Despite the buzz surrounding the transfer portal, traditional recruiting remains crucial for securing national championships.

Though it often takes teams a couple of years to fully realize the benefits of a recruiting class, many Bowl Subdivision programs are gearing up for an immediate impact from new players signed last winter. Notable teams in contention for the College Football Playoff include preseason Big Ten co-favorite Ohio State and SEC favorite Georgia.

Additionally, teams looking to rebound from tough seasons, such as Nebraska, Colorado, and South Carolina, are counting on their new recruits to step up significantly. Here are the true freshmen expected to make the biggest contributions in the 2024 season:

WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

As one of the top skill players in this recruiting cycle, Smith has quickly secured a position in Ohio State’s receiver lineup. The major question surrounding this five-star rookie is his potential. He could evolve into the next standout receiver for the Buckeyes. In 2024, anticipate him playing a supportive role alongside Emeka Egbuka while helping a new starting quarterback adjust. Expect some memorable moments from him.

QB Dylan Raiola, Nebraska

While Matt Rhule hasn’t officially named Raiola the starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers, it’s imminent. Arriving in the spring has allowed this Nebraska legacy to familiarize himself with the system, positioning him as one of college football’s intriguing young talents. Choosing Nebraska over Georgia, he is expected to be in the starting lineup from the get-go, raising hopes for a successful season and a potential bowl appearance.

CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia

Breaking into Georgia’s defensive back rotation as a freshman can be tough, but Robinson is in a prime position to earn significant playing time for the preseason title favorites. With Daylen Everette returning as one starting cornerback, and Daniel Harris and Julian Humphrey vying for another starting spot, the five-star recruit from IMG Academy stands a good chance to be part of the two-deep early in his career.

WR Cam Coleman, Auburn

Coleman is one of two five-star freshman receivers set to join this year’s Iron Bowl, along with Ryan Williams from Alabama. Williams’ situation is unpredictable as he wasn’t an early enrollee, meaning his readiness to contribute under new coach Kalen DeBoer is uncertain. Coleman has the potential to transform Auburn’s receiving corps and will be a significant addition to a previously struggling passing game.

P Rhys Dakin, Iowa

With punter Tory Taylor moving to the NFL, Iowa has turned to Dakin, another Australian punter hailing from Melbourne, to fill this crucial role. The success rate of Australian punters is impressive, as Taylor became the second Australian in a row to win the Ray Guy Award for the nation’s best punter last year, following Rutgers’ Adam Korsak. Notably, Australians dominated this award for five consecutive years from 2013-2017.

DE Williams Nwaneri, Missouri

Missouri has strong starting defensive ends in Johnny Walker Jr., who was the defensive MVP during the Cotton Bowl victory against Ohio State, and Michigan State transfer Zion Young. Veteran players such as Joe Moore III and Georgia transfer Darris Smith also add depth. Though Nwaneri, being a five-star prospect and a major signee, might see limited action due to the depth chart, his athleticism is likely to earn him a role within the Tigers’ rotation.

LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman indicated on signing day that Viliamu-Asa is ready to contribute right away, which was confirmed by an impressive spring performance. As fall camp approaches, this four-star recruit from renowned St. John’s Bosco in Bellflower, California, is positioned to secure a backup linebacker role, likely behind Drayk Bowen in the middle.

OT Jordan Seaton, Colorado

Seaton is poised to protect Shedeur Sanders’ blind side as a true freshman. While pushing a rookie into a left tackle role can be risky, Seaton is expected to improve the situation; Colorado allowed 56 sacks last year, the second-most in the FBS. Ensuring Sanders’ safety is crucial for the Buffaloes as they aim to improve in 2024 and contend in the revamped Big 12.

EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

Even the most talented edge rushers need time to adapt, particularly in the SEC. However, Stewart appears ready to seize an early opportunity for playing time at South Carolina as a situational rusher, which the Gamecocks desperately need after finishing last in the conference with just 21 sacks in 2023.

Wide Receiver Micah Hudson, Texas Tech

Micah Hudson, who is recovering from knee surgery, didn’t participate fully in the spring, which makes it unclear how he will fit into Texas Tech’s lineup as a freshman—whether he will play more as an inside receiver or on the outside. However, one thing is certain: Hudson is set to have a significant impact for the Red Raiders after selecting Tech despite offers from all the top programs in the FBS. According to Coach Joey McGuire during the Big 12 media days, Hudson has the potential to be a “generational player.”