College football’s stage is set for the final act in 2023, but even as confetti rains down, whispers of the next 2024 season already fill the air.
Among the echoes of cheers and groans, a new brand of talent is rising, hungry to grab the spotlight. Forget signing day drama, we’re spotlighting the top 20 gems worth marking in your draft diaries.
From electric freshman phenomena to seniors blossoming into NFL-bound beasts, this list transcends the usual suspects. Whether it’s a dual-threat QB rewriting offensive playbooks or a lockdown corner being a nightmare for receivers, buckle up for a glimpse into the future of college football.
1. KJ Bolden
Hailing from Buford High, KJ Bolden is a dynamic playmaker capable of electrifying the game in multiple ways. A 5-star recruit and No. 1 safety in the nation, Bolden’s athleticism and versatility establish him a coveted weapon for any program.
The star safety recently flipped his commitment from Florida State to Georgia. Per Rivals, he stated, “I want to play against the best, I want to practice against the best, I want to develop into one of the best.”
A triple-threat player, Bolden is a defensive dominator, with his speed and range allowing him to cover vast areas, intercept passes, and shut down receivers. He was also an offensive juggernaut during his Buford tenure.
With 6 interceptions, 1173 receiving yards, and 18 total TDs, Georgia will have a great all-rounder with KJ.
2. D.J. Lagway
A 5-star Dual-Threat dynamo poised to electrify College Football, D.J. Lagway has signed for the Florida Gators. The Willis High School QB has a cannon arm that can launch lasers downfield, while his nimble feet make him scramble for a big yardage.
A whopping 4606 passing yards and 58 TD passes in his senior year display his greatness. He achieved the feat while maintaining a .721 completion rate. Overall, the QB has generated over 8000 passing yards in his 4-year Willis journey.
In terms of rushing, Lagway ran for 957 yards in 2023, making 16 TDs along the way. With such talent and work ethic, DJ could rewrite the Florida record books and even become a Heisman Trophy contender.
3. Jaylen Mbakwe
College football recruiting is always buzzing with the next big prospect, and Jaylen Mbake is one to watch. This 6-foot, 171-pound dynamo from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama is headed to Tuscaloosa, and Crimson Tide fans are already buzzing with excitement.
While projected as a star cornerback for Bama, Mbakwe’s high school career saw him dominate in multiple positions. He racked up over 1,000 receiving yards and had 240 passing yards. This versatility gives Nick Saban and his defensive staff exciting options.
Whether chasing down ball carriers or breaking on passes, Mbakwe’s explosive speed and quick feet leave offensive players grasping at the air. Jaylen’ss a game-changer in the open field.
4. Ellis Robinson IV
An IMG Academy Cornerback, Ellis Robinson IV has signed for Georgia for the 2024 season. Dubbed “The Blanket”, Ellis is the consensus #1 cornerback prospect in the 2024 class. This lockdown CB gloats a blend of physical prowess and technical savvy that has college coaches salivating.
Robinson’s length (6’1″) and athleticism make him a nightmare for receivers. He can blanket them in press coverage and erase them from the route tree.
He also has a knack for sniffing out throws and making plays on the ball. His anticipation and leaping ability have led to multiple interceptions and pass breakups. He deflected 4 passes from 3 games in the 2022 season.
5. David Stone
A 5-star defensive tackle from IMG Academy, David Stone is an Oklahoma Sooners commit for 2024. A huge player (6’4″, 280 lbs) – he’s a game-changing force with a relentless motor and a knack for making QBs sweat.
Stone has a knack for exploding off the line, swallowing up blockers, and disrupting plays with a power that makes opposing offenses tremble. With 7 QB hurries and 29 tackles in two years, he is a menace.
Stone’s talent and leadership are expected to make him an immediate impact player for the Oklahoma program. He’s got All-American potential written all over him.
6. Ryan Williams
Not just a college football prospect, Ryan Williams is a 5-star phenom who’s already generating excitement in Tuscaloosa. This speedy WR from Saraland, Alabama, is in the 2024 class and will play for the Crimson Tide this summer, injecting their offense talent and explosiveness.
Williams boasts blurry speed, effortless leaping ability, and great route-running skills that leave defenders grasping at air. He’s a nightmare matchup in one-on-one coverage. With over 3000 receiving yards and 1000+ rushing yards, Ryan will be an immediate impact for Alabama.
Williams has a golden opportunity to make an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide. He’s expected to be a key weapon in Head Coach Nick Saban’s offensive arsenal.
7. Jordan Seaton
Coming from Bradenton’s IMG Academy, Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton has committed to the Colorado Buffaloes for the 2024 season.
This 5-star recruit stands tall at 6’5″ and 310 lbs, with a powerful wingspan. He’s a physical marvel with the athleticism to match, making him a nightmare for any edge rusher.
Clocking a blazing 17.7 mph on GPS tracking during a match, Seaton has proven his impressive mobility for his size.
The Buffaloes landed a huge prize in Seaton, who fills a critical need for their offensive line. With his combination of size, athleticism, and dominant play, Seaton has the makings of an All-American.
8. Julian Sayin
Hailing from Carlsbad High, Julian Sayin is a quarterback prodigy poised to take the SEC by storm. Already signed for Alabama, this 6-2, 190-pound gunslinger has great accuracy, a laser-like arm, and a football IQ that belies his years.
Sayin’s pinpoint accuracy and poise under pressure were on full display as he dominated the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback competition, and won the MVP award.
The QB racked up an impressive 2369 passing yards in his 2023 season, along with 24 TD passes. He has also rushed for 600+ yards in his 4-year career, showcasing his potential for the running game.
9. Jeremiah Smith
Meet Jeremiah Smith, the phenom 5-star wide receiver who has taken the college football world by storm. He has committed to Ohio State for the 2024 season and will seek to display his electrifying speed and athleticism for the Buckeyes nation.
In his senior year, Smith made 1,389 yards from 90 catches and showered 19 receiving TDs. He assisted Chaminade-Madonna to a state championship. He has gathered over 3000 yards from receptions in his 3-year high school journey.
With Unstoppable hands, Jeremiah catches everything thrown his way, and his Route-running maestro aids him in running crisp routes with precision and deception.
10. Williams Nwaneri
A 6’7 260-pound titan, Williams Nwaneri has been an epic defensive athlete for Lee’s Summit North High School. A 5-star recruit, Nwaneri can play as both interior and exterior lineman, a nightmare for any O-Line and QBs.
In his 2023 senior year, Nwaneri racked up an impressive 50 tackles, 23 QB hurries, 6 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles. Over his three-year career, Williams has made 149 tackles, 24 sacks, and 10 pass deflections.
With relentless energy, hustle, and constantly putting pressure on the QB, the DE is expected to make an immediate impact for the Missouri Tigers, starting from day one.
11. Micah Hudson
Micah Hudson is an electric playmaker with the potential to become a household name. This 5-star wide receiver has been amazing for Lake Belton high school football since his freshman year.
Hudson possesses electric catching ability and body control, making him a threat anywhere on the field. The WR acclimated 1370 receiving yards from 70 receptions while making 18 TDs from them.
Moreover, he is also a Speed demon, boasting elite 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed, leaving defenders in the dust. He generated 401 rushing yards in his 2-year HS football career.
Hudson has signed for the Texas Tech Raiders for the 2024 season.
12. Colin Simmons
A 5-star recruit who has signed for the Texas Longhorns football program, DE Colin Simmons has exploded off the edge with lightning speed and a relentless motor, constantly pressuring QBs and disrupting plays.
Simmons’ 2022 season was phenomenal, leading Duncanville to a perfect 15-0 record and state championship. For his brilliant performance, he was honored as the Texas District 11-6A Co-MVP and the Dallas Morning News Defensive Player of the Year.
In his 2023 season, Colin racked up a staggering 45 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 29 QB hurries, and 7 brutal sacks, making him a ferocious D-line machine.
13. Mike Matthews
Mike Matthews is a 5-star recruit who is a two-way dynamo, excelling in both catching fire on offense and snuffing it out on defense. Whether lining up at wide receiver or safety, Matthews’ electrifying talent lights up the field.
From offense, Matthews displays elite hands and leaping ability, making him a reliable target who thrives in contested situations. He accumulated 751 receiving yards in the 2023 season, along with 9 TDs.
Likewise, Matthews’ instincts and anticipation translate to crucial interceptions and game-changing plays from the safety position. His seamless switch between defense and offense offers great strategic options.
14. Joshisa Trader
Chaminade-Madonna’s Joshisa Trader is a highlight reel waiting to happen. This 6-1, 180-pound WR possesses sticky fingers, electrifying route-running, and explosiveness that leaves defenders grasping at air. He has signed up for the University of Miami for 2024.
With 757 receiving yards from 47 receptions, Trader has displayed great route running skills, dancing past defenders with precision and fluidity. He contributed 14 total TDs in his senior year. He also received the MaxPreps Junior All-American honors.
Trader’s commitment to Miami has Canes fans dreaming of national championships. He’s expected to be an immediate starter and a key weapon in coach Mario Cristobal’s offensive attack.
15. Jamonta Waller
Jamonta Waller’s commitment to the Auburn Tigers has fans excited. His physical prowess coupled with relentless hustle is a perfect fit for the Tigers’ defensive scheme. Expect him to make an immediate impact as a freshman and develop into an SEC star.
The DE has an explosive first step, Burning off the line of scrimmage with lightning speed, leaving offensive tackles grasping at air.
Likewise, Waller has also received multiple accolades like the 6A Mr. Football award and the MAIS 5A Defensive Player of the Year.
In the 2023 season, Waller contributed 69 tackles, 9 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles for the Picayune Varsity Football team. His 22 QB hurries also displayed his raw talent and explosiveness.
16. Sammy Brown
A Clemson commit, Sammy Brown isn’t your typical linebacker. He’s a do-it-all weapon, a playmaking chess piece that defenses simply can’t contain. A 5-star recruit, Brown’s senior season stats were a sight to behold.
Accumulating 153 tackles (10.9 per game), 2 interceptions, and 12 tackles for loss, Brown cemented his status as a dominant LB in Jefferson High School football. His overall tackles recorded in his career is 247.
Moreover, his versatility is another plus point. Brown can seamlessly switch between a linebacker and a running back, wreaking havoc on unprepared defenses. He garnered more than 4400 rushing yards in his 3-year high school career.
17. Dylan Raiola
Buford High’s QB Dylan Raiola is ready to electrify Nebraska with his signing move. This 5-star QB has sent shockwaves through recruiting with his gunslinging talent and captivating leadership. Raiola’s swagger and accuracy have college football buzzing.
Raiola is known for pinpoint accuracy, throwing with laser precision, hitting receivers in stride, and carving up defenses. With 2666 passing yards and 24 TD passes in 2023, Dylan has etched his electrifying status in Buford history.
A player with good arm strength, can launch deep bombs with ease and stretch the field while keeping defenses honest. His 8000+ passing yards is an incredible feat.
18. Cameron Coleman
A national hype, Coleman isn’t just a 5-star recruit, he’s a blue-chip burner destined to ignite Auburn’s passing game. This Alabama native possesses explosive speed, a leaping ability that defies gravity, and hands that grab anything thrown his way.
Coleman’s cheetah-like speed stretches defenses, leaving DBs in his dust as he bombs down the field for deep touchdowns. With 1372 receiving yards and 8 TDs in 2023 season, the WR will be a highlight reel play for Auburn.
A 6’3 athlete, his high point and wingspan make him an unstoppable force in jump ball situations.
With his talent and work ethic, Coleman has the potential to become an SEC star.
19. Jordan Ross
Jordan Ross isn’t just a college football prospect, he’s a raw, athletic talent with the potential to become a dominant edge rusher for years to come.
Coming from Vestavia Hills High School in Alabama, Ross has garnered national attention with his electrifying power, speed, and relentless hustle.
A 4-star recruit, Ross has signed for the Tennessee Volunteers. At just 6-5 and 220 lbs, Ross has plenty of room to add size and strength, making his future potential even more intriguing.
The DE recorded 12.5 sacks and 72 tackles during his senior season, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and backfields.
20. Bryant Wesco
Soaring high above the competition, Bryant Wesco is a name etched in the minds of college football fans. This 4-star wide receiver hails from Midlothian High, Texas. He has signed with Clemson University for the upcoming 2024 campaign.
Standing at 6’2″ and 175 lbs, Wesco gloats a lean and athletic build that allows him to dominate the airways. His long strides and leaping ability make him a nightmare for the DBs.
In 2023, he registered 619 receiving yards and 13 TDs from 36 receptions. His 2022 season was even better, racking in 1072 yards. Wesco isn’t just a jump-ball specialist but a crisp route runner too. With his speed and hands, Wesco can turn any short pass into a long gain.