By Jack Leo
DALLAS (FWAA) – Each week during the 2025 season, we will highlight the notable performances of first-year players and head coaches leading up to the selection of our annual Freshman All-America Team and the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach of the Year Award presented by Chris Doering Mortgage. Here are the top performances from Week 1, the weekend of Aug. 30:
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS: THE FRESH FOUR
MALACHI TONEY, WR, MIAMI (5-11, 188, LIBERTY CITY, FLA.): 6 RECEPTIONS, 82 YARDS, 1 TD
Toney played a key role in Miami’s 27-24 win over Notre Dame Sunday night. The true freshman had three catches in Miami’s first scoring drive, including a 28-yard touchdown snag to take a 7-0 lead. Toney appears to be an important piece of the Hurricanes’ offense, as new quarterback Carson Beck targeted him nine times in the win. Toney will try to make a few more explosive plays this Saturday when Miami hosts Bethune-Cookman.
CAMERON PETTAWAY, RB, BOWLING GREEN (5-10, 180, FARMINGTON HILLS, MICH.): 2 KR, 153 YDS, 1 TD; 8 RUSHES, 35 YDS
Pettaway literally couldn’t have made a more immediate impact for Bowling Green. The redshirt freshman returned the opening kickoff 98 yards to the house, the first of two kick return touchdowns in a 26-7 win over LaFayette. Pettaway also earned eight carries in a running back room loaded with experienced upperclassmen. He’ll look to earn a bigger workload in first-year coach Eddie George’s offense and explode on special teams again when the Falcons visit Cincinnati this weekend.
JARON- KEAWE SAGAPOLUTELE, QB, CALIFORNIA (6-3, 225, EWA BEACH, HI.): 20/30, 243 YARDS, 3 TD; 2 RUSHES, 30 YARDS
While much of the country slept after a day of watching top-10 matchups, Sagapolutele put together an impressive collegiate debut for California. The true freshman threw touchdown passes on his first two drives in a 34-15 win over Oregon State. Sagapolutele flashed dual-threat ability, too, scampering for a 25-yard run that set up a field goal right before halftime. Sagapolutele will try to impress his Golden Bears fans in his home debut against Texas Southern on Saturday.
XAVIER WILLIAMS, RB, IOWA (5-10, 225, SCHERERVILLE, IND.): 11 RUSHES, 122 YARDS, 1 TD; 1 RECEPTION, 3 YARDS
Williams’ Iowa debut wasn’t just dominant — it was historic. Williams became the first Iowa freshman to run for 100 yards in his debut since 2005 in a 34-7 win over Albany. His 122 rushing yards were also the most in an Iowa freshman debut since 1970, according to Iowa Communications on X. Williams aims to dominate again in one of the earliest rivalry games of the season at Iowa State on Saturday.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
SCOTT ABELL, RICE: The Abell era is off to an impressive start after Rice beat 10.5-point home favorite Louisiana 14-12. The Owls scored both of their touchdowns in the second quarter thanks to a strong rushing attack. But it was Abell’s defense that headlined the win, allowing just 239 total yards and forcing two turnovers. Abell will make his home debut this weekend against cross-town foe Houston.
MATT ENTZ, FRESNO STATE: Entz’s Bulldogs rebounded from an ugly Week Zero loss to dominate Georgia Southern 42-14. Fresno State entered the game as a 1.5-point underdog and outgained the Eagles 527-242. The Bulldogs hammered Georgia Southern on the ground, rushing for 351 yards and five touchdowns on 44 carries. Fresno State opened as a slight underdog again, so Entz can add another upset to his first season at Oregon State on Saturday.
DOWELL LOGGAINS, APPALACHIAN STATE: Many expected Appalachian State’s game against Charlotte — a contest between two first-year head coaches — to be fairly competitive. Loggains’ Mountaineers had other ideas, rolling over the 49ers 34-11. Appalachian State out-gained Charlotte 586-218 and only allowed four third-down conversions in Charlotte’s 14 attempts. Loggains hopes to make some tweaks against Lindenwood this Saturday before a trip to Southern Miss on Sept. 13.
BARRY ODOM, PURDUE: Purdue were expected to beat Ball State, but the degree to which they would handle business was debated. Odom’s Boilermakers left no doubt, though, steam-rolling the Cardinals 31-0. The Cardinals could only gain 203 yards of offense while Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne led the way with 311 yards passing and two touchdowns on 18 completions. Odom and the Boilermakers have one more week to tweak against Southern Illinois before USC comes to town.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.