As college football has evolved, the impact of true freshmen on the game may not be as significant as it once was. With the rise of super seniors and transfer players, it is no longer uncommon to see established players taking center stage. However, this does not mean that true freshmen cannot still make a significant impact on the game. In fact, there are many examples of true freshmen who have proven their value to their teams in recent years.
For example, Caleb Downs at Alabama and Anthony Hill at Texas have both emerged as key contributors for their respective teams. And while some may argue that these players are more highly rated than others, there are also cases where true freshmen have emerged as top players on their teams. For instance, Eric Singleton at Georgia Tech and Dillon Thieneman at Purdue have both shown impressive skills and potential in limited playing time so far.
As we look ahead to the 2024 college football season, we have compiled a list of the most likely impact freshmen for each of the top 10 teams according to CBS Sports’ preseason rankings. While these freshmen may not be among the highest-rated players overall, they are poised to see early playing time and make a difference on the field. So keep an eye out for these young stars as they take center stage this season!
