Pittman’s Pocket HBCU True Freshman All-American Watchlist: Freshmen Making Their Mark

The 2026 HBCU football season continues to showcase an emerging class of young talent, and this week’s Pittman’s Pocket HBCU True Freshman All-American Watchlist highlights several freshmen making immediate contributions on both sides of the football.

From Norfolk State and Chicago State to North Carolina Central and Alabama State, these young players are beginning to establish themselves as important pieces of their respective programs.

DaJean Golmond — Norfolk State | Freshman QB

Norfolk State freshman quarterback DaJean Golmond turned in an impressive performance Saturday, throwing for 312 yards and two touchdowns, while also recording one interception.

Golmond’s ability to push the football downfield and generate explosive production through the passing game continues to make him a freshman quarterback worth monitoring.

His performance represents the type of early production that can put a young quarterback on the national HBCU scouting radar.

Ashton Pannell — Chicago State | Freshman QB

Another freshman quarterback making noise is Chicago State’s Ashton Pannell.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound freshman passed for 198 yards and a touchdown against Coach Vick and the 3-2 Spartans.

Pannell’s size, arm talent and willingness to operate the offense against a competitive opponent make him another intriguing young quarterback for the Pittman’s Pocket evaluation board.

Lesroy Tittle — Chicago State | Freshman LB

Chicago State freshman linebacker Lesroy Tittle was one of the defensive standouts of the week.

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound linebacker delivered a dominating performance with eight tackles, including four solo stops.

Tittle’s combination of size and physicality immediately stands out. His ability to contribute in the middle of the defense as a true freshman gives Chicago State another young defensive piece to develop.

Taeshawn Alston — North Carolina Central | Freshman Pass Rusher

North Carolina Central freshman pass rusher Taeshawn Alston made his presence felt against East Carolina University, recording one sack and one tackle.

For a young defensive lineman competing against an FBS opponent, generating pressure and getting home for a sack is an important indicator of disruptive ability.

Alston’s performance puts him on the radar as a freshman pass rusher to continue monitoring as the season progresses.

Aaron Frye — Alabama State | Freshman QB

Alabama State freshman quarterback Aaron Frye also delivered a productive performance against Mississippi Valley State.

Frye completed 10 of 21 passes for 137 yards and a passing touchdown, while adding two rushing touchdowns.

The dual-threat production is particularly noteworthy.

Frye demonstrated his ability to impact the game not only through the air but also with his legs and in the red zone.

The Freshman Class Continues to Separate Itself

What makes this year’s Pittman’s Pocket HBCU True Freshman All-American evaluation so intriguing is the variety of ways these young players are contributing.

Goldman and Pannell are showing promise at quarterback.

Tittle is making his presence felt as a physical linebacker.

Alston is creating pressure against FBS competition, while Frye is providing Alabama State with a dual-threat option.

These performances are exactly what the Pittman’s Pocket HBCU True Freshman All-American Watchlist is designed to identify: young HBCU players making an immediate impact before the national spotlight fully arrives.

As the season continues, production, competition level, consistency, physical traits and game-changing plays will remain important components of the evaluation.

Pittman’s Pocket will continue tracking this freshman class throughout the season as the race for the 2026 HBCU True Freshman All-American honors develops.