Freshman Class Poised to Shape 2025–26 College Golf Season
The 2025–26 men’s college golf season will feature a deep group of incoming freshmen expected to make an immediate impact. From international competition experience to professional wins, these players arrive with strong credentials and the potential to influence lineups right away.
Ten Freshmen to Watch
Kihei Akina, BYU
Akina claimed the 2024 Utah Open, becoming the youngest winner in the event’s 100-year history. He also finished runner-up at the Terra Cotta Invitational and reached the semifinals of the North & South Amateur.
Carson Bertagnole, North Carolina
Bertagnole tied for fifth at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley and advanced to the Round of 32 in the U.S. Junior Amateur.
Jackson Byrd, Clemson
The son of Clemson alumnus Jonathan Byrd, he brings extensive international experience with appearances in the Junior Ryder Cup, Junior Presidents Cup, Toyota Cup, and Wyndham Cup.
JD Culbreth, Georgia
Culbreth posted a third-place finish at the Sunnehanna Amateur and tied for 13th at the Southeastern Amateur this summer.
Henry Guan, Oklahoma State
A highly regarded recruit, Guan joins the defending national champions after reaching the Round of 32 at the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur.
Will Hartman, Vanderbilt
Hartman reached the quarterfinals of the North & South Amateur and placed 14th at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley.
Chase Kyes, Tennessee
Kyes finished runner-up at the Western Junior and placed 18th at the Boys Junior PGA. He also competed in the Sunnehanna, North & South, Southern Amateur, and Western Amateur.
Anh Minh Nguyen, Oregon State
Nguyen finished runner-up in the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur, won the Korea K-Golf Lab Invitational, and advanced to match play at the Western Amateur.
Logan Reilly, Auburn
Reilly advanced to match play at the 2025 U.S. Amateur and reached the Round of 32 at the U.S. Junior Amateur.
Michael Riebe, Vanderbilt
Riebe tied for eighth at the Junior Invitational and advanced to match play at both the U.S. Junior Amateur and North & South Amateur.
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