As the 2025 college football season approaches, four freshman quarterbacks have already been named starters, with more likely to follow suit. These young athletes face significant pressure, particularly considering the expectations surrounding their respective teams. Here, we rank the six most pressured quarterbacks entering the season.
1. Julian Sayin – Ohio State Buckeyes
On Monday, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day announced that Julian Sayin would take over as the starting quarterback for the defending national champions. Sayin, who redshirted last season, is stepping into a role filled with expectations, especially with a supporting cast that includes Heisman candidate wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. As the third-ranked Buckeyes prepare to open their season against the top-ranked Texas Longhorns, Sayin will be tasked with maintaining the team’s momentum from last year’s success.
2. CJ Carr – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Recently named the starting quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, CJ Carr has a challenging opening ahead. The Irish are coming off a College Football Playoff national championship game appearance, and their roster shows promise for another deep run in 2025. Notre Dame, currently ranked sixth, opens the season against the tenth-ranked Miami Hurricanes and will also face ranked opponents like Texas A&M and Boise State in the first five games. A strong start is crucial for Carr; otherwise, the Irish could find themselves out of playoff contention by Halloween.
3. Bryce Underwood – Michigan Wolverines
The situation at Michigan remains uncertain as the Wolverines have not yet announced a starting quarterback for Week 1. Bryce Underwood is anticipated to secure the role against competition from graduate transfers and returning players. Despite the lack of clarity, expectations are high for Underwood, especially following a disappointing 6-5 season. Michigan’s schedule includes a challenging early-season game against the 18th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners, along with tough matchups against USC and Washington, both of which were competitive teams in the previous season.
4. Malik Washington – Maryland Terrapins
For the Maryland Terrapins, Malik Washington is positioned as the frontrunner to claim the starting quarterback spot. His performance is critical, especially considering head coach Mike Locksley faces pressure after a 4-8 campaign last season. With CBS Sports recognizing Washington as a potential impact player, he must deliver solid performances to help Maryland secure a bowl appearance and alleviate pressure on the coaching staff.
5. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele – California Golden Bears
After a tumultuous recruitment process, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has emerged as the starting quarterback for the California Golden Bears. Having initially committed to Oregon, he ultimately returned to Cal, defeating Ohio State transfer Devin Brown for the position. The Golden Bears are looking to improve from two consecutive 6-7 seasons, and Sagapolutele’s success could be pivotal. With many close losses last season, he has the potential to transform Cal into a surprising contender in the ACC.
6. Bear Bachmeier – BYU Cougars
Making history as the first freshman to start for the BYU Cougars, Bear Bachmeier replaces Jake Retzlaff, who transferred to Tulane. The late change grants Bachmeier a degree of leniency compared to his peers. Following an impressive 11-2 season under head coach Kalani Sitake, expectations are manageable for Bachmeier, especially with oddsmakers setting BYU’s win total at 6.5 for the upcoming season.
As the season unfolds, these freshman quarterbacks will face the challenge of performing under pressure, as their teams look to capitalize on their talents and secure a successful campaign in 2025.
