Re-ranking college football's top freshmen after two months of the season - ESPN

The transfer portal might capture a lot of attention, but developing freshmen into impactful players remains the foundation for many of the nation's best programs. Already this year highly touted prospects have become nationally recognized names and statistical leaders in a matter of weeks. But there are also less-heralded freshmen stepping up at key positions for top-ranked programs.

Here's a look at the top 15 midway through the season, including a new No. 1:

One of the youngest players in the country, Toney reclassified into Miami's 2025 class and wasted no time proving he was undervalued as a three-star recruit. Even in an upset loss to Louisville, he was a bright spot with nine catches for 135 yards, a 12-yard reverse for a TD and a 2-point conversion pass. Toney already has a knack for showing up against the Hurricanes' toughest opponents. He averaged 85 yards per game against Miami's three AP Top 25 opponents, and he tallied a then career-high 107 yards and two touchdowns in the Canes' 28-22 win over Florida State. At 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, he has become Carson Beck's most reliable target, leading Miami in receptions (38) and yards (510) through six games. Both of those marks rank in the top 10 in the ACC. With secure hands, quickness after the catch and fearlessness in traffic, Toney looks like Miami's next great playmaker.

Living up to expectations as a potential hometown savior is hard. But so far, the Maryland native, who ranked No. 134 in the SC Next ESPN 300 coming out of high school, has been up to the task. The 6-foot-5, 231-pounder helped deliver Maryland's first Big Ten road win since 2023 by beating Wisconsin. The Terps then dropped three consecutive close conference games by 10 combined points, but