As the 2024 NFL Draft early-entry deadline passes, college football teams are already planning for the upcoming season by identifying potential replacements for their star players who have chosen to depart early for the professional league. With the deadline for players to withdraw and maintain their eligibility rapidly approaching, teams are looking to fill the void left by these early departures.

Several underclassmen have been projected as first-round selections in the recent CBS Sports Mock Draft, and their departures have left their respective teams searching for answers. However, some teams have clearer solutions than others when it comes to replacing the production of these top prospects.

One notable departure is USC quarterback Caleb Williams, who has left a significant gap in the Trojans' quarterback room. The emergence of Miller Moss, who showcased his potential with a record-setting six-touchdown performance in the Holiday Bowl, has raised hopes for USC's post-Caleb era. The addition of UNLV quarterback Jayden Maiava through the transfer portal has also provided quality competition in the quarterback room.

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., another early departure, leaves behind a wealth of targets and receptions to be distributed among the talented wide receiver room. Brandon Innis, Carnell Tate, and Jeremiah Smith are among the options that Coach Ryan Day can explore to fill Harrison's shoes. Innis, a five-star prospect, and Tate, who had significant playing time in his freshman season, have already shown promise, while Smith, the top overall player in the 2024 recruiting class, brings a college-ready frame and potential.

Penn State must address the departure of offensive tackle Olu Fashanu. Fortunately, the team has depth along the offensive line, making Drew Shelton a suitable replacement. Shelton's experience, including five starts last season, provides assurance that the offensive line will not experience a significant drop-off in Fashanu's absence.

LSU is facing the challenge of replacing wide receiver Malik Nabers, as well as Brian Thomas. Kyren Lacy, who had an impressive season in 2023, has expressed his readiness to step up as a leader in the receiving corps. Lacy's performance, including a standout game with six catches for 95 yards in the bowl win against Wisconsin, showcases his potential to fill the void left by Nabers and Thomas.

Notre Dame will need to find replacements for offensive tackle Joe Alt and Blake Fisher. Charles Jagusah demonstrated his versatility by playing Alt's position during the bowl game, showcasing his potential to anchor the offensive line. As a former four-star prospect, Jagusah has the talent to elevate Notre Dame's offensive front.

Alabama must address the departures of EDGE Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell, putting their pass-rushing depth at risk. Keanu Koht and Keon Keeley offer potential solutions, but the transfer portal remains a viable option to find experienced replacements. Alabama's coaching staff will likely rekindle their interest in pass rushers during the upcoming portal window.

Florida State's defensive end position will have to adjust to the absence of Jared Verse. Patrick Payton, who reaffirmed his commitment to the Seminoles, emerged as a standout player last season. Payton's ability to disrupt the passing game and contribute to tackles for loss will alleviate some concerns surrounding the defensive front as the team experiences turnover in other positions.

The University of Texas is facing a massive overhaul in their offensive skill positions, with the departure of AD Mitchell and several key playmakers. However, the addition of Alabama star receiver Isaiah Bond through the transfer portal provides a promising solution. Bond's decision to join the Longhorns offers hope that the team can rebuild their receiving corps.

Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter's departure forces the Bulldogs to find a replacement. Daylen Everette, who started every game alongside Lassiter, has proven himself as a capable corner. Additionally, Julian Humphrey's decision to stay in Athens despite considering the transfer portal offers another potential option.

Lastly, North Carolina must find a replacement for quarterback Drake Maye. The battle for the starting quarterback position will be between Conner Harrell, who gained experience as Maye's backup, and Max Johnson, a transfer from Texas A&M. Harrell showcased flashes of his playmaking ability but must improve his consistency, while Johnson brings experience from starting with the Aggies before suffering an injury.

While these projections are early and subject to change, the performance of these replacement players during spring practice will dictate the level of concern or confidence for these college football teams heading into the fall season. The challenges of replacing top stars are daunting, but these teams are determined to find the right solutions and maintain their competitive edge on the field.