True Freshman Standouts from Week 8 of College Football

Week 8 featured another strong slate of performances from true freshmen across the country, with several first-year players stepping into major roles and delivering in key moments. From two former Five-Star Plus+ prospects having breakout showings to skill players emerging as reliable playmakers, the impact of the 2025 class continues to grow each week.

With that said, let’s highlight the true freshmen who stood out most during Week 8 of the college football season.

QB Bryce Underwood – Michigan

Bryce Underwood, the former No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 cycle, continues to look every bit the part for Michigan. The true freshman turned in his best performance of the season in the Wolverines’ 24-7 win over Washington, completing 21 of 27 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns while adding 25 rushing yards.

Underwood showcased his elite arm talent throughout the game, delivering several high-level throws over the middle of the field and consistently fitting the ball into tight windows. He continues to grow more comfortable each week, showing clear gains in accuracy, timing, and decision-making.

Fellow true freshman Andrew Marsh has emerged as a reliable target in recent weeks, but Michigan must upgrade its pass-catching depth in the offseason to keep elevating the offense. Even so, the Wolverines have a budding star in Bryce Underwood, who was On3’s first wire-to-wire No. 1 overall prospect.

Bryce Underwood with a DIME 🪙

What a throw for the @UMichFootball first down pic.twitter.com/MeVrEw05dk

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 18, 2025

RB Tory Blaylock – Oklahoma

Oklahoma delivered its best rushing output against a Power Four opponent so far this season in a 26-7 win over South Carolina, with true freshman Tory Blaylock playing a major role on the ground. The Humble (Texas) Atascocita product carried the ball 19 times for 101 yards and a touchdown.

Blaylock was pivotal on Oklahoma’s opening drive, breaking multiple tackles on a long gain on 2nd-and-20 before capping it with an 18-yard touchdown run down the sideline. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished the game with 46 yards after contact, showing off his improved lower-body strength and balance.

His emergence comes at the right time for the Sooners, who are entering the toughest stretch of their schedule. The true freshman’s burst, power, and ability to complement quarterback John Mateer’s mobility give Oklahoma’s offense another dimension. Blaylock ranked as a four-star prospect per the Rivals Industry Ranking.

WR Harold Mack – Eastern Michigan

Harold Mack had a breakout performance in Eastern Michigan’s 44-30 loss to Miami (Ohio). The true freshman from Fort Wayne (Ind.) Wayne entered the game without a college reception and erupted for six catches, 179 yards, and two touchdowns.

Mack wasted no time making an impact, scoring his first career touchdown on his first career catch, a 51-yard deep ball in the second quarter. He added another score before halftime on a 12-yard strike, flashing his combination of size, athleticism, and ball-tracking ability throughout the game.

A former three-star prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking, Mack was a versatile high school athlete who lined up at wide receiver, quarterback, and defensive back. His dynamic debut suggests he could quickly become a featured weapon for the Eagles moving forward.

OT David Sanders Jr.– Tennessee

David Sanders Jr. was one of the bright spots for Tennessee’s offense in the Volunteers’ 37-20 loss at Alabama. The highly touted true freshman played his most extensive snaps of the season and delivered a great performance in pass protection, allowing zero pressures on 31 passing plays from his right tackle spot, according to Pro Football Focus.

Sanders entered the game in the second quarter as Tennessee shifted starting right tackle Jesse Perry inside to guard. He immediately showcased his elite reactive quickness and balance in pass protection, consistently giving quarterback Joey Aguilar clean pockets to operate from.

A former Five-Star Plus+ prospect and On3 Preseason True Freshman All-American, Sanders missed the start of the season with an injury but looks back to full speed. His steady play and natural talent have quickly strengthened the Volunteers’ offensive front and validated the high expectations surrounding him early in his college career.

CB J’Vari Flowers – Florida

Florida leaned heavily on several true freshmen in the secondary during its 23-21 win over Mississippi State, and J’Vari Flowers delivered one of the best performances on the Gators’ defense. Entering the game with just 18 snaps on the season, Flowers played 74 snaps in the victory and competed at a high level throughout. He finished with two pass breakups and two tackles while allowing just two catches for 55 yards, according to Pro Football Focus.

Despite being thrust into an expanded role, Flowers looked poised and confident, rarely coming off the field. His showing was a bright spot in a turbulent weekend for the Gators, who parted ways with head coach Billy Napier following the 4-3 start.

A former Miami (Fla.) Northwestern standout, Flowers ranked as the No. 83 overall prospect in the 2025 On300. Initially part of the 2026 cycle, he reclassified and enrolled at Florida over the summer, giving the Gators another young building block in their secondary.