Recruits To Watch in 2024

While the Early Signing Period has taken some of the shine off of National Signing Day, the first Wednesday in February remains an exciting day for fans as the unofficial start of the new college football season.

Though “winners” and “losers” of National Signing Day should be taken with a grain of salt – for example, Washington was viewed as a Signing Day loser last year and ended up in the National Championship, while Texas A&M was a winner and ended up making a coaching change and enduring a transfer portal mass exodus after the season – there are prospects that fans should get to know and be excited to watch.

1. Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola

Arguably the nation’s top incoming quarterback prospect, Raiola has a big-time arm and utilizes a good range of release points to make plays. Consistency will be key for Raiola, who played at four different high schools in three years and committed to both Ohio State and Georgia before signing on at Nebraska this past year.

2. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith

Ohio State is seemingly always replacing NFL-bound receivers, but the shoes feel a little bigger this year with the departure of Marvin Harrison Jr. to the pros. Smith is an above-average route-runner for his size (6-foot-3) and has already been categorized as a physical “freak show” by new Buckeye quarterback Will Howard.

3. Georgia CB Ellis Robinson IV

Robinson committed to UGA last year and remains the top recruit of the incoming class. He projects as a No. 1 corner and should find his way into the lineup sooner than later.

4. Florida QB D.J. Lagway

Despite already drawing comparisons to former Gator quarterback Anthony Richardson thanks to an impressive athletic skill set in both the pass and run games, Lagway is likely a year or two away from really contributing in Gainesville. However, his talent is good enough to warrant some specific packages drawn up just for him, similar to how Urban Meyer managed Tim Tebow in his debut season at Florida.

5. Alabama CB Jaylen Mbakwe

Also a high school quarterback, Mbakwe projects as a multi-position defensive back at the collegiate level. He possesses elite speed and a high football IQ. With the Crimson Tide suffering some key losses to the NFL and transfer portal, Mbakwe will have ample opportunity to see the field early.

6. Colorado OT Jordan Seaton

The Buffs were the talk of the transfer portal ahead of last season. Things have quieted down somewhat this year, but Seaton is one incoming recruit who could make an immediate impact in Boulder. For as much excitement on the field as Colorado generated in the first month of last season, the Buffaloes ended up ranking last in the nation in rushing and allowing a Power 5-high 56 sacks in 2023. Seaton should have an opportunity to play right away and showcase why he was rated as a five-star recruit.

7. Ohio State QB Julian Sayin

Sayin comes with a bit of an asterisk, as he signed his letter of intent to Alabama in December and had enrolled in classes in Tuscaloosa before entering the transfer portal when Nick Saban announced his retirement last month. Sayin quickly landed on Ohio State as his home in 2024 and projects as the most college-ready prospect in the class.

8. Auburn WR Cam Coleman

Coleman checks every box as a receiving prospect. He has exceptional speed and quickness for his 6-foot-3 frame and has shown an ability to play in the slot or on the perimeter. He figures to be an immediate vertical threat in the Tigers’ passing game. Not to mention, he won’t even be 18 years old until August.

9. Georgia LB Justin Williams

Built in the mold of a modern-day outside linebacker at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Williams is a tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline speed. He will fit in just fine at Georgia and likely push for playing time quickly thanks to his athleticism.

10. Florida DE L.J. McCray

A big-bodied pass rusher with room to grow, McCray will be a project for the Gators, but one that could pay off big time if he progresses how they expect him to. The 6-foot-7 McCray likely needs at least a year to develop but he could see time as a situational pass rusher in his debut season this fall.