On3 Names 2026 True Freshman All-Americans, Highlighting Brandon, Hiter, and Bishop

Key points

• On3 selected 20 true freshmen for its 2026 Preseason All-America team, including QB Faizon Brandon (Tennessee), RB Savion Hiter (Michigan), and WR Jermaine Bishop Jr. (Texas).
• Faizon Brandon was named Tennessee's starting quarterback, beating out George MacIntyre, and is expected to revitalize the Vols' passing game.
• Savion Hiter, the top-ranked running back recruit, is poised for immediate impact at Michigan alongside Jordan Marshall and QB Bryce Underwood.
• Texas has two representatives on the list: WR Jermaine Bishop Jr. and LB Tyler Atkinson, both of whom have earned significant roles during fall camp.
• USC has three freshmen on the team: WR Trent Mosley, TE Mark Bowman, and EDGE Luke Wafle, with Wafle seen as a crucial pass-rusher for a defense that struggled against the run in 2025.
• Other notable selections include Ohio State WR Chris Henry Jr. and DB Jay Timmons, Washington OL Kodi Greene, and West Virginia OL Kevin Brown and DB Matt Sieg.

Background

This announcement follows the release of broader preseason All-America teams by The Athletic, Sports Illustrated, and USA TODAY, which primarily feature returning veterans. For instance, The Athletic's list included Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) and Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), while Sports Illustrated highlighted Chambliss and Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss). On3's focus on true freshmen provides a complementary view of the 2026 season's potential, emphasizing the immediate impact of new recruits. Recent archive coverage noted that Faizon Brandon was named Tennessee's starter on August 24, 2026, and that the SEC continues to dominate preseason All-America selections, with Texas and Ole Miss among the programs with the most representatives.

How outlets are covering it

On3's list emphasizes the immediate impact potential of true freshmen, highlighting players like Faizon Brandon and Savion Hiter who are expected to start or play significant roles. In contrast, The Athletic and Sports Illustrated focus on returning veterans, such as Trinidad Chambliss and Jeremiah Smith, who have already established themselves as top players. Longhorns Wire highlights the significance of Texas's two freshmen, Jermaine Bishop Jr. and Tyler Atkinson, noting their strong camp performances and the depth of the Longhorns' freshman class. While On3 and Longhorns Wire focus on the potential of new recruits, The Athletic and Sports Illustrated emphasize the proven track records of returning players, reflecting different perspectives on what constitutes a 'top' player in the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The 2026 Preseason True Freshman All-America team underscores the importance of recruiting and early development in college football. Programs like Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas are investing heavily in their freshman classes, expecting them to contribute immediately. This trend reflects a broader shift in college football, where the depth and talent of incoming recruits are crucial for a program's success. The list also highlights the competitive landscape, with multiple top programs fielding multiple freshmen, indicating a high level of talent across the board. For fans and analysts, this list provides a preview of the players who could emerge as stars in the 2026 season, potentially impacting the College Football Playoff and other major awards.

What to watch

The 2026 college football season is set to begin in September, with the first games scheduled for early September. Fans and analysts will be watching how these true freshmen perform in their debut seasons, particularly Faizon Brandon at Tennessee and Savion Hiter at Michigan. The impact of these players could influence their teams' standings and playoff prospects. Additionally, the performance of these freshmen will be closely monitored for potential Heisman Trophy and All-American selections later in the season. The next few weeks will be crucial for these players to establish themselves and prove their worth on the field.