The Rising Stars in College Football: A Glimpse Into the Future

As college football fans follow the 2024 season, a new wave of true freshmen is making an immediate impact. These players, hailing from top programs across the country, are showcasing their talent and skill right from the start.

From wide receivers to quarterbacks and running backs, the following true freshmen could end up having breakout seasons that will define their teams’ success and their own futures.

Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith

Jeremiah Smith was one of the most anticipated true freshmen in recent history, and it’s no wonder why. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Smith was already a phenom before even stepping foot on Ohio State’s campus.

Ranked as the No. 1 player in the Class of 2024, this five-star wide receiver is a game-changer. His ability to make highlight-reel catches was evident in spring practices, where he quickly showed his teammates and coaches why he was so highly regarded.

Smith’s potential is off the charts, and with a spot in Ohio State’s starting lineup alongside Emeka Egbuka and sophomore Carnell Tate, the Buckeyes have one of the most potent receiving corps in college football.

Smith’s physicality and playmaking abilities make him an immediate deep-threat for quarterback Kyle McCord, and there’s a growing expectation that Smith will quickly establish himself as a dominant force in the Big Ten. With Ohio State eyeing a national championship run, Jeremiah Smith is set to be a central figure in their offensive scheme.

Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola

Dylan Raiola’s path to Nebraska has been nothing short of eventful. The top quarterback recruit of the Class of 2024, Raiola was originally committed to both Ohio State and Georgia before ultimately signing with Nebraska, a decision that made waves in the college football world. Raiola, whose family has deep ties to Nebraska, entered the season as the starting quarterback, with head coach Matt Rhule handing him the keys to the offense after a competitive offseason.

At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Raiola possesses the size and arm strength needed to excel in the Big Ten. Despite Nebraska’s struggles at quarterback last season, Raiola’s arrival has breathed new life into the program.

His receiving corps, featuring Wake Forest transfer Jahmal Banks and Texas transfer Isaiah Neyor, provides him with big-bodied targets that make his transition to college football smoother. Banks, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, caught 59 passes for 653 yards and four touchdowns last season, and his experience is crucial for Raiola’s development.

The expectations for Raiola are sky-high, even as a true freshman, but his talent, work ethic, and leadership make him more than capable of rising to the occasion. With Nebraska looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, Raiola is at the center of their resurgence.

Kentucky RB Jason Patterson

Although not as highly-touted as some of his peers, Jason Patterson is a name to watch. The 5-foot-10, 203-pound running back from Sneads, Florida, was initially committed to Cincinnati before flipping to Kentucky right before National Signing Day.

While Patterson was a three-star recruit, Kentucky saw something special in him, and his performance during spring practices has only confirmed those suspicions. Patterson’s combination of speed, vision, and toughness has impressed the Wildcats’ coaching staff, and his quiet demeanor belies the work ethic that could make him a key contributor this season.

Patterson’s true freshman season has already seen some action, but an injury sidelined him for Kentucky’s matchup against Georgia. Before that, he rushed for 45 yards on 10 carries in a loss to South Carolina on September 7, showing glimpses of his potential. The Wildcats will look to integrate Patterson into their offense further as the season progresses, and fans can expect him to play a pivotal role once he fully recovers.

For fans eager to stay updated on stats, upcoming games, and how the Wildcats are perform against top-ranked teams like Tennessee and Texas, platforms like FanDuel Kentucky offer a comprehensive way to follow the action and track local matchups.

Auburn WR Cam Coleman

Cam Coleman has all the tools to become a superstar at Auburn. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 197 pounds, the five-star receiver was named as a starter in Auburn’s opening game against Alabama A&M, a testament to the immediate impact he’s expected to have.

Coleman’s size and speed make him a matchup nightmare for defenders, and with Auburn’s quarterback Payton Thorne looking for reliable targets, Coleman has emerged as the Tigers’ go-to option in the passing game.

Thorne struggled last season without much help from his receivers, but Coleman’s presence changes that dynamic entirely. Alongside Penn State transfer KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Georgia Southern transfer Robert Lewis, Coleman forms part of a revamped receiving corps that elevates Auburn’s offense.

As the season unfolds, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Coleman become the Tigers’ top receiving threat, especially with his ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays.

The Future of College Football

The 2024 season is an exciting one, particularly for these true freshmen who are already making waves. Whether it’s Jeremiah Smith’s highlight-reel catches at Ohio State, Dylan Raiola leading the Nebraska offense, Jason Patterson carving out a role at Kentucky, or Cam Coleman becoming a key player for Auburn, each of these athletes is poised for a breakout season.

Their performances this year could not only shape their respective teams’ success but also influence the broader landscape of college football as they establish themselves as future stars.

With such remarkable talent entering the college football scene, fans should keep an eye on these rising stars who represent the next generation of football greatness.