![Rating the top incoming freshman college football quarterbacks of 2024 based on their chances of seeing playing time in their first year Rating the top incoming freshman college football quarterbacks of 2024 based on their chances of seeing playing time in their first year](https://i1.wp.com/sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2024/06/04/29cd1df9-5f82-4203-826e-f3611eb8ecee/thumbnail/1200x675/e1c00846c7e0fcc8fe07ed8a178dcce2/dylanraiola.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1)
Projecting the immediate impact of a true freshman isn’t an exact science, but considering a number of factors such as past performance, positional depth, scheme fit and program stability can help us indicate which quarterbacks Freshmen are ready to hear their number on Saturdays before. instead of later.
Last year’s crop of 14 Top247 ranked quarterbacks from the Class of 2023 yielded a modest 11 combined starts and 53 games played in 2023 such as Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee), Dante Moore (UCLA), Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma), Jaden Rashada ( Arizona). State) and Avery Johnson (Kansas State) started at least one game last season.
While there’s no shortage of name recognition from last year’s group of quarterbacks, it’s not always the highest-ranked prospects that make the most timely impact, as exemplified by two of the country’s most understated 2023 freshmen: Anthony of Virginia. Colandrea and Arkansas State’s Jaylen Raynor, who emerged as the two most productive freshman quarterbacks in college football last season. Ranked as a three-star and the nation’s No. 45 QB by 247Sports out of Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, Colandrea started six games for the Cavaliers in his rookie season, eclipsing 300 yards passing. two of his six starts while also helping Virginia to an upset victory over Duke. Colandrea headlined the 247Sports True Freshman All-American team in 2023.
Raynor, an unranked prospect out of East Forsyth High School in North Carolina, earned his first start of 2023 for the Red Wolves in week four against Southern Miss, leading his team to a high-scoring 44-37 victory against the Golden Eagles. Raynor became the first true freshman quarterback to start the program since 2001 and the only one to lead a program to a victory in his first career start. The Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year started double-digit games as a true freshman.
With the playoffs out of the way, here’s how we rank five true freshman quarterbacks based on their likelihood of seeing significant playing time in 2024.
UNLIKELY, BUT CRAZIER THINGS HAVE HKeynoteUSAPENED
5. Walker White, Auburn (No. 5 QB, No. 41 overall)
The Tigers will regain some experience at the quarterback position this season as Payton Thorne prepares for another opportunity on the Plains, along with Hank Brown and Holden Geriner as the second year of the Hugh Freeze era approaches with more expectations .
At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, White has the ability to give Freeze and Auburn fans a taste of what the future could hold with his combination of pure running back athleticism and NFL-caliber arm talent. Although he will need some refinement in the passing game and probably a year or two to develop, Freeze and the Tigers could opt to quickly familiarize the talented true freshman by using him situationally in running and short yardage situations.
Comparable to Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis in physicality, athletic potential and arm talent, White is expected to become a household name in scouting circles very quickly as he possesses all the traits physiques that are sought after at the quarterback position.
DON’T SAY WE DIDN’T WARN YOU
4. Julian Sayin, Ohio State (No. 3 QB, No. 20 overall)
Ohio State has arguably the most interesting quarterback room in the country, as the Buckeyes certainly possess the talent to compete for a national championship in what will be a very important seventh season for Ryan Day in Columbus.
Sayin, a former Alabama signee, entered the portal just nine days after enrolling at the school in Tuscaloosa, opting to suit up for Day and the Buckeyes after the departure of Nick Saban from the Crimson Tide. Although the path to the field is not very clear with Kansas State transfer Will Howard, the presumed starter, and former top recruit Devin Brown also in the room, there are some question marks, especially after a period of spring when Howard didn’t light up the world. on fire.
Arguably the most polished passer of a trio of quarterbacks who were named five-stars last cycle, it’s easy to see why Sayin could stand out early in a Chip Kelly offense that offers one of the best supporting casts in the country. A timely passer who operates with no shortage of pocket maturity, don’t be surprised if we see the California native on the big stage sooner than we think. Given the pressure Day is facing, we could see him turning to Sayin at the first sign of trouble. It’s up to Howard, and Brown to some extent, to keep the true freshman in line.
PROBABLY NOT, BUT MAYBE
3. Demond Williams, Washington (No. 19 QB)
Although he would currently have to unseat transfer quarterback Will Rogers from the starting job, the former four-star signal caller could be in position to see his fair share of playing time in Seattle this season as Jedd Fisch and the Huskies attempt to replace Michael Penix . Jr. and navigate a massive roster change in the middle of his first year in the Big Ten. Convincing Williams to transfer from Arizona to Washington after a few weeks in Tucson was a big, if not surprising, roster move for Fisch.
Williams quickly gained a reputation as an undersized point guard who plays with elite command and has drawn comparisons to Fisch alumnus and current Arizona signal-caller Noah Fifita regarding his height and style of play. .
Williams, currently 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, also plays much larger than his size, displaying an ability to maximize game-changing opportunities both through the air and on the ground while rushing for 1,100 yards and 20 touchdowns as a player. . Senior at Basha High School in Arizona.
Often referred to as a “player” due to his competitive nature and lack of height, Williams offers first-year Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch an interesting off-ramp to build on moving forward if the first half of the schedule of the Washington conference is too discouraging. .
MORE LIKELY THAN NOT
2. DJ Lagway, Florida (No. 1 QB, No. 3 overall)
On paper, Billy Napier and the Gators appear to be in a very comfortable position at quarterback as Graham Mertz and his wealth of experience return to Gainesville hoping to build on an encouraging first year in the Swamp. That said, Lagway is simply too talented and too important to Napier’s future to be kept off the field while he enters the fray and what is considered a make-or-break season for the Gators.
Lagway, listed at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds on Florida’s spring roster, is coming off a senior season at Willis High School, where he set the Texas Class 6A single-season record for touchdown passes while leading the program at its best level. record in more than 60 years and his first trip to the regional semifinals in almost three decades. A proven winner, it’s not just the true freshman’s intangibles that need to be taken into account, but also his dual-threat capabilities that should allow Napier and his staff the creativity to use the five-star signal caller in a way that should remind most Florida fans. It was by Anthony Richardson.
LIKELY – AND MAY EVEN START GAME 1
1. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska (No. 2 QB, No. 7 overall)
It’s looking increasingly likely that former Nebraska five-star and legacy Dylan Raiola could emerge as Matt Rhule’s starting quarterback this fall after putting together an impressive spring campaign. If you’re Rhule and Nebraska fans alike, you’re probably asking yourself the same question: Why not start the talented freshman?
Raiola will face an interesting situation in his first season, as he hopes to start a program in a postseason chase since 2016, not to mention attempting to revitalize one of the worst passing offenses in college football last season. It’s a tall order, but certainly filled with opportunity for a young, talented signal-caller, as the Cornhuskers will host five of their first six home opponents in Lincoln, two of which include games against UTEP and Northern Iowa.
A big passer at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Raiola’s sturdy frame and physique are certainly ready for the rigors of college football, but there’s no answer until the opener as to whether the Cornhuskers have enough protection and playmaking ability. to facilitate your transition. in the collegiate ranks.
Ready or not, expect a big dose of Dylan Raiola this season in Lincoln.
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