- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele shattered all expectations in Week 1: Cal’s new star posted an 87.8 PFF passing grade in his debut against Oregon State.
- Bryce Underwood looks the part: The No. 1 overall recruit earned a 79.9 PFF overall grade in Michigan’s win over New Mexico.
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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
It’s become more common for true freshmen to shine immediately in the college ranks. Look no further than last year, with Jeremiah Smith, Leonard Moore, Collin Simmons, Dylan Stewart and Ryan Williams, among others, all dominating immediately.
While it usually takes time for quarterbacks to get rolling, given the mental load required of the position, that didn’t stop these four Power Four programs from trotting out true freshmen as their starters in Week 1. All four earned a 70.0-plus PFF overall grade in their debuts.
Here’s a breakdown of all four true freshmen quarterbacks who started in Week 1.
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California
Sagapolutele was outstanding in his debut against Oregon State, posting an 87.8 PFF passing grade with two big-time throws and no turnover-worthy plays. The No. 6 quarterback recruit from the 2025 high school class already displays a veteran-like understanding of how to throw his receivers open, often throwing to their back shoulder to use a defensive back’s leverage against him.
Bryce Underwood, Michigan
Underwood entered Ann Arbor with the weight of the world on his shoulders as the top overall recruit from the 2025 class and one of the highest-rated quarterback recruits ever. He looked the part in Michigan’s Week 1 win over New Mexico, earning a 79.9 PFF overall grade with an 83.3% adjusted completion rate.
Underwood’s most impressive stat was his average time to throw, 2.24 seconds. He played with outstanding anticipation in the win and did a great job of playing within the rhythm of the offense. Underwood faces a major test in Week 2 on the road against No. 18 Oklahoma.
Malik Washington, Maryland
Washington was very solid in his debut against Florida Atlantic. The No. 11 quarterback recruit in the 2025 class posted a 73.6 PFF passing grade with three big-time throws and one turnover-worthy play. He showed off his arm strength in the victory, earning an 84.0 PFF passing grade on deep throws.
Washington brings impressive physical tools at 6-foot-5 and 231 pounds and is a source of optimism for Maryland’s program after the Terrapins finished 4-8 last year.
Bear Bachmeier, BYU
Bachmeier was incredibly efficient against Portland State in Week 1. He attempted only seven passes, but threw three touchdowns. The former three-star recruit also ran for two touchdowns on five carries. In all, Bachmeier posted a 73.8 PFF overall grade in the 69-0 victory. His average time to throw was also a blistering 2.36 seconds.
Bachmeier faces Stanford in Week 2, a school he originally signed with before transferring to BYU.
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