College football’s top 50 newcomers: Which recruits, transfers and new starters will impact the game?

With a new college football season approaching, we will see new faces step into starting roles and new players make a name for themselves for their respective teams.

The transfer portal has added a whole new element to the list of new players who could impact a team’s production, as some high-end players moved from team to team.

Combine the portal with second-year players getting their first opportunity to shine and true freshmen working their way into the two-deep and quite a few new names could emerge this season.

We ranked the top 50 newcomers this season to watch and graded them based on talent, how they fill a need and how quickly they can make an impact with their new team. We considered transfers, redshirt freshmen, opt-outs from last season, true freshmen and any other player who hasn’t yet made a big impact for his team.

Based on those criteria, here are the top 50 newcomers in college football this season.

1. LB Henry To’o To’o
Alabama
2020 season: Tennessee

To’o To’o was one of the best transfer signings of the offseason. He was the No. 47-ranked prospect out of high school and was widely regarded as one of the best linebackers in his class. He played two seasons for Tennessee and led the team with 76 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 10 games last season. He is joining an already excellent linebacking corps and should add a ton at inside ‘backer for the Crimson Tide.

2. WR/TE Arik Gilbert
Georgia
2020 season: LSU

Gilbert played in eight games last season for LSU and had 368 receiving yards with two touchdowns. He was ranked No. 6 overall and showed flashes of that five-star evaluation as a freshman. Gilbert opted out after eight games and transferred to Florida, then changed his mind and picked Georgia. Head coach Kirby Smart has said Gilbert will be eligible to play this season, and offensive coordinator Todd Monken can now terrorize defenses with packages that include Gilbert and 6-foot-7 tight end Darnell Washington.

3. QB Bryce Young
Alabama
2020 season: True freshman (0 starts, 22 pass attempts)

In the 2020 cycle, Young was the top-ranked quarterback and No. 5 prospect overall. He committed to USC, but flipped to Alabama and is now in the spotlight for the Crimson Tide. He had 22 pass attempts last season, not once attempting more than eight passes in a game. He threw for 333 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Alabama’s spring game this year, and the hype around what Young will be able to do as the starter is high. He’s more Tua Tagovailoa than he is Mac Jones, and he should be able to put up big numbers within Alabama’s offense.

4. RB Kennedy Brooks
Oklahoma
2020 season: Opted out

The Sooners have lost running backs Rhamondre Stevenson to the NFL; TJ Pledger, who transferred to Utah; and Seth McGowan, dismissed from the team after he was accused of armed robbery. Those three were Oklahoma’s leading rushers last season in yardage. Brooks, who opted out of last season, will be an important part of Oklahoma’s offense. Brooks was the team’s second-leading rusher in yardage in 2019 (1,042 yards, six touchdowns) behind quarterback Jalen Hurts. He had 1,056 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018, so getting a consistent back who has had consecutive 1,000-yard seasons is going to make a big impact.

5. RB Eric Gray
Oklahoma
2020 season: Tennessee

Having a one-two punch at running back is imperative, and the combination of Brooks and Gray at Oklahoma forms one of the better tandems in the country. At Tennessee, Gray had 1,311 yards on 258 attempts in two seasons. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and had eight touchdowns for the Vols. He won’t have to carry the bulk of the load or feel pressure to be the main star, given he’ll share time with Gray, and he’ll still have plenty of opportunities to make plays in an explosive offense.

6. CB Derion Kendrick
Georgia
2020 season: Clemson

Kendrick was the No. 62-ranked recruit in the 2018 class and signed with Clemson. He was a starter at corner for the Tigers, was a first-team All-ACC player and had 20 total tackles, 1 sack, 6 pass breakups and 1 interception last season, however he missed three games amid disciplinary issues. He is bringing a ton of experience and ability and should be one of the top corners for Georgia. He’ll play his former team in the first game of the season and has a chance to help his new team stop Clemson’s passing game.

7. OT Wanya Morris
Oklahoma
2020 season: Tennessee

Morris is one of a few big-name players to transfer from Tennessee. Morris started 12 of 13 games as a freshman in 2019 and made seven starts in 2020 at left tackle. The Sooners are losing a few starters from last season’s offensive line, so Morris is a welcome addition. He will be able to battle with Erik Swenson at left tackle, with the other taking the right tackle position. Being able to add a third-year left tackle with SEC starting experience is a big advantage and should give Oklahoma some consistency across the line.

8. QB McKenzie Milton
Florida State
2020 season: Recovering from injury at UCF

The Seminoles have been in need of stability at quarterback, and Mike Norvell and his staff have been adding to the quarterback room to find it. Norvell brought in Milton, hoping he was adding a veteran leader for the younger quarterbacks and someone who could compete for the starting job. He got that and more, as Norvell has said Milton is already making a big impact on the other quarterbacks. He has a winning track record from his UCF days and has fought back from a devastating injury to get back on the field. If Milton is the starter this season, Florida State has someone who can lead the offense closer to what Norvell and his staff want.

9. CB Tyrique Stevenson
Miami
2020 season: Georgia

It was somewhat surprising when Stevenson left Georgia for Miami. He had 34 total tackles in 10 games for the Dawgs last season. Miami needed depth and competition in the secondary, and adding a starting SEC cornerback is always a positive. Stevenson helps Miami in an area of need and should be a starter from day one.

10. WR Wan’Dale Robinson
Kentucky
2020 season: Nebraska

There was a time in his initial recruitment when it seemed as if Robinson was going to sign with Kentucky. Nebraska was able to land him, though, with the hopes that he would help transform the offense. He showed flashes of his potential — 461 receiving yards in eight games — but Nebraska’s offense never really got going. Now, Robinson is at Kentucky, and although the Wildcats’ offense wasn’t turning heads last season either, the coaches are hoping Robinson can prove to be a versatile playmaker to help improve multiple areas of the offense.

11. S Tykee Smith
Georgia
2020 season: West Virginia

The Dawgs lost six defensive backs to the NFL this offseason, so adding in a high caliber safety such as Smith was imperative. He transferred in from West Virginia, where in two seasons he recorded four interceptions, 113 total tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. He will be a great fit at the “star” position in the Dawgs defense, and Georgia will need Smith to make a difference in its Week 1 matchup against Clemson.

12. RB Zach Charbonnet
UCLA
2020 season: Michigan

Charbonnet, the No. 101 recruit in the 2019 class, signed with the Wolverines and had 726 yards and 11 touchdowns on 149 carries as a freshman. He only saw 19 rush attempts his second season, but still had 124 yards. He heads to a UCLA team that needs a feature back, and with his speed and 6-foot-1, 220-pound size, he can fill that void.

13. S Key Lawrence
Oklahoma
2020 season: Tennessee

Oklahoma’s defense has been improving, but still ranked No. 83 in pass yards allowed per game and 60th in yards per reception. The Sooners return defensive backs D.J. Graham, Delarrin Turner-Yell and Woodi Washington, but Lawrence, who had eight total tackles in 10 games as a freshman for Tennessee last season, should fill in where needed. His versatility means he can play safety or fill in at a different spot in the secondary.

14. RB Demarkcus Bowman
Florida
2020 season: Clemson

Bowman, who signed with the Tigers as the No. 23 prospect overall in the 2020 class, entered the transfer portal in October, so he didn’t have much time to see the field at Clemson. Bowman missed some time with Florida in the spring due to an injury, but should be fully healthy for the season. With Florida replacing Kyle Trask under center, the offense is going to need a consistent run game. Adding Bowman to the running backs room that includes Dameon Pierce, Malik Davis, Nay’Quan Wright and Lorenzo Lingard means Florida has plenty of options in the backfield.

15. DE Arnold Ebiketie
Penn State
2020 season: Temple

The Nittany Lions are losing quite a bit on defense — particularly along the edge, as Odafe Oweh and Shaka Toney were both selected in the NFL draft. Those two were Nos. 2 and 3 on the team in tackles for loss last season, and Toney led the team with five sacks. Defensive end Adisa Isaac will likely miss the season with an injury, meaning Ebiketie is going to be a big part of the defense. He had 42 total tackles, three forced fumbles and four sacks last season at Temple.

16. LB Mike Jones Jr.
LSU
2020 season: Clemson

Jones started seven games at linebacker last season for Clemson and had 30 total tackles, one sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. LSU’s defense could use some experience and the type of ability that Jones possesses at linebacker, and he should be a starter from day one.

17. DT Siaki Ika
Baylor
2020 season: LSU

Ranked No. 185 overall in the 2019 class, Ika was a big signee for LSU and then-defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. The 6-foot-4, 350-pound Ika was a big part of LSU’s national championship defense as a freshman, clogging the middle at nose tackle. Aranda left for Baylor, and LSU switched to a scheme that wasn’t conducive to Ika’s position. Reuniting with Aranda gives him a chance to fill a need along the Bears’ defensive line.

18. WR Charleston Rambo
Miami
2020 season: Oklahoma

Rambo transferred to Miami from Oklahoma, and he lands in the top 20 based on the assumption that the 2020 season was out of the norm for Rambo. He had 743 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2019, but saw his production drop to 312 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games during the 2020 season. If D’Eriq King is fully healthy, Rambo should have every opportunity to put up big numbers at Miami and get back to his 2019 form.

19. DE Jermaine Johnson II
Florida State
2020 season: Georgia

Johnson is another important transfer for the Seminoles this offseason. He plays a premium position and helps Florida State on the edge, specifically in the pass rush. He played in seven games for Georgia last season, totaling four sacks and 11 quarterback pressures. At 6-5, 260 pounds, he should make an immediate impact in the ACC.

20. WR Mookie Cooper
Missouri
2020 season: Ohio State

Cooper hasn’t played football in two years because he wasn’t eligible for his senior season of high school and he didn’t play as a true freshman for Ohio State. His junior year of high school, Cooper had 12 receiving touchdowns and was the No. 113 prospect overall in the 2020 class. He will be a playmaker for Missouri and gives the offense something it didn’t have at receiver. Despite lacking experience, Cooper has the talent to make a big impact.

21. RB Keaontay Ingram
USC
2020 season: Texas

USC lost running backs Markese Stepp and Stephen Carr to transfer. With those losses, Ingram, a transfer from Texas, will likely be a big part of USC’s ground game in 2021. The staff also added Darwin Barlow from TCU and signed Brandon Campbell in the 2021 class to round out the running back room.

22. WR Jameson Williams
Alabama
2020 season: Ohio State

Williams transferred in from Ohio State at an ideal time for the Crimson Tide. The staff is replacing DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle at receiver, and Williams should be in the mix with John Metchie III, Slade Bolden and a handful of others vying for playing time.

23. QBs C.J. Stroud and Quinn Ewers
Ohio State
2020 season: Stroud was a freshman (0 attempts); Ewers was in high school

Stroud is likely going to be the starter for Ohio State, so he is an important newcomer for college football, but Ewers is important in his own right. He made headlines when he reclassified from the 2022 class to 2021 and enrolled at Ohio State in August. Ewers is going to have a steep learning curve if he wants to see the field right away, but adding in a talent such as him a year earlier than expected is an important addition for the Buckeyes.

24. WR D.J. Matthews Jr.
Indiana
2020 season: Florida State

Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. said he was excited about the addition of Matthews, who transferred from Florida State. Matthews helps replace some production lost by Whop Philyor, who left for the NFL.

25. RB Will Shipley
Clemson
2020 season: High school

Replacing running back Travis Etienne Jr. will be difficult, but Shipley could be an explosive playmaker in the run and pass game for the Tigers. He is a speedy back that can do it all and should make a big impact right away.

26. TE Jalin Conyers
Arizona State
2020 season: Oklahoma

He transferred in from Oklahoma and didn’t play for the Sooners last season. He’s a big tight end that will use his 6-4, 228-pound frame to help the Sun Devils’ passing game.

27. DE J.T. Tuimoloau
Ohio State
2020 season: High school

Tuimoloau was a late addition to the Buckeyes’ class, but the five-star defensive lineman, who was the fourth-ranked prospect overall in the 2021 cycle, brings versatility and talent to the defensive line.

28. OL Doug Nester
West Virginia
2020 season: Virginia Tech

West Virginia is the beneficiary of Nester’s transfer from Virginia Tech. He played in 11 games as a freshman in 2019 and eight in 2020.

29. WRs Agiye Hall and JoJo Earle
Alabama
2020 season: High school

With four catches and 72 yards in Alabama’s spring game, Hall showed some of his capabilities. He should be in the mix to play early on and help the Crimson Tide offense through the air. Earle is a playmaker at wide receiver and will fit in nicely with the Alabama offense, but he will also have an opportunity to make a difference on special teams returning kicks.

30. DE Korey Foreman
USC
2020 season: High school

Keeping the five-star defensive end in the state of California was a huge recruiting win for USC, and Foreman has the talent to make an impact right away for the Trojans.

31. RB Treveyon Henderson
Ohio State
2020 season: High school

The 5-10, 210-pound Henderson looks as though he has been in a college strength program for three years already. The Buckeyes are going to need one of the young running backs to step up and take on a role this season. Henderson very well could be that guy.

32. CB Jason Marshall Jr.
Florida
2020 season: High school

The No. 1 corner recruit in the country, Florida could use someone in the secondary with Marshall’s talent. There is competition at the position, but Marshall could break through and see the field early.

33. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
Alabama
2020 season: High school

The buzz around Alabama is that McKinstry has been doing what he needs to do to see the field early on in the secondary. There is competition, of course, but the No. 40 prospect in the 2021 class has all the tools to contribute to some degree early on.

34. RB/WR Keilan Robinson
Texas
2020 season: Alabama

Robinson can do a little bit of everything and transferred in from Alabama, where Steve Sarkisian was his offensive coordinator. Now his head coach at Texas, Sarkisian will be able to utilize Robinson in the run and pass game and as a combo with running back Bijan Robinson.

35. DT Maason Smith
LSU
2020 season: High school

As an early enrollee, Smith has a good chance of playing right away along the defensive line for LSU. The coaching staff is excited about his potential and how he could contribute early on.

36. LB Justin Flowe
Oregon
2020 season: True freshman (1 game, 1 tackle)

Flowe was a five-star in the 2020 cycle and is in his second year at Oregon. He suffered a knee injury in 2020, so didn’t get to play the whole season. Flowe and linebacker Noah Sewell should be a highly productive duo this season.

37. OL Jack Nelson
Wisconsin
2020 season: True freshman (1 game)

The Badgers are known for offensive linemen, so if one of their own gets some attention and hype, it’s usually a good idea to listen. Nelson is a 6-foot-7 redshirt freshman who should be in a starting role for Wisconsin at guard this season. He has forced his way onto the field and could be on a similar path as some of the other great Wisconsin linemen.

38. OL Aki Ogunbiyi
Texas A&M
2020 season: True freshman (1 game)

The second-year offensive lineman is someone who could fill a spot at guard for the Aggies this season and could help solidify that group.

39. DE Jack Sawyer
Ohio State
2020 season: High school

Sawyer was the No. 1 recruit in the 2020 class and is coming in with a lot of hype surrounding him. The Buckeyes have depth at defensive end, but an injury to Tyler Friday that could keep him out most of the season will likely increase Sawyer and Tuimoloau’s roles.

40. WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State
2020 season: High school

The Buckeyes are loaded at wide receiver, but Harrison’s talent might make it hard to keep him off the field. He performed well in the spring game, and at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, he’s physically ready to play right away.

41. RB Donovan Edwards
Michigan
2020 season: High school

The Wolverines need stability at running back and need a feature back to take over. Edwards was the No. 68 recruit overall and Michigan’s second-highest-ranked signee in the 2021 class. There is competition at running back with Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, but everyone is starting from scratch with new running backs coach Mike Hart.

42. WR Xavier Worthy
Texas
2020 season: High school

Worthy signed with Michigan in the 2021 class, but was released from his national letter of intent before even getting to campus. Now with Texas, he has a chance to see a lot of playing time in his first season. He’s explosive and can make plays all over the field, which is exactly what Texas needs on offense.

43. S James Williams
Miami
2020 season: High school

The Hurricanes dismissed safety Avantae Williams, which means the defense is looking for someone to step up and help with depth. James Williams hasn’t gotten into the starting conversation just yet, but at 6-foot-5, 224 pounds, he has size and physicality that can’t be taught. He could work his way into playing time at some point this season.

44. OL Bryce Foster
Texas A&M
2020 season: High school

It’s always difficult for true freshman offensive linemen to play early, but Foster, a four-star recruit, could be an exception to that rule. Once Foster gets his feet under him and comfortable with the college game, he could become an anchor for the Aggies’ offensive line.

45. LB Demeioun Robinson
Maryland
2020 season: High school

The Terps are looking to add talent and competition at nearly every position, trying to raise the overall talent level of the roster. Robinson was the No. 38 recruit overall in the 2021 class and could be in line to play right away. He’s listed as a linebacker, but is able to rush the passer and will be a versatile player within the defense.

46. WR Mario Williams
Oklahoma
2020 season: High school

It seems like a good bet to put an Oklahoma receiver on the list given the success the coaches have had on offense. Last season it was Marvin Mims, this season it could be Williams, who was the No. 17 prospect in the 2021 class.

47. DT Tywone Malone
Ole Miss
2020 season: High school

Malone is versatile with size and strength that most 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive linemen don’t possess. Malone has already impressed the coaching staff and is sparking some excitement for what he can bring within the Rebels’ defense.

48. OL Jake Majors
Texas
2020 season: True freshman (3 games, 2 starts)

Majors played in only three games last season, working his way into the starting lineup toward the end. Now as a redshirt freshman, he should give the middle of the offensive line some stability under a new coaching staff.

49. OL Rocco Spindler
Notre Dame
2020 season: High school

Spindler is the son of Marc Spindler, a former NFL defensive lineman, and is living up to the expectations of a Midwest offensive lineman whose dad went pro. Spindler is tough and hard-working, and has already started making some noise at Notre Dame. It’s too early to tell how quickly he will see the field, but the expectation is that he won’t be on the sidelines for long.

50. WR Troy Franklin
Oregon
2020 season: High school

Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead is looking for playmakers at Oregon, and Franklin could be one of the younger players that steps up early on to make a difference. Franklin has worked with the first team and should see the field quickly this season.