Reporting suggests this group of first-year players will take college football by storm.
Brad Crawford
When you're considered one of the top recruits in college football, there's an expectation level that arrives as soon as you step on campus. And there are 10 true freshmen generating considerable hype ahead of the 2024 season exiting spring sure to bring the buzz in a few months as first-year, impact players.
Given the annual accuracy of 247Sports individual player rankings, it should come as no surprise many of the instant head-turners in March and April were of the five-star variety. Premiere programs expect the blue-chippers to fill roles early and 15 spring practices was more than enough to gather intel on the freshmen who will be marquee talents.
One common theme is the likelihood of early, standout contributions at wide receiver across the Power conference ranks. The transfer portal absorbed much of the offseason conversation, but we're bringing the focus back to the 2024 signing class and the stars who were playing prep football this time last year.
Get the latest football and basketball transfer portal news from 247Sports.
Recent conversations with industry experts and team site analystssuggest this group of first-year players will take college football by storm this season:
10. Josiah Thompson, OT, South Carolina
Recruiting ranking: No. 37 overall, No. 2 OT
Primed to secure a starting role along the Gameco*cks' offensive front, Josiah Thompson has been as talented as advertised since stepping on campus as an early-enrollee. Five-star edge Dylan Stewart equally impressed South Carolina's staff among the newcomers and there's a belief from sources he could play more snaps than any first-year player on the team, but there's more depth on defense at the line of scrimmage than the other side of the football in Columbia. Thompson repped with the 1s in the spring game and at times, looked like a seasoned SEC starter. Listed at 6-7, 300 pounds, Thompson is agile and brings a much-needed presence.
9. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
247Sports recruiting ranking: No. 8 overall, No. 3 WR
Several true freshmen defensive backs of the elite caliber generated widepread love in Tuscaloosa, but those close to the program are most looking forward to the arrival of Ryan Williams. He officially enrolls next week and has a strong chance at cracking the starting lineup among pass-catchers given his heightened abilities. Per Bama247's Mike Rodak, the biggest question for Williams — a multi-sport athlete — is not appearing on the fall two-deep, but whether the Crimson Tide freshman will have an opportunity to start. A couple years ago, Williams became the first sophom*ore in Alabama prep football history to be named Mr. Football in the state.
8. Jordan Seaton, OT, Colorado
247Sports recruiting ranking: No. 13 overall, No. 1 OT
Given Colorado's revamp in the trenches, there were several starting spots up for grabs and five-star Jordan Seaton looks to have earned the nod at left tackle. He was the first-team choice to protect Shedeur Sanders' blindside in the Buffaloes' spring game and passed his initial test with flying colors. Colorado enters the Big 12 with a grueling slate and keeping Sanders clean is top priority for a position group that allowed more sacks than any Power conference team.
7. Bryant Wesco, WR, Clemson
247Sports recruiting ranking: No. 57 overall, No. 11 WR
In need of big-play threats on the outside, the Tigers secured multiple pass-catchers in their 2024 class of the elite variety, including Bryant Wesco. He scored the first touchdown of the spring game last month and is already a crisp route runner. The only knock on Wesco throughout spring practice was his frame and being a bit undersized, but adding weight and muscle is the mindset this summer ahead of fall camp. He's expected to anchor a starring role in the passing game. Clemson247 has more on Wesco's expected impact along with another first-year wideout primed for sucess.
6. KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
247Sports recruiting ranking: No. 15 overall, No. 1 safety
Five-star cornerback Ellis Robinson IV shined during the early portion of spring camp, but it was another five-star — safety KJ Bolden — who was the most consistent newcomer at the back end of the defense for the Bulldogs. Kirby Smart made it clear throughout spring that from a rotational standpoint, Georgia's top talent is going to playand Bolden has picked up the scheme quickly, like a sponge, under the tutelage of Travaris Robinson.
5. Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas
247Sports recruiting ranking: No. 28 overall, No. 4 Edge
Sources at Texas cited Colin Simmons and wideout Ryan Wingo as the most likely true freshmen impact players for the Longhorns this season, but Simmons has already ascended the depth chart in a — at worst — second-team role at edge. That means from a rotational sense, he's going to play considerable snaps as Texas enters the SEC as one of the nation's national championship contenders. The puzzle at wide receiver is still being worked out post-spring with so many new portal additions on the Forty Acresalong with the development of speedster Johntay Cook II, so expect Simmons to be the most plug-and-play ready freshman for Steve Sarkisian's loaded team.
4. Elija Lofton, TE, Miami
247Sports recruiting ranking: No. 181 overall, No. 10 TE
Seven Miami signees in 2024 rank ahead of Elija Lofton in individual player rankings, but post-spring information suggests the four-star tight end is one of the unexpected jewels of this class for Mario Cristobal. Lofton turned heads during several scrimmages and played multiple positions, including a stint at running back. He brings power and athleticism to a Miami offense with several new faces at playmaker spots, including Washington State transfer Cam Ward at quarterback and Damien Martinez from Oregon State as the new featured option in the RB1 role.
3. Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
247Sports recruiting ranking: No. 5 overall, No. 2 WR
Will Auburnovercome quarterback questions thanks to a new-look core of wide receivers? That's the plan for Hugh Freeze with Cam Coleman, Penn State transfer KeAndre Lambert-Smith and others in tow. Coleman offered a "preview of what's to come" on the Plains with a jaw-dropping performance in the spring game after collecting several highlight-worthy catches, including a 34-yard touchdown reception. His ability to win jump balls and track sideline throws are impressive for a first-year player.
2. Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
247Sports recruiting ranking: No. 7 overall, No. 2QB
One of the worst kept secrets in the Big Ten is the expectation that Nebraska second-year coach Matt Rhulehands the key to the Huskers' offense over to a true freshman during fall camp after Dylan Raiola immediately assumed a leadership role. Rhule did not name a starter after Nebraska's spring game, but Raiola's performance was quite eye-opening as the most-heralded recruit in program history.
1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
247Sports recruiting ranking: No. 1 overall, No. 1 WR
Jeremiah Smith isn't the first heralded five-star freshman wideout tojump off the page early at Ohio State and certainly won't be the last, but the buzz surrounding the top player in the 2024 recruiting cycle mirrors the sound of twin F-18s streaking through the air over Columbus. Smith showed up with a body that looked like he was ready for Ohio State's Pro Day, not his first collegiate practice. His wide range of skills were on display throughout spring against a secondary that was college football's stingiest last fall. Smith's ready to be an impact player from Day 1 when Ohio State opens the season.
