The college football season is officially upon us, which means new players on new teams and new players to watch on the field.
In the transfer portal era, the importance of freshmen has been somewhat diminished, but several players will still make an impact in their first collegiate game.
Here are 10 freshmen to watch in Week 1 of the college football season.
10 Freshmen To Watch in Week 1
10) Dontae Carter, S, Vanderbilt
Dontae Carter was one of the highest-rated recruits in the history of Vanderbilt football, peaking at 43rd overall in On3’s rankings. He arrived on campus and has been even better than expected, beating out veteran De’Rickey Wright (Who was on our list of top Vanderbilt returners) and locking down a starting safety spot.
If you’re looking for a reason to watch Vanderbilt, look no further than Carter, who should be all over the place this year.
9) Anthonie Knapp, LT, Notre Dame
Anthonie Knapp is far from the first true freshman to start at left tackle for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but that shouldn’t make it any less exciting.
Notre Dame has been remarkably consistent at the tackle position, and people in the know in South Bend aren’t worried about Knapp replacing Joe Alt if that tells you anything about his upside.
8) Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina
South Carolina has three players who could have been put on this list, but I went with Dylan Stewart.
Some within the program have told me it would be completely unsurprising to see Stewart break Jadeveon Clowney’s freshman sack record. He’s that good. He won’t likely start, but should play extensively against a fast Old Dominion offense in Week 1.
7) Danny O’Neil, QB, San Diego State
Danny O’Neil was originally committed to Colorado but flipped his commitment when Sean Lewis went to San Diego State. His high school film is amazing, and he should fit in well under a quarterback guru as a head coach.
O’Neil will become the first true freshman to start Week 1 at San Diego State when he takes the first snap Saturday.
6) T.J. Moore, WR, Clemson
Sammy Brown is the true freshman at Clemson who is getting the most hype, but internally, T.J. Moore is making some noise.
A few people connected to that program think he’s the obvious choice to be Clemson’s leading receiver this year. Moore is a height-weight-speed freak who could get on the gridiron early against Georgia.
5) Boo Carter, DB, Tennessee
Though he’s unlikely to start immediately, Boo Carter should find his way onto the field in the opener against Chattanooga.
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The Volunteers will move him all around the secondary, and his versatility will likely help him see a ton of time on special teams and defense — especially if a thin secondary sustains an injury.
4) Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
The Auburn passing attack was ugly last season, so Hugh Freeze went out and landed several high-profile receivers. Cam Coleman is the headliner and he should start the opener.
The main question will be whether Payton Thorne has the time and the accuracy to get him the ball.
3) Micah Hudson, WR, Texas Tech
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire was quick to praise Micah Hudson this offseason after landing the highest-rated recruit in school history. He joins a pass-happy offense and will likely see a ton of playing time in the slot.
Don’t be surprised if he puts up huge numbers as a true freshman.
2) Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
Ever since Dylan Raiola switched his commitment from Georgia to the Nebraska Cornhuskers last December, it was a foregone conclusion that he would be named the starting quarterback in Lincoln.
Raiola has both the floor to be a sure-fire, long-term starter and the ceiling to be a superstar. The question is whether he can be good immediately in a complicated and sometimes QB-unfriendly offense.
1) Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith was always going to be the top player on this list. It takes a special talent to join that loaded receiver room and almost immediately turn into one of the top options.
Ohio State coaches and people connected to the program are sure he’s a superstar; they’re just curious about how good he can be.
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