Back in the day — or five years ago — true freshmen dominated offseason conversations in college football. They were the new, potential agents of change on every roster. They represented hope.
That role now belongs to transfers. They’re the players who dominate the offseason conversations and often fill the depth chart needs that true freshmen did just half a decade ago.
But that doesn’t mean true freshmen won’t make an impact. Think about last season, whether it was the College Football Playoff or the 2023 True Freshman All-American Team: Where would Alabama have been without Caleb Downs? Does Texas win the Big 12 without Anthony Hill? In some cases, like at Georgia Tech (wideout Eric Singleton) or Purdue (safety Dillon Thieneman), a true freshman emerged as arguably the best player on the team.
Almost every roster has at least one true freshman who will make a contribution in Year 1. Many rosters will rely on multiple. The best true freshmen will always play. That’s the group 247Sports hopes to identify annually with its “100 True Freshmen to Watch” list. Consulting with sources across the country and 247Sports’ deep stable of team site experts, these are 100 true freshmen expected to have an impact on the 2024 season, sorted by school, alphabetically.
Zabien Brown, CB
Top247 Rank: No. 22 overall, No. 3 CB
Alabama lost its top two cornerbacks to the NFL Draft and returned only one player from that room last year, so there was a lot of opportunity for young players this spring to step in and compete. Brown did just that and ended up starting Alabama’s spring game opposite USC transfer Domani Jackson. Brown’s starting status isn’t assured heading into fall camp after the Tide added former Wake Forest cornerback DaShawn Jones in the portal. But Brown, a dominant player at California power Mater Dei, showed this spring he’ll play a lot in 2024.
Jaylen Mbakwe, CB
Top247 Rank: No. 12 overall, No. 2 CB
The same logic that applied with Brown applies with Mbakwe: Alabama needs its young cornerbacks to play. Mbakwe earned a lot of reps this spring, spending a fair amount of time with the 1s. He’s in position to challenge for a starting job come fall camp. Mbakwe has an insane athletic profile — he posted a 10.46-second 100 meter time as a high school junior — and couples that with a sound skillset and the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary.
Zavier Mincey, CB
Top247 Rank: No. 31 overall, No. 4 CB
Nick Saban left a gift for new head coach Kalen DeBoer in his final recruiting class: A trio of five-star cornerbacks. The last (but not least) of that group is Mincey, a long 6-foot-3, 180-pounder who has the ideal frame to play outside corner with the flexibility to line up at safety. Like Brown and Mbakwe, Mincey saw plenty of reps this spring. Like his fellow true freshman cornerbacks, Mincey will have every chance to compete for game-day snaps this fall.
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Ryan Williams, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 8 overall, No. 3 WR
It’s hard for non-early enrollees to make a list like this. They don’t usually have the time necessary to adjust to the college level before the season begins. It’s also hard for players who reclassify to make an impact. Frankly, 17-year-olds just usually aren’t ready for the next level, physically. But I’m willing to make an exception for Williams, who is talented enough to force his way into Alabama’s wide receiver rotation next year. This is a player who accounted for 4,600 all-purpose yards and 65 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Saraland (Ala.) HIgh School. He’s a playmaker.
Rodney Bimage, CB
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 56 CB
There’s a totally blank slate at cornerback for Arizona State as its trio of starters from last year have all either graduated or transferred from the program. Nobody in the room has much experience, including transfers Laterrance Welch and Javan Robinson. That created an opportunity for Bimage this spring, and he took advantage of it. Bimage spent time working with both the first and second team and seems well positioned to play a key role. Don’t be shocked to see his fellow true freshman cornerback, Chris Johnson, also factor into ASU’s cornerback depth chart.
Braylen Russell, RB
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 26 RB
Russell is a tankish 6-foot-1, 252 pounds. The college-ready size is obvious. Russell will have to continue to pick up the Razorback offense and there are some talented players in front of him, but Russell is exactly the type of player who can help early. New offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino lauded Russell’s size, physicality and pass-catching skills during spring ball.
Cam Coleman, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 5 overall, No. 2 WR
Those around Auburn have not been shy heaping praise on Coleman (pictured above). Says one contact: “He’s impressed every practice, it’s unbelievable” and head coach Hugh Freeze said Coleman “changes us” on offense following a spring game that saw him catch four passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. Auburn has not had a draftable wideout on its roster since 2020; it desperately has needed a boost at wide receiver, going on several seasons. Coleman is like a 20-volt battery for the passing game.
Amaris Williams, DL
Top247 Rank: No. 30 overall, No. 5 EDGE
Despite being just 6-foot-2, Williams is a long, twitchy edge rusher who arrived at Auburn ready to make an impression. He did just that in the spring. One person inside the program told us Williams looks incredible – “already like an NFL player.” The Tigers are in need of some young d-linemen to step up. There’s an expectation Williams will be called on early and often.
Walker White, QB
Top247 Rank: No. 41 overall, No. 5 QB
White shined at the All-American Bowl and carried that momentum over to The Plains, where he’s impressed from pretty much the moment he’s stepped on campus, so much so it feels safe to say he’s the program’s future at the position. The question is if he can, with more time in the system, push Payton Thorne as the season moves along. Freeze has been clear Thorne is his starter. But it’s not hard to envision a scenario in which White takes over at some point in 2024. At worst, Auburn fans should get a peak at him during the gimme games on the schedule.
Jadon Porter, WR
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 97 WR
Baylor’s offense should see a bit of a jolt this year with Jake Spavital’s version of the Air Raid coming to Waco. That, of course, requires a lot of quality receivers. Baylor went heavy on them in the transfer portal and returns several key pieces. But we’ve heard to watch out for Porter as a contributor.
Sire Gaines, RB
Top247 Rank: 87 rating, No. 79 ATH
Gaines’ path to the field is stunted a bit by the presence of superstar back Ashton Jeanty. This is 2024, though: Multiple running backs will play. And based on the spring Gaines produced — he finished it off with 5 carries for 47 yards in the spring game — we’d say the speedy Gaines is in position to play quite a bit this year.
Faletau Satuala, S
Top247 Rank: No. 131 overall, No. 11 LB
The Cougars’ top-ranked signee will soon join a room with little experience, which gives him a legit chance to make an immediate impact. Satuala is the type of athlete rarely found on BYU’s roster and is super versatile with a long build that allows him to play in the box while also making plays in space while in the secondary.
Joe Brown, OL
Top247 Rank: 86 rating, No. 16 IOL in 2022 class
Brown will be a true freshman next year, but he’s a bit older than everyone else on this list after serving a two-year mission. But Brown, who initially signed with Virginia before joining the BYU program, acquitted himself well this spring. O-line is a huge question mark for the Cougars and Brown is squarely in the mix to start at right guard.
Josiah Martin, WR
Top247 Rank: 87 rating, No. 122 WR
A highly productive receiver for one of the best teams in Texas (Martin was a favorite of Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold’s back in high school), Martin still flew a bit under the radar as a recruit. Don’t expect that to last long upon his arrival in the ACC. He drew a ton of buzz during his first spring with the Bears and the hype is building quickly.
Bryant Wesco, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 57 overall, No. 11 WR
The knock on Wesco upon his enrollment at Clemson was his frame. At 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, Wesco definitely still needs to add weight this summer. But the dude can play. Wesco flashed on a number of springtime occasions for the Tigers, including scoring the first touchdown of their spring game. We know Clemson desperately needs exterior playmakers and Wesco is capable of providing some of that vertical pop.
TJ Moore, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 21 overall, No. 4 WR
Wesco showed up big this spring, but it might be Moore — a summer enrollee — who ends up with the larger role. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Florida native showed ready-to-play ability in January at the All-American Bowl, and there’s a belief around the Tiger program that Moore was one of the steals of the cycle (he was a moderately late-rising recruit who finished as a five-star). At least one of Wesco or Moore will end up emerging as a difference-maker.
Sammy Brown, LB
Top247 Rank: No. 14 overall, No. 2 LB
Brown’s path to the field is a bit more congested than his two 2024 class counterparts. While the Tigers need help at receiver, they’re in good shape at linebacker with Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz in the middle of the defense. Still, Brown is as physically ready as perhaps any freshman to step in Day 1. He’s a true testing freak and had an impressive public debut in Clemson’s spring game with eight tackles and a sack. He won’t start this year. But expect him to be heavily in the rotation for the Tigers and flash on occasion, much in the way Woodaz did a year ago.
Simeon Coleman, LB
Top247 Rank: 86 rating, No. 107 LB
Coleman had a strong spring for the Bearcats. He spent a lot of time working with the 1s and 2s and impressed the staff with his consistency and nose for the football. Coleman isn’t the biggest linebacker at 6-foot, 230 pounds but he’s physical and seems to always be around the ball.
Jordan Seaton, OT
Top247 Rank: No. 13 overall, No. 1 OT
Given Colorado’s offensive line struggles a year ago and the complete reset the room has undergone since, there are plenty of opportunities for young players to emerge on the o-line. Seaton was one of 13 traditional high school or JUCO signees for the Buffs in 2024. The five-star recruit worked as Colorado’s starting left tackle during the spring game, and it’s very likely he begins the year protecting Shedeur Sanders’ blind side.
Landan Callahan, CB
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 54 ATH
Duke could use a boost at cornerback with three of its top five contributors from a year ago either declaring for the draft or entering the portal. That gives Callahan, the 2023 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas MVP, a path to the field. Callahan was on campus early and seemed to have a strong spring. He’s in position to be an immediate contributor.
Lawrence Johnson, CB
Top247 Rank: 85 rating, No. 139 CB
Johnson enrolled early and looked impressive this spring, standing out amid a relatively loaded position room. There’s a belief among Tom Herman’s second-year staff that Johnson will make an early impact and possibly push for a starting role if he continues to develop.
LJ McCray, DL
Top247 Rank: No. 4 overall, No. 1 DL
McCray is exactly what you look for in a long-term defensive tackle at 6-foot-6, 274 pounds with a massive wingspan and a frame that can easily add 20-plus pounds. An interior position might be in McCray’s future, but for now he’ll begin on the edge for the Gators. The early returns on him have been very strong both publicly and behind the scenes. McCray spent a lot of time with the first-team defense during Florida’s spring game, and he’s expected to be in the Gators’ edge rotation.
“LJ is an alpha,” Florida head coach BIlly Napier said during spring. “He’s a leader. He’s an elite competitor, and he’s done very similar things at his high school. I think he’s got that type of presence and that type of voice, and he’s an impact player.”
DJ Lagway, QB
Top247 Rank: No. 3 overall, No. 1 QB
Let’s get this out of the way first: No, there isn’t a QB controversy in Gainesville. The starting job belongs to senior Graham Mertz. But there will be times this season Lagway (pictured above) is given the runway to play. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he had a bigger role than that, especially given his dual-threat capabilities. Lagway had a strong spring and is obviously the program’s future. The Gators will find a way to get him on the field for stretches to prepare for 2025 and beyond.
Jadan Baugh, RB
Top247 Rank: 89 rating, No. 32 ATH
There’s an opening in Florida’s backfield behind Montrell Johnson and there’s a belief in Gainesville that Baugh can emerge as an immediate contributor. You saw flashes of what he can do during Florida’s spring game when Baugh led the team with 12 carries for 77 yards. Baugh is a big back at 6-foot-1, 237 pounds and was a good enough athlete in high school to play QB, WR, CB and safety.
Landen Thomas, TE
Top247 Rank: No. 196 overall, No. 11 TE
Florida State loves to use its tight ends, which gives Thomas an immediate path to the field. He had a strong spring debut, creating a lot of buzz about his ability to contribute right away. It’s just a question of where Thomas slots in the pecking order. He’ll fight with Jackson West and Brian Courtney for reps next to Kyle Morlock.
LaWayne McCoy, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 146 overall, No. 4 ATH
With both Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson off to the NFL, the Seminoles have a lot of production to replace at wide receiver. While there are several older players capable of filling that gap, there’s optimism around Tallahassee that McCoy can pick up some of that slack. He had some bright spots during spring ball and showcased an explosiveness that makes him a dynamic deep threat.
Kam Davis, RB
Top247 Rank: No. 145 overall, No. 11 RB
Is there an easy path to playing time for Davis? No. The Seminoles have excellent starting-caliber depth at running back. But talking to sources inside the program, Davis was too good this spring to keep him off this list. A converted high school quarterback, Davis has showcased obvious strength at 5-foot-10, 220 pounds along with an advanced understanding of the offense.
“Kam is not going to miss anything,” said Florida State running back coach David Johnson. “He’s going to be where he’s supposed to be. We’re really excited about Kam.”
Ellis Robinson IV, CB
Top247 Rank: No. 2 overall, No. 1 CB
It’s hard for true freshmen to break through at a place with the talent level of Georgia. But as we saw two years ago with Malaki Starks, Kirby Smart isn’t shy about playing young players in his secondary. Robinson is that type of instant impact freshman. He might not start right away — he’s in a battle with Julian Humphrey to do so — but he’ll certainly have a role in the cornerback room.
KJ Bolden, S
Top247 Rank: No. 15 overall, No. 1 safety
Speaking of true freshman defensive backs who are too good to keep off the field, let’s highlight Bolden for a moment. The top-ranked safety in the 2024 class had an excellent spring, consistently drawing praise from Smart and his older teammates. It’ll be tough for Bolden to start in Year 1 with Dan Jackson and JaCorey Thomas also battling at free safety. But Bolden will be in the rotation and also has a chance to emerge as an impact player in the return game.
Jameson Riggs, OL
Top247 Rank: 87 rating, No. 66 IOL
Riggs spent a lot of time working with the first team during spring ball with likely starter Corey Robinson out with an injury. While it’s unlikely Riggs emerges as a starter in Year 1 due to the players in front of him — Robinson at left tackle and Jordan Williams at right — he’s already shown to be a key depth piece and a contributor for the two-deep.
Luke Harpring, TE
Top247 Rank: No. 173 overall, No. 9 TE
It’s hard for summertime enrollees to earn immediate playing time, but there’s a path for Harpring to do so at tight end. The Yellow Jackets lost their two most frequent snap takers at the position from last year. While they did add a pair of transfers at the position, there’s a real chance for their top-ranked signee from the 2024 class to see the field. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Harpring will still need to add some weight. But he’s the type of playmaker in the passing game who can help right away.
Jayshon Ridgle, WR
Top247 Rank: 91 rating, No. 13 ATH
You can do a lot with 10.56-second speed in the 100-meter dash, and that’s exactly what Houston has coming to campus this summer with Ridgle. One of the top sprinters in Alabama the last few years, Ringle is a do-it-all offensive threat who’s played wide receiver, running back and even a bit of QB. With two of Houston’s three top receivers moving on from last year, there’s a path for Ridgle to be an immediate playmaker.
Rhys Dakin, P
Top247 Rank: 82 rating, No. 2 punter
Yes, I’m including a specialist on this list. After all, who’s been more impactful for Iowa in recent years than All-American punter Tory Taylor? He’s off to the NFL, and the Hawkeyes went back to Australia to find his replacement. Dakin has a huge leg and already looks primed to start. He’ll have bigger shoes to fill than perhaps any player in college football, pun intended.
Cooper Alexander, TE
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 38 TE
The Cyclones have a star at tight end in sophomore Ben Brahmer, but there’s room on the depth chart for someone like Alexander to make an impact for a team that often works out of multiple tight end sets. Alexander had a very impressive spring and drew plenty of praise from Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell.
Deshawn Warner, DE
Top247 Rank: No. 67 overall, No. 7 EDGE
Warner is the highest ranked recruit ever to sign with Kansas. For that reason alone he’s in the mix to play in 2024. He’s just a different sort of talent, at least in terms of ceiling, than what Kansas has on the roster. But Warner’s true freshman emergence could just be necessary due to how thin the Jayhawks are at weakside defensive end. Almost nobody in that room has experience.
Dakyus Brinkley, DE
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 24 EDGE
You can take what I wrote about Warner and basically copy and paste it for Brinkley. He’s a top-10 all-time high school signee for Kansas, so he enters with big expectations. Beyond that, however, Kansas needs him to help at defensive end. There’s very little proven experience in that room. Thus, the door is wide open for Warner or Brinkley to emerge as an immediate contributor.
Hardley Gilmore, WR
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 88 WR
The 17-year-old Gilmore may be the youngest player on this list after reclassifying from the 2025 class, but he consistently impressed during spring practice. The only hesitation with including Gilmore on this list is the quality at the top of Kentucky’s wide receiver room. The star of that group, Barion Brown, says Gilmore is a “freak of nature.”
“Hardley’s gonna be a good one,” Brown said. “I promise he’s gonna be a great one.”
Isaac Brown, RB
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 39 RB
Brown had a strong spring for the Cardinals, flashing a ton of potential in what is a reasonably open running back competition following the departure of star backs Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo to the NFL. Donald Chaney and Maurice Turner are expected to front the rotation. But Brown could get some work as a change-of-pace back and is also expected to be a huge help in the return game.
PJ Woodland, CB
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 46 CB
Woodland had a strong spring for the Tigers to the point he’s at least in the mix as a potential starter exiting the spring. Sources have indicated he’s very advanced for a freshman and has quickly put on weight in the strength and conditioning program after arriving at 160 pounds.
Dashawn McBryde, S
Top247 Rank: No. 54 overall, No. 2 safety
There’s a pretty crowded safety room at LSU with Jardin Gilbert, Major Burns and Sage Ryan all ensured of playing time. LSU sources expect McBryde to at least come on by the end of the year. McBryde ranked No. 3 among LSU’s 2024 signees, notched an interception in the spring game and even spent some time with the starters throughout LSU’s 15 spring practices.
Gabriel Reliford, EDGE
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 40 EDGE
Reliford drew a ton of behind-the-scenes praise this spring and showed why during the spring game when he recorded 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. No, that production did not come against LSU’s starting tackles, All-American Will Campbell and Emery Jones, but there’s a thought at LSU that Reliford can help the Tigers this season as a situational pass rusher.
Braydon Lee, CB
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 53 CB
Maryland had three cornerbacks play at least 300 snaps last year. All of them have moved on from the program. That creates an opportunity for Lee to step in and play immediately. Lee, who Maryland flipped from South Carolina, made a strong impression this spring and should end up playing a lot.
Elija Lofton, TE
Top247 Rank: No. 181, No. 10 TE
Lofton (pictured above) put on a show during spring ball. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder displayed true positional flexibility, flashing as both a pass catcher and, when asked, at running back. Miami loaded up more at running back post spring, but Lofton is still expected to have a big role in 2024. He has the Miami staff buzzing with his potential.
Cam Pruitt, LB
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 22 S
Pruitt impressed this spring with his ability to fly to the football and his aggressiveness in doing so. He flashed in a big way and pushed himself into the two-deep despite being on the lighter side for a linebacker at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. One Miami contact surveyed evoked The U of yesteryear in discussing Lofton and Pruitt:
“Those are two guys who look like 20 years ago for our football team around here.”
Marquise Lightfoot, Edge
Top247 Rank: No. 34 overall, No. 6 Edge
Speaking of true freshmen who made a strong impression this spring, few looked better than Lightfoot in Miami’s spring game as he posted a trio of sacks. Edge is a deep position for Miami, but there’s a thought around the program that Lightfoot will force himself onto the field. He’s got a special burst as an edge rusher.
Dominic Nichols, EDGE
Top247 Rank: 89 rating, No. 36 EDGE
There’s a lot of optimism in the Michigan program about Nichols following. The Maryland native, who came in with good size at 6-foot-5, 251 pounds, flashed throughout spring ball and there’s a thought he’s capable of contributing in Year 1. Head coach Sherrone Moore had big praise for Nichols after the spring game saying, ‘He’s going to be a star.”
Nick Marsh, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 107 overall, No. 22 WR
Marsh had a huge spring for Michigan State, capping things off with a 105-yard performance, which included a 75-yard touchdown catch, in the spring game. A big, physical outside receiver at 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, Marsh arrived in East Lansing with college-ready size and looks primed to contribute for a Spartan offense that lost four of its top six receivers from a year ago.
Koi Perich, S
Top247 Rank: No. 72 overall, No. 5 safety
It’s going to be tough for a true freshman to break into the lineup for what projects to be a veteran Minnesota team. But if there’s anyone capable of doing so, it’s Perich. The Gophers won a recruiting slugfest against Ohio State to hold onto the home state star, and there just aren’t many players on Minnesota’s roster with Perich’s combination of athletic profile and overall talent. Minnesota is deep at safety and Perich wasn’t in early for spring, so the odds are stacked against him. But I have a hard time seeing Perich not playing some sort of role this season.
Mario Craver, WR
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 42 overall
Craver is an ideal slot threat in a Jeff Lebby offense. He’s a true vertical weapon with 10.74-second 100-meter speed and couples that with dynamic quickness and suddenness in the open field. That skill set was on display in the spring game when Craver led all Bulldog receivers with five catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. He will be a big part of a re-worked Mississippi State wide receiving corps.
Williams Nwaneri, DL
Top247 Rank: No. 6 overall, No. 2 DL
Missouri returns just one of its four interior d-linemen from last season, and the Tigers are clearly still looking to upgrade that position after making a late run at current Miami DT Simeon Barrow. So while Nwaneri is a bit behind the 8-ball as a summer enrollee, there’s a chance the Tigers’ five-star splash signee can come in right away and make an impact. He’s the type of talent who can come along late in the season and impact Missouri’s push for a playoff spot.
Jonathan Paylor, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 117, No. 3 ATH
The Wolfpack signed one of the top wide receiver classes in the country and several members of that group have the opportunity to help this year. But Paylor, who arrives this summer, is particularly interesting because of his strength on special teams. He’s a state champion track runner in the 100 meters (10.65 seconds) and could immediately emerge as a starting returner. He is also perfectly capable of lining up in the slot and making plays for transfer QB Grayson McCall.
Dylan Raiola, QB
Top247 Rank: No. 7 overall, No. 2 QB
Raiola didn’t pick Nebraska over Georgia to sit. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has tip-toed around the Huskers’ QB battle this spring, but it’d be a shock if Raiola doesn’t play early and often for the Huskers. When a fanbase is absolutely starving for something good, you throw them the five-star quarterback.
We got our first look at Raiola during the spring game when he went 16-for-22 with 239 yards and a touchdown. Will Raiola give a woeful passing offense an instant boost? That remains to be seen. But he’s the program’s future and the expectation is he’ll get the keys.
Jacory Barney, WR
Top247 Rank: 89 rating, No. 24 ATH
Remember Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley? Perhaps Nebraska will have its own form of a quarterback/wide receiver roommate combo in Raiola and Barney, who had huge springs as true freshmen. Barney projects as an impact receiver and kick returner in Year 1. He showed that diverse skill set in the spring game, which saw him pop off for a 78-yard kickoff return and three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. A youth track star and a verified playmaker in the open field, expect to hear Barney’s name quite a bit next season.
Jordan Shipp, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 91 overall, No. 19 WR
The Tar Heels exited spring without a proven No. 1 receiver on their roster. There are options to fill that gap, but no real established pecking order with Tez Walker’s absence. That gives Shipp an opportunity to make a Day 1 impact. UNC’s highest-ranked signee in the 2024 class, Davis entered college as a sound route runner – a skill he’s so good in that it offset sub-par measurables, as far as top-100 prospects go — and showcased that ability during spring ball.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB
Top247 Rank: No. 42 overall, No. 4 LB
A do-it-all linebacker for California powerhouse St. John Bosco, Viliamu-Asa finished his senior year with 114 tackles, 13 TFLs, two sacks and an interception. He’s an inside linebacker who can explode off the edge or look smooth in coverage. He had a big spring for Notre Dame, consistently impressing as an early enrollee. The Irish are young behind Jack Kiser at linebacker, so there’s a glut of underclassmen competing for playing time. Given the lack of experience in front of him, Viliamu-Asa is positioned for a role.
Jeremiah Smith, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 1 overall, No. 1 WR
The no-doubt inclusion of this list, Smith came to Ohio State with a ton of hype and exceeded it this spring. The top-ranked wide receiver in Top247 history, Smith stood out from the jump in Columbus and already looks locked in as a starter for one of the top wide receiver rooms in the country. But don’t just let me tell you about Smith. Here are two of the QBs who could be throwing him passes:
“He’s a freak,” Devin Brown said. “He’s going to be next level. … Everytime I throw with him, it’s like, ‘Jeez, this kid is a stud.’ He’s going to be a freak.”
“He’s turned some heads this spring,” presumed QB1 Will Howard said of Smith. “He’s a special player.”
Julian Sayin, QB
Top247 Rank: No. 6 overall, No. 1 QB
Sayin has an uphill climb to see the field in Year 1. But I still want to drop Sayin’s name here, just in case. Ryan Day said Sayin was in the mix to start at points this spring, and he’s impressed greatly behind the scenes. It’s still more likely than not one of the upperclassmen, likely Howard, trot out as the starter vs. Akron. Sayin, though, is more than worth a flyer on our list.
Eugene Brooks, OL
Top247 Rank: No. 73 overall, No. 3 IOL
Oklahoma is basically replacing its entire offensive line this offseason, which creates opportunities for young players like Brooks. While it seems likely he’ll end up as a second-team option in Year 1, the returns were strong enough from this spring to include him on this list. Brooks arrived in Norman with college-ready size (6-foot-3, 334 pounds) and quickly worked his way into the two deep. Could he have a similar path to Cayden Green from a year ago and emerge as a starter midseason? It’s possible as OU mixes and matches to find its top five options up front (Green transferred to Missouri in the offseason).
Jayden Jackson, DT
Top247 Rank: No. 190 overall, No. 29 DL
This spot could easily go to Jackson’s high school teammate, five-star recruit David Stone, who’s also now at Oklahoma, but Jackson impressed to a degree this spring he’s almost guaranteed to play this season in OU’s DT rotation. Jackson actually got the start in Oklahoma’s spring game and totaled four tackles. The top of the Sooners’ tackle two-deep is almost assuredly Damonic Williams and Da’Jon Terry, but there are plenty of snaps out there for Jackson (and Stone) to grab.
Josh Ford, TE
Top247 Rank: 84 rating, No. 108 TE
Even on an experienced Oklahoma State roster, Ford can help. He arrived in Stillwater with college-ready size at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds and quickly thrived in the Cowboys’ offseason conditioning program. Mike Gundy was very complimentary of Ford earlier this spring.
William Echoles, DL
Top247 Rank: No. 77 overall, No.16 DL
Echoles, the team’s top-ranked signee in the 2024 class, is already drawing rave reviews. Echoles came to Oxford with the ability to play offensive or defensive line. Thus far, he’s settled in at DT and is making an impact: “He’s already one of our most explosive guys in that room,” said one source. That’s no small feat considering how much talent Ole Miss has along its defensive front.
Travaris Banks, CB
Top247 Rank: 89 rating, No. 47 safety
Banks arrived in Oxford with ideal size at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds and has made a rapid impression. Like at defensive end, the Rebels don’t lack talent in the secondary. But Banks still forced his way into plenty of time with the 2s this spring. He’s tracking toward being a contributor in Year 1.
Aaron Flowers, DB
Top247 Rank: No. 102 overall, No. 7 safety
There are some snaps to grab at safety behind Kobe Savage and Tysheem Johnson. That is a plus for Flowers, who greatly impressed during spring ball and had a huge spring game. Given that almost every other player in the safety mix is an unproven underclassman, Flowers definitely has a path to the field.
Jordan Anderson, WR
Top247 Rank: 89 rating, No. 60 WR
The Beavers are undergoing an almost total reset at wide receiver this offseason. The team’s top four pass catchers departed the program and expected starter Jimmy Valsin (154 yards in 2023) missed all of the spring with an injury. That provided opportunities for newcomers and younger players this spring. One freshman in the mix for playing time as a result is Anderson. Anderson could be a much-needed spark.
Cooper Cousins, OL
Top247 Rank: No. 53 overall, No. 2 IOL
Cousins showed the ability to play pretty much every position along Penn State’s interior, including center, where he worked extensively this spring. It seems unlikely he’ll start ahead of Nick Dawkins there, but there’s a chance he can push a few veterans for a starting job at guard. The 6-foot-6, 319-pound Erie native has drawn nothing but rave reviews this offseason.
Sincere Edwards, DL
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 67 DL
Plenty of Pittsburgh true freshman defensive linemen have thrived over the years and there’s a good chance Edwards is next in that lineage. Pat Narduzzi heaped praise on him in April.
“He is,” Narduzzi said on if Edwards is pushing for playing time. “He is definitely pushing for it. He’s still learning the defense, too. He still gets confused at times. But for a freshman, he is a different level guy right now. He’s got a motor, he’s physical. If you guys all stood in a line here, he’s going to run through you and not care. He’s just going after you. … I can’t wait to see him in the game.”
Koy Beasley, S
Top247 Rank: No. 147 overall, No. 8 safety
I doubt Beasley comes in and makes a Dillon Thieneman-level impact, but that’s a tough bar to clear after Thieneman earned 247Sports True Freshman of the Year. Still, it would be a surprise if Beasley didn’t manage to contribute in Year 1. He’s Purdue’s highest-ranked recruit since the 2019 class and was perhaps the fastest player in the 2024 cycle with multiple sub-10.5 times in the 100. Beasley should help in the secondary and could emerge as an explosive return threat.
Ben Black, WR
Top247 Rank: 87 rating, No. 68 ATH
The Scarlet Knights desperately need a boost in the passing game. Black looked capable of providing it this spring. The North Carolina native was an indoor track star in high school and brings a field-stretching element to Rutgers’ offense. It’d be big for the Scarlet Knights if Black and fellow true freshman WR KJ Duff could bolster an offense that returns just a single receiver (Christian Dremel) who posted more than 250 yards last season.
Dylan Stewart, EDGE
Top247 Rank: No. 19 overall, No. 2 EDGE
Stewart (pictured above) was the crown jewel of South Carolina’s class, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge rusher who could have gone pretty much anywhere in the country. He’s needed, too. South Carolina ranked 103rd nationally a season ago in sacks per game. The Gamecocks did add a few key pieces in the portal at edge, but that doesn’t erase the need for the type of pop Stewart can provide.
Mazeo Bennett, WR
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 40 WR
South Carolina needs playmakers to emerge at wide receiver after losing Juice Wells to the portal and Xavier Legette to the NFL Draft. Bennett made some noise this spring; the 5-foot-11, 188-pound slot threat is in the mix to start as summer gets underway.
Josiah Thompson, OT
Top247 Rank: No. 37 overall, No. 2 OT
One of the more physically imposing offensive linemen from the 2024 cycle, Thompson has college-ready size at 6-foot-7, 300 pounds. He makes good use of it, too. Thompson spent time this spring working with the 2s and the 1s, including multiple first-team reps in the spring game. He will challenge for a starting role this year.
Brandon Winton, WR
Top247 Rank: 86 rating, No. 152 WR
The Bulls were the only Group of Five team to post a top-50 recruiting class in 2024. And while they’re one of the most experienced teams in the country heading into next year, there’s a belief in the building Winton can help the team at receiver after a strong spring. Winton is a plus athlete who earned a basketball offer from South Carolina as a high school freshman.
Emmett Mosley, WR
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 77 WR
Mosley impressed in Palo Alto as a rare early enrollee for the program. He was one of the spring showcase stars for the Cardinal and drew consistent praise from Stanford head coach Troy Taylor, who said afterward: “Emmett Mosley continues to make plays.”
Elijah Brown, QB
Top247 Rank: No. 193 overall, No. 11 QB
The transfer portal era makes it particularly difficult for true freshman quarterbacks to emerge as Year 1 starters. Brown showed this spring he’s capable of pushing returning starter Ashton Daniels, who had a strong spring himself. Brown saw a lot of second-team reps and even some with the first team. Brown is advanced for his age. He spent the last four years as a starter for national powerhouse Mater Dei High School in California, where he replaced Bryce Young.
Marcellus Barnes, CB
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 47 CB
Syracuse lost two of its top three cornerbacks from a year ago, which gave Barnes a chance this spring to make an immediate impression. He had a buzzy spring, too, emerging as a likely immediate contributor and a potential starter. Barnes is capital-F fast with a 10.54-second time in the 100 meters. He needs to continue adding weight, but Barnes has all the makings of an early contributor.
Yasin Willis, RB
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 52 RB
Willis is almost assured of playing time in 2024 because there isn’t a lot else on the roster. Yes, 1,000-yard rusher LeQuint Allen is assured of his starting role. But there’s almost no depth behind him as the Orange lost a quartet of backs to the portal. Willis is a nice complement to Allen. He’s a bigger back at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds and should provide some juice behind Allen in the rotation.
Nate Palmer, RB
Top247 Rank: 89 rating, No 34 RB
TCU has an experienced roster with transfers plugging in all over the place, so it’ll be hard for a freshman to make a major impact. But the non-specialist with the best path to the field is Palmer, who impressed this spring. While Palmer mostly worked with the third team, he did earn some second and even a few first-team reps. It wouldn’t be a shock if TCU turned toward Palmer a few times early in the year to see if he can create some explosive runs.
Boo Carter, S
Top247 Rank: No. 149 overall, No. 5 ATH
Carter was someone the Tennessee staff thought could play early before he ever arrived on campus, and his time practicing this spring only backed up that theory. He flashed a play-making ability throughout spring as a do-it-all nickel — able to play the ball in coverage while being a willing tackler in the box. Carter is already in the two-deep at STAR and it might be hard to keep him off the field this year.
Colin Simmons, EDGE
Top247 Rank: No. 28 overall, No. 4 EDGE
Like Anthony Hill a year ago, there’s going to be a role on the defense for Simmons this fall. Simmons is the type of edge-rushing talent Texas has not had in years (Longhorn hasn’t posted more than six sacks in a season since 2018). Simmons has that type of potential and flashed it this spring. He’ll battle with UTSA transfer Trey Moore for playing time but you can bet Simmons will be springing into attack mode come third downs.
Ryan Wingo, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 32 overall, No. 7 WR
There’s a bit more of an uphill battle for Wingo to contribute in 2024 than Simmons. That’s simply because of Texas’ depth at wide receiver, a position at which it added a trio of players in the portal. Still, Wingo (pictured above) looked ready to play in Texas’ spring game when he caught four passes for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He’ll see a decent share of targets from Quinn Ewers and can position himself as a major national breakout candidate in 2025.
Terry Bussey, ATH
Top247 Rank: No. 16 overall
Bussey is a summer enrollee and his future position could still be either wide receiver or defensive back. Either way, there’s an expectation that the five-star will be on the field for a new staff this fall. Bussey pairs freakish testing numbers (he’s a state champion triple jumper who’s also popped off multiple sub-11-second 100 meter times) with dominant on-field play: He threw for 2,691 yards, ran for 1,585 yards and totaled 60 TDs as a senior. Then he added 85 tackles and seven interceptions on defense. The jump from 2A football to the SEC is extreme. Can Bussey make it look easy?
Micah Hudson, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 25 overall, No. 5 WR
Hudson is the top recruit in program history and very much looked the part this spring. The Red Raiders struggled to consistently make plays down field last season and Hudson certainly provides an ability to stretch the field vertically. “He’s an absolute freak,” said one source. I’d go ahead and pencil in Hudson as a starter.
Cameron Dickey, RB
Top247 Rank: 88 rating, No. 61 ATH
The top of Texas Tech’s running back depth chart is set with superstar Tahj Brooks returning along with backup Cam’Ron Valdez. But Dickey, a 5-foot-10, 220-pound bowling ball, showed plenty of pop this spring to the point the Red Raider staff already expects him to be a contributor. Dickey is one of the more versatile players on Texas Tech’s roster. He played quarterback and safety in high school and actually came to Lubbock with eyes on playing in the secondary, but thrived quickly when given a chance in the RB room.
Jayden Lewis, CB
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 25 CB
A one-time Auburn commit, Lewis is the first four-star recruit ever to sign with the Green Wave and he’s got rare speed with multiple sub-11-second 100-meter times in high school. Lewis enrolled early and made his fair share of plays. Tulane brought in several transfers to bolster its secondary but returns almost no experience at cornerback.
Chasen Johnson, CB
Top247 Rank: 86 rating, No. 88 CB
UCF has since bolstered the cornerbacks room in the transfer portal, but Johnson spent a ton of time working with the first team this spring.
“He’s been very impressive,” UCF head coach Gus Malzan said during spring practice. “He doesn’t seem like a true freshman. He’s a great competitor, he can run, he doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s been a very bright spot.”
Kwazi Gilmer, WR
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 56 WR
UCLA’s highest-rated recruit from the 2024 class, Gilmer was in early this spring and drew strong reviews. He is an advanced route runner for his age with excellent hands. UCLA’s wide receiver room is more talented than you think, but Gilmer will get some run.
Melvin Laster, LB
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 35 LB
The first Top247 recruit to sign with the Rebels in program history, there’s optimism in the program he can arrive this summer and make an immediate impact. The Rebels beat out several Power Four teams for Laster and will slot into a depth chart where there is some available playing time following the departure of Fred Thompkins.
Marcelles Williams, DB
Top247 Rank: No. 206 overall, No. 19 CB
Even with USC’s three highest snap-takers from last season moving on, there’s more depth in the USC cornerback room than there has been in recent years. But we’d still expect Williams to carve out some playing time. He showed up big this spring, including nabbing an impressive leaping interception in the spring game.
Dontae Carter, S
Top247 Rank: No. 156 overall, No. 9 safety
Carter seemed like a strong candidate to start the moment he enrolled on campus. Spring only solidified his chances to do so. The four-star freshman, one of the highest-rated signees in program history, spent a lot of time with the 1s. He’ll have to overcome some experience at what is a position with plenty of depth, but the hype for Carter only continues to grow.
Ethan Minter, S
Top247 Rank: 83 rating, No. 205 ATH
Consider it a good sign for Tony Elliott’s roster construction that we had to look under rocks to find a Virginia true freshman who could break into the lineup this year. But we think we found somebody to track. Minter showed in the spring that he’s capable of contributing, even spending some time with the starters when numbers were low. At worst, expect the high school quarterback to see the field in 2024.
Quentin Reddish, S
Top247 Rank: 86 rating, No. 140 safety
Virginia Tech doesn’t have many needs entering the 2024 season as it returns more production than any Power Four team in the country (stick that fact in your holster and impress your friends all summer). But safety was an area you could have envisioned the Hokies adding more depth via the portal. Virginia Tech stuck with what it had coming out of spring, including Reddish, who had a very impressive debut.
“He’ll be a contributor, man,” said Hokies DC Chris Marve. “He doesn’t panic. Long, can run, has good length, is not afraid of contact. He’s not afraid of being challenged by an older receiver, tight end or running back and he’s not afraid to throw it around. He’s got a lot of development to do, between the ears, but also with his body. But he’s got some gifts. He is hungry, and we are excited he’s a Hokie.”
Jeremiah Melvin, WR
Top247 Rank: No. 205 overall, No. 34 WR
One of the 10 highest-ranked recruits in Wake Forest history, Melvin enters Wake Forest with lofty expectations. There’s a quick path to the field, too. Three of the team’s top four receivers from last year have departed. The return of Donavon Greene immediately shoots him to the top of the pecking order. But there are still plenty of snaps and catches out there for Melvin to grab. He’s someone that Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson has already indicated will play in 2024.
Demond Williams, QB
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 19 QB
Williams is technically a transfer having come over from Arizona, but in reality he’s Jedd Fisch’s hand-picked quarterback from the 2024 cycle. He showed why during spring, emerging as one of the highlight players from Washington’s 15-practice slate. Williams (pictured above) has already earned the Huskies’ backup QB job and likely forced former four-star recruit and fellow true freshman Dermaricus Davis into the portal.
Adam Mohammed, RB
Top247 Rank: 84 rating, No. 125 RB
Another Arizona transfer from the 2024 class, Mohammed came to Seattle with Fisch and made an immediate impression. The 6-foot, 205-pound back, who was 17-years-old when he enrolled, took advantage of a few injuries in the room and squarely forced his way into the conversation to play behind fellow Arizona transfer Jonah Coleman.
Decker DeGraaf, TE
Top247 Rank: 89 rating, No. 29 TE
Yep, there’s a lot of Huskies flavor on this list. But when a team returns the least production in the Power Four, that means true freshmen have lots of opportunities. Arguably the thinnest room on Washington’s roster is tight end, which gives DeGraaf an excellent opportunity to see the field early.
Wayshawn Parker, RB
Top247 Rank: 86 rating, No. 110 ATH
Parker got his share of first-team reps during the spring and there’s an opportunity for him to play a lot in 2024, despite a few veterans ahead of him on the current depth chart. Parker brings an element of explosiveness to the Cougars backfield and certainly flashed that with a 40-yard run and 42-yard touchdown reception. Makes sense: Parker averaged 14 yards per carry as a senior in high school and has posted a 10.9-second time in the 100-meter dash.
Zae Jennings, S
Top247 Rank: 86 rating, No. 104 ATH
West Virginia heavily added cornerbacks in the portal, but there’s room on the depth chart for a young safety to emerge. Jennings made quite a case to grab that sort of role in the spring, impressing throughout. Head coach Neal Brown speaks highly of Jennings.
Ric’Darious Farmer, WR
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No. 46 WR
It’ll be tough for Farmer to emerge as a starter-level player for West Virginia with some depth in front of him, especially as a summer enrollee, but there’s a belief in Morgantown the four-star freshman can contribute right away. Farmer is a dynamic slot receiver who is at his best with the ball in his hands, where he can employ a wide variety of head fakes and jukes (not to mention above average speed). He’s the type of player who will end up making a few ‘wow’ players in his debut season.
Thomas Heiberger, LB
Top247 Rank: 90 rating, No 33 LB
There aren’t a lot of true freshmen in the mix for playing time in Madison, but Heiberger is someone who’s stood out since he arrived this winter. A “freak” athlete for his size — 37.5-inch vertical, 11.12-second 100-meter dash, 38-foot shot put — Heiberger has the physical tools to at worst help out right away on special teams and at best crack the two-deep of a linebacker rotation that was shaky in 2023.
Kevin Heywood, OT
Top247 Rank: No. 50 overall, No. 4 OT
Heywood is a massive prospect at 6-foot-8, 312 pounds and immediately impressed upon his arrival earlier this year. Heywood is capable of lining up at multiple spots along the line of scrimmage but projects as a long term tackle. He fared well there this spring, to the point it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him open the season as the program’s second-team left tackle.
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