In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, each season brings a new wave of talent into facilities across the country. While recruiting classes are now often overshadowed by the presence of the transfer portal, each program will showcase a first-year athlete that exceeds expectations. Almost every roster in the nation has at least one true freshman who will contribute in year one. For some, they’ll rely on multiple.
Last year, the play of Anthony Hill (Texas) and Caleb Downs (Alabama, now at Ohio State) headlined first-year contributions at blueblood programs. For 2024, here are just a few of the country’s true freshmen who are expected to make an impact this fall.
Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
The No. 2 wideout in the high school class of 2024, Cam Coleman is expected to holster a large target share early on in his days in the SEC. Auburn has had just one pass-catcher drafted in the top 100 picks since 2015 (Anthony Schwartz in 2021), and Coleman looks all the part of a future day-one selection should his skill set continue to evolve. A native of nearby Phenix City, Alabama, Coleman wasted little time in showcasing his skill set to Tigers fans, hauling in four passes for 92 yards and a touchdown during Auburn’s spring game.
Terry Bussey, ATH, Texas A&M
A potential impact player on both sides of the ball, it remains to be seen where Terry Bussey ultimately finds his home in College Station. Wherever it is, expect fireworks from the country’s No. 16 overall recruit. A dynamic two-way athlete during his time at Timpson High School in Texas, Bussey threw for 2,691 yards, ran for 1,585 yards, and totaled 60 TDs as a senior. He also added 85 tackles and seven interceptions on defense and was a standout in basketball, baseball, and track.
Jordan Seaton, OT, Colorado
Despite Colorado’s offensive success in 2023 (28.2 points per game), their offensive line was a mess. Head coach Deion Sanders provided a facelift to the unit by bringing in seven new faces via the portal, headlined by Jordan Seaton. The No. 1 overall offensive tackle in the class, early signs in spring ball showcased the 6-foot-5 Seaton as Shedeur Sanders’ blindside protectant. For the Buffaloes to reach their performance ceiling this fall, Seaton’s ability to keep Sanders clean will remain a headline throughout the fall.
Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
It’s a massive year for Billy Napier and the Gators in Gainesville. While headlines have centered around the country’s No. 1 QB recruit in DJ Lagway (who will back up Graham Mertz), Jadan Baugh has carved himself a pathway to snaps this fall. While Montrell Johnson remains Florida’s top ball-carrier, Baugh’s blend of size (6-foot, 237 pounds) and athleticism should present him with touches early and often in 2024. A former QB, WR, CB, and safety during his time in high school, expect Baugh’s versatility to shine in his first taste of the SEC.
JayShon Ridgle, WR, Houston
A multi-time state qualifier in the 100-meter dash and 60-meter hurdles, JayShon Ridgle is lightning in a bottle. Houston annually produces one of the country’s most high-powered offensive attacks, and Ridgle should remain a key cog in the Cougars’ aerial barrage. An offense captained by future draft selection in QB Donovan Smith, Ridgle should be presented with ample opportunities to make plays. With both Samuel Brown (Miami) and Matthew Bolden (Texas) gone from last year’s receiving corps, Ridgle has a unique opportunity as a freshman to produce immediately.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
This should be of no surprise. The country’s No. 1 overall recruit, Jeremiah Smith looks to be the next superstar wideout of the pass-catcher pipeline that is Ohio State. Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Michael Thomas… the names go on and on as to the type of talent the Buckeyes’ program produces out wide. Smith, a sensational blend of athleticism, size (6-foot-3), and ball skills, projects as a highly productive weapon for Ohio State this fall and is someone whose name is already lightly penciled into the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.
KJ Bolden, SAF, Georgia
Playing true freshman is something we know head coach Kirby Smart isn’t shy about doing. It was just a few seasons ago we saw Smart deploy potential 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks on the back end, and KJ Bolden could fall into the same bucket. An impact player on both defense and as a return man, Bolden’s explosiveness and versatility paint the picture of a future NFL draft pick. It’s not easy to crack the Georgia defense as a freshman, but Bolden has the traits necessary to maintain a key role for the Bulldogs this fall. The country’s No. 1 safety recruit, Bolden was also a highly decorated track and field athlete during his time at Buford High School.
Deshawn Warner, EDGE, Kansas
Kansas’ highest-ranked recruit in program history (No. 7-ranked EDGE in the country), Deshawn Warner should remain in the mix to make an impact for the Jayhawks this fall. He’s got verified 33-inch arms, outstanding explosiveness, and a knack for making plays on the football at the line of scrimmage. Warner totaled six (!!!) pick-sixes during his time at Desert Edge High School in Arizona as an edge rusher.
Braydon Lee, CB, Maryland
Maryland has lost an immense amount of talent in their cornerback room over the past two seasons. From Deonte Banks and Jakorian Bennett’s departures following the 2022 campaign to Ja’Quan Sheppard and Tarheeb Still last fall, the Terrapins will deploy a bevy of new faces on the perimeter this season. A three-star talent by way of nearby Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Braydon Lee should be presented with a pathway to snaps early in 2024. While head coach Mike Locksley brought in additional talent via the portal in Jalen Huskey (Bowling Green), Lee’s skill set should see him earn playing time sooner rather than later.
Elija Lofton, TE, Miami
A constant topic of conversation during spring ball, Elija Lofton could quickly assert himself as a go-to target for the Hurricanes despite their loaded arsenal of weapons. Like Brevin Jordan was just a few short seasons ago, Lofton has the potential to provide a unique wrinkle to the Hurricanes offense at tight end that will force mismatches across the board. He’s spent time as a flex weapon and at running back during offseason work.
Micah Hudson, WR, Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s highest-rated recruit in program history, Micah Hudson has an opportunity to be special in Lubbock. A five-star prospect and the No. 4-rated player in the hotbed of talent that is the state of Texas, Hudson should compete right away within a new-look Red Raiders wideouts room. The team added talent via the portal in Josh Kelly (Washington State) and Caleb Douglas (Florida) to compete for starter reps, but Hudson’s playmaking ability and vertical speed will be hard to keep off the field.
Jacory Barney Jr., WR, Nebraska
The Cornhuskers will be fun to watch this fall. The No. 2-rated QB recruit in Dylan Raiola is slated to start, and the relationship between him and Jacory Barney Jr. could prove fruitful early on. A native of Miami, Florida, Barney projects as a multi-phase contributor early in his career. He wasted little time in showcasing his explosiveness this spring, ripping off a 78-yard kickoff return, along with three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. Transfer portal additions Isaiah Neyor (Texas) and Jahmal Banks (Wake Forest) look to start on the outside, but Barney’s potential at all three levels could earn him the starting nod in the slot. A standout on the track along with his success on the gridiron, Barney anchored his 4x400 team that took gold at the AAU Junior Olympics in 2018.
Recruiting rankings are courtesy of 247 Sports
