Every season, a wave of NCAAF's best moves on from their collegiate careers. But, then storms in a crop of young, eager stars.
It's difficult to make a mark as a true freshman. No rookie player has ever won the Heisman Trophy. But, that doesn't mean they don't make a proper impact.
Top 2023 NCAAF True Freshmen
Here we'll give you some names to keep an eye on and consider a top college football impact freshman for the 2023 season.
Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns (QB)
Let's get the obvious out of the way. Arch Manning hasn't even suited up for a proper college football matchup yet and he's already the talk of the nation. Signing his first NIL deal with a trading card company, his first autograph card sold for over $100,000 with all proceeds sent to a charity.
Texas QB Arch Manning autographed a one-of-one trading card, which sold for $102,500.
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 31, 2023
It is the highest-selling card through Panini's website. The money went to charity. pic.twitter.com/dfyZO7V0A8
In the 18-year-old's case, definitely helps when you're the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and football fanatics know skill runs through your blood.
As a freshman at New Orleans Isidore Newman high school, Manning led his group to a 9-2 record. He lost just four other games in his high school career. Though the 6-foot-4 signal caller will watch Texas' Quinn Ewers get most of the starts this season, watch out for Manning to capitalize on every chance he gets. An exciting quarterback tandem helps the Longhorns venture to hit their 9.5 win total.
Peter Woods, Clemson Tigers (DL)
After making the CFP for six-straight seasons, Clemson has missed the mark the last two years. Dabo Swinney's squads have slowly been getting back on track and on the horizon of that comeback is Peter Woods.
Ranked No. 8 out of all defensive lineman by 247sports, the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder turned heads in the Tigers' spring game performance. Woods pocketed six tackles and sprinkled in a single sack. On a hungry Clemson team, expect coaching to take advantage of Woods' defensive brute.
Peter Woods Highschool Film is unreal 😮💨 @35Pwoo pic.twitter.com/sAHkEQIcPC
— Clemson Highlights (@ClemsonRT) July 24, 2023
Zachariah Branch, USC Trojans (WR)
Heisman winner Caleb Williams will be in need of a new right-hand man since he won't be able to toss to Jordan Addison, drafted 23rd overall in the NFL draft, anymore at USC. So, in slides Brach, the no. 1 wide receiver in the 2023 class according to Top247 rankings.
At 5-foot-10, Branch has stature but also stays light enough on his feet to be explosive after the snap. In high school, the Nevada native stacked up over 750 yards and 11 touchdowns. I'm sure you've seen this video, right?
Zachariah Branch reportedly hit 26 MPH during training recently.
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) June 15, 2023
That is 1.33 MPH short of Usain Bolt’s record top speed of 27.33 MPH.
Branch is already on the radar of NFL teams and he’s just a FRESHMAN at USC.
One of the fastest players college football has EVER seen.
Caleb… pic.twitter.com/Wxeaadd04W
Adepoju Adebawore, Oklahoma Sooners (EDGE)
Any ranking site you visit will have Adebawore somewhere in the top 50. He's been rated a five-star prospect and top 10 edge in his recruiting class. The freshman showcased his athleticism by shooting up the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds. Standing at 6-foot-4, Adebawore should make an imprint on a Sooners roster that is desperately wanting to improve its embarrassing 6-7 record last season.
Other NCAAF Freshmen To Watch in 2023 season:
- Caleb Downs, Alabama Crimson Tide (SAFETY)
- Hykeem Williams, Florida State Seminoles (WR)
- Anthony Hill, Texas Longhorns (LB)
- Carnell Tate, Ohio State Buckeyes (WR)
- Cormani McClain, Colorado Buffaloes (CB)
- Duce Robinson, USC Trojans (TE)
- Dante Moore, UCLA Bruins (QB)
How To Bet On College Football
The best way to bet on college football this NCAAF season is at your favorite sportsbook. You can bet on any of these impact freshmen to win individual awards, futures like national championship odds, or you can bet on their teams each week using game lines.
If you’re new to the college football scene, check out our handy college football betting guide to help you get in the action. Also, keep an eye on our college football odds page for the latest up-to-date betting lines.
