Trevor Lawrence was one of the most special true freshmen during the modern era of college football.
The former Clemson Tiger and national champion took over under center during his first year on campus and had one of the most memorable seasons of any quarterback in program history. He dominated and made very few mistakes, leading the ACC in touchdown passes (30) while passing for 3,280 yards on 65 percent completions. He only threw four interceptions.
Not only did he have an All-American-caliber true freshman season, but he also led Clemson to its second national title in three years, setting up massive expectations for his sophomore year.
This special true freshman season is remembered by Clemson fans everywhere, but it's apparent that college football fans and experts, too, agree that it was an incredible year.
CBS Sports' Chris Hummer ranked the top 25 true freshmen since 2000 and Lawrence stood alone at the top, ahead of guys like Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State, 2024), Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma, 2004), Luke Keuchly (Boston College, 2019), Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU, 2019), and Brock Bowers (Georgia, 2021). This is a great list of players who have all translated to the NFL (outside of Smith obviously).
Lawrence had the best true freshman season of the century, according to Hummer.
But it wasn't just that freshman season that was special, however. He led the ACC with 3,665 yards and a 65.8% completion rate the following season while throwing 36 touchdowns to just eight picks and then he ended his college career in 2020 with a career-best 69.2% completion rate to go along with 3,153 yards and 24 touchdowns in a COVID-shortened year.
Lawrence was a special college player, and everyone seems to agree.