multiple games, including Wisconsin’s Week 11 upset over Washington, where he posted 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks, sealing the win with a critical fourth-down stop. He followed that up with a nine-tackle outing against Minnesota, flashing instincts, physicality, and range. A native of New Mexico, Posa projects as one of the top young linebackers in the Big Ten and nationally heading into the 2026 season.

LB Antoine Deslauriers, Syracuse

Antoine Deslauriers was a bright spot in an otherwise tough year for Syracuse, emerging as one of the most productive true freshman linebackers in the Power Four. The Montreal native logged 449 snaps for the Orange, recording 60 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker made his biggest impact in Syracuse’s 34-21 upset win at Clemson, forcing a pivotal fumble in the third quarter that led to a touchdown and effectively sealed the game. Physically advanced for a first-year player, Deslauriers hit the ground running and looks to be a key piece for Syracuse and new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres to build around.

DB Dijon Lee, Alabama

Dijon Lee looks like the next standout in Alabama’s long line of top cornerbacks. The 6-foot-4, 202-pound Mission Viejo (Calif.) High product steadily earned more snaps over the first month of the season before breaking out in a key road win over Missouri, where he picked off a pass and broke up another. From that point on, the true freshman was a mainstay in Alabama’s secondary, starting and performing at a high level against Tennessee, South Carolina, LSU, Oklahoma, and Auburn. Lee has played 518 snaps on the year, intercepting two passes and breaking up four more while allowing just 12 completions on 26 targets for 195 yards and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus. His size, instincts, and fluid footwork make him one of the top young cornerbacks in the SEC, and he’ll look to continue his strong play as the Crimson Tide prepares to face Oklahoma in the opening round of the College Football Playoff.

DB Brandon Finney, Oregon

Brandon Finney stood out as a young star in Dan Lanning’s secondary, starting every game for a top-ten Oregon team and quickly developing into one of the toughest true freshman cornerbacks in college football to throw against. The Maryland native logged 515 snaps for the Ducks, recording one interception and three pass breakups while allowing just 13 completions on 38 targets for 200 yards and no touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus. The former four-star prospect is physically advanced at 6-foot-2, 203 pounds and has twitchy athleticism that aids in coverage. Finney’s reliable, high-level play on the boundary makes him a key player for Oregon’s defense as the Ducks look to make a run in the College Football Playoff.

DB Courtland Guillory, Oklahoma

Courtland Guillory has been a steady presence on one of the stingiest defenses in college football, starting 10 games as a true freshman for Oklahoma. The 6-foot, 183-pound Texas native has played 585 snaps for Brent Venables’ defense, breaking up six passes while allowing just 21 completions on 44 targets for 206 yards and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus. Highly instinctual and fluid in coverage, Guillory continues to play with the competitiveness he showed as a high school prospect. His defining game came in Week 11 against Ole Miss, allowing only two completions for seven yards on eight targets, and breaking up two passes. Guillory’s strong play as a true freshman gives the Sooners another long-term building block in the secondary.

DB Shawn Lee Jr., Pittsburgh

Shawn Lee Jr. turned in one of the more under-the-radar seasons of any true freshman defensive back in the country. The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native played 404 snaps for the Panthers, picking off one pass and breaking up three more while allowing just 14 completions on 29 targets for 71 yards and two touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus. Among true freshmen cornerbacks who logged at least 200 snaps, he surrendered the fewest yards in coverage. A former high school quarterback, Lee has made an impressively smooth transition to corner, using his instincts and quick reaction to jump routes and limit separation. The in-state product’s play gives Pat Narduzzi a key young defender to build around.