Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) takes a snap during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Aug. 1, 2025.
The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for several freshman quarterbacks, as four new players have been named starting quarterbacks recently. With increased expectations surrounding their performances, these athletes face significant pressure to deliver strong results from the outset.
Top Contenders Under Pressure
The player under the most scrutiny is Julian Sayin, the new quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Confirmed by head coach Ryan Day, Sayin takes over the reins from the defending national champions after redshirting last season. He enters the season with high expectations, especially with a talented roster that includes Heisman candidate wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Ohio State, ranked No. 3, will kick off the season against No. 1 Texas, and Sayin’s ability to maintain the team’s success will be critical for the Buckeyes.
Following closely is CJ Carr, who was officially named the starting quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Irish are coming off a College Football Playoff national championship game appearance and possess a strong roster capable of deep playoff runs. Starting the season ranked No. 6, Notre Dame faces a tough schedule, beginning with a matchup against No. 10 Miami, followed by games against No. 19 Texas A&M and No. 25 Boise State. A strong start is essential for Carr, as a poor performance could jeopardize Notre Dame’s playoff hopes.
Emerging Stars and Challenging Situations
At No. 14, the Michigan Wolverines have yet to announce their starting quarterback, but Bryce Underwood is anticipated to claim the position. Michigan has had its share of challenges recently, and Underwood will need to perform well to prove himself. With a schedule that includes tough matchups against No. 18 Oklahoma and formidable opponents like USC and Washington, Underwood’s role will be crucial in steering the team through a demanding season.
Meanwhile, Malik Washington is in a similar position at the Maryland Terrapins. Although he has not yet been officially named the starter, he is the frontrunner according to CBS Sports. Maryland’s head coach, Mike Locksley, is under pressure to improve on last season’s 4-8 record, making Washington’s potential contributions vital for the team’s success and Locksley’s job security.
The California Golden Bears are also under scrutiny as Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has returned to the university after initially committing to Oregon. He has secured the starting position over Ohio State transfer Devin Brown. After two consecutive 6-7 seasons, Cal aims to make significant strides in the ACC, and Sagapolutele’s performance could determine whether they become dark horses in the conference.
Lastly, Bear Bachmeier has made history as the first freshman to start for the BYU Cougars in a season opener. He steps in to replace Jake Retzlaff, who transferred to Tulane. Given the late change, Bachmeier may receive more leniency than some of his counterparts. With a win total set at 6.5 by oddsmakers, expectations are low, allowing Bachmeier to focus on development without immediate pressure.
As the season unfolds, the spotlight will be intensely focused on these young quarterbacks. Each has the potential to shape their teams’ futures, with both immediate and long-term implications for their collegiate careers.
