The college football season kicks off in full force this week, peppered with established stars like Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon III. But the start of every season is peppered with the prospect of new stars — players ready to thrive in bigger roles, experience a change of scenery or simply do what college kids are supposed to do: grow up. Here are 20 2024 players to know, including the 10 members of the next wave of quarterbacks we’ll likely be talking about starting Week 1 and in the years to come. 20. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State — Styles started at safety for the Buckeyes for 12 games and moved to linebacker in the spring. Watch his tackle number skyrocket for a mean OSU defense. 19. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona – The senior is a running back ready for the Big 12 after rushing for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns on 189 carries at New Mexico last season. He will ensure that opponents can focus on more than just the top-notch passing game in the Wildcats’ go-go offense. 18. Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia – How do you replace Brock Bowers? Now is Delp’s time to shine after catching 24 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns last season. 17. Brock Vandagriff, QB, Kentucky – The former five-star recruit got caught in QB traffic at Georgia. If he’s everything everyone thought he would be out of high school, the Wildcats will struggle in the SEC. 16. Adepoju Adebawore, DE, Oklahoma – The sophomore’s pumped-up body was highly praised in camp to complement his athleticism off the tee. He’s a real X-factor as the Sooners enter the SEC wars. 15. Aidan Chiles, QB, Michigan State – The athletic sophomore offered tastes of his skills in small doses at Oregon State before following coach Jonathan Smith to East Lansing, where the Spartans are trying to put a 4-8 season behind them. 14. Grayson “Pup” Howard, LB, Florida – The South Carolina transfer (19 tackles as a freshman last season) has been a force in camp for the Gators, who face a pivotal year for coach Billy Napier. 13. Kyron Drones, QB, Virginia Tech – The dual-threat QB may already be a “known” player after starting 11 games last season, but both he and the Hokies (7-6) will be looking to step things up a gear this season. 12. Max Brosmer, QB, Minnesota – Who doesn’t love a success story from the FCS to the FBS? Brosmer makes the jump after throwing for 8,713 yards and 70 TDs in five years at New Hampshire. 11. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU – Don’t expect the running game of LSU’s Mr. Heisman Jayden Daniels, but Nussmeier, a junior, has always looked good whenever he’s given the chance. 10. Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson – No more timeshare time for Mafah, who can carry the load all by himself. Remember the 36 carries for 186 yards against Notre Dame last season? 9. Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan – Junior is in the spotlight for the Big Blue after making 23 starts at Maryland. Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore has called him a “physical specimen.” 8. Miller Moss, QB, Southern California – Let’s assume the six passing touchdowns in a bowl win over Louisville were the truth and nothing but the truth. 7. Anthony Hill, LB, Texas – A 2023 Freshman All-American (66 tackles, eight for loss, five sacks) who will make everyone’s All-American list in 2024. 6. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M – No longer hidden away at Purdue, Scourton was one of the biggest rewards this offseason and is looking to improve on his 10-sack performance from last year. 5. Avery Johnson, QB, Kansas State – Hasn’t started a regular season game yet, but his work as a dual-threat backup has brought starter Will Howard to Ohio State. Raw talent is unmatched. 4. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State – The most promising prospect in the class of 2024 will start from Day 1, and no one could lower expectations if they tried. 3. Jackson Arnold, QB, Oklahoma – The rushing former 5-star recruit is programmed to take on the Heisman legacy of OU’s QB position … and spread the ball throughout the offense. 2. Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska – The savior of Huskers football? The true freshman said it best this week: “Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride.” 1. Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee – Big, athletic and showed off his size in the bowl win over Iowa, he’s the complete package for a Vols team with its eyes on the College Football Playoff. – Anthony Gimino, Field Level Media
