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.
For the fifth straight year the top first-year coach in the FBS will be honored at a special reception Feb. 23, 2026 at Spurrier's Gridiron Grille in Gainesville, Fla. The Spurrier Legends Awardee Coach and Freshmen Players of the Year will also be honored.
Here are the top performances from Week 11, the weekend of Nov. 8:
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS: THE FRESH FOUR
Wisconsin LB Cooper Catalano (6-1, 230, Richfield, Wis.): 19 tackles
Catalano led Wisconsin’s defense as it stifled then-No. 23-ranked Washington’s high-powered offense in a 13-10 upset. The true freshman was the Badgers’ general in a defensive battle that gave Wisconsin its highlight of the season so far. It was a breakout game for Catalano, who nearly doubled his tackle count in one game. Catalano and the Badgers will face another daunting offense this Saturday when they visit Indiana.
California QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (6-3, 225, Ewa Beach, Hi.): 30/47, 323 yards, 2 TD
Sagapolutele had season-highs in completions, attempts and passing yards in California’s 29-26 overtime upset of then-No. 15 Louisville. The true freshman also walked the Cardinals off on the road, finding Jacob De Jesus for a game-winning three-yard touchdown pass in overtime. Sagapolutele earned his first ranked win, and California earned bowl eligibility with the upset. The Golden Bears are off this week before visiting Stanford on Nov. 22.
USC RB King Miller (6-0, 210, Calabasas, Calif.): 15 rushes, 127 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 3 yards
Miller’s third 100-yard game in his last four outings led USC past Northwestern by a 38-17 count. USC took the lead for good with his rushing touchdown just minutes before halftime. Miller has become a key part of the Trojan offense over the past four weeks, seeing at least 15 carries in every game. Miller will face arguably the toughest rushing defense he’s ever seen this Saturday when USC hosts Iowa.
Wisconsin LB Mason Posa (6-3, 231, Albuquerque, N.M.): 11 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 pass defended
In a game with very little offense, Posa made several game-changing plays that sealed a 13-10 upset of then-No. 23-ranked Washington. The true freshman’s strip sack and fumble recovery in the red zone set up Wisconsin’s only touchdown of the day. Posa also sealed the win with a shoestring sack on fourth down to end Washington’s last possession and allow the Badgers to run the clock out. Posa and Catalano can both introduce themselves to the country at Indiana on Saturday.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
Jake Dickert, Wake Forest: Dickert might have earned the “signature win” of the weekend, considering Wake Forest’s 16-9 win over then-No.14-ranked Virginia wasn’t just a massive upset. It also clinched bowl eligibility for a Demon Deacon team that finished 4-8 last season. Dickert’s Demon Deacons won the turnover battle 3-0 and became the first team to hold Virginia to less than 10 points. Wake Forest can win a fourth ACC game for the first time since 2021 against North Carolina on Saturday.
Charles Huff, Southern Miss: Huff’s Golden Eagles held off a late Arkansas State push for a 27-21 win. Huff’s defense forced six turnovers, five of which came from interceptions. Southern Miss moved to 7-2 and remained perfect in Sun Belt play with the win. The Golden Eagles can stay atop the conference standings with a win over Texas State on Saturday.
Bronco Mendenhall, Utah State: Mendenhall’s Aggies raced out to a 41-0 lead by halftime in a 51-14 domination of Nevada. Utah State outgained the Wolfpack 522-242 and won the turnover battle, 3-0. Quarterback Bryson Barnes led the way with 288 yards passing and three touchdowns, and he was also the team’s leading rusher with 40 yards on the ground. The Aggies, currently in a five-way tie for fourth place in the Mountain West standings, can make a statement at UNLV this Saturday.
Dan Mullen, UNLV: Mullen’s Rebels rebounded from a two-game skid in emphatic fashion, hammering Colorado State, 42-10. UNLV exploded for 21 points in the second quarter to take a lead it never gave back. The Rebels also outgained the Rams by a staggering total of 571-292. UNLV will host Utah State on Saturday, fighting to keep its first College Football Playoff berth hopes alive.
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.