Three diverse freshmen, each seeking identity and purpose, collide at the fictional Columbus University. Malik Williams is a talented but underconfident African-American athlete struggling with balancing his sports scholarship responsibilities and focus on academics. Kristen Connor, a sheltered white student, navigates newfound independence while grappling with her morality and personal experiences. Remy, a socially awkward and lonely student from Idaho, strains under the pressure to fit in. The campus atmosphere is rife with racial tension, ideological clashes, and social unrest, setting the stage for the convergence of these young lives. Their experiences encompass relationships, personal discovery, and confrontations that reveal the complexities of college life and growing up.

Against a backdrop of increasing tensions, the paths of Malik, Kristen, and Remy highlight issues such as racism, sexism, and the power dynamics present in collegiate environments. Each character's journey exposes the influences of peer pressure, the significance of education and self-assertion in reaching their potential. Professorial guidance and the awakening of political awareness drive these students towards a broader understanding of themselves and their impact on the world around them. The ensemble's interactions reveal fragmented but intersecting stories of identity and belonging within an emotionally charged setting that mirrors greater societal issues.