The learning curve for true freshmen in college football seems to have vanished. In 2025, we witnessed an incredible crop of first-year players who not only contributed but also carried their programs through the gauntlet of a 12-team playoff race.

UTSA 57, FIU 20: FIU ended a six-year bowl drought with the game's first 14 points before UTSA ran off 38 straight at one point, fueled by three touchdowns from Will Henderson III. It was an ugly outing for the Panthers following the early two-score lead.