By Cory Lemer
While Ohio State won the National Championship, one name stood out during their electric season. Jeremiah Smith, the outstanding Freshman exploded in Columbus during his first season in the Scarlet and Grey. The 6’3″ 215-pound Miami native accumulated 76 catches and over 1,300 yards to pair with 15 touchdowns in arguably one of the best seasons for a Freshman WR ever. Smith was not alone; other Freshmen dominated as well, such as Alabama WR Ryan Williams, Florida QB DJ Lagway, Colorado OT Jordan Seaton, and Clemson LB Sammy Brown. In this article, we will look at three 2025 QB recruits who have the potential to break out as a True Freshman.
1. Keelon Russell, QB-Alabama
Following a recent 247 Sports Reranking, Keelon is currently the highest-rated Alabama commit of all time, surpassing Bryce Young, the 5-star rank as the 2nd best player nationally and 2nd best QB in the 2025 class. The Duncanville, TX native stands at 6-3, 175 pounds and led Duncanville to a 13-1 record while accumulating 58 touchdowns and just four interceptions. With the departure of Jalen Milroe to the NFL, Keelon will enter a QB room consisting of Ty Simpson and Austin Mack, creating a QB battle in Tuscaloosa with little experience.
With Jalen Hurts being the last QB to start as a true Freshman, Russell has the potential to rejuvenate the Tide following a disappointing season in the first year of the Deboer era. While Simpson is the likely starter, Russell has stated the staff recruited him to start creating a must-watch battle come spring camp.
https://twitter.com/hunterbrantley8/status/1885466354075263312
2. Bryce Underwood, QB-Michigan
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Michigan, like the Crimson Tide, is coming off a down year following a historic 2023 season where the Wolverines won the championship—in the first season under Sherrone Moore, Michigan bolstered an 8-5 record, capping off the season with a win against Alabama in the Citrus Bowl. Heading into 2025, Michigan returns a decent number of starters, but one problem remains, who will lead the Wolverines this season? With Alex Orji, Davis Warren, and Jack Tuttle leaving Ann Arbor via the transfer portal and graduation, the Wolverines have three options. Jadyn Davis, Jayden Denegal, and Freshman Bryce Underwood will lead the offense in 2025.
Underwood is listed as the top recruit according to 247 Sports and was wanted by everybody. Many believe the race is between Underwood and Davis entering the spring, giving Underwood a massive opportunity to shine and earn the starting job this fall.
https://twitter.com/MichFootballBEL/status/1885104645212606893
3. Julian Lewis, QB-Colorado
Julian Lewis is the most intriguing recruit in the 2025 class. After reclassifying from 2026, Lewis committed to Lincoln Riley and USC, giving the Trojans their next potential Heisman-winning QB. The 4-star QB ranks 126th in the nation and tenth at the QB position. With the departure of Sheduer Sanders to the NFL, a massive hole at the QB position emerges in Boulder. Coach Prime did dip into the portal and pick up Kaidon Salter through the portal from Liberty, who looks like the only competition for Lewis. Coach Prime will have an interesting battle ahead of him as we will see a veteran battle a Freshman in Boulder.
