Four 2024 5-star recruits to watch

The Early Signing Period concluded last week. Many of the uncommitted and unsigned 2023 prospects will make their decisions between now and February.

As a result, the 2024 recruiting cycle is beginning to heat up. On3’s Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons spoke about four 2024 prospects to watch on The Inside Scoop, On3’s recruiting show.

Five-Star Plus+ QB Dylan Raiola

Chandler (Ariz.) Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Dylan Raiola committed to Ohio State on May 9. However, he decided to back off his pledge to the Buckeyes on Dec. 17.

Raiola is the No. 1 overall prospect and No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. As a result, multiple programs are in pursuit of the 6-foot-3, 225-pound signal-caller.

“Dylan Raiola, obviously a five-star quarterback,” Simmons said. “He obviously just recently made headlines by decommitting from Ohio State. An elite player, an elite talent. Some people I trust call him the best quarterback out of ’23 or ’24. So we know he’ll be a coveted talent and I think a couple of schools to watch early (are) Georgia, USC and of course, Nebraska. He’s a Nebraska legacy. Uncle (coaches) there, dad played there, a lot of ties to the Cornhuskers as well.”

Raiola has already visited Georgia, USC and Nebraska. He was most recently in Lincoln on Oct. 29, while the Bulldogs and Trojans last got him on campus in March.

5-star S KJ Bolden

Buford (Ga.) five-star safety KJ Bolden announced Monday that he will be revealing his top schools on New Year’s Day. He is one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2024 cycle.

The 6-foot-0, 185-pound defensive back currently holds 33 offers. He just added one from Colorado today.

“I think KJ Bolden is also an elite talent,” Simmons said. “He’s a guy that’s a versatile athlete. Some schools like him at safety, some at wide receiver. I think the big three to watch there early on (are) Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State.”

Bolden is the No. 4 overall prospect and No. 1 safety in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Consensus. He is also the No. 2 player in Georgia. Per the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Bulldogs are leading for the five-star’s commitment at 33.8%.

5-star CB Ellis Robinson IV

In addition to Bolden, Robinson IV is also announcing his top five schools on Jan. 1. The 5-foot-11.5, 180-pound defensive back has 32 offers.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Alabama is leading for Robinson IV’s commitment at 62%, while Georgia has the next-highest odds at 33.2%. Per Simmons, these are two teams to watch for the five-star.

“Five-star corner for us on On3, Ellis Robinson came down from New York to IMG Academy, has blossomed into one of the best players in the country,” Simmons said. “He’ll name his top five, he announced on Jan. 1. I think two schools to watch extremely early in this race are Alabama and Georgia. He’s from the North. I think he’ll stay in the South when all’s said and done. It could be one of those old-fashioned battles between Nick Saban and Kirby Smart.”

Robinson IV is the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 1 cornerback in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus. He is also the No. 2 player in Florida.

On3 rates Robinson IV higher than other recruiting services, per the Industry Comparison. According to the 2024 On300, he is the No. 2 overall prospect and No. 1 player in Florida.

5-star WR Joshisa Trader

Miami Chaminade-Madonna Prep five-star wide receiver Joshisa Trader announced his top five schools on Christmas Day. They are Ohio State, Florida, Tennessee, Florida State and Miami.

“He’s been to all those schools outside of Tennessee,” Simmons said. “I think it just tells you right there. What Tennessee did this season on the field made a big impression on the South Florida talent, Jojo Trader. But I think the school to watch early is probably Ohio State. His close friend and teammate, (five-star wide receiver) Jeremiah Smith, already committed to the Buckeyes.”

Trader is the No. 8 overall prospect and No. 4 wide receiver in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus. He is also the No. 3 player in Florida.

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound wideout last visited Ohio State on Sept. 3. Meanwhile, Miami has received the most visits from him (three) so far in his recruiting process.