5 freshman standouts who impressed the most in Week 13 with insane plays ft. Dylan Raiola 

The old adage was that late in a player's freshman year, a wisened old coach might pull him aside and tell him that he wasn't a freshman anymore. Maybe that still happens or maybe it doesn't, but plenty of frosh stars were shining across college football in Week 13.

With the transitory nature of college football, even freshmen can become stars. There are a wealthy of talented newcomers across college football, but here are five particular standouts.

5 freshman standouts who impressed the most in Week 13

Florida QB DJ Lagway has rescued the Gators' season and probably coach Billy Napier's job. (Image Source: IMAGN)

#5. Cutter Boley, Kentucky QB

Kentucky benched starter Brock Vandagriff at halftime of their loss to Texas. Boley, a true freshman, played the second half. Against a strong Texas defense, Boley went 10-for-18 for 160 yards. Only twice all year had Texas allowed that many passing yards in an entire game. Boley has subsequently been announced as Kentucky's starter in its season finale against Louisville.

#4. Aaron Philo, Georgia Tech QB

As Georgia Tech is living with limited contributions from injured starter Haynes King, Philo was QB1 in a must-win game with NC State. Philo went 19-for-33 for 265 yards in leading a comeback 30-29 win. He played well beyond his age and likely has a bright future ahead with the Yellowjackets.

#3. Colin Simmons, Texas DE

Simmons is a standout pass-rusher even on a stalwart Texas defense. The 6-foot-3 and 245-pound end has 31 tackles and seven sacks, which is second most on the Longhorn's team. Against Kentucky, Simmons had a sack, two QB hurries and a forced fumble. The mind boggles at the possibilities that a veteran version of Simmons could present to the SEC in 2026.

#2. DJ Lagway, Florida QB

When Florida lost veteran starter Graham Mertz, the Gators were 3-3 and looked to be headed on a fast path to nowhere. But freshman QB DJ Lagway jump-started the offense and the team's energy. Lagway has had a few injury issues of his own, but in the last two weeks, he's been brilliant.

Lagway passed for 226 yards and a touchdown in Florida's upset over LSU. Last week, he threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns in the Gators' victory over Ole Miss. Lagway has pretty clearly established himself as the future of the Florida offense. He also probably helped keep coach Billy Napier's job.

#1. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska QB

Nebraska isn't a program that has a big tradition of handing the offense over to a true freshman QB. But coach Matt Rhule decided early that Raiola was going to be the guy for the Cornhuskers. Returns are somewhat mixed.

In Nebraska's five losses, Raiola has passed for five touchdowns and nine interceptions. In the Huskers' six wins, he's thrown seven touchdowns and just two interceptions.

But Wisconsin got a focused Raiola, as he connected on 28 of 38 pass attempts for 293 yards and a touchdown. Raiola has carried Nebraska to a bowl game with his youthful excellence. The learning curve dictates that he's only going to get better.

What do you think of these five freshman phenoms? Share your thoughts and tell us who else should have made the list in the comments section below.