True Freshmen Dominate first half of 2024 CFB Season

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It’s been an electric start to the 2024-25 college football season.

After five weeks, we’ve seen insane plays, upsets, cinderella stories, unspeakable things involving Taco Bell and so much more.

One of the biggest storylines surrounding college football this year comes from the elite play of the game’s newest stars. Throughout the first few weeks of the season, multiple true freshman have been given the keys to the kingdom, providing an early workload. These young guys haven’t disappointed, as some have already cemented themselves as being top players at their respective positions.

Without a further ado, let’s breakdown some true freshmen across college football that have taken over the game early into their careers!

  1. Jeremiah Smith, WR Ohio State

Let’s kick this list off with the former #1 recruit in the 2024 high school class: Jeremiah Smith.

Smith, a 6 foot 3 receiver from Hollywood, FL. has already made the case for him being the top pass catcher in the country. Jeremiah Smith made headlines this spring by becoming the fastest Ohio State player to get their “Black Stripe” removed. The removal of the black stripe shows that the newcomer is “officially a Buckeye”.

It’s safe to say JJ has earned that stripe. Every Saturday, Jeremiah Smith has been making viral plays look effortless.

Through four games, Jeremiah Smith has become Ohio State’s leading receiver, recording 19 Receptions, 364 yards and 5 touchdowns, alongside a 19 yard rushing touchdown. Smith’s biggest performance of the season came against Western Michigan, where he recorded 5 catches for 119 yards and one touchdown.

2. Dylan Raiola, QB Nebraska

This kid is a superstar already.

Raiola shocked the world after de-committing from Georgia to Nebraska two days before national signing day. Well, it’s safe to say that the move’s worked out for him, as Raiola leads all Division I freshman in yards (1224), alongside 9 passing scores.

Raiola’s yardage places him as a top 25 passer in all of college football. Another elite statistic shows off Raiola’s efficiency, as he’s completed 70.4% of his attempts, ranking him as the 12th most accurate QB in the nation.

Dylan Raiola’s Nebraska squad has already solidified themselves as a top program in the Country, beginning the season 4-1, with a statement win over Colorado on primetime television.

3. OJ Frederique Jr, DB Miami

Let’s switch over to the defensive side of the ball really quick.

Miami’s a team thats given multiple freshmen the opportunity to play very early. One of the two that I’ll be highlighting in this piece is Defensive Back OJ Frederique Jr.

Frederique has been a force to be reckoned already, locking down some of the best receivers in the country. Stats don’t do Frederique’s play justice, because teams are clearly scared to throw on him. During Miami’s victory over USF, OJ Frederique allowed one catch for 8 yards on 45 defensive snaps.

To make things even clearer, on the overwhelming majority of plays, Frederique is lined up on an island, defending the entirety of the right side of the field by himself!

4. Dylan Stewart, EDGE S. Carolina

South Carolina hasn’t seen such a dominant EDGE Rusher since Jadeveon Clowney.

True freshman Dylan Stewart has been a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. In my years of studying this game, I’ve NEVER seen the fast twitch quickness that Stewart possesses. The former 5-star (#3 EDGE) has already recorded 8 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles on the season.

5. Ryan Williams, WR Alabama

“This kid should still be in high school” is a phrase I’m sure you’ve heard countless times while watching Alabama football.

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams has absolutely captivated the Crimson Tide’s national audience with his elite performances at such a young age. In four games, the 17 year old phenom has already recorded 16 catches, 462 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Williams cemented himself into stardom (and motivated me to write this piece), during Saturday night’s game vs Georgia, where he recorded 6 catches for 177 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Williams is already placed himself in the tier of elite receivers to come out of Alabama.

6. Jordan Lyle, RB Miami

Jordan Lyle is a beast man, I love watching this kid play.

As I previously stated, Miami’s done a great job of getting their true freshmen early play time. Lyle has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of this strategy. Despite a crowded RB room, Jordan Lyle has proved himself as an elite second option in this Hurricanes’ backfield.

Through five games, Jordan Lyle has shown flashes of elite burst, recording 31 carries for 235 yards and 3 scores. Lyle has already made an impact on Miami’s record boards, as during the Hurricanes’ victory over USF, Lyle recorded a program high 91 yard rushing touchdown. Jordan Lyle’s rush was also the fourth longest play from scrimmage in program history.

7. CJ Heard, S FAU

Had to keep the last one close to home.

FAU’s CJ Heard has been a bright spot on a squad with a lot of concern right now. Heard has been a hawk on defense, flying all over to get into the action. Through five games, CJ Heard has already recorded 33 TOT (21 Solo), which is the most by any defensive true freshmen, and a forced fumble.

The 5 foot 11 safety has quickly rose in the ranks as one of college football’s best.

College football’s youngest playmakers have quickly propelled themselves from the “New guy on the block” into true superstardom. What does this mean?

Well for starters:

It’s a good thing when you play the true freshmen! Maybe our friends in Tallahassee should take notice

Cover Photo Credits: Nebraska Athletics