Introducing the Five-Star Plus+ prospects in the 2024 recruiting class

Each recruiting cycle, there is a small group of truly elite prospects who are rated as five-star recruits by all four major recruiting services. Those players earn Five-Star Plus+ status. These prospects are considered the best of the best by the industry.

There are currently three Five-Star Plus+ prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. Here is a look at these recruits:

QB Dylan Raiola

Rankings: On3 (No. 6), 247Sports (No. 1), ESPN (No. 1), Rivals (No. 1)
School: Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle
On3 RPM: Georgia 32.3%, Nebraska 28.0%, USC 23.6%
On3 NIL Valuation: $417K
Scouting Summary: “Dylan Raiola is an advanced arm talent with the ability to make a wide variety of high-level throws as a high school underclassman. Looks like the top quarterback prospect and overall arm talent in the 2024 cycle early on. Physically developed at around 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. Has a natural, loose throwing motion with unique arm dexterity to deliver off-platform and from multiple arm slots. Already has a deep catalog of throws as a rising junior in high school. Easily drives the ball to all levels of the field. Played both under center and in the shotgun as a sophomore. Ahead of the curve as a ball-handler and in the quick passing game. Shows good footwork and awareness in the pocket. Capable of creative plays in the face of pressure.”

WR Jeremiah Smith — Ohio State commit

Rankings: On3 (No. 3), 247Sports (No. 5), ESPN (No. 11), Rivals (No. 2)
School: Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep
On3 NIL Valuation: $262K
Scouting Summary: “Jeremiah Smith is a big, skilled receiver with fluidity and savvy for the position. Measured in at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds prior to his junior season. Had a breakout 2021 season, helping his Chaminade-Madonna team to a state championship. Turned in several strong performances, including a big state title game. Polished route-runner at this early stage. Smooth mover with some technical refinement that allows for separation. Shows good ball skills with his ability to track the football over his shoulder. Does not register as a top athlete in the combine setting at this stage. Can further take advantage of his size by continuing to improve his contested catch skills.”

S KJ Bolden

Rankings: On3 (No. 3), 247Sports (No. 5), ESPN (No. 11), Rivals (No. 2)
School: Buford (Ga.)
On3 RPM: Georgia 27.8%, Ohio State 17.9%, Clemson 13.9%, Alabama 9.3%
On3 NIL Valuation: $234K
Scouting Summary: “KJ Bolden is one of the top overall athletes in the 2024 cycle early on. Has a plus frame checking in at 6-foot, 185 pounds with a 6-foot-4 wing-span prior to his junior season. Has a personal best mark of 10.76 seconds in the 100 meters, showing outstanding high-end speed early on in his high school career. Also tests well in the combine setting. Plays both ways for Georgia powerhouse Buford High as a receiver and defensive back. Projects as a defensive back and likely at safety long-term, where his combination of athleticism and length makes him one of the nation’s best. Will need to improve his ball skills to be a top receiver prospect, but has the coordination to be well above average as a defensive back in that regard.”

Three other recruits are on the cusp of Five-Star Plus+ status

Right now, three other players are close to Five-Star Plus+ status, who are ranked as a five-star recruit by three of the four major recruiting services.

Here is a look at those prospects:

CB Ellis Robinson IV — Georgia commit
On3: 5-star, No. 4
247Sports: 5-star, No. 8
ESPN: 5-star, No. 5
Rivals: 4-star, No. 29

WR Mike Matthews
On3: 4-star, No. 22
247Sports: 5-star, No. 7
ESPN: 5-star, No. 8
Rivals: 5-star, No. 7

EDGE Colin Simmons
On3: 5-star, No. 5
247Sports: 4-star, No. 23
ESPN: 5-star, No. 7
Rivals: 5-star, No. 3