On3 2024 Midseason True Freshman All-American Team

We’ve hit the midway point of the college football season. With that said, it’s time to take stock of one of the most intriguing groups of players in the country – the true freshmen. Many true freshmen have already made massive impacts across college football’s national landscape, with many who were tabbed as Preaseason True Freshman All-Americans by On3.

Here is On3’s Midseason True Freshman All-American Team for the 2024 campaign. Check out the team below:

OFFENSE

QB Dylan Raiola, Nebraska – Dylan Raiola was tabbed as a potential program-changing recruit for Nebraska. The Husker legacy is a foundational piece in Matt Rhule’s effort to rebuild the program. So far, so good for Raiola and Nebraska in his first year on campus, as the Huskers are off to a 5-1 start. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder has made an extremely quick adjustment to the college game and adds a downfield passing element that was sorely missed in Lincoln last season. The ability to administrate Nebraska’s offense has been equally as impressive as his ability to make difficult throws. Raiola leads all true freshmen in passing yards (1,355) and touchdowns (9). Raiola ranked as the No. 21 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking. He and Nebraska will look to carry momentum throughout Big Ten play as the Huskers look to cruising to the program’s first bowl berth since 2016.

RB Caden Durham, LSU – Caden Durham has provided a much-needed big-play spark to the LSU backfield. The speedster from Duncanville (Texas) High has had a few huge games for the Tigers to this point in the season. He earned On3 True Freshman of the Week honors in week three after rushing for 98 yards and two touchdowns in a close win over South Carolina. Durham followed that up by erupting for over 200 yards and two touchdowns in the first half against South Alabama. The true freshman entered college with well-known big-play ability – he doubled as a track star and ran the 100 meters in the 10.4 second range. With that said, he’s also shown impressive contact balance and the ability to force missed tackles. Given his emergence in the last month, Durham looks to be a staple in LSu’s backfield for years to come. He ranked as the No. 116 overall prospect in the 2024 On300 and rushed for over 2,000 yards and 35 touchdowns as a senior at Duncanville.

WR Ryan Williams, Alabama – Ryan Williams has emerged as one of college football’s most dangerous playmakers just a few games into his college career. The 17 year-old is on tracking to turn in one of the best seasons ever from a true freshman wide receiver. Through five games, Williams is 12th nationally in receiving yards (544) and tied for 6th in receiving touchdowns (6). But the numbers are just part of the story. Williams has had numerous highlight plays during high leverage situations. He’s displayed heroics at key times in wins over South Florida and Georgia. His leaping, spinning catch-and-run touchdown against Georgia is individual the play of the season, to date. Even in Saturday’s loss to Vanderbilt, Williams scored two touchdowns in crunch time, including a magnificent touchdown catch-and-run where he showed remarkable body control. Williams, who ranked as a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and No. 5 overall prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking, was initially a prospect in the 2025 cycle prior to reclassifying after his would-be junior season at Saraland (Ala.) High.

WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State – Jeremiah Smith entered Ohio State with massive expectations as the highest-rated wide receiver prospect of the internet recruiting era. So far, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder has proved worthy of the hype. Smith already looks like the top wide receiver talent and perhaps overall player on Ohio State’s loaded offense. He’s second behind Ryan Williams in receiving yards (453) among all true freshmen and tied for the most receiving touchdowns (6), while also scoring a rushing touchdown. Smith already looks like one of the top receiver talents to come through college football in recent memory. He’s made three one-handed catches in the last two games. In addition to the elite ball skills and massive catch radius, Smith has been dynamic after the catch, breaking off multiple long catch-and-run touchdowns. This is all while Ohio State has not really needed to feed the former Five-Star Plus+ prospect – the Buckeyes’ are currently enjoying an average margin of victory of 39 points. Even though Ohio State has produced four first-round receivers in the past three NFL Drafts, the former No. 1 overall prospect is already being discussed as the top receiver talent to come through Columbus in that time.

WR Ryan Wingo, Texas – The 2024 season has seen a truly historic group of true freshman wide receiver talent, making the third choice at the position particularly tough. Ryan Wingo would be a certain inclusion in a normal season. The same could be said for Michigan State’s Nick Marsh, Clemson’s Bryant Wesco and Auburn’s Malcolm Simmons and Cam Coleman. With that said, Wingo gets the nod as he’s done the most with his opportunities – catching 11 of his 13 targets for 247 yards and two touchdowns for the No. 1 ranked Longhorns. While Wingo’s combination of elite speed and size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) was well known, he’s also proven to be an extremely reliable target for the Texas quarterbacks, as the lone top true freshman wide receiver who has yet to have a drop on the season. Wingo, who hails from St. Louis, ranked as the No. 38 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking.

TE Elija Lofton, Miami – Tight end is a notoriously difficult position to make an impact early, but Elija Lofton has already found a way to crack into Miami’s rotation as a true freshman. To this point in the season, the Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman product has caught eight passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. The production isn’t all empty calories, either. Lofton made a very nice 24-yard grab the fourth quarter of the Hurricanes’ comeback win over Cal on Saturday. He’s also proven to be a solid blocker while lining up in-line, in the slot and even in the backfield. Lofton ranked as a four-star prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

OL Jordan Seaton, Colorado – Jordan Seaton was the crown jewel of Deion Sanders’ 2024 recruiting class at Colorado. The former Five-Star Plus+ prospect was signed with the intent of bolstering the Buffaloes’ beleaguered offensive line. So far, Seaton has played well while manning the left tackle spot in Boulder. Seaton has been the best pass blocker among true freshmen offensive tackles who have started every game this season. He’s continued to show improvement, as well. After surrendering two sacks against Nebraska, Seaton has allowed just three pressures in the following three contests. The Washington D.C. native ranked as the No. 18 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking.

OL Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame – Anthonie Knapp was thrust into the starting left tackle role at Notre Dame, following a preseason injury to former five-star, Charles Jagusah. The true freshman has performed admirably, despite playing out of position at the toughest spot on the offensive line. Knapp has logged 296 snaps at left tackle for the No. 11 Fighting Irish, according to Pro Football Focus. He played his best game to date in week five against Louisville, allowing zero pressures. Knapp ranked as a blue-chip outlier for On3 in the 2024 cycle, finishing as the No. 97 overall prospect and No. 5 interior offensive lineman in the On300.

OL Josiah Thompson, South Carolina – Starting at left tackle in the SEC as a true freshman is not for the faint of heart. Josiah Thompson was considered a high upside offensive tackle prospect, finishing as On3’s top-ranked tackle in the 2024 cycle. Despite tipping the scales at around 265 pounds as a high school player at Dillon (S.C.) High, Thompson was able to add over 30 pounds of mass during the off-season. He earned the nod on the blindside for South Carolina and has played 336 snaps at left tackle for the Gamecocks, per PFF. While he’s experienced some expected struggles while facing top programs, Thompson has had some flashes, including a good game in pass protection against LSU in week three. The 6-foot-6.5, 300-pounder should continue showing improvement as he adds strength and experience. Thompson ranked as the five-star and No. 16 overall prospect in the On300.

OL Aidan Banfield, North Carolina – Aidan Banfield has been the top true freshman along the interior offensive line to this point in the season. The Alpharetta (Ga.) Mill Creek product has logged 306 snaps at left guard for the Tar Heels, according to Pro Football Focus. Banfield has been solid in pass protection, allowing just nine pressures and one sack. He’s also helped pave the way for North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, who is one of the nation’s top rushers to this point in the season. Banfield ranked as a three-star prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

OL Kahlil House, Stanford – Kahlil House earned the starting nod at left tackle for the Cardinal in week two and has played increasingly well as the season has rolled on. House has particularly fared well in pass protection. He’s allowed just two pressures and zero sacks in three ACC games – at Syracuse, at Clemson and against Virginia Tech, according to Pro Football Focus. The past two games (Clemson, Virginia Tech) have seen House allow zero pressures. The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder from Warner Robins (Ga.) Houston County was a three-star prospect according to the On3 Industry ranking.

All-Purpose Jacory Barney, Nebraska – Jacory Barney has been a true all-purpose weapon for Nebraska as a true freshman. The Miami (Fla.) Palmetto product has provided a spark with the ball in his hands. Barney has been a dangerous ball carrier off of jet motions and reverses with 104 yard and two touchdowns on just seven carries. We saw him really excel as a ball carrier in the win over Purdue in week five. Barney has also made plays as a conventional receiver (19 catches for 149 yards) and as a kick returner (144 yards on seven returns). The former On3 Industry three-star prospect looks to be a key piece of Nebraska’s offense for years to come.

DEFENSE

EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas – Colin Simmons is in strong contention as the top true freshman defender to this point in the season. The former Five-Star Plus+ prospect is already the top pass rusher for the No. 1 ranked Longhorns. Simmons has accounted for four sacks and six tackles for loss. Even when he’s not finishing plays in the backfield, Simmons is affecting the quarterback at a high rate. The Duncanville (Texas) High product significantly leads all true freshmen with hurries (9), per PFF. His season has been highlighted by big games against Michigan and Mississippi State. The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder has shown elite first-step quickness and an impressive bag of pass rush moves. Given his success so far, we’re more than likely to see Simmons continue to take off as Texas has several big games approaching. Simmons was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking.

EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina – Dylan Stewart also has a case as the top true freshmen defensive player midway through the season. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has been unblockable at times as part of South Carolina’s talented defensive line. It’s not every day a true freshman EDGE prospect’s pass rush skills go viral in his first college game. Stewart is tied with Colin Simmons for the most sacks and pressures among true freshmen pass rushers. Both have registered 13 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. For perspective, that is over double the EDGE with the third most. Stewart’s rare combination of size, athleticism, flexibility and ability to convert speed to power has him looking like one of the most talented pass rushers in college football just six games into his career. The Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate Academy product was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and finished at No. 12 overall in the 2024 On300.

DL Jayden Jackson, Oklahoma – Jayden Jackson made headlines entering the season, when he became the first Oklahoma true freshman defensive tackle to start in game one since Tommie Harris. The 6-foot-2, 312-pounder has held up well along the interior for the Sooners thus far and has continued to be a key cog in their defensive line rotation. Thus far, Jackson has played 150 snaps and tallied three stops, per Pro Football Focus. The true freshman came to Norman with developed play strength and a physical edge to his game that has lended to making an early impact. Jackson was a four-star prospect out of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

DL Malik Blocton, Auburn – Malik Blocton has turned in one of the better starts among true freshmen defensive linemen. The Pike Road (Ala.) High product has worked his way into the Tigers’ defensive line rotation and played well. Blocton has registered five pressures, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack in 146 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-3, 291-pounder earned his first start in week five against Oklahoma and played well in week six against Georgia. Blocton ranked as a three-star prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking and is one of several true freshmen making an early impact on the Plains.

LB Sammy Brown, Clemson – Sammy Brown has unsurprisingly made an early impact for Clemson’s defense. The former On3 five-star has stuffed the stat sheet for the Tigers, notching 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two pass-breakups to this point in the season. Brown has done all of that despite playing 97 snaps over four games. The Jefferson (Ga.) High product played particularly well in wins over NC State and Stanford. Brown, who was a dominant two-way player at the high school level as a running back and linebacker, should only improve as he continues to settle in to Clemson’s defense.

LB Cael Brezina, Iowa State – Cael Brezina has started four games at linebacker for No. 11 Iowa State. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder has tallied 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and one pass break up in 164 snaps to this point in the season. He played particularly well in Iowa State’s rivalry win over Iowa – his first collegiate start. If his early play is any indication, Iowa State looks to have unearthed a gem from Downers Grove (Ill.) North in Brezina.

LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame – Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa was viewed as one of the most ready to play linebacker prospects in the 2024 cycle. He’s lived up to that expectation, carving out playing time in Notre Dame’s experienced defensive unit. Viliamu-Asa has logged 131 snaps – at least 23 in every game – according to Pro Football Focus. The true freshman has made plenty of plays, too. He’s tallied 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. Viliamu-Asa looks to be next up at linebacker for the Fighting Irish. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder finished as the No. 43 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking.

CB Zabien Brown, Alabama – Zabien Brown has manned one of Alabama’s starting corner spots through every game this season. The true freshman has played at a high level, allowing just seven catches for 97 yards on 18 targets. Brown was huge in one of the biggest moments of the season to date, picking off Georgia quarterback Carson Beck to seal the win against the Bulldogs in week five. The Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei product has shown a high level of coverage instincts and ball skills to this point in the season. His willingness to battle and not back down from a challenge as a true freshman is also highly impressive. Brown finished as the No. 27 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking.

CB OJ Frederique, Miami – OJ Frederique has cracked the rotation at Miami as a true freshman and has played well through six games, including two starts. After Zabien Brown, Frederique has played the most snaps among true freshman Power Four corners. He hasn’t surrendered much through the air either, allowing 61 yards and zero touchdowns on nine targets, according to Pro Football Focus. A local product out of powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Frederique was a three-star prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

S KJ Bolden, Georgia – KJ Bolden was a huge recruiting win for Georgia down the stretch in the 2024 cycle. The in-state star is already paying dividends for the Bulldogs as a true freshman. Bolden has played the second most snaps among Power Four true freshmen safeties and has been active, tallying 19 tackles and a sack. He’s also been good in coverage surrendering just 31 yards on nine targets, according to Pro Football Focus. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Bolden continue to elevate his play as he gets experience in Kirby Smart and Glenn Schumann’s defense. The former Five-Star Plus+ prospect looks to be next in line at safety in Athens.

S Kaleb Harris, Auburn – Kaleb Harris is one of several true freshmen from in-state making an early impact at Auburn. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder has been a pleasant surprise for the Tigers and is arguably playing the best football of any true freshman safety to this point in the season. Harris has accounted for 17 tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups. He’s been highly reliable as a tackler, with zero missed tackles to this point, per PFF. Harris has also been strong in coverage allowing just three completions on nine targets. The Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson product was a three-star prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking.