Top College Football Freshmen in Best Positions to make an impact in 2024

Five-star recruit Cam Coleman is poised to make a significant impact for Auburn in the upcoming season. As one of the top freshman receivers joining this year's Iron Bowl, Coleman brings a unique blend of talent and potential that could revitalize Auburn's passing game.

Coleman's arrival comes at a crucial time for the Tigers, who struggled mightily in the passing department last season. The young receiver has already showcased his abilities during Auburn's spring game, earning MVP honors and demonstrating his potential to be a game-changer for the team.

One of his standout qualities is his versatility. He possesses a rare combination of speed, size, and range, making him a threat on both short and deep routes. His ability to make contested catches, even when covered, provides a reliable safety net for Auburn's quarterbacks, allowing them to take chances and trust that Coleman will come down with the ball.

Jeremiah Smith, the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 class, has already made waves in Columbus before even taking the field for the Buckeyes. The 6ft 3in, 215-pound receiver from Opa Locka, Florida, has been turning heads since his arrival, solidifying a role in Ohio State's stacked receiving corps.

The big question surrounding Smith is just how good he can be. With his size, strength, and agility, he has the potential to develop into the next great Ohio State receiver. While he may not be the Buckeyes' top target right away, Smith is expected to play a complementary role to the returning Emeka Egbuka and help starting quarterback Will Howard, transfer from Kansas State, adjust to the job.

Despite the immense hype and pressure, Smith has continued to impress in preseason drills. He's as close to a "can't-miss" prospect as they come, and as long as he remains healthy, Big Ten cornerbacks will have their hands full trying to contain him. With his notable highlights and continued development, Smith could be on his way to stardom in Columbus.

Viliamu-Asa is poised to make a significant impact on the Notre Dame defense, stepping into a crucial role behind veteran Jack Kiser. Despite being an inside linebacker by trade, his edge pressure skills allow him to be utilized in various capacities, showcasing his versatility.

With a reputation for toughness and explosiveness, he has the potential to emerge as a key player for the Fighting Irish, especially given the youth and inexperience that surrounds him on the depth chart. His high school experience at St. John Bosco, a powerhouse program, has prepared him well for the rigors of college football, and he’s ready to take advantage of the opportunities presented to him.

At 6'3" and 236 pounds, Viliamu-Asa possesses the physicality needed to thrive at the inside linebacker position, where depth is a concern for Notre Dame. His athleticism and ability to tackle effectively should excite Irish fans, as he brings a dynamic presence to the field.

Coach Marcus Freeman has demonstrated clever recruiting skills, and securing Viliamu-Asa could be one of his standout achievements. Whether he finds himself in the starting lineup or contributing with meaningful snaps, his talent is undeniable, and he is expected to make an immediate impact as he adjusts to the collegiate level.

Arriving on campus in the spring has allowed Dylan Raiola to familiarize himself with the system and establish himself as one of the most promising young talents in college football.

His decision to choose the Cornhuskers was partly driven by the opportunity to start right away, and all signs point to him doing just that. With a strong performance during the regular season, it's possible that victories and a bowl appearance could follow.

The early part of the schedule is advantageous, allowing Raiola to make a strong start and adapt quickly. While we expect some standout moments, there will also be challenges; transitioning from high school to Big Ten football is a significant leap. Raiola's physical abilities are remarkable, and he can handle the demands of the tactical scheme, delivering accurate throws and displaying surprising athleticism on off-platform plays.

DJ Lagway, a five-star freshman quarterback for the Florida Gators, is already generating significant buzz as one of the top backup quarterbacks in the nation. Despite being new to the collegiate scene, he recognizes the value of learning from Graham Mertz, the team's starting quarterback, which positions him well for future success.

Lagway's high school career was nothing short of spectacular, as he posted remarkable numbers that have set high expectations for his transition to college football. During his senior season, Lagway earned the Gatorade Player of the Year award after throwing for an impressive 4,631 yards and a staggering 58 touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier talent.

With his combination of skills and experience, he is poised to contribute significantly to the Gators' offense, even if he doesn't start immediately. As he continues to develop under the guidance of experienced players and coaches, Lagway's potential to become a standout player for Florida remains bright.

The dynamic freshman defensive back, Boo Carter, was already expected to see significant playing time for the Tennessee Volunteers after a standout spring. However, starting was initially a bigger challenge until Jourdan Thomas, the anticipated starter at his position, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first week of fall camp.

Known for his rugged, aggressive and high energy style, Carter has the opportunity to step up and make a significant impact. At 5'11" and 195 pounds, the Chattanooga native will compete with walk-on Will Brooks, as well as Christian Harrison (the son of NFL legend Rodney Harrison) and Christian Charles for the starting spot. Given Carter's considerable talent, it's anticipated that he will secure a starting role sooner rather than later.

During his high school years, he was a highlight reel, excelling on both offense and defense, and making plays on special teams. He could also take on the role of Tennessee's starting punt returner, becoming a key figure in a restructured secondary for the Volunteers.

Jordan Seaton, a five-star offensive tackle, is set to make an immediate impact for the Colorado Buffaloes as he steps into the crucial role of protecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders' blind side. Having joined early, Seaton has already begun to acclimate to the college game, which is essential for a position that often presents a steep learning curve for freshmen.

While it’s generally challenging to thrust a freshman into the left tackle position, Seaton is expected to be a significant upgrade over last year's struggles, as Colorado's offensive line allowed a staggering 56 sacks, the second-most in the FBS.

His participation in spring practices would not only improved his skills but also his maturity, preparing him to face the challenges of college football head-on. The success of the Buffaloes in 2024 may hinge on Seaton's ability to keep Sanders upright and allow the offense to flourish.

With the new-look Big 12 presenting fresh challenges, Seaton's performance will be critical in determining whether Colorado can improve upon last season's disappointing results. If he can harness his talent and adapt quickly, Seaton could become a cornerstone of the Buffaloes' offensive line and a key player to watch as the season unfolds.