College Football's Top Redshirt Freshmen to Watch in 2024

As students, they’re sophomores. As athletes, they’re freshmen.

They’re redshirt freshmen, a unique subset of student-athletes who retained a year of eligibility by playing just a few games as rookies. They’re bigger, stronger, and in much better shape to contribute.

These 10 redshirt freshmen, in particular, are ready for liftoff in their first full season of action.

10. Justin Marshall, RB Colorado State

The Rams got a sneak peek of Marshall’s potential last year… and loved what they saw. The overlooked Indiana native did not play in the first nine games yet was outstanding when injuries forced him off the bench. In three games, Marshall rushed for 311 yards and two TDs while flashing his explosiveness and vision.

9. Elijah Paige, OT USC

QB Miller Moss busted loose in last year’s Holiday Bowl… it was Paige who protected his backside in the first start for both. Now, the 6-7, 316-pound Phoenix native is taking over left tackle on a full-time basis. Paige has left no doubts this offseason that he’ll have Moss’ back as Troy makes its Big Ten debut.

8. LaNorris Sellers QB South Carolina

Multiple Gamecock QBs have started games at this level, but Shane Beamer has named the youngest contender as his 2024 starter. What USC’s Offensive Player of the Spring lacks in experience he makes up for with superior physical traits. Plus, he’s very smart, works hard, and continues to grow into his role as an offensive leader.  

7. Samson Okunlola, OT Miami

Say what you will about Mario Cristobal, but he’s doing a terrific of building Miami in the trenches. Okunlola, for example. He’s a blue-chip 6-6, 300-pounder with the power to dominate as interior run blocker and the light feet to shift outside and protect the pocket from tackle.

6. DJ Chester, C LSU

Chester mostly watched and learned as a four-star rookie last year. Now, he’s set to start at center on a veteran line that returns four starters, including one of the nation’s best tackle tandems. The Tigers already knew the 6-6, 318-pounder was physical, but the staff has been impressed by his leadership and communication.

5. Malachi Nelson, QB Boise State

This time last year, Nelson was being labeled as Lincoln Riley’s next great QB at USC. Now, he’s the highest rated recruit to ever play for Boise State. The unanimous five-star recruit could get the keys to the Bronco offense if he can hold off incumbent Maddux Madsen this summer.

4. Arch Manning, QB Texas

Sure, Manning will only play in blowouts and if Quinn Ewers is injured. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t one of the elite redshirt freshmen for 2024. Manning is the heir in Steve Sarkisian’s offense, and all indications are he’s ready to lead the offense if the Horns have to look to the bench for a third straight year.

3. Noah Rogers, WR NC State

Rogers spent last season at Ohio State learning behind one of the nation’s best receiving corps. However, he quickly decided to return home to North Carolina where a clearer path to stardom awaits. Rogers played very well in the spring and is carving out a key role in the Pack passing attack.

2. Charles Jagusah OT Notre Dame

Note: Keeping this intact, but of course, right after we posted this, Jagusah is out for the year.

Jagusah is an athletic 6-7, 330-pounder with the footwork to wall off the edge and the strength to manhandle opponents. In a possible preview for 2024, Jagusah was solid replacing All-American Joe Alt in last year’s Sun Bowl and was slotted in as new QB Riley Leonard’s blindside protector ... now he'll be the star up front for next season.

1. Nico Iamaleava QB Tennessee

No redshirt freshman is generating more excitement than Iamaleava. And for good reason. The dynamic dual threat from Long Beach, Calif. teased his enormous potential by earning Citrus Bowl MVP in his only 2023 start. Iamaleava is the total package and he’s about to put up sick numbers in Josh Heupel’s offense.