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 into three groups: Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, and In Question.
Exceeding Expectations
Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State): A generational talent, Smith is the only wide receiver to finish his class as the No. 1 overall prospect since 247Sports began ranking recruits in 2000. His immediate ascension into one of college football's most dominant players is impressive, with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving campaigns in his first two seasons.
Dylan Stewart (EDGE, South Carolina): Stewart's first-step explosiveness and relentless activity off the edge make him one of the most dynamic defenders in the country. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he shows rare bend and flexibility, allowing him to operate with uncanny freedom on the edge.
Meeting Expectations
Ellis Robinson IV (CB, Georgia): Robinson aims to solidify himself as one of the premier corners in the country. He started twelve games for the Bulldogs as a redshirt sophomore, recording four interceptions.
Sammy Brown (LB, Clemson): Brown possesses the most athletic profile amongst any of his peers, continuing to develop into one of the best linebackers in the country. At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, he can play sideline to sideline and erase angles.
KJ Bolden (S, Georgia): Bolden's combination of speed, toughness, and versatility has provided significant value for the Bulldogs. He has appeared in every contest in his two seasons, proving to be one of the most college-ready impact players.
David Stone (DL, Oklahoma): Stone's emergence as one of the best interior defensive linemen was vital to the Sooners' first College Football Playoff berth. He has quick-twitch explosiveness and body quickness, overwhelming opponents on a down-to-down basis.
Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State): Sayin assumed the starting quarterback role after the Buckeyes' victory in the 2024 National Championship. He responded with over 3,600 yards passing and 32 touchdowns in his first full season as a starter.
T.J. Moore (WR, Clemson): Moore improved on an impressive freshman campaign, hauling in 52 receptions for 837 yards. He's an efficient mover with ideal size and offers a dependable presence in Clemson's passing game.
Zabien Brown (CB, Alabama): Brown's polished playing style, forged in the throes of his time at Mater Dei, quickly proved college-ready. He has started in every contest for the Crimson Tide, displaying instinctive play recognition.
Chris Cole (LB, Georgia): Cole has the look and feel of a defender who could blossom in his third season. His length and athleticism allow him to be deployed in various situations, showing three-down ability.
Ryan Wingo (WR, Texas): Wingo's steady emergence in Texas' passing game has been a welcome development. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he has the physical tools to develop into a potential first-round NFL Draft pick.
In Question
DJ Lagway (QB, Baylor): Lagway encountered a series of injuries that derailed his critical offseason. He struggled to find his rhythm, leading the SEC in interceptions thrown.
LJ McCray (DL, Florida): McCray missed the second half of fall camp and Florida's season opener due to a knee injury. He suffered a broken right foot in Week 2 and required surgery.
Cam Coleman (WR, Texas): Coleman produced flashes that led many to believe he would become the first Auburn receiver to record a 1,000-yard receiving season since 1999. However, he fell short of that mark in his two seasons.
Williams Nwaneri (DL, Nebraska): Nwaneri transferred to Nebraska after logging just 38 snaps across four games as a true freshman with the Tigers. He started nine games for the Cornhuskers, recording 2.5 sacks and 27 tackles.
Dylan Raiola (QB, Oregon): Raiola suffered a broken fibula in the first week of November, missing the remainder of the 2025 season. He transferred to Oregon and will likely redshirt as a backup quarterback.
Jordan Ross (EDGE, LSU): Ross logged just under 250 snaps for Tennessee before transferring to LSU. He has added needed weight to his frame and enters a crucial year three in Baton Rouge.
Justin Williams (LB, Georgia): Williams saw action in all fourteen of Georgia's games, recording just over 225 snaps as a true sophomore. He figures to be a key part of the Bulldogs' defense.
Justin Scott (DL, Miami): Scott registered over 500 snaps while appearing in all fifteen games for the Hurricanes during their national championship run. He's a nimble mover at 6-foot-4 and 300-plus pounds.
Jaylen Mbakwe (CB, Georgia Tech): Mbakwe changed positions from corner to receiver in his second season with the Crimson Tide, leading to almost 200 fewer snaps. He will return to the defensive backfield under Brent Key.
Jordan Seaton (OT, LSU): Seaton anchored the Buffaloes' offensive line before entering the transfer portal. He's presumed to be one of the most expensive players in the portal and will prepare for SEC competition.
Terry Bussey (WR, Texas A&M): Bussey has struggled to find solid ground in Texas A&M's offense, failing to record more than 20 receptions in a season. He needs to transition to the receiver position fully.
Dominick McKinley (DL, LSU): McKinley participated in all thirteen games for the Bayou Bengals last season, recording just shy of 400 snaps. He's labeled as a 'raw' but promising prospect.
Micah Hudson (WR, Texas Tech): Hudson has struggled to find his footing since arriving in Lubbock, totaling just 16 receptions in two seasons.
Elijah Rushing (EDGE, Oregon): Rushing has logged fewer than 100 defensive snaps during his career at Oregon, adding needed weight to his frame.
Gatlin Bair (WR, Oregon): Bair will resume his college career with the Ducks after a two-year LDS mission. He has elite speed and set the Idaho state record in the 100-meter dash.
Colin Simmons (EDGE, Texas): Simmons has 21 sacks and nearly 30 tackles for loss over his first two seasons. He lacks length but makes up for it with elite first-step quickness and closing speed.
Luke Reynolds (TE, Virginia Tech): Reynolds transferred to Virginia Tech in search of a fresh start. He has flashed his talent but has yet to put it all together.
Amaris Williams (EDGE, Georgia): Williams transferred to Athens after seeing limited playing time at Auburn. A torn ACL will force him to miss the entire 2026 season.
Zavier Mincey (S, Alabama): Mincey transitioned to safety during his second season in Tuscaloosa. He brings size and length to the secondary and showed positive signs as a rotational contributor.
