10 Freshman Who Can Make An Impact This Season (Defense)

Kevin looks at ten incoming defensive freshmen who can immediately impact college campuses this football season!

Every college football season brings a new wave of true freshmen ready to disrupt offenses and make their presence felt on the other side of the ball. Even with the transfer portal shuffling depth charts across the country, elite programs (and savvy coaching staffs) still find ways to get their most talented young defenders on the field early. From future stars to situational specialists, these freshmen aren’t just filling spots, they’re competing for reps and looking to change games. In this article, we’re highlighting 12 true freshmen, on the defensive side of the ball, who have the tools, opportunity, and momentum to make an impact in Year 1.

Curious how last year’s picks turned out? Click below to check out the 2024 true freshman impact list.

10 Freshman Who Can Make An Impact This Season (Defense)

Defense

Devin Sanchez, CB, Ohio State

Ohio State has churned out elite cornerbacks for decades, and Devin Sanchez arrives in Columbus with as much hype as any defensive back the Buckeyes have signed in the modern era. At 6’2” with legitimate track speed (10.69 in the 100 meters) and advanced technique for his age, he’s drawn early comparisons to NFL standout Christian Gonzalez. That’s not just because of his length and fluidity, but also his ability to stay disciplined in coverage while closing quickly on the football.

With Denzel Burke off to the NFL, there’s an open lane for someone to seize significant snaps opposite veteran Davison Igbinosun. Sanchez may not crack the starting lineup in Week 1. Jermaine Matthews Jr. and Aaron Scott Jr. are also in the mix, but he’s already impressed in both spring and fall camp. His combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills is rare, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s on the field in meaningful moments.

Sanchez was the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 class and the highest-rated to sign with Ohio State since Ted Ginn Jr. in 2004. His junior year of high school was absurd: 57 tackles, 29 pass breakups, and nine interceptions—and that production came against top-tier competition. The Buckeyes know what they have here: a potential future first-round pick with the physical and mental tools to follow in the footsteps of Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward, and Jeff Okudah.

If the development curve matches the talent, Sanchez could be starting by season’s end and locking down one side of the field for the next three years.

DJ Pickett, CB, LSU

LSU hasn’t had a true freshman corner generate this much preseason buzz since Derek Stingley Jr., and DJ Pickett has the physical profile to back it up. At 6’4” and nearly 200 pounds, Pickett has the length of a safety with the speed of a top-tier corner; he’s clocked a 10.7-second 100-meter dash, and he moves with surprising fluidity for his size. His ball skills are proven, too, with 10 career interceptions in high school to go along with his production as a two-way star at wide receiver.

Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane locks up one starting outside corner job, but the other spot is very much open. Returning starter Ashton Stamps is in the mix, but after posting a sub-70 PFF grade last season, the position is far from settled. With LSU’s defense struggling for the past couple of years, Pickett has a golden opportunity to inject some star power into the secondary.

Pickett is the highest-rated corner LSU has signed since Stingley and enrolled early, joining practices before the team’s bowl game last winter. Teammates and coaches were immediately impressed. Given his blend of size, speed, and playmaking ability, it’s going to be tough for defensive coordinator Blake Baker to keep him off the field for long.

If he adapts quickly to SEC competition, Pickett has the talent to be LSU’s next freshman phenom at corner and another in the program’s long line of future NFL draft picks.

Jahkeem Stewart, EDGE, USC

Jahkeem Stewart shouldn’t even be on a college roster yet. He reclassified from the 2026 class to 2025, but he’s already one of the most physically imposing freshmen in the country. At 6’6” and 270 pounds, Stewart has the frame to line up on the edge or kick inside, and his technique is far more advanced than you’d expect from a player with just 12 games of varsity experience. That limited résumé didn’t stop him from dominating as a sophomore, when he racked up 20 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, and two recoveries in one season.

For USC, Stewart arrives at the perfect time. The Trojans’ pass rush was virtually nonexistent last year, tying for 92nd nationally in sacks, and they only return two of their five defensive linemen who played at least 300 snaps. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has improved the unit’s overall play, but this roster still lacks proven disruptors up front. Stewart’s size, explosiveness, and ability to collapse the pocket make him an instant candidate for rotational snaps and possibly a bigger role as the season unfolds.

Landing Stewart was also a recruiting statement for Lincoln Riley, as USC beat out LSU and Oregon for his signature. Even though he’s still developing physically and adjusting to the speed of the college game, his ceiling is enormous. If he flashes early, he could be one of the rare reclassifications who not only sees the field right away but makes a real impact in Year 1.

Bryce Davis, EDGE, Duke