SEC College Football 2024: 8 Instant Impact Freshmen

The SEC is stronger and deeper than ever with the additions of Texas and Oklahoma in 2024.

That strength is evident in rosters packed with future first round draft picks, coveted transfers, and some of the top high school recruits from around the country.

Each of the league’s 16 programs has its building blocks of the future on campus, but these eight SEC true freshmen will be instant impact performers and the superstars you’ll be talking about for the next three or four years.

8. PJ Woodland, CB LSU

Woodland arrived in Baton Rouge as a developmental prospect with weight to add. However, he looked so good and so mature in the spring that he immediately shot up the depth chart. He’s gotten stronger in the offseason and is ready to fill a huge position of need.

7. LJ McCray, DE Florida

Expectations are through the roof for McCray who was physically ready to compete as soon as he arrived from Daytona, Fla. He’s a versatile 6-6, 280-pounder with the length, strength, and athleticism to create chaos as a pass rusher and run stuffer.

6. Williams Nwaneri, DE Missouri

The Tigers struck gold by keeping Nwaneri in-state. He was a consensus five-star gem and one of the highest rated recruits to ever choose Mizzou. Nwaneri didn’t enroll until summer, but he’ll quickly gain ground with his explosive athleticism in a 6-6, 260-pound frame.

5. Colin Simmons, EDGE Texas

Simmons is the kind attacking edge rusher this program has been missing in recent years. He’s a plug-and-play pass rusher with the get-off, motor, and closing speed to be no worse than a second teamer. Even in a situational role, Simmons can bag six or more sacks this season.

4. Ryan Williams, WR Alabama

Kalen DeBoer knows a little something about elite wide receivers from his days at Washington. He’s got another star playmaker in Williams, the first two-time Alabama Mr. Football in the award’s history. He’s the kind of smooth gamebreaker who might quickly become Jalen Milroe’s favorite weapon.

3. Cam Coleman, WR Auburn

Hugh Freeze’s offense is in dire need of playmakers after a tight end led the team with 394 receiving yards last year. Coleman is ready to be that guy for the Tigers. Still 17, the spring game MVP has the 6-3 frame, acceleration, and hops to be a matchup nightmare.

2. Ellis Robinson IV, CB Georgia

Malaki Starks started in the Bulldog secondary two years ago. Robinson is capable of carving out a similar path in his Dawg debut. He has good size and the elite coverage skills to get on the field right away. Same goes for KJ Bolden who’s carving out reps at safety.

1. Boo Carter, S Tennessee

Carter is flashing Eric Berry vibes after just one spring, though he models his game after Tyrann Mathieu. The Chattanooga rookie is a sensational all-around athlete who’ll make his presence felt on defense and special teams. Carter’s a field-flipper who could start in the secondary Day 1.