College football freshmen prepare for immediate roles in the 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 3:26 AM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Five true freshmen across college football programs enter the 2026 season positioned for immediate playing time. Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon secured the starting job, becoming the program's first true freshman starter since 2004. At Vanderbilt, Jared Curtis enters the year as a highly touted recruit expected to contend for the starting quarterback position. Michigan running back Savion Hiter will see meaningful carries despite being behind veteran Jordan Marshall on the depth chart. USC edge rusher Luke Wafle has already earned snaps during the season opener, while Miami offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell remains a candidate to step into a starting role on the line. These players are expected to see significant action as teams look to bolster their rosters with early-impact recruits.
- •Faizon Brandon is the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Tennessee since 2004.
- •Luke Wafle recorded two tackles and a quarterback hurry in his debut for USC.
- •Jared Curtis remains a top candidate to take over starting duties for Vanderbilt later this year.
- •Jackson Cantwell is a contender for a starting left tackle position at Miami.
- •Savion Hiter is projected to rotate into the Michigan backfield alongside Jordan Marshall.
- 3:26 AMYahoo Sports — Five breakout freshman who could make an instant impact this college football season
"In the past two years, two of the best players in college football were true freshmen, as Jeremiah Smith helped lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship during the 2024 season as a freshman, while Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney helped lead Miami to the title game as a true freshman. Increasingly,…
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