The 2024 college football recruiting class is starting to take shape, with some players exceeding expectations, others meeting them, and a few still in question. Here's a breakdown of the top 32 five-star prospects, categorized by their performance on the field.
Exceeding Expectations
- Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State): A 'generational talent' who has already posted back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving campaigns, making him one of the most dominant players in college football.
- Dylan Stewart (EDGE, South Carolina): A dynamic defender with first-step explosiveness and relentless activity off the edge, making him one of the most talented edge rushers in the country.
- Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State): A 'game manager' with exceptional football intelligence, decisiveness, accuracy, and anticipation, making him a perfect complement to Ohio State's talented roster.
- Colin Simmons (EDGE, Texas): A premier NFL Draft prospect with elite first-step quickness, explosiveness, power, and closing speed, making him nearly impossible to block off the edge.
Meeting Expectations
- Ellis Robinson IV (CB, Georgia): A former IMG Academy standout who started 12 games for the Bulldogs as a redshirt sophomore, recording four interceptions.
- Ryan Williams (WR, Alabama): A legitimate Day 1 NFL talent who led the FBS in drops with 13 as a sophomore, but still has game-breaking ability.
- Jordan Seaton (OT, LSU): A day-one starter with steady pass-blocking prowess and vast starting experience, ready for SEC competition.
- Sammy Brown (LB, Clemson): A highly athletic linebacker with the ability to play sideline to sideline and erase angles, trending to make a significant leap in his second full season as a starter.
- KJ Bolden (S, Georgia): An indispensable asset to Kirby Smart's defense, combining speed, toughness, and versatility, and proving to be one of the most college-ready impact players in the class.
- David Stone (DL, Oklahoma): A load of a human being with quick-twitch explosiveness and body quickness, vital to the Sooners' first College Football Playoff berth.
- Zabien Brown (CB, Alabama): A polished, mature defensive back with instinctive play recognition, a key staple of Kane Wommack's defense.
- Chris Cole (LB, Georgia): A versatile second-level defender with the ability to rush the passer and hold his own between the tackles, showing three-down ability.
- T.J. Moore (WR, Clemson): An efficient mover with ideal size, offering a dependable presence in Clemson's passing game and capable of creating explosive plays.
- Ryan Wingo (WR, Texas): A versatile weapon with size, speed, and run-after-catch ability, giving the Longhorns the potential to deploy him in various ways.
In Question
- DJ Lagway (QB, Baylor): Struggled with injuries and a lack of rhythm, leading the SEC in interceptions thrown. Now back in Texas, he faces a make-or-break year.
- LJ McCray (DL, Florida): Missed the second half of fall camp and the season opener due to a knee injury, but is now healthy and hopeful for a considerable contribution.
- Cam Coleman (WR, Texas): A unique athletic specimen who produced flashes but fell short of a 1,000-yard receiving season. Needs refinement but has potential.
- Williams Nwaneri (DL, Nebraska): A former Missouri signee who transferred to Nebraska, starting nine games and recording 2.5 sacks and 27 tackles.
- Dylan Raiola (QB, Oregon): Suffered a broken fibula and missed the remainder of the 2025 season. Will redshirt and serve as Dante Moore's backup quarterback in 2026.
- Jordan Ross (EDGE, LSU): A rotational contributor for Tennessee, now transferring to LSU, where he will be heavily relied upon to aid the pass rush.
- Justin Williams (LB, Georgia): A 6-foot-2, athletic second-level player with excellent range, still with a somewhat limited sample size.
- Justin Scott (DL, Miami): A key cog in Miami's defensive front, registering over 500 snaps and appearing in all 15 games during their national championship run.
- Jaylen Mbakwe (CB, Georgia Tech): Changed positions from corner to receiver, returning to the defensive backfield under Brent Key. A change of scenery and homecoming should help.
- Jordan Seaton (OT, LSU): A former day-one starter with steady pass-blocking prowess, now highly sought-after in free agency.
- Bryce Young (EDGE, Notre Dame): A fluid mover with pass-rushing upside, but needs to play more consistently to his frame.
- Micah Hudson (WR, Texas Tech): Struggled to find his footing, totaling just 16 receptions in two seasons. Hopes for continuity and trust in his third season.
- Elijah Rushing (EDGE, Oregon): Developing behind a talented front seven, needs to add weight and adjust to the urgency and physicality of high-level competition.
- Gatlin Bair (WR, Oregon): A former five-star prospect with elite speed, returning from a two-year LDS mission. Needs time to shake off the rust but has potential.
- Luke Reynolds (TE, Virginia Tech): Flashes of talent but yet to put it all together. Potential to develop into a complete tight end if given a larger role.
- Amaris Williams (EDGE, Georgia): A torn ACL will force him to miss the entire 2026 season, but has the talent and coaching environment to maximize his potential.
- Zavier Mincey (S, Alabama): A former cornerback easing into his transition to safety, bringing size and length to Alabama's secondary.
