These days, it’s rare to see freshmen see much of the field in college football. With teams filling holes through the transfer portal and players sticking around for NIL money, there are limited opportunities for first-year players. The 2024 recruiting class included potential generational talents, and some of them will have the chance to showcase their skills this season. I’ve identified five freshmen that I believe can have a significant impact on the success of their programs this season and make a name for themselves on the national stage.
5. Williams Nwaneri, Missouri DE
The Missouri Tigers were the Cinderella of college football last year, finishing 11-2 and among the nation’s top ten teams. Their success was due in large part to defensive stars that have since departed for the NFL. If they are to continue their success in 2024, young defenders will have to step up. One potential candidate is defensive end Williams Nwaneri. Nwaneri was the top-rated player in the state of Missouri in his class, and he decided to stay close to home and suit up for the Tigers. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 260 lbs, Nwaneri is a monster of a man. While he isn’t currently listed as a starter for Missouri, I expect him to see significant playing time as a freshman and have the opportunity to put his fingerprint on the Tigers’ season.
4. Jordan Seaton, Colorado LT
Colorado’s season crumbled after a hype-filled start, largely due to an inability to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Coach Prime and the Buffs made fixing that issue a top priority in the offseason, bringing in offensive linemen both through recruiting and the transfer portal. Perhaps the most significant addition to the Buffaloes’ front in freshman Jordan Seaton. It’s especially rare for a freshman to start at Left Tackle, but Seaton seems cut out for the role. Seaton’s quick feet and long reach should help him to protect Colorado’s star quarterback and provide a boost to this offensive unit.
3. Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia CB
The Georgia Bulldogs have had one of the top defenses in the country, and they continue to reload with top-tier defensive recruits. Ellis Robinson was ESPN’s top-rated recruit in the 2024 class. Robinson has the potential to be a true shutdown corner for Georgia, with elite man and zone coverage ability. Though he may not be in the starting lineup in week one, he will surely see plenty of playing time as a freshman. Robinson will have his work cut out for him when he is on the field, lining up against some of the nation’s best receivers in the SEC.
2. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State WR
Ohio State has produced four first-round receivers in the last three years and may have another next year in Emeka Egbuka. The Buckeyes are establishing themselves as Wide Receiver U, and Jeremiah Smith seems to be the next great pass catcher to don the scarlet and gray. Smith was the number two receiver in ESPN’s top 300 recruits of 2024. Standing at 6-foot-3, Smith has an impressive catch radius and is an effective route runner. He will provide quarterback Will Howard with another reliable target alongside Egbuka. If Ohio State’s offense is to be one of the nation’s best again, Smith will need to adjust to college football quickly.
1. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska QB
Nebraska is ushering in a new era of football, and freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola is the centerpiece. Freshmen don’t often start, especially at QB, but Raiola has already been given the reigns to the Cornhusker offense. Raiola was ESPN’s eleventh-ranked recruit in this class, third among quarterbacks. With one of the most accurate arms in recent recruiting history, he should provide a much-needed boost to a Nebraska offense that has lacked explosiveness in recent years. Raiola will face major tests early on in his collegiate career, including road matchups with Ohio State, USC, and Iowa.
