DALLAS (FWAA) – Each week during the 2026 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 sixth straight year, the top first-year coach in the FBS will be honored at a special reception on Monday, Feb. 22 at Spurrier's Gridiron Grille in Gainesville, Fla. The Spurrier Legends Awardee Coach and Freshman Players of the Year will also be honored.
Here are the top performances from Week 9, the weekend of Oct. 31:
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS: THE FRESH FOUR
USC TE Mark Bowman (6-5, 245, Castle Rock, Colo.): 3 receptions, 79 yards
Bowman’s statistics were impressive, but the tight end’s performance will mostly be remembered for one play. Bowman ripped off a field-flipping 70-yard reception that started with a hurdle over one Ohio State defender before he ran through three more tackle attempts. The play set up USC’s third touchdown of the game in a 30-18 upset of the then-No. 2-ranked Buckeyes. Bowman, who leads all freshman tight ends with 283 yards receiving this season, will try to shock the world again when the Trojans visit No. 6 Indiana on Nov. 14.
Pittsburgh RB Damon Ferguson Jr. (5-11, 190, Gwynn Oak, Md.): 31 rushes, 185 yards, 2 TD; 1 reception, 11 yards
Ferguson Jr. hit career highs in yards rushing and touchdowns as he led Pittsburgh past Georgia Tech 34-11. He scored his two touchdowns on short carries of one and three yards, but Ferguson broke off several explosive runs to keep the Panthers’ attack rolling. Ferguson also notched his third game with over 100 yards rushing this season, becoming Pittsburgh’s first freshman running back to do so since 2015. Ferguson and the Panthers will take the week to prepare for a Friday night matchup with Florida State on Nov. 13.
Boise State WR Rasean Jones (6-2, 215, Baker City, Ore.): 9 receptions, 117 yards, 3 TD
Jones has been a reliable target for Boise State all season, but he reached a new level in the 46-45 win over Texas State on Saturday. Jones hit career highs in yards receiving and touchdowns, including two scores in the fourth quarter to keep the Broncos in the game. Jones’ best touchdown catch was likely his first, as he used his 6-foot-2 frame to high-point a pass in the back corner of the end zone. Jones and the Broncos will continue their College Football Playoff pursuit at Colorado State on Saturday.
Iowa State WR Jamal Polite Jr. (5-11, 180, Beaufort, S.C.): 6 receptions, 171 yards, 1 TD; 1 rush, 0 yards
Polite Jr. picked a great game to break out, as his team-leading 171 yards receiving keyed Iowa State’s 51-49 upset of Oklahoma State. Polite’s most impressive play was also his most impactful one, as he made a Superman-esque touchdown catch over his back shoulder for his only touchdown of the day. Polite became the first Iowa State freshman with 100-plus yards receiving since 2008. He’ll try to keep the momentum rolling this Saturday at Baylor.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
Ryan Beard, Coastal Carolina: Beard’s Chanticleers exploded out to an early lead in a 31-20 upset at Georgia State on Saturday. Freshman quarterback Deuce Bailey tossed three touchdowns by the end of the third quarter for a 31-6 lead entering the final 15 minutes. The Chanticleers moved to 2-0 in road conference games with the win. Beard can earn his third win in the last four games on Saturday when Old Dominion comes to Conway.
Alonzo Carter, Sacramento State: Carter won his first conference game, a 31-10 upset of Kent State. The Hornets were out-gained but compensated by winning the turnover battle 5-. Freshman running back Isaiah Ene introduced himself with a 107-yard, two-touchdown breakout game. Sacramento State can spark its first winning streak under Carter with a win over Toledo on Wednesday.
Charles Kelly, Jacksonville State: Kelly’s Gamecocks imposed their will in a 24-0 win over New Mexico State on Wednesday. Jacksonville State rushed for 324 yards, 211 of which came from sophomore quarterback Caden Creel. Kelly’s defense also held the Aggies to 29 yards passing. Jacksonville State will try to stay undefeated in conference play against a struggling Sam Houston State team on Saturday.
Jimmy Rogers, Iowa State: Rogers’ Cyclones pulled off one of the top upsets of the weekend in vintage Big 12 fashion. Iowa State out-scored then-No. 24-ranked Oklahoma State 51-49 in a fireworks show that finished with a walk-off field goal. Running back Aiden Flora rushed for 221 yards and two scores while freshman receiver Jamal Polite Jr. added 171 yards receiving and a score of his own. Rogers can win his first road conference game this Saturday at Baylor.