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True Freshman Standouts from Week 14 of College Football

charles power hsby: Charles Power22 hours agoCharlesPower

Rivalry week and the final slate of the regular season delivered high-stakes matchups and standout performances across college football, with several true freshmen once again rising to the occasion. As teams battled for conference titles, playoff positioning, and bragging rights, a number of first-year players showed poise and playmaking ability well beyond their experience level.

From quarterbacks leading upsets to playmakers sparking critical wins, this week’s group of True Freshman Standouts capped the regular season with statement performances.

True Freshman of the Week: RB Bo Jackson – Ohio State

Bo Jackson delivered a breakout performance on one of college football’s biggest stages, powering Ohio State to a 27-9 win over Michigan that snapped the Wolverines’ four-game streak in The Game. The true freshman running back set the tone for a physical Buckeye ground attack that flipped the recent script of the rivalry.

Down 6-0 early, Jackson sparked the offense on Ohio State’s first scoring drive, with a dazzling run to the outside, using a stutter step to freeze a linebacker before bursting down the sideline inside the five-yard line. He consistently showed vision, burst, and contact balance between the tackles, keeping the chains moving and wearing down the Michigan defense.

Jackson finished with 22 carries for 117 yards and added 49 receiving yards, while tallying 94 yards after contact, per Pro Football Focus. His blend of power and finesse gives the Buckeyes a reliable, every-down weapon as they prepare for their biggest test yet in the Big Ten Championship against No. 2 Indiana.

QB Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele – Cal

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele delivered one of the most consequential performances of rivalry weekend, leading Cal to a 38-35 upset over SMU that knocked the Mustangs out of the ACC Championship Game and opened the door for a 7–5 Duke team to claim the conference title.

The true freshman completed 31 of 40 passes for 331 yards and four touchdowns while playing turnover-free football. Sagapolutele showcased the smooth, natural passing ability that has defined his impressive first season, standing in the pocket and ripping high-level throws downfield with accuracy and touch. His poise and decision-making helped steady a Cal program that parted ways with head coach Justin Wilcox just a week earlier.

Capping a strong true freshman campaign, Sagapolutele provided a reminder of his high-end upside and why retaining him will be a top priority for new Cal general manager Ron Rivera and the program’s next head coach.

RB Caleb Hawkins – North Texas

Caleb Hawkins continues to look like one of the most dominant running backs in college football as the regular season comes to a close. The true freshman powered North Texas to a 52-25 win over Temple, once again showing why he has been nearly unstoppable down the stretch.

Hawkins carried the ball 25 times for 186 yards and four touchdowns, adding 28 receiving yards for good measure. His size, power, and downhill explosiveness were on full display, as he routinely ran through arm tackles and finished with 106 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.

Now leading the nation in rushing touchdowns with 23, including 16 over his last four games, Hawkins has become a centerpiece of North Texas’ explosive offense. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder will look to add to his outstanding debut season by helping the Mean Green punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff in this week’s American Championship Game against Tulane.

WR Malachi Toney – Miami

Malachi Toney continued his stellar freshman season, proving once again that he’s one of the most dangerous pass-catchers in college football, regardless of class. The true freshman was the focal point of Miami’s offense in a pivotal 31-7 road win over Pittsburgh, hauling in 13 receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown while also throwing a touchdown pass.

Toney was highly effective in the short and intermediate areas of the field, using his agility and quickness to rack up yards after the catch. He opened the game with a highlight moment, making an outstanding one-handed diving grab on the Hurricanes’ first scoring drive, then capped it with a passing touchdown off a direct snap. Later, he leaked out of the backfield and got behind the defense on a wheel route for his second score of the day, extending Miami’s lead before halftime.

As Miami awaits its College Football Playoff fate, it’s clear Toney has become the centerpiece of the Hurricanes’ passing attack and a foundational offensive weapon for Mario Cristobal’s program moving forward.

LB Mason Posa – Wisconsin

True freshman linebacker Mason Posa has been a bright spot in what has otherwise been a disappointing season for Wisconsin. Over the past month, he has emerged as one of the Big Ten’s most productive young defenders and continued his strong play in the Badgers’ 17-7 loss to Minnesota.

Posa showed his versatility against the Golden Gophers, flashing the ability to diagnose and stop the run against a physical rushing attack. He finished with nine solo tackles, two assists, and nine stops, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-3, 231-pounder brings athleticism, physicality, and a relentless motor to the Wisconsin defense, giving Luke Fickell a cornerstone piece to build around heading into next season.