Dylan Raiola and Jeremiah Smith among a long list of superstars making for a generational case for 2024 recruiting class
In the world of hyperbole, it’s hard to ignore just how impressive the true freshmen have been in the college football landscape so far this 2024 season.it already has the sickos in the NFL Draft community salivating for the 2027 NFL Draft class. Of course, a lot can change before then, both positively and negatively. […]
In the world of hyperbole, it’s hard to ignore just how impressive the true freshmen have been in the college football landscape so far this 2024 season.it already has the sickos in the NFL Draft community salivating for the 2027 NFL Draft class. Of course, a lot can change before then, both positively and negatively.
That doesn’t mean that the average college football fan, or NFL Draft evaluator can’t get excited for the future. Several big time players have already captured our attention, with several already looking like stars on the level. Here are some of the early standouts to know.
QB Dylan Raiola (Nebraska)
It’s hard not to be super impressed with Raiola, a Nebraska recruit who eventually turned away from both Ohio State and Georgia, ending up with the Cornhuskers. His infatuation with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes might be a little much at times, but his game is eerily similar. The 6-3, 230-pound passer plays with the subtle confidence of a player much older than he is.
QB DJ Lagway (Florida)
You don’t often see true freshmen that look like Lagway, heck, you don’t often see NFL Draft prospects that look like Lagway. At 6-3 and 239 pounds, Lagway is a massive quarterback with a huge arm. He is also a dynamic athlete, with his football still very much in front of him. Graham Mertz is still the starter for the Gators, but it’s pretty apparent that Lagway is the future, and could potentially earn more of a role in the present.
WR Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)
Some thought that Smith was the top overall recruit in the 2024 class, and so far he is backing up that hype. So far Smith leads the Buckeyes with 14 receptions for 281 yards and four touchdowns. It’s hard to ignore the similarities he has to Julio Jones. The size, athleticism, and playmaking ability he brings to the table is eye popping.
WR Ryan Williams (Alabama)
For as great as Smith has been, Williams has also matched the hype. He has made 10 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns so far for the Crimson Tide this season. It feels like every time Jalen Milroe is making a big play down the field, it’s Williams who is on the receiving end. At 6-0 and 175 pounds, the amount of explosiveness he brings to the table is incredible. Williams is a big play waiting to happen.
WR Ryan Wingo (Texas)
While the numbers aren’t quite to the level of Smith and Williams, Wingo has also been excellent. At 6-2 and 210 pounds, he is a really powerful athlete. He has managed to make nine receptions for 239 yards and two touchdowns, while also turning his only carry into a 55-yard gain. Wingo continues to get more and more involved in this offense.
EDGE Dylan Stewart (South Carolina)
It has been quite the beginning to the season for Stewart, who is living up to his recruiting hype so far. While he has recorded 2.5 sacks so far, Stewart has been much more dominant than the numbers say. NFL Draft evaluators are already salivating over the talent the 6-6, 247-pound pass rusher brings to the table. Stewart has some unreal speed and flexibility.
LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (Notre Dame)
It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to Notre Dame fans that Viliamu-Asa has already been the best Irish linebacker at times this season. Despite playing in a rotation, the five-star freshman has made his presence known. Through four games, Viliamu-Asa has recorded 13 total tackles, half a tackle for loss, and an interception. At 6-3 and 240 pounds, he is an uncommon blend of instincts, range, and physicality.
CB Zabien Brown (Alabama)
The Crimson Tide have traditionally had tremendous cornerback play, typically having very deep rooms. It’s quite the accomplishment to play for Alabama on the island, which is especially true as a freshman. That’s what we are seeing from Brown, who was a massive recruit coming out of Mater Dei. Brown is a part of a rotation, but if you watched the Wisconsin game, it’s pretty easy to see how talented Brown is.
