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True Freshman Standouts from Week 13 of College Football

charles power hsby: Charles Power6 hours agoCharlesPower
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In the penultimate week of the college football regular season, several true freshmen delivered standout performances on some of the sport’s biggest stages. As postseason races tighten and pressure mounts, these first-year players continued to show poise and playmaking ability well beyond their experience level.

From explosive offensive outings to lockdown defensive efforts, this week’s list highlights true freshmen making late-season statements. Here are the top true freshman performances from Week 13.

True Freshman of the Week: QB Deuce Knight – Auburn

Deuce Knight made his long-awaited first career start and immediately showed why he was one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the 2025 cycle. The true freshman put together a sensational debut, sparking Auburn’s offense in a 62-17 win over Mercer. Knight completed 15 of 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, while adding 162 rushing yards and four scores on just nine carries.

It didn’t take long for Knight to show off his athleticism. On the first play from scrimmage, he dropped back, saw no open receivers, and sprinted untouched down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown. He struck again late in the first quarter on another long run, weaving through the defense for a 51-yard score. The left-handed passer showed his arm talent as well, hitting star wideout Cam Coleman on a well-placed back-shoulder throw in the third quarter and later launching a 91-yard touchdown pass to Malcom Simmons while rolling to his right.

The Mississippi native provided a clear glimpse of his elite physical tools and gave Auburn fans plenty of optimism moving forward, as the program’s young offensive core continues to show high-end potential.

RB Ja’Kyrian Turner – Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s true freshman backfield powered the Panthers to a 42-28 upset win over No. 15 Georgia Tech, as running back Ja’Kyrian Turner stepped in for injured starter Desmond Reid and teamed with fellow true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel to give the Yellow Jackets fits defensively.

Turner delivered the best game of his young career, rushing for 201 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. He and Heintschel helped Pittsburgh storm out to a 28-0 lead early in the second quarter and set the tone for the upset. The Florida native showed impressive burst to the edge and the speed to reach the second level with ease. Despite a lean frame, Turner ran with power and contact balance, spinning through tackle attempts and finishing runs with authority.

His biggest play came late in the fourth quarter with Georgia Tech closing the gap to a one-score game. Facing third down, Turner broke loose for a 51-yard touchdown run to put the game out of reach and seal the victory. The former three-star prospect looks like another key piece in a young, ascending Pittsburgh offense that faces another big test this week against No. 13 Miami.

WR Malachi Toney – Miami

Malachi Toney continued his standout debut season with another big performance, helping Miami to a 34-17 road win over Virginia Tech. The freshman wideout was a go-to target for quarterback Carson Beck, who turned in one of his best outings since arriving in Coral Gables.

Toney consistently found open space in the defense and picked up hard-earned yards after the catch, while also stressing the defense with jet sweeps. The South Florida native once again displayed his versatility and creativity as a playmaker, connecting on a trick-play pass for the second straight week.

He capped his afternoon with a highlight moment, sealing the win late in the fourth quarter. Facing a fourth and two, Miami took a shot into the end zone, and Toney elevated over the defender on a slot fade to haul in a spectacular touchdown grab. The true freshman sensation enters the final week of the regular season with 844 receiving yards, the most among all first-year pass catchers.

WR Tanook Hines – USC

Tanook Hines was a clear bright spot for USC in its 42-27 road loss to No. 7 Oregon. With the Ducks defense focused on limiting Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, Hines took advantage and delivered the best game of his young career, catching six passes for 141 yards and a touchdown.

The freshman wideout showed his big-play ability early, hauling in a deep ball on a vertical route late in the first quarter. His most impressive moment came in the second quarter when he elevated to snag a double-pass touchdown from Makai Lemon, showing excellent body control to secure the catch and get a foot down in bounds.

The Houston native also worked effectively over the middle of the field, making a tough grab on a back-shoulder throw later in the game. Hines flashed a complete skill set, pairing his well known speed with surprising ball skills and toughness. His emergence gives Lincoln Riley and the Trojans a dynamic receiver to build around heading into next season.

CB Kade Phillips – Texas

Kade Phillips earned the start against Arkansas and made the most of the opportunity, helping Texas to a 52-37 win over the Razorbacks. The true freshman was a standout on defense, locking down his side of the field and displaying poise and physicality in coverage.

Phillips allowed just two completions on five targets for nine yards, according to Pro Football Focus, while also breaking up two passes and making strong tackles in space. The Houston area native’s blend of size, athleticism, and confidence stood out throughout the afternoon.

The former five-star prospect is beginning to show why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school. Phillips teams with fellow true freshman Graceson Littleton to give the Longhorns a promising young tandem at cornerback, one that could emerge as one of the SEC’s best duos as soon as next season.