The Freshmen Phenoms — CFBHourGlass

Jake Wimberly

Ross Gaskin Contributing:

In the 2024 season, the college football world was taken by storm as there was, not one, but two freshman WRs who dominated anyone who lined up across from them. These WRs are Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith. These two are by far the most exciting players to watch in 2024, but will they be as dominant in 2025?

Ryan Williams-Alabama

Despite 2024 being a little disappointing for the Crimson Tide, they still had one of the most exciting players to watch in all of college football. Ryan Williams was a freshman standout WR who racked up 865 yards and 8 TDs. Williams’ most exciting performance was by far week 4 where he racked up 177 yards and 1 TD in a 41-34 thriller of a win over the Georgia Bulldogs.

Jeremiah Smith-Ohio State

Ohio State ended the 2024-2025 season as the kings of college football by winning the National Championship while being led by not only the best freshman WR, but arguably the best WR in all of college football. Jeremiah Smith had an insane year where he totaled 1,315 yards and 15 TDs with 381 and 5 of those yards and TDs coming from the playoffs alone.

Next Season and beyond

After great seasons from both of these WRs in 2024, people now have even higher expectations heading in the 2025 season. While I do think they will both have great seasons, I also feel that there could be a little bit of a stepback for both Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams.

Ohio State and Alabama will both be starting new QBs this season as their previous QBs got drafted earlier this year. This could possibly disrupt the progress Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams have made. Luckily both of the new QBs have been on the teams for at least 1 season, so there should be somewhat of a chemistry built with the WRs already.

Nonetheless, Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith are elite WRs and can succeed no matter who is passing them the ball. Expect more of the same from Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams next season, and for plenty more after that.

Editors Note: All photos courtesy of 247sports.com