College football freshmen facing pressure in 2026 - ESPN

ESPN

by Eli Lederman

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for freshmen players, with top recruits facing immense pressure to deliver immediate results on the field—and in their bank accounts. Elite prospects like Jackson Cantwell (Miami) and Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt) are entering programs as highly paid contributors, with some earning seven-figure deals before taking a single snap. These players not only bring high expectations but also the weight of proving their worth to schools that have invested heavily in them. The pressure is particularly evident at major programs like Miami and Alabama, where Cantwell and Ezavier Crowell are expected to step into key roles from day one. At Miami, Cantwell, a five-star offensive tackle, is poised to compete for a starting job protecting quarterback Darian Mensah, following in the footsteps of predecessors like Francis Mauigoa. Similarly, at Vanderbilt, Jared Curtis, ranked as ESPN’s No. 1 pocket passer, will likely lead the team after flipping his commitment from Georgia. Both players face steep learning curves, especially in conference-heavy environments like the SEC and ACC, where success or failure could impact their program's trajectory. The financial stakes are also a significant factor. With multimillion-dollar deals becoming more common for top recruits, schools are investing heavily in these freshmen to generate returns both on and off the field. Programs like USC, Miami, and Texas Tech have embraced this new revenue-sharing era by pouring resources into recruiting, signaling a shift toward relying on young talent to drive success. This trend has elevated the importance of freshman performances, with outcomes potentially influencing coaching decisions, team rankings, and future recruiting strategies. For readers interested in sports, this story highlights the evolving dynamics of college football, where big money and high expectations collide. The pressure on freshmen to perform at a professional level from their first snap is a reflection of the sport’s growing commercialization. Whether it’s Cantwell anchoring Miami’s offensive line or Curtis leading Vanderbilt’s passing attack, these players are not just athletes—they’re investments with the potential to reshape their programs’ futures. As the season approaches, the spotlight will be on whether these young stars can meet the demands placed upon

Verticals

sports

Originally published on ESPN on 2/25/2026