A Look at College Football's 2024 Freshmen Standouts

Published: Tuesday, June 18, 2024

by Kyle Ferreira

It’s almost that time of the year.

Summer has officially begun, and for college football fans, they are one step closer to the upcoming season. For the young players coming into their brand new programs, it’s a shot to make a name for themselves and impress their coaches. This year’s recruits have the potential to be an exceptional group of athletes, and a few could even be early starters.

Here are some freshmen to watch out for this fall.

WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State:

Being a generational player in his position, Jeremiah Smith is a competitor with skills that few could emulate at his age. 247Sports ranked him number one overall in the class of 2024, as well as gave him a score of 101. Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Jadeveon Clowney are the only other players to receive a score above 100.

Scouts evaluating him at Chaminade-Madonna Prep (FL) have a lot to love about this young receiver. Standing at 6 foot 3 inches tall and 215 lbs, Smith’s combination of speed, size, and handwork could make him the next big thing. In a matchup against Bergen Catholic this past fall, one of New Jersey’s best teams, Smith had a remarkable stat line of 17 catches, 321 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. If he continues to impress when training camp starts, Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day could quickly make Smith a starter. 

CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia:

In some parts of New York, specifically New Rochelle, Ellis Robinson IV is remembered fondly for his time playing high school football at Iona Prep. After transferring to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, he then became well-known in the national high school ranks. Robinson will now be playing for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Scouts adore his physicality, his aggression both in zone and man coverage, as well as his footwork. However, adjusting to a stronger secondary group and the competition in the SEC will not be easy for the talented freshman. But if Robinson breaks through early on a top-10 defense, it could be a successful season for him.

QB Dylan Raiola, Nebraska:

Nebraska got a pretty good Christmas present last year. Raiola was seen as one of the best quarterbacks in the 2024 cycle and was originally committed to play at Georgia. Fortunately for the Cornhuskers, their prayers were answered; Raiola flipped his commitment.

Scouts believe he has a true NFL-caliber arm, especially with the deep ball he can execute. Additionally, he has great size; one scout emphasized the velocity in his throwing motion and passes. Standing at 6 foot 3 inches tall and 220 lbs, all while simultaneously moving efficiently with the ball, he is a remarkable player to notice. 

Fans within the realm of college football believe Raiola can bring Nebraska back to its former prominence. For a program that once dominated the sport, the Cornhuskers have yet to see similar results or a bowl game since 2016. Raiola may be the quarterback that finally leads a once-honorable program back to relevance.

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu.

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