Top 10 college football freshmen through Week 2
While the early returns from the transfer portal have captured much attention, plenty of true freshmen have made immediate impacts in 2024.
We have seen highly touted prospects turn into nationally recognized names and statistical leaders in a matter of weeks. But there are also less-heralded names stepping up at key positions for top-ranked programs.
While it's still early, here's a look at the top 10 (plus one) freshmen this season.
1. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
The hype in Columbus started building when Smith dominated spring ball, and it's not slowing down any time soon. The former five-star and No. 4 overall player in the 2024 class is averaging more than 100 yards per game and 19.2 yards per catch in his first two collegiate starts. He can turn a short pass into a big gain or make the acrobatic grab in the air look natural. Smith is a legit Heisman contender for the third-ranked Buckeyes.
2. QB Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
The top-ranked pocket passer quarterback from last year's recruiting class flipped his commitment from Georgia to Nebraska believing he could make a bigger impact in Lincoln. So far, so good. Raiola has developed into a leader of the No. 23 Cornhuskers. He looks far from a freshman in making the difficult transition from high school to college. Raiola is playing clean football (zero interceptions) with good productivity and execution (423 yards, three touchdown passes). He has completed 74% of his passes and is moving inside the pocket with the presence of steady veteran.
3. DE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Stewart hinted at potential future dominance in an exceptional showing as a senior at last January's Under Armour All-America Game. However, he has accelerated the timeline through his first two weeks playing in college. The 6-foot-6, 248-pound edge has 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for the 2-0 Gamecocks, who upset Kentucky on Saturday. But it's not just the stat line that stands out for Stewart -- it's how he's getting after the quarterback. The total repertoire has been on display. He's beating tackles off the ball with first-step burst, around the edge with flexibility and going through them with explosive power.
4. WR Ryan Williams, Alabama
Williams is the youngest freshman on this list -- he doesn't turn 18 until February. After winning back-to-back Mr. Football awards in Alabama, he reclassified from the 2025 class to become part of the 2024 recruiting group and remained the top receiving prospect in the country despite the jump. He dazzled in a season-opening win over Western Kentucky, scoring from 84 and 55 yards out while flashing his 10.41 100-meter speed. In Week 2, he caught a 43-yard touchdown pass and had 68 receiving yards in the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide's win over South Florida.
It took only one start for the top-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2024 class to make this list. Acknowledging Florida was playing a lower-level opponent in Samford, Lagway made the throws of a seasoned QB. He showed both timing and accuracy in leading receivers in stride for huge plays all night,throwing for 456 yards, a Gators record for a true freshman, and also moved around the pocket and created plays with his legs. Last year's National High School Football Gatorade Player of the Year gives Gators fans reason for optimism.
6. WR Ryan Wingo, Texas
Wingo is a hybrid option for the No. 2 Longhorns with a rare blend of size, speed and versatile ball skills. In his debut, he was smooth and in rhythm with Quinn Ewers for a team-high 70 receiving yards. Wingo also demonstrated his game-breaking skills as a runner last week against Michigan. The No. 8 ranked receiver in the 2024 class took an end around for 55 yards, showing his 10.5 100-meter speed to set up a Texas score against the defending national champions. Wingo isn't a starter, but he's already a multifaceted part of the high-powered Longhorns' offense.
7. WR Nick Marsh, Michigan State
Marsh broke out in his second career game, the Spartans' 27-24 upset win at Maryland. He hauled in eight catches for 194 yards and one touchdown after catching just one pass in Week 1. The No. 20-ranked receiver in the 2024 class tied the score late in the fourth quarter with a 77-yard touchdown, utilizing his long stride and deceptive 4.6 verified speed to get behind coverage and catch a perfectly timed strike from Aidan Chiles. Like Williams, Marsh is only 17 but is playing with the moxie of a veteran.
8. RB Nate Frazier, Georgia
Frazier stepped in for the suspended Trevor Etiennein Week 1 and showed why he was the third-ranked running back in the country out of high school power Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California.). The stout back with explosive burst and speed had more than 100 all-purpose yards, including 83 on the ground, and a touchdown in a season-opening rout of Clemson. He got banged up against Tennessee Tech last week and took a back seat with Etienne's return, but Frazier should have a lot of rotational value going forward for the top-ranked Bulldogs.
9. OT Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame
Knapp and the Irish came back to reality with a stunning loss to Northern Illinois after a big Week 1 win over Texas A&M in which Knapp allowed only one pressure against the Aggies' elite edge defenders. The former three-star was thrust into action after injuries depleted Notre Dame's offensive tackles and was excellent in protecting Riley Leonard and opening holes for the ground game at A&M. He has modest size (6-4, 294 pounds) but is consistent in assignments and mixes a good blend of athleticism and strength at left tackle.
10. DB KJ Bolden, Georgia and DB Boo Carter, Tennessee
Yes, our top-10 list has 11 players, but this pair of SEC defensive backs are both worthy so we're cheating. Bolden, the top safety in last year's class, has taken advantage of injuries to earn valuable playing time for the Bulldogs. His versatility and playmaking skills allow Georgia to line him up throughout the back end and in pursuit with his game-changing speed and ball-hawking instincts. Bolden had four solo tackles against Clemson in Week 1 and a sack last week against Tennessee Tech.
Carter has been the talk of the No. 7 Vols since shining in spring football. A rotational player at the hybrid star position, he has made his presence felt in coverage and with his tackles and pressures. The former No. 20-ranked athlete in the ESPN 300, Carter just needs more experience to increase his production on defense. He also is a contributor on special teams.
