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Dylan Raiola, Jeremiah Smith, and 2 More Freshmen Who Balled Out in Week 1

Check out the top 4 freshmen who stole the spotlight in Week 1!

September 1, 2024
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Aug 31
Aug 31

By Cory Lemer


The 2024 recruiting class took the field for the first time on Saturday, featuring stars like Dylan Raiola, Ellis Robinson IV, Williams Nwaneri, and David Stone. In this article, we will look at four newcomers who balled out in their debut games.


1. Dylan Raiola

QB, Nebraska

Aug 31, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) rolls out to pass against the UTEP Miners during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium.

The Nebraska legacy was ranked as the 2nd-best QB in the class and 7th overall, according to 247Sports. Hailing from Buford, GA, Raiola had all eyes on him and did not disappoint. In his first career start, he completed 19 of 27 passes for over 230 yards and added two scores through the air. His 70.4% completion percentage helped the Huskers take down UTEP 40-7. 

Here's an overhead look at every pass Dylan Raiola (19/27, 238 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT) threw in his #Huskers debut. ⬇️

Much more from Nebraska's 40-7 win over UTEP:https://t.co/SJqeI0fWzS@KETV | #GBR pic.twitter.com/YiDW3ZPhir

— Matt Sottile (@MSottileTV) September 1, 2024


2. Ryan Williams

WR, Alabama

Saraland's Ryan Williams carries the ball against Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Class 6A State Football Championship Game at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Friday December 2, 2022.

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Williams stuck with Kalen DeBoer after Nick Saban’s retirement. The Saraland, AL, star ranked as the 2nd best WR in the country and the 2nd-best in the state. Williams saw limited snaps in Alabama‘s 63-0 win over Western Kentucky but still managed to haul in two catches for 139 yards and two scores. With comparisons to Julio Jones entering his freshman season, the young star lived up to his potential in his debut at just 17.

17-YEAR OLD Ryan Williams’ first 2 catches of his CFB career:

🔥 84-yard TD
🔥 55-yard TD

He’s still supposed to be in HIGH SCHOOL 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fcd3ZqEjq5

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 1, 2024


3. Jeremiah Smith

WR, Ohio State

Mar 7, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) returns a punt during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

While Williams dominated, Jeremiah Smith also had a massive game. The top WR and number one player in the country entered the highly competitive Buckeyes WR room with high expectations. After starring throughout spring and earning the Day 1 start for Ryan Day, Smith responded to an early dropped pass with 92 yards, two touchdowns, and six catches in Ohio State‘s blowout win over Akron.

THE FRESHMAN DID HIS THING IN HIS OHIO STATE DEBUT 🔥

Jeremiah Smith vs. Akron:
🌰 6 REC
🌰 92 REC YDS
🌰 2 TD pic.twitter.com/aJXRnvvfKk

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 31, 2024


4. Dylan Stewart

EDGE, South Carolina

2024 five-star Edge Dylan Stewart From Washington, DC (Friendship Collegiate) - Committed to South Carolina

Shane Beamer and South Carolina landed a star in five-star EDGE Dylan Stewart. The 19th-best prospect from Washington, D.C., impressed during spring camp, earning the start against Old Dominion. Despite a scare in Columbia with the Gamecocks pulling off a 23-19 win, Stewart flourished with 4 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks in an impressive debut.

Dylan Stewart is special. Haven’t seen speed off the edge like that since Clowneys freshman year.

Also, whoever SFCocking is they are the 🐐 pic.twitter.com/5khoQHlMUU

— Brent (@HJhughes79) September 1, 2024

Category: College Football, News, RecruitingTag: 2024 Recruiting, Alabama Crimson Tide Recruiting, Alabama Recruiting, Dylan Raiola, Dylan Stewart, Jeremiah Smith, Kalen DeBoer, Nebraska Corn Huskers Recruiting, Ryan Williams, Saraland, AL, South Carolina Gamecocks Recruiting, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
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