While the early returns from the transfer portal have captured most of the headlines, particularly from programs such as Colorado and Florida State, plenty of true freshmen have made an impact in 2023.
We have seen highly touted prospects turn into nationally recognized names and statistical leaders in a matter of weeks. Of the 21 five-star recruits in the 2022 cycle, nine make this list. Conversely, eight of the top 25 freshmen who made this list weren't in the ESPN 300 rankings as recruits.
For example, former five-star Zachariah Branch has been electric and as advertised for USC, while South Carolina's Jalon Kilgore made our top 10 as a high three-star.