True Freshman Standouts from Week 4 of College Football

A month into the season, true freshmen are no longer just making cameos, they are shaping outcomes of games. Week 4 saw first-year players continue to shine, guiding undefeated starts and fueling upsets in hostile environments. A quarterback continued to build momentum in Big Ten play, a running back powered his team in overtime, a pair of defenders created havoc in the trenches, and a linebacker made a game-changing turnover to seal a statement road win.

With that said, let’s highlight the top true freshmen who stood out in Week 4 of college football.

True Freshman of the Week: QB Malik Washington – Maryland

While former five-stars Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Bryce Underwood have dominated the national conversation around true freshman quarterbacks to this point in the season, Malik Washington has quietly put together a strong start of his own, guiding Maryland to a 4-0 record. The homegrown signal caller notched his first Big Ten win on Sunday, completing 18 of 34 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns, while adding a rushing score in a 27-10 road victory over Wisconsin.

Washington’s tools were on full display. He flashed his big arm and ability to deliver high-difficulty throws, including a second-quarter touchdown strike on an out-breaking route into a tight window. Later in the quarter, he dropped a perfectly placed ball down the right sideline, threading it between two defensive backs where only his receiver could haul it in. Coming out of halftime, he carried that momentum with another impressive deep shot off play action, stretching the field with his arm strength for a long touchdown. The former four-star also impacted the game on the ground, opening Maryland’s scoring with a short zone-read keeper in the first quarter.

Longest pass of Malik Washington's career 🎯

The @TerpsFootball freshman QB goes deep to Shaleak Knotts for a 62-yard TD.

📺: Peacock pic.twitter.com/2RgqWBZsGC

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 20, 2025

Beyond the stat line, Washington’s confidence is clearly growing. He is playing aggressively, taking vertical shots, and elevating the Terps’ passing game. Ranked as the No. 105 overall prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking, Washington gives Mike Locksley and Maryland their most optimistic quarterback situation in years. With a bye week ahead, Washington and the Terps will enter the heart of Big Ten play carrying plenty of positive momentum.

RB Caleb Hawkins – North Texas

True freshman Caleb Hawkins played a huge role in the Mean Green’s 45-38 overtime win over Army, helping the Mean Green to its first 4-0 start in seven years. No true freshman scored more touchdowns in Week 4, as Hawkins carried 13 times for 99 yards and four scores while forcing 10 missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.

Hawkins helped North Texas capitalize on Army turnovers early, punching in two short touchdown runs in the first quarter. He continued his strong play in the second half, ripping off a 21-yard touchdown run up the middle in the fourth quarter to extend the lead. Hawkins sealed his day in dramatic fashion, scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, the former three-star from Shawnee (Okla.) North Rock Creek brings size, burst, and the power to run through arm tackles. His emergence provides the Mean Green with a difference-maker in the backfield and could prove pivotal as North Texas looks to make a run in The American.

EDGE Sidney Stewart – Maryland

Maryland’s strong freshman class continues to shine, with Sidney Stewart joining Malik Washington and Zahir Mathis as early impact players. Stewart has been one of the most active first-year edge defenders in the country and kept that momentum going in Maryland’s 27-10 win over Wisconsin.

The 6-foot-2, 255-pounder proved tough to block throughout the game, recording six pressures, four stops, and a sack in 52 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Stewart’s burst, bend, low center of gravity, and active hands consistently gave Wisconsin’s offensive tackles problems.

Through four games, Stewart is tied for seventh nationally with four sacks, an impressive mark for a true freshman. A cousin of former Maryland basketball star and current New Orleans Pelican Derik Queen, Stewart looks poised to continue building on a disruptive start to his college career.

DL Jahkeem Stewart – USC

Jahkeem Stewart has wasted little time making an impact after missing the start of the season with an injury. The highly touted true freshman made his presence felt in USC’s 45-31 win over Michigan State, delivering a disruptive performance despite being on the field for only 17 snaps.

Stewart’s first-step quickness jumped off the screen. He consistently anticipated the snap count, blowing up a run play in the backfield in the second quarter and later notching a tackle for loss on a critical second-and-goal. His ability to line up across the defensive front added versatility to USC’s scheme, and he finished with two tackles for loss and a 92.5 Pro Football Focus grade, the highest of any true freshman defender in Week 4.

Once ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2027 cycle, Stewart reclassified to the 2026 class and was ineligible to play his senior year of high school. That time away from live action has not slowed him down. Alongside fellow freshman Floyd Boucard, Stewart is giving USC immediate, difference-making depth along the defensive line.

LB Antoine Deslauriers – Syracuse

Syracuse pulled off one of the most surprising upsets of Week 4, going into Death Valley and beating Clemson 34-21, with true freshman linebacker Antoine Deslauriers playing a pivotal role. The Montreal native forced a key turnover in the third quarter, punching the ball free to create a short field. The Orange capitalized with a touchdown that stretched the lead to 20 points and effectively put the game out of reach. Deslauriers finished with six tackles on 57 snaps, once again coming through in a clutch moment.

Physically, Deslauriers is striking for a first-year player, with a muscular build that makes him look more like an upperclassman. This is the second straight week he has delivered in crunch time, following his timely plays in the Week 3 overtime win against UConn. His early emergence gives Syracuse a physical, dependable piece in the middle of its defense.