Samuel Named to Another Preseason Watch List

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vs Duke38

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at SMU31

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at #7 Georgia Tech41

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at #18 Miami38

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at #9 Notre Dame70

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vs Boston College34

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8/26/2025 3:38:00 PM | Football

Aflac Kickoff Game Home Tickets

Defensive back and wide receiver Demetres Samuel Jr. earned another preseason accolade, before the highly-touted 17 year old has suited up in his first game.

The rookie is a member of the Shaun Alexander Award Watch List, which is an award presented annually to the nation's top freshman.

Samuel, who will be the second-youngest player in college football this season, made headlines when he not only reclassified from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025, but also enrolled early, 17 months before his originally scheduled high school graduation date.

Head Coach Fran Brown has earmarked the rookie to start at cornerback and also play wide receiver in 2025. ESPN has already tabbed the two-way standout as the nation's No. 8 impact freshman and On3 has selected him as a Preseason Freshman All-American.

Samuel and the Orange kickoff the 2025 campaign on Saturday vs. Tennessee in Atlanta for the Aflac Kickoff Game. Visit Cuse.com/AflacKickoff today to join in on the action.