College Football's Top Impact True Freshmen for 2025

College football’s 2025 National Signing Day is officially in the books. Texas claimed the No. 1 spot with a class featuring five five-star prospects and 14 four-star recruits. Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and Oregon round out the top five, followed by Michigan, Auburn, Florida, Texas A&M, and LSU. Considering the high-level talent coming to each of those (and others in the top 25 recruiting rankings), several impact freshmen are likely to emerge from these hauls next fall.

Every FBS program inked recruits to a financial aid agreement on Wednesday or in the early period in December, which means coaching staffs should have a good snapshot of how their program looks for the upcoming season. And if teams didn't fill their needs on the recruiting trail, a trip to the transfer portal in the spring could be in order. With programs filling needs from the portal, fewer freshmen may be counted upon to make an impact next fall.

With spring practice just around the corner for all 136 teams, the focus around the nation now shifts to the upcoming season and how incoming freshmen or junior college recruits fit into the depth chart.

There will be several impact performers from the 2025 class this season, and it’s impossible to narrow the names down to just a handful of players. However, now that signing day is complete, let’s take a look at 10 early names to watch in '24 and how they could impact their team in on-field action.

College Football's Top Impact True Freshmen for 2025

Michael Carroll, OL, Alabama
Alabama returns a strong foundation up front with left tackle Kadyn Proctor, center Parker Brailsford, and guard Jaeden Roberts back for '25. However, filling the void left behind by guard Tyler Booker is one of the biggest concerns for coach Kalen DeBoer this spring. Carroll - the No. 12 recruit by 247Sports - should push Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry for snaps. 

Gideon Davidson, RB, Clemson
With Phil Mafah off to the NFL, and Jay Haynes recovering from a knee injury, Davidson has a clear path to playing time in '25. The Virginia native ran for over 7,000 yards in his high school career and ranked as the No. 5 overall running back prospect by 247Sports.

Michael Fasusi, OL, Oklahoma
Starting as a true freshman on the line of scrimmage is never easy in the SEC. However, Fasusi - the No. 8 prospect by 247Sports - has the talent to step in and play major snaps right away. Also, there's a significant need for help in the trenches after Oklahoma struggled up front in '24.

Elijah Griffin, DL, Georgia
Georgia's defensive front didn't perform up to its typically stout level in '24, allowing 129.6 rushing yards a contest. Combine that production with a couple of personnel losses, and it's easy to see why Griffin should be able to see snaps right away. The Georgia native ranked as the No. 1 defensive line prospect and No. 3 overall recruit by 247Sports.

Antwann Hill, QB, Memphis
With Seth Henigan off to the NFL, Hill is set to battle Nevada transfer Brendon Lewis for the starting nod. Hill ranked as the No. 145 prospect by 247Sports after throwing for over 10,000 yards in his high school career. The Georgia native has an excellent chance to take the first snap for Memphis in '25.

Dakorien Moore, WR, Oregon
The Ducks return Evan Stewart (48 catches for 613 yards) but must replace Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden in '25. Moore ranked as the No. 1 receiver prospect by 247Sports and has the talent and opportunity to make an immediate impact for coach Dan Lanning.

DJ Pickett, CB, LSU
If LSU's defense is to take a big step forward in the second year under coordinator Blake Baker, shoring up the pass defense is a must. The Tigers ranked 11th in the SEC in pass efficiency defense and No. 81 nationally in success rate through the air. Pickett - the No. 24 ranked prospect by 247Sports - should contribute right away in the secondary.

David Sanders, OL, Tennessee
The Volunteers will break in four new starters along the line of scrimmage next season. Left tackle Lance Heard is the lone returning starter up front, while the Volunteers dipped into the portal for help on the interior. Sanders - the No. 11 prospect by 247Sports - could slide into the right tackle spot and start right away.

Justus Terry, DL, Texas
Texas needs to restock its defensive interior for '25 and help is on the way through the transfer ranks and also the incoming freshman class. Terry - the No. 13 overall recruit by 247Sports - is poised to see immediate snaps as a member of the rotation up front. 

Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan
Underwood's late flip from LSU to Michigan was a huge victory for coach Sherrone Moore. The Michigan native ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect by 247Sports and already enrolled to participate with the team in the spring. Underwood is ultra-talented and seems poised to emerge as Michigan's next star quarterback.