By Luke Brumm
There are always true freshmen who come in and make an impact on their team immediately, and this upcoming season won’t be any different. Last season, we saw safety Caleb Downs and quarterback Donte Moore make plays as soon as they stepped on the field. Today, we’re going to be looking at which freshman could fill that role this season.
WR Jeremiah Smith
Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith is a 6’3 wideout from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in South Florida. He seemed to be down to Miami and Ohio State and eventually went with the Buckeyes. He is the number one overall prospect in this class according to the 247 Sports Composite. Smith accumulated 1,389 yards and 19 touchdowns on 90 catches as a senior. With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Julian Fleming leaving, Smith can come in and be an instant impact player for Ryan Day and Ohio State.
CB Ellis Robinson IV
Georgia
Ellis Robinson IV was turning heads at the Under Armor All-American Game practices with some great coverage and crazy interceptions. Even with the talent on Georgia’s defense, I think he gets playing time immediately. He could already be the Bulldogs’ best cover corner which is saying a lot. Robinson IV played at IMG Academy and is the second-best overall prospect, also according to the 247 Sports Composite. Don’t be surprised to see the New Haven, CT native starting for the Dawgs this fall.
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QB Dylan Raiola
Nebraska
Raiola had a wild recruitment which saw him decommit from Ohio State and switch to Georgia, only to flip to Nebraska on signing day. His dad, Donovan Raiola played at Nebraska and currently coaches the Oline, plus he will have the chance to start year one, so I can’t blame him for the decision.
Raiola will join Matt Rhule in Lincoln and hopefully turn that program around for the better. I wasn’t around for Nebraska in the 90s, but I know the sport is better when the Cornhuskers are good. I was lucky enough to see Raiola in person twice this past season at Buford, and I can confidently say his arm talent really stands out.
DL Williams Nwaneri
Missouri
Williams Nwaneri is the sixth-best player in the 2024 class according to 247, and he is the best player from the state of Missouri. He ended up staying home and signing with the Tigers and this should bode well for them. Nwaneri will have a good shot at starting immediately on a top-ten team. Mizzou had their best season in a while in 2023 and ended it with a Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State. I see Missouri being good again this season and Nwaneri will be a key contributor.
WR Ryan Williams
Alabama
Ryan Williams is another guy who had a wild recruitment, especially after Nick Saban retired. Williams reclassified from 2025, decommitted after Saban left and was looking at schools like Texas A&M and Auburn. He ended up back in Tuscaloosa and that’s huge for Kalen DeBoer and the Tide. Bama’s star receiver, Isaiah Bond, transferred to Texas, and now he will help fill that void.
Williams is listed as the second-best receiver in his class behind Auburn commit Cam Coleman. He’s a versatile player who caught, ran, and returned the ball for Saraland High School, and I expect that versatility to translate well to the college game.
