True Freshman Standouts from Week 7 of College Football

Week seven of the 2026 college football season provided one of the crazier Saturdays in recent seasons. Several true freshmen made an impact throughout the days biggest games. A versatile defensive back made game-changing plays in a top-five matchup, a running back provided a spark in a double-overtime win, a tight end had a breakout three-touchdown game, a true freshman offensive tackle shut down his side of the line against a top defense, and a talented defensive back made one of the day’s best individual plays. That said, let’s highlight the top true freshmen who stood out in week seven of college football. True Freshman of the Week: CB Jay Timmons, Ohio State Jay Timmons had a whale of a game in No. 4 Ohio State’s 19-15 win at No. 5 Indiana. The true freshman’s elite instincts were on display throughout the game. Timmons tallied seven tackles, two consequential pass-breakups and forced a key fumble while lining up at both safety and nickel in Matt Patricia‘s defense. Timmons made at least three individual plays that directly affected the outcome of the game. In the first half, the former five-star prevented a touchdown by breaking up a pass intended for star Indiana receiver Charlie Becker in the end zone. He followed that up with a massive third quarter. Timmons created a turnover on Indiana’s first offensive drive of the second half, punching out the football following a catch from Hoosiers receiver Davion Chandler. Ohio State would take advantage of the favorable field position and cash in a field goal on the following drive. Later in the third quarter, Timmons affected another pass intended for Becker on a deep ball near the end zone. He also had a key stop behind the line of scrimmage defending the quick game and triggered quickly for a drive-ending tackle on third down. A one-time Indiana commit as a recruit, Timmons had a direct hand in ending the Hoosiers’ historic 22-game winning streak. The first-year player has emerged as one of Ohio State’s best defenders and is showing why he was ranked as Rivals’ No. 1 cornerback in the 2026 cycle. RB Javian Mallory, Miami Javian Mallory had a breakout game in Miami’s 43-35 double overtime win over rival Florida State on Saturday night. The true freshman from West Boca Raton High provided a spark for the Miami offense in the second half and overtime, picking up the majority of his 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns down the stretch. Mallory popped a handful of explosive runs flashing the burst to get to the second level and running through arm tackle attempts. He beat the defense to the edge on his first touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to tie the game at 21. Mallory struck again in the overtime, romping through the Seminole secondary for a 25-yard touchdown run to force a second overtime. The former four-star’s emergence adds another formidable runner to what is a deep running back room in Coral Gables. TE Dominick Barry, Wake Forest Dominick Berry turned in the biggest game we’ve seen from a true freshman tight end so far this season in Wake Forest’s 41-7 blowout road win over Cal. Barry gashed the Cal secondary down the seam on Wake Forest’s first drive of the game, catching two long passes, including his first career touchdown from 39 yards out. He found the end zone again right before half time, finding space in the Cal secondary on wheel route off of motion. Barry completed the hat trick in the third quarter, lining up as an H-back and leaking into the end zone off of play action for an easy touchdown. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder from Greenwood (Ind.) Center Grove provides a hot Wake Forest team with a versatile weapon in the passing game. OT Bott Mulitalo, BYU True freshmen made an impact in another one of the week’s biggest games – No. 8 BYU’s 28-24 win over No. 2 Notre Dame. Right tackle Bott Mulitalo was the Cougars’ most effective pass protector and Legend Glasker led the team in receiving. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Mulitalo surrendered zero pressures on 38 pass blocking plays, according to Pro Football Focus. The Lehi (Utah) Lone Peak product flashed quick, reactive feet while working to give quarterback Bear Bachmeier time to operate against one of the more talented defensive units in college football. A one-time USC commit as a defensive lineman, Mulitalo developed into an offensive line prospect and was a riser in the 2026 cycle after an impressive senior season at his new full-time position. CB Josiah Zayas, Penn State Josiah Zayas continued to be a bright spot for Penn State in the Nittany Lions’ 21-18 loss to Michigan. The true freshman defensive back came down with one of the most impressive interceptions of the season, extending for a one-handed pick of a Bryce Underwood pass intended for JJ Buchanan. The pick came as Michigan was driving, looking to score before half time. Zayas was good for the rest of the game, outside of the highlight interception, tallying three tackles and a pass breakup. He was strong in coverage, allowing two catches on six targets for just five yards, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder from Piscataway (N.J.) High was initially committed to Iowa State and followed Matt Campbell and staff to State College. He was a rankings riser for Rivals on the heels of a strong senior season and finished No. 246 in the final 2026 Rivals300.