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Meet the 5 Freshman Phenoms Taking College Football by Storm!

NFL Draft can wait: 5 true freshmen who are already dominating college football

NFL Draft can wait: 5 true freshmen who are already dominating college football. This season, the landscape of college football is buzzing with the emergence of fresh talent, showcasing true freshmen who are making significant waves on the field.

Before highlighting the standout players on our October list of the Top 5 freshmen in college football — complete with scouting reports and player comparisons — it’s important to recognize the factors contributing to the immediate success of these first-year athletes.

[Related: Why Colorado’s Travis Hunter is an unprecedented NFL Draft prospect]

The players themselves deserve commendation for their hard work and dedication. Enhanced training methods and coaching techniques at the high school level have undeniably shaped their skills and readiness for college competition.

Take Pitt’s quarterback Eli Holstein, for example, who began his collegiate journey at Alabama. While Holstein has shown promise, he, along with other redshirt freshmen like Texas’ Arch Manning and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava, is technically in his second season and has been excluded from this discussion.

Here’s a look at the five freshmen who are making headlines and deserve your attention.

Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Heights and weights are provided by their respective schools. 

Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska, 6-3, 230

After experiencing a challenging game (13-for-27 for 134 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception), it would have been simple to overlook Raiola. However, the excitement he brings to Nebraska is undeniable, leading the team to a 5-1 record, including a recent win against an undefeated Rutgers squad. Over six games, he has completed 66.9% of his passes for 1,358 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions.

His five victories match last year’s total for a Nebraska team that has struggled since 2016. Raiola’s father, Dominic, played center at Nebraska from 1997-2000, contributing to the national championship as a redshirt freshman.

Whether Dylan can replicate his father’s NFL success remains to be seen. Dominic was the 50th overall pick in 2001 and played 203 games over 14 seasons with the Detroit Lions.

Scouting report: Dylan boasts a professional-caliber physique and impressive arm strength. He skillfully layers the ball on touch throws, navigating defenders and guiding his receivers into open space. Notably, he demonstrates remarkable awareness for a freshman, effectively looking off coverage before delivering accurate throws downfield. 

Dylan Raiola possesses the size and throwing style reminiscent of a young Jameis Winston. (Getty Images)

Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas, 6-3, 245

While offensive players like Manning and wideout Ryan Wingo often steal the spotlight in Austin, Simmons is a key player in the Longhorns’ rise to the top of the polls. The talented Dallas native leads the team in tackles for loss (six) and sacks (four), racking up 18 tackles in the first five games. His standout performance in Texas’ SEC home debut against Mississippi State included career-highs of seven tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble.

Scouting report: Simmons has already demonstrated the burst, bend, and agility necessary to become a long-term impact player in the NFL. He has a knack for timing the snap and pairs his speed with effective counter moves. 

Player comp: Longhorns fans may find it controversial, but Simmons exhibits traits similar to a young Von Miller, who made his mark at Texas A&M.

Colin Simmons showcases the burst and agility reminiscent of a young Von Miller. (Getty Images)

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State, 6-3, 215

Ohio State consistently produces top-tier NFL prospects, especially at wide receiver. The Buckeyes have seen 13 players drafted in the last decade, including four in the first round. Smith stands out among them, having caught six touchdowns on 23 receptions for 453 yards in his first five games.

In a time when many prospects are labeled “pro-ready” prematurely, Smith’s impressive size and physique give him the look of an NFL veteran. The Miami Gardens native was the consensus top-rated recruit last spring and is quickly climbing the depth chart for a Buckeyes team aiming for a national title.

Scouting report: Smith’s combination of size and speed makes him a challenging match for defenders. He also boasts remarkable body control and strong hands, showcasing his ability to make spectacular one-handed catches.

Player comp: His ability to evade tackles and make impressive catches is reminiscent of Philadelphia Eagles’ standout AJ Brown.

Jeremiah Smith displays the agility and catching ability reminiscent of AJ Brown during his time at Ole Miss and now in the NFL. (Getty Images)

Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina, 6-6, 248

South Carolina fans are justifiably excited, as the Gamecocks haven’t had an edge rusher with this level of talent since Jadeveon Clowney, who was the No. 1 overall pick a decade ago.

Scouting report: Like Clowney, Stewart combines impressive height with explosive speed off the edge. He can outpace tackles with pure speed and demonstrates physicality by pushing blockers into the quarterback’s path. Notably, he is already showing a polished technique, as seen in his effective slap, shoulder dip, and closing speed during pass rushes.

Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama, 6-1, 165

Despite being last on this list, Alabama’s 17-year-old wide receiver may be the most impressive freshman in college football this season. Williams averages an astonishing 28.6 yards per reception over his first five games, scoring six touchdowns. Notably, his standout performance came against Georgia, where he recorded six catches for 177 yards and a game-winning touchdown.

Scouting report: Williams is a known talent among scouts. As the youngest player in Division I football, he joined the Crimson Tide after being named Mr. Alabama twice in high school. His exceptional acceleration, body control, and soft hands have quickly made him a key player in Kalen DeBoer’s dynamic offense.

Player comp: Given his slender build and impressive football IQ, Williams draws comparisons to Alabama’s Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. For older fans, he may remind them of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison during his early career.

Ryan Williams, while slight in frame, exhibits the football savvy reminiscent of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison. (Getty Images)

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Dave Gallo is a leading sports bettor and handicapper since 1999, known for his impressive 10-0 winning streaks. A journalism, advertising, and media studies major at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he combines his betting expertise with academic knowledge. Gallo's strong work ethic and passion for sports fuel his ongoing success and scholarly pursuits.

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