As we approach the first half of the college football season, we're also witnessing a momentous impact of true freshman production.
Two of the best receivers in college football are freshmen in Alabama's Ryan Williams and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith. Not surprisingly, they were ranked Nos. 1 and 2 at the position as recruits a year ago.
There have also been less-heralded names stepping up at key positions for top-ranked programs.
Here's a look at our expanded list of the top 15 freshmen this season.
1. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama Crimson Tide
The 17-year-old Williams has been amazing, making consistently highlight-reel grabs. He has already amassed 544 yards this season, but what's more spectacular is his nation-leading 28.6 yards per catch. Double coverage? It doesn't matter; his ball skills and body control are at an elite level. After winning consecutive Mr. Football awards as a prep in Alabama, the No. 1-ranked receiver reclassified from the 2025 class to become part of the 2024 recruiting group, and he remained the top receiving prospect despite the jump.
2. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes
Averaging close to 100 yards receiving with six touchdowns, Smith could be No. 1. Like with Williams, if the ball is thrown in his vicinity, he's making the catch, often one-handed. He's fifth in the Big Ten in receiving yards (453) and one spot above teammate and projected first-round pick Emeka Egbuka. The 6-foot-3 Smith was one spot below Williams in the 2024 ESPN 300 receiver rankings and the No. 4 overall player.
3. Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska Cornhuskers
The top-ranked pocket passer from last year's recruiting class is the catalyst for Nebraska's 5-1 start. His production and efficiency have dipped lately, but he's avoiding the costly turnovers (3 interceptions) and executing a college offense just one year removed from high school. While there have been growing pains, the maturity and poise have been outstanding, and Raiola is certainly the program's building block of the future. He's fifth in the Big Ten in passing yards with 1,358, along with nine scores.
4. Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina Gamecocks
The explosive 6-6, 248-pound defender has 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in five contests for Gamecocks. His movements at his size are rare. The total repertoire has been on display. He's beating tackles off the ball with elite quickness and around the edge with flexibility, and he's going through them with explosive power. The physical comparisons to former South Carolina great Jadeveon Clowney are warranted. Stewart was a five-star ranked right below Colin Simmons on the defensive end rankings.
5. Colin Simmons, OLB, Texas Longhorns
Simmons has been seeing more snaps as the season progresses and is becoming unblockable off the edge. Still more of a pass-rush specialist, the former No. 12 overall prospect in the ESPN 300 is getting better against the run while wreaking havoc around the football. He still makes his impact getting after the quarterback. He has already tallied four sacks with countless pressures off the edge.
6. Jordan Seaton, OT, Colorado Buffaloes
New to this list, Seaton is currently blocking like the No. 1-ranked offensive tackle he was projected to be out of IMG Academy. He's protecting the blind side for one of the top QBs in college football, Shedeur Sanders, and Seaton's consistency as of late in pass pro is one of the main reasons the Buffs are 4-1. The former five-star has not let a sack in the past three games and has the size-and-athleticism combination of last year's standout freshman left tackle at Alabama, Kadyn Proctor.
7. Caden Durham, RB, LSU Tigers
The 13th-ranked running back in the ESPN 300 put up 218 total yards against South Alabama. After starting the season buried on the depth chart, he's averaging over 8 yards per carry on the ground and another 20 per catch for Tigers. A big-play threat with a blazing 10.25 100-meter track time out of high school, he rushed for over 2,000 yards and 35 touchdowns at national power Duncanville High School (Duncanville, Texas) last fall as a high school senior.
8. Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas Longhorns
Wingo lacks the eye-popping stats of Williams and Smith but has been a reliable target for the No. 1-ranked Longhorns and shown some big-play capabilities (22.5 yards per catch). He has also shown his speed and versatility on the ground with a 55-yard run versus the defending national champs Michigan earlier this year. The No. 8-ranked receiver in the 2024 class has a rare size-and-speed combination (6-2, 210, 10.5 100-meter speed). Wingo isn't a starter, but he's already a multifaceted part of the high-powered Longhorns offense.
9. KJ Bolden, DB, Georgia Bulldogs
Bolden, the top safety in last year's class, has been a productive defender for the Bulldogs and been used in a variety of alignments. He is fifth on the team in tackles with 19, including 12 solos and a sack. Bolden can make plays in all three levels of the defense with great size, range and closing speed. His coverage skills have been solid as well, and we expect his role to increase as the season progresses.
10. Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson Tigers
With injuries around him, the No. 2 linebacker in the 2024 class, has come on for the Tigers and is currently tied for fourth in tackles with 20. Brown is a productive special teams player but has really flashed at linebacker including two sacks in a win versus Stanford and team leading eight tackles (3.5 for loss) versus NC State. Brown has also held up well in coverage with two pass breakups. He's a fast and physical defender who will continue to light up the stat sheet when given the opportunity.
11. Zabien Brown, DB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Brown has started every game for the Tide this season which is a rare feat for a true freshman corner in Tuscaloosa. He has allowed some yardage but locked down when it mattered, most notably, picking off Carson Beck to seal the win over No. 2-ranked Georgia. Brown has played on a big stage before as the No. 8-rated corner out of national power Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California). Brown is not the most physically talented defensive back in the 2024 class but has played with great fundamentals and awareness, and he is producing in the same manner now.
12. Anthonie Knapp, OT, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The former three-star was thrust into action this season out of necessity after injuries depleted Notre Dame's offensive tackles. He has had some inconsistent play, but overall, he performed well at the difficult left tackle position. He is not the biggest player, (6-4, 294 pounds) but is consistent in assignments and mixes a good blend of athleticism and strength. Notre Dame's recent bye week should help Knapp's growth both physically and mentally.
13. Kaleb Harris, DB, Auburn Tigers
Harris produced at a high level (130 tackles, 15 TFLs, 4 INTs) in high school and was undergraded as a prospect. The former three-star has 15 tackles, including 11 solo, and two pass breakups in coverage for the Tigers. What doesn't show up in the stat sheet is his physicality and schematic dependability.
14. CJ Bailey, QB, NC State Wolfpack
Bailey does not have outstanding numbers, but this is also a guy who wasn't expected to come in and play. With injuries to Grayson McCall, Bailey has been inserted into action and has played far above expectations at a position that thrives on experience and preparation. The former three-star has thrown for 741 yards and four touchdowns. He has also added two scores on the ground. What he's lacking in proficiency, he makes up for in competitiveness. Bailey led one of the top programs in the country, Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Florida) to three consecutive state titles.
15. Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville Cardinals
The former four-star and 31st-ranked back in the 2024 class is outperforming the players ranked ahead of him. Brown has rushed for 362 yards at over 9 yards per carry. Versus nationally ranked teams, Notre Dame and SMU, he tallied 72 and 117 yards respectively. He also has 91 yards in receiving production and has been a solid contributor in the return game. Brown is a change-of-pace, scatback type who has been ideal for this offense, but look for him to become more of an every-down back in the second half of the season.