Top Freshmen in Each Power Five Conference
\Though the returning players to each team will have the biggest impact and will play the most important role to its success in the 2023 football season, there are some young players who could make an impact.
The returning experience on a college football team is crucial for some teams to make a postseason push, however some teams, such as Georgia and Alabama, have reloaded and shown that younger teams can be successful as well, with college football picks favoring them as the top-two favorites to win the national championship.
The recruitment cycle and top freshmen never fails to take over college football news with which top players will commit where and how much playing time a young player will get, and ahead are some of the top freshmen to watch out for in each Power Five Conference.
1. Atlantic Coast Conference
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Mauigoa went from second team to first team during spring football, and with Miami looking to revamp its offensive line, Mauigoa has a shot at getting the start early in the 2023 season. A five-star out of high school, Mauigoa has the size and athleticism that should help him be successful at the next level.
Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Woods is another five star joining the ACC, and he has already impressed Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin this spring. Woods chose Clemson over Alabama, and with the Tigers’ ability to develop solid defensive linemen, he should be trouble for opposing quarterbacks come fall.
2. Big Ten Conference
Malachi Coleman, WR, Nebraska
Coleman headlines Nebraska and new head coach Matt Rhule’s 2023 recruiting class, and he’ll look to make an impact for a new and improved ‘Husker offense. A four-star out of Lincoln, Nebraska wide receivers coach Garrett McGuire has already been impressed with what Coleman has brought to the field.
Catching up with Malachi Coleman, who just turned 18 two weeks ago! #GBR pic.twitter.com/ZM1m49eFAU
— 247Huskers (@247Huskers) July 17, 2023
J’Ven Williams, OT, Penn State
Penn State had one of the top recruiting classes in the Big Ten, and four-star Williams was part of the reason. With power and size, Williams is already expected to contribute in the fall as a run blocker for the Nittany Lions.
3. Big 12 Conference
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Although his playing time may be limited due to the Longhorns having another five-star quarterback in Quinn Ewers, no recruit has taken up more college football conversation than Manning, a five-star and nephew to Peyton and Eli Manning. College football predictions believe he’ll redshirt in 2023, but come 2024, he should be competing for that starting spot for Texas.
Barry Jackson, WR, Cincinnati
A new addition to the Big 12, Jackson enrolled early at Cincinnati to help prepare him for the fall, and it has paid off. Jackson impressed in the spring game, catching a 34-yard touchdown, and his athleticism should be a great addition to the Bearcats’ wide receiver room.
4. Pac-12 Conference
Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
Arizona’s passing defense struggled to slow opposing offenses last season, but the addition of safety Smith should help improve that issue. Smith is one of the Wildcats’ highest-rated recruits of 2023, and head coach Jedd Fisch has said he did a great job in spring ball, pointing to his development and opportunity to contribute in the fall.
Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon
One of Oregon’s top recruits in 2023, Uiagalelei enrolled early to practice in spring ball, where he was a standout on the defense. Uiagalelei’s size and athleticism, combined with Oregon’s little depth on the edge, he should figure to make an impact in one way or the other come the fall.
5. Southeastern Conference
Caleb Downs, S, Alabama
Downs is one of many five-star recruits in Alabama’s 2023 class and is the No. 1 overall recruit at his position. Downs had a solid showing in the spring game, finishing with eight tackles and an interception, and with his skills and multiple players in the secondary off to the NFL, he should make an impact almost immediately for Alabama.
Nyckoles Harbor, ATH, South Carolina
Harbor was the No. 1 athlete in the class of 2023, according to the 247Sports Composite, landing on South Carolina over Oregon. The five-star athlete is the highest commit to the Gamecocks since 2000, and he is likely to suit up as a wide receiver, with his speed and size both attributes that should favor him in the fall.
South Carolina receiver and former five-star recruit Nyckoles Harbor has inked an NIL deal with Ovation for Men Sport.
As part of the deal, the Olympic hopeful was fitted for a custom suit. Park Ave procured the agreement.
More from @Pete_Nakos96: https://t.co/5RPxKl3BlO pic.twitter.com/vSKqEzYODy
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) July 18, 2023
