The Heisman Trophy is the crown jewel of individual college football awards, yet it’s often the exclusive domain of quarterbacks. With only four non-QB winners since 2000 and just three players from Group of Five teams ever claiming the prize — none since Navy’s Roger Staubach in 1963 — the pool of legitimate contenders is rather small.
Yet, that doesn’t mean there aren’t exceptional talents across the nation ready to challenge the status quo. Here is one — however unrealistic — Heisman Trophy candidate for all 134 FBS programs.
Every College Football Team’s 2024 Heisman Trophy Candidate
Air Force Falcons: Payton Zdroik, DT
EDGEs PJ Ramsey and Bo Richter are gone, and Air Force’s defensive line looks a bit uncertain. However, the Falcons can rest easy with Payton Zdroik manning the interior. Across the last two seasons, he’s recorded 62 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, and 9.5 sacks. And that was with leaving Week 3 after three snaps and missing Weeks 4-5 due to injury.
Akron Zips: CJ Nunnally IV, EDGE
Before Akron, CJ Nunnally IV spent 2021 at Jackson State and 2022 at Independence Community College of “Last Chance U” fame. But he found his home with the Zips, bursting onto the scene with 65 total tackles, 15.5 TFLs, and seven sacks. On top of being a gifted athlete, Nunnally varies his pass-rush plan and owns a relentless motor.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Jalen Milroe, QB
Yes, Jalen Milroe isn’t the most accurate QB and has a ways to go, but he showed exceptional growth after being benched early last season, and he now gets to work with QB guru Kalen DeBoer. That’s not even including his dynamic ability as a runner — just watch the LSU tape from last season.
Appalachian State Mountaineers: Joey Aguilar, QB
Despite not beginning the season as the starter, Joey Aguilar took home Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year Honors after throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2023. If he puts together a similar or even better campaign as a senior, the Mountaineers should be in the running for a spot in the College Football Playoff, and Aguilar will be up for all the major awards.
Arizona Wildcats: Noah Fifita, QB
Noah Fifita is only 5’11” and 194 pounds, but he is the epitome of “fun to watch.” He escapes the pocket with the sole purpose of delivering strikes downfield, and he has the arm to fit passes into tight windows.
Fifita showed all this in only his first season as the starter — and he didn’t take the reigns until Week 4! Expect even greater things to come from the Arizona QB in 2024, especially with sky-walking WR Tetairoa McMillan back on the outside.
Arizona State Sun Devils: Cam Skattebo, RB
Arizona State is in for a rough debut in the Big 12, but at least Cam Skattebo will lead the rushing attack. After rushing for 1,300+ yards at Sacramento State in 2022, he transferred to Arizona State and generated just under 1,000 yards from scrimmage last season. With Alton McCaskill and Raleek Brown also in the backfield, Skattebo should be even more efficient in 2024.
Arkansas Razorbacks: Taylen Green, QB
Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino hand-picked Taylen Green out of the transfer portal to be his starting QB this season. The 6’6″ dual-threat threw for 3,794 yards, 25 TDs, and 15 INTs and rushed for 1,022 yards and 19 scores in two years at Boise State.
Green isn’t the most accurate QB, but he comes equipped with a rocket arm and lethal legs, which Petrino believes he can unlock in 2024.
Arkansas State Red Wolves: Jaylen Raynor, QB
As a true freshman, Jaylen Raynor ran for five scores and threw for another 17 a year ago. At 6’0″ and 200 pounds, he isn’t the biggest player at the position, but he is larger than life on the field. With another fall camp under his belt, look for Raynor to be even more accurate and tap into a larger playbook in 2024.
Army Black Knights: Bryson Daily, QB
An Army QB? You’re damn right. Bryson Daily tossed seven TDs on just 59 passing attempts last season, but that’s just the beginning. Daily is the Black Knights’ rushing leader, taking 215 carries for 901 yards and seven scores last season. While he has to do a better job of taking care of the football, Daily is the engine that will power Army to its fifth straight 6+ win campaign.
Auburn Tigers: Jarquez Hunter, RB
All Jarquez Hunter has done in his three-year career is produce. Earning more playing time each season, he has generated 2,177 yards and 17 scores on 352 carries — that’s 6.2 yards per attempt! Even more impressive is the fact that he posted those numbers behind a middling offensive line against SEC defenses.
Hunter is also good for roughly 15 catches, 130 yards, and a score as a receiver and holds up well in pass protection. What can’t he do?
Ball State Cardinals: Keionté Newson, LB
Ball State likes to get creative with their linebackers, and Keionté Newson is no exception. In his first year as a starter, he put up 81 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Newson’s 6’2″ and 210-pound frame is light in the box, but the extra athleticism offers room for error and the ability to carry routes vertically that other LBs aren’t able to.
Baylor Bears: Dequan Finn, QB
If you’ve enjoyed MACtion at any point over the past five seasons, you’ve marveled at Dequan Finn’s dual-threat ability at Toledo. The dual-threat label is often thrown around for any QB that has some semblance of athleticism, but Finn is on another level, reaching a top speed of over 22 miles per hour against UMass last season.
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Finn threw 22 TDs to nine picks last year; it wouldn’t be surprising if his TDs rose and INTs fell with the Bears.
Boise State Broncos: Ashton Jeanty, RB
What’s left to be said about the CFN first-team All-American? A terror in the open field, Ashton Jeanty broke a ridiculous amount of tackles last season, reached a top speed of 21.5 mph, and generated nearly 2,000 total yards and 19 scores. He isn’t just the best RB in the Mountain West; he’s in the conversation for the best RB in all of college football.
Boston College Eagles: Thomas Castellanos, QB
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: Thomas Castellanos has game-altering athleticism and is a legitimate rushing threat behind center. Now, for the actual quarterbacking. He isn’t an accurate passer and, despite his physical gifts, turns pressures into sacks at a high rate.
New head coach Bill O’Brien has to play to his QB’s strengths this season, meaning a lot of RPOs, option runs, and play actions. Castellanos will never be a straight dropback QB, but he shouldn’t be asked to be.
Bowling Green Falcons: Harold Fannin Jr., TE
Harold Fannin Jr. hauled in 44 receptions (first among MAC TEs), 623 yards (sixth overall), and six TDs (second overall), putting his name on the national map. A former safety/wide receiver recruit, Fannin possesses sure hands, can make defenders miss in the open field, and easily separates from plodding linebackers, cementing his place as one of the best TEs in the nation.
Buffalo Bulls: Shaun Dolac, LB
A standout run defender who made 112 tackles in 2022, Shaun Dolac only played four games last year before missing the rest of the season with injury, so his return instantly upgrades the Bulls’ defense. He has 164 tackles and 95 run stops in his career despite only becoming a starter two seasons ago. Now fully healthy, Dolac will unleash his pent-up rage on opponents with reckless abandon.
BYU Cougars: Tyler Batty, EDGE
Tyler Batty has played 40 games with 31 starts at BYU, racking up 162 tackles, 26.5 tackles for a loss, and 15 sacks. He hit career highs in all three categories last season with 57 tackles, nine TFLs, and 5.5 sacks, earning a CFN third-team All-Big 12 nod.
With most of the conference’s top EDGE rushers from last season either moving on to the NFL or other programs, the seasoned 6’5″, 275-pound Batty sits atop the Big 12.
California Golden Bears: Jaydn Ott, RB
Cal hasn’t exactly been an exciting football program since the early Jeff Tedford days, which is a shame because most people have likely missed out on watching Jaydn Ott run the football.
He has been the offense the last two seasons, amassing 2,212 yards and 20 TDs on 416 carries. Ott’s receiving chops are also up to snuff, but Cal ought to hand him the ball as much as his body can take.
Central Michigan Chippewas: Bert Emanuel Jr., QB
Where were you when Bert Emanuel Jr. rumbled for 293 yards and three TDs against Buffalo in 2022? Yes, that was two years ago. And yes, he has only thrown 45 passes in his collegiate career.
Emanuel is obviously a dynamo on the ground, and he has the arm strength to take the top off defenses. However, his inexperience will likely show up when attempting to go through reads and leverages. An injury to his throwing shoulder stunted his growth and playing time in 2023, but with Jase Bauer on to Sam Houston, it will be the Emanuel Show in 2024.
Charlotte 49ers: Dontae Balfour, CB
Third-team All-AAC corner. Jim Thorpe Award nominee. Shrine Bowl 1000 member. Dontae Balfour has not flown under the radar since last season. He parlayed his two years as a backup at North Carolina into a starting role with Charlotte last year, culminating in a one-INT, 10-PBU campaign.
Coverage numbers are volatile, but Balfour showed a penchant for stepping up in big moments, tying the 49ers’ single-game PBU record with four against Memphis.
Cincinnati Bearcats: Corey Kiner, RB
Dontay Corleone is the Bearcats’ best player, but a nose tackle isn’t winning the Heisman.
Corey Kiner had over 1,000 yards last season despite not having much of a passing game to keep the defense honest. He averaged 5.5 yards a carry and had five touchdowns a year ago, but he may be used more in the red zone this season now that Emory Jones has moved on.
Kiner is a load to bring down at 5’9″, 215 pounds, and he will run behind a talented offensive line. The bar was set; now, it’s time to surpass it.
Clemson Tigers: Barrett Carter, LB
I’m not a Cade Klubnik believer, and the passing game’s inconsistency will limit RB Phil Mafah’s output. Thus, the Tigers’ Heisman candidate features on the defensive side of the ball, where there are a plethora of options to choose from — EDGE T.J. Parker, DT Peter Woods, CB Avieon Terrell, safety Khalil Barnes, etc. But it’s a second-level defender that earns the nod.
Barrett Carter is the epitome of a modern linebacker with the size, speed, and power to be a chess piece on defense. Blitz him off the edge, send him to cover from the slot, or have him fill gaps in the run game from the box — he can do it all. Last year was his first playing full-time at the second level, and there were some growing pains, but he should only improve in Year 2.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: Matthew McDoom, CB
A true junior who has played significant reps since he was a true freshman, Matthew McDoom is a leader of this defensive unit from the boundary at corner. He racked up 10 pass breakups last season to go along with 26 tackles.
As a true freshman in 2022, he was the team’s primary kick returner, averaging 22.6 yards per return on 20 attempts, including a 95-yard touchdown. Coastal Carolina may have reached its peak as a team with Grayson McCall, but the sky is the limit for McDoom in 2024.
Colorado Buffaloes: Shedeur Sanders, QB
Off-the-field antics aside, Shedeur Sanders is a deadly QB, compiling 3,230 yards, 27 TDs, and only three INTs last year.
Pressure got to him at times, but he has the effortless mobility, arm talent, and accuracy to dot up defenses, even in the Big 12. Does he have the talent around him to win more than four games and become a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? That remains to be seen.
Colorado State Rams: Tory Horton, WR
Tory Horton gave Colorado State fans a transfer portal scare but ultimately returned to the Rams after turning down six-figure deals. There are few holes in his game, as he can win before the catch, at the catch point, and after the catch. Prepare for a third straight 1,000+ yard season from Horton in 2024.
Duke Blue Devils: Jordan Moore, WR
Jordan Moore, a QB turned WR, had a decent season as a full-time starter in 2022, but he proved his mettle in 2023. He recorded 835 yards and eight scores on 62 receptions and was difficult to bring down. Now, he has the chance to achieve something no Duke receiver has since Jamison Crowder in 2014: surpass the 1,000-yard mark.
Although Riley Leonard is off to Notre Dame, Texas transfer Maalik Murphy has all the tools to torment ACC defenses. If he puts it all together as a first-year starter, Moore will challenge for a first-team All-ACC bid.
East Carolina Pirates: Shavon Revel Jr., CB
Shavon Revel Jr. transferred to ECU after two years at Louisburg College, a JUCO in North Carolina, and spent most of his first season on the bench. Yet, Revel repaid the Pirates tenfold for believing in his ability by stuffing the stat sheet: 55 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, one sack, one INT, 11 PBUs, one fumble recovery, and two blocked kicks.
Revel’s tape had bigger programs blowing up his phone, offering him six-figure deals to transfer out. But Revel stayed true to East Carolina and is ready to revel in his final collegiate season with a bang in 2024.
Eastern Michigan Eagles: Justin Jefferson, EDGE
It’s not every day you see a 5’11” and 228-pound EDGE who terrorizes offensive tackles. Justin Jefferson (of no relation to the Minnesota Vikings’ star WR) explodes off the edge, using his diminutive size to knife through gaps, slip past reaching arms, and bring down RBs and QBs alike.
Jefferson’s motor is always redlining, forcing O-linemen to remain engaged throughout a rep lest they forfeit a second or even third-effort pressure.
FIU Panthers: Keyone Jenkins, QB
Any one of the Panthers’ trio of star RBs — Shomari Lawrence, Lexington Joseph, and Kejon Owens — could take Keyone Jenkins’ place here, but they’ll eat into each other’s production this season. As a first-year starter, Jenkins flashed what head coach Mike MacIntyre saw of him every day in practice last fall.
He was able to show off his arm talent and his elusiveness in a season filled with learning curves, finishing with 2,422 passing yards and 17 total TDs. With another offseason in the books, Jenkins will hopefully have added a bit of playing weight and polished his decision-making, which could result in a monstrous year.
Florida Gators: Montrell Johnson Jr., RB
With Trevor Etienne out, it’s Montrell Johnson Jr.’s backfield in 2024. The senior is no stranger to producing, as he has rushed for 800+ yards and 5+ TDs in each of the last three seasons (the last two at Florida and the first at Louisiana).
A 217-pound back with a low center of gravity at 5’10”, Johnson churns through contact and even showcased his receiving ability last year, taking 30 receptions for 236 and a score. Plus, his ball security isn’t a question (just two career fumbles on 469 carries).
With Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger joining Eugene Wilson III in the WR corps, I understand why most would have QB Graham Mertz here. But Mertz has shown who he is: a game manager who can distribute short passes accurately but won’t threaten defenses downfield. With one of the most difficult schedules in the country on tap, I doubt Mertz will prove that sentence wrong.
Florida Atlantic Owls: Daedae Hill, CB
The 2022 season marked Daedae Hill’s first with starting snaps after spending two years at Central Michigan. It took him some time to find his groove, but once he did, he began to lock down his side of the field. The result was a spectacular 2023 campaign, as Hill rarely allowed anything into his coverage. He’ll have the opportunity to dwarf his two INTs and four PBUs in 2024.
Florida State Seminoles: DJ Uiagalelei, QB
Graduation and the NFL Draft decimated Florida State’s roster, but Mike Norvell and Co. have done their best in the transfer portal to limit the damage. While they likely won’t be “unconquered” this season, former Clemson and Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei will keep the chains moving.
With three years of starting tape available, we know who DJU is: a low-ceiling, high-floor passer with the legs to escape the pocket and pick up yards when needed. He could improve statistically with Norvell and OC Alex Atkins, and if the Seminoles make the playoff, DJU will be in the Heisman discussion.
Fresno State Bulldogs: Mikey Keene, QB
The Mountain West is Mikey Keene’s conference. As a small QB (5’11” and under 200 pounds), the biggest question mark is durability. But when he is on the field, the Bulldogs have a fighting chance in most games they are in.
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Keene is a master of the offense, getting the ball out in a timely manner, keeping the ball out of harm’s way, and burning defenses downfield when they begin to creep up.
Georgia Bulldogs: Carson Beck, QB
While Carson Beck isn’t the flashiest athlete or the biggest arm, he has the poise, anticipation, and layering ability of a future NFL QB. He passed for nearly 4,000 yards, 24 TDs, and six INTs last season and operates the collegiate bulldozer that is Georgia with the efficiency of a Tesla.
Georgia Southern Eagles: Jalen White, RB
Jalen White is coming off consecutive third-team All-Sun Belt selections after just missing out on 1,000 yards in 2022 (914) and 2023 (889). A fifth-year senior, he has 2,272 career rushing yards with 23 TDs, averaging 5.5 yards per carry on 410 career attempts. Clay Helton has gone 6-7 in his first two years at the helm — if he wants to crest the seven-win mark, he’ll need to lean on White in 2024.
Georgia State Panthers: Gavin Pringle, CB
A third-team All-Sun Belt honoree in his first year in Atlanta after four years at Bucknell (2019-22), Gavin Pringle tied for the conference lead in interceptions last year with four. With five years of reps under his belt, Pringle is a seasoned turnover magnet ready to add to his stash.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Haynes King, QB
In head coach Brent Key’s first full season at the helm, Georgia Tech put up its first winning season since 2018. A large reason for the success was Texas A&M transfer Haynes King. His 16 INTs weren’t great, but he also had some tough turnover luck.
Plus, he showcased an aspect of his game we hadn’t seen much of before: his rushing ability (737 yards and 10 TDs). With a full year of starts under his belt and time to control his arm arrogance, King should enjoy another standout performance in 2024.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors: Brayden Schager, QB
If there is one thing we know about Hawaii, it’s that Timmy Chang’s offense is going to put up points in 2024. Not only is Brayden Schager returning after a 3,542-yard and 26-TD campaign, but so are his two leading WRs: Steven McBride and Pofele Ashlock. The Rainbow Warriors may not challenge for a conference title, but they’ll make every game they’re in must-watch TV.
Houston Cougars: Donovan Smith, QB
When Donovan Smith is in form, there are few QBs better. But that caveat — “when he is in form” — is what holds him back from national recognition. Even still, Smith’s 3,200 total yards and 28 TDs should be his floor in his final collegiate season, as he’s one of the best dual-threat playmakers in the Big 12.
Illinois Fighting Illini: Luke Altmyer, QB
Some poor turnover luck hurt Luke Altmyer’s numbers (13 TDs to 10 INTs), but four of those came in his fourth career start against Penn State. His place above other passers in the Big Ten is predicated on expected growth based on his 2023 tape.
Another offseason to work on his faults from last season (taking too many sacks, accuracy issues to the left side of the field, etc.) should result in a better performance in 2024. It also helps that the Fighting Illini brought in JUCO star Mario Sanders II, two-time 1,000-yard UTSA WR Zakhari Franklin, and FCS standout TE Cole Rusk to bolster the pass-catching corps.
Indiana Hoosiers: Kurtis Rourke, QB
The 2023 version of Kurtis Rourke looked like a shell of his 2022 self, and his lack of confidence in his repaired torn ACL was clear. Yet, now that he has been removed from the injury for another offseason, he should find his stride once again.
Curt Cignetti knows how to build a successful program, and Rourke will help him return Indiana to winning ways following three straight seasons with four or fewer victories.
Iowa Hawkeyes: Jay Higgins, LB
Jay Higgins is exactly what you want from the linebacker position. He is a solid athlete, a sure tackler, disciplined, and has a nose for the ball. He compiled a country-leading 171 tackles as a full-time starter last season while blitzing effectively and having a good feel in zone coverage. DBs Xavier Nwankpa and Sebastion Castro also deserve love, but they may not even reach 171 tackles combined.
Iowa State Cyclones: Rocco Becht, QB
Safety Jeremiah Cooper is Iowa State’s best player, but if the Cyclones are firing on all cylinders, Rocco Becht will receive all of the credit, and rightfully so. Becht took the conference by storm in his first year as a starter, completing 63.5% of his passes for 2,674 yards, 20 TDs, and only eight INTs.
He’ll need to pick and choose his shots underneath a bit more cleanly in 2024, but Becht has a solid foundation of fundamentals, leadership, and arm talent to lead Iowa State to 7+ wins once again.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Sean Brown, TE
A transfer from Tennessee, Sean Brown has been a star for Jacksonville State, making three straight all-conference teams (2021-22 ASUN, 2023 CUSA). After posting 331 yards and a score on 18 catches in 2022, Brown was added to the John Mackey Award watch list. And after a 19-294-5 showing in 2023, he has once again graced the list this offseason.
The 6’5″ and 250-pound TE is an obvious red-zone threat, but Brown has also split his time from the slot, using his big body to create separation over the middle.
James Madison Dukes: Ayo Adeyi, RB
Ayo Adeyi could’ve easily landed at the Power Four level but opted to finish his collegiate career at James Madison. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last year for North Texas after reaching 800 yards as a sophomore.
Adeyi has plenty of experience as the focal point of an offense and is the Dukes’ No. 1 player after losing much of their talent to the transfer portal this offseason.
Kansas Jayhawks: Jalon Daniels, QB
A back injury sidelined Jalon Daniels for much of the 2023 season, but what we saw was a far more accurate passer who was willing to air it out. It was only a three-game sample size, so we’ll need to see it once again in 2024, but Daniels has the creation capacity and arm talent to cause defenses headaches.
Kansas State Wildcats: Avery Johnson, QB
There is so much to like about Avery Johnson as the starting quarterback at Kansas State, from his athletic profile to the flashes he showed behind Will Howard last season.
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But one of the main reasons you can shoot for the moon with Johnson is Matt Wells is his offensive coordinator. Wells has historically gotten the most out of his quarterbacks and could very well be on the same trajectory with Johnson. Of course, having a 1,000-yard back in DJ Giddens and a change-of-pace option in Dylan Edwards to hand off to certainly makes the job easier.
Kennesaw State Owls: Michael Benefield, RB
At 5’7″ and 205 pounds, Michael Benefield isn’t the biggest back, but his low center of gravity allows him to withstand contact better than many larger RBs.
Playing for Kennesaw State, CUSA — let alone FBS — fans are likely unfamiliar with his game. But Benefield became the only player in program history with four straight 100-yard rushing games, doing so in the final four games last season.
The Owls run an option offense under head coach Brian Bohannon, and if they are able to find any success in their first year in the FBS, it will stem from the trail Benefield blazed on the ground.
Kent State Golden Flashes: Chrishon McCray, WR
Chrishon McCray joined the Golden Flashes as a little-known two-star RB/WR recruit in the 2022 class. After last season, there’s no mistaking he is the best receiver in the MAC. Typically, there isn’t much to glean from a 1-11 team, but McCray put on an absolute show.
Despite standing 5’10” and sub-165 pounds, he won from all levels of the field, adding to his highlight reel every week. McCray missed the last three games of the year due to injury, but with another offseason to hone his craft and for the coaching staff to figure out more ways to utilize him, he’ll imprint his place in the national consciousness.
Kentucky Wildcats: Deone Walker, DT
A 6’6″, 348-pound defensive tackle that can create pressure on their own is rare, and that’s exactly what Deone Walker is. He accounted for 12.5 TFLs and 7.5 sacks last season, using his free-moving and powerful build to open the floodgates on the interior. The offense could be fun with Dane Key, Barion Brown, and Brock Vandagriff, but Walker is a one-man wrecking crew.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: Marquis Crosby, RB
As a freshman in 2022, Marquis Crosby led Louisiana Tech with 918 yards (sixth among all freshmen) and nine TDs on the ground. He entered the 2023 season with high hopes and then had only one carry for 20 yards before a season-ending injury.
Now healthy, all eyes are on his bounce-back campaign, which has Crosby on the Doak Walker Award and Comeback Player of the Year watch lists. Sonny Cumbie will lean on him to power the offense, and the offensive line should afford him more room to operate than it did in 2022, so 1,000+ yards is well within his wheelhouse.
Liberty Flames: Kaidon Salter, QB
In his first season as Liberty’s full-time starter, Kaidon Salter showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 2,876 yards, 32 TDs, and just six INTs while rushing for another 1,089 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
He led the team to a CUSA title and the program’s first-ever New Year’s Six bowl game. Despite a quick stint in the transfer portal, Salter is back in Lynchburg, Va., and ready to flame defenses once again en route to a spot in the expanded playoff.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: Keyon Martin, CB
At a listed 5’9″ and 166 pounds, Keyon Martin is routinely one of the smallest players on the field. Yet, you wouldn’t be able to tell by his tape, as he produced one INT and seven PBUs last season, locking down his side of the field. While the offense works out its kinks, Martin and the defense will keep Louisiana in games early on.
Louisville Cardinals: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE
Inside, outside, it doesn’t matter — Ashton Gillotte will drive his opposition into the QB’s lap. His speed to power is his calling card and has resulted in 22.5 TFLs and 18 sacks in the last two years. The 6’3″, 275-pound ball of energy strikes fear into ACC offensive linemen; he’ll do the same in the NFL in 2025.
LSU Tigers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB
Garrett Nussmeier has seen plenty of playing time in all three of his seasons, albeit usually in garbage time.
However, with Jayden Daniels skipping the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin, Nussmeier received his first career start and didn’t disappoint, completing 31 of 45 passes for 395 yards and three TDs en route to a 35-31 victory.
Nussmeier won’t have Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., but the Tigers brought in Liberty’s CJ Daniels and Mississippi State’s Zavion Thomas to pair with holdover Kyren Lacy. Plus, 2023 QBs coach Joe Sloan will call the offense with Mike Denbrock off to Notre Dame, maintaining some semblance of continuity to Nussmeier.
Marshall Thundering Herd: Mike Green, EDGE
With Owen Porter’s time with the Herd officially over, Marshall has some big shoes to fill, and Mike Green is primed to do it. After one season with Virginia, Green joined the team last year, posting 43 tackles, nine TFLs, and 4.5 sacks in 13 games.
Porter accounted for 17.5 sacks and 42 TFLs in his time at Marshall — Green could be just as productive with a strong 2024.
Maryland Terrapins: Roman Hemby, RB
Given the lack of stability at quarterback, it’s hard to see Maryland achieving the success they’re capable of without Roman Hemby playing a big part in the offense. His rushing production took a step backward last year, though he still surpassed the 1,000-yard mark from scrimmage for a second straight season because of his versatility in the passing game.
Hemby’s explosiveness and ability to sustain top-end speed in traffic will likely make him an NFL running back one day, especially if he can maintain his 5.0 yards-per-carry average this season.
Memphis Tigers: Seth Henigan, QB
In a class of his own, Seth Henigan could set even more records in 2024 with the Memphis Tigers. After setting career-highs in every passing metric a season ago, Henigan reached the next echelon in terms of national notoriety.
Henigan enters this season on the precipice of setting new marks in just about every career metric with Memphis in terms of quarterbacking. He’s 11 passing TDs away from Brady White’s career mark of 90 and just nine total scores away from White’s 97.
As impressive of a three-year career as anywhere in the country, Henigan’s elite level of play started back in 2021 as a true freshman and stands as a testament to his overall talent and ability to improve his game year in and year out. Year 4 is here, and so is Memphis’ best shot at the College Football Playoff.
Miami (FL) Hurricanes: Cam Ward, QB
Cam Ward’s first season at Washington State was slightly disappointing, but he rebounded in 2023 with 3,735 yards, 25 TDs, and just seven INTs. His creativity in and out of the pocket will always draw the camera, and he has the arm talent to hit NFL-level throws with ease. If he takes care of the football while layering passes all over the field, Miami will challenge for a CFP spot.
Miami (OH) RedHawks: Brett Gabbert, QB
The younger brother of two-time Super Bowl champion and former No. 10 overall NFL Draft pick Blaine Gabbert, Brett knows a thing or two about longevity. Entering his sixth season in Oxford, Ohio, his collegiate experience is only rivaled by Bowling Green’s Conner Bazelak in the MAC. He battled injuries the last two years, but a fully healthy Gabbert is the undisputed QB1 in the conference.
He’ll test every level of the field, routinely pushing the ball downfield and outside the hashes. His footwork is a treat to watch, and he was the driving force for Miami’s best record (11-3) since 2010. With Finn and Rourke on to greener pastures, it’s Gabbert’s throne to lose.
Michigan Wolverines: Donovan Edwards, RB
Exit Blake Corum; enter Donovan Edwards. He had a down year in 2023, especially coming off a sensational sophomore season filling in for an injured Corum. But Edwards is now the lead back, and even behind a completely retooled offensive line, he has the explosive skill set and next-level receiving ability to carry Michigan’s offense.
Michigan State Spartans: Aidan Chiles, QB
Jonathan Smith left Corvallis, Ore., for East Lansing, Mich., bringing his OC and QB with him. Expectations are high for Aidan Chiles, but the 6’3″, 200-pound true sophomore has the physical attributes to supersede them.
He completed 24 of 35 throws for 309 yards and four touchdowns and added three more scores on the ground in limited action last year. As Michael Jordan once said, “The roof is the ceiling.”
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: Nicholas Vattiato, QB
Nicholas Vattiato is at his best when he gets the ball out quickly and lets his pass catchers do the damage. He struggled to see the field deep a season ago, so taking what the defenses gave him is where he saw the most success. But the result was over 3,000 passing yards and 23 TDs, so there is a method to the madness.
Vattiato may need to do more in Year 1 under Derek Mason, but he has the weapons and the physical tools to do so.
Minnesota Golden Gophers: Darius Taylor, RB
A healthy Darius Taylor creates 99 problems for opposing teams. He was Minnesota’s entire offense when on the field, leading the program with 891 all-purpose yards (799 rushing and 92 receiving) despite playing in just five full games.
His patience and lateral agility at the line of scrimmage allow him to bounce to the open hole, and his speed and balance generate broken tackles and yards after contact.
Mississippi State Bulldogs: Kelly Akharaiyi, WR
A UTEP transfer, Kelly Akharaiyi was one of two CUSA receivers to have over 1,000 receiving yards last year. Akharaiyi has good size (6’1″, 200 pounds) and brings experience to a reshaped passing offense under new head coach Jeff Lebby. He should have plenty of opportunities in the offensive system, especially with Blake Shapen slinging the rock.
Missouri Tigers: Luther Burden III, WR
Luther Burden III is a Heisman candidate as a true junior and the top WR in the country. After displaying his playmaking ability as a true freshman, LBIII torched SEC defenses to the tune of 1,212 yards and nine scores last season. With the speed, body control, and route-running nuance of a future pro, college DBs stand no chance.
Navy Midshipmen: Alex Tecza, FB
The Midshipmen are known for their ability on land, pounding defenses on the ground. Alex Tecza is back after registering 758 yards and five scores in his first season with playing time after riding the bench as a true freshman. He started eight of 12 contests last year, garnering honorable mention all-AAC recognition in the process.
Tecza is Navy football personified, with the speed, strength, and spirit that has fans shrieking, “I believe that we will win!” Expect Tecza to once again lead the team in carries, rushing yards, and rushing TDs as he has put the Midshipmen’s RB-by-committee approach out to sea.
NC State Wolfpack: Grayson McCall, QB
Welcome to the ACC, Coastal Carolina great Grayson McCall! Although the three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year didn’t live up to expectations last year, there’s a reason he has over 10,000 total yards and nearly 90 passing TDs on his résumé: He can ball.
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With McCall now suiting up for Dave Doeren’s squad, the Wolfpack will vie for their first bowl win since 2017.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: Dylan Raiola, QB
No, Dylan Raiola is not Patrick Mahomes. But if all accounts of his ability from high school come to fruition at the collegiate level, Raiola will make a name for himself.
No matter which stop he made on his high school journey, Raiola lived up to and even exceeded the hype that followed. Now at Nebraska, the 6’3″, 230-pound signal-caller already presents with prototypical size and strength at the position. Raiola possesses a unique background that includes baseball, giving him ample arm angles to dish the ball from and not lose any speed or rotation in the process.
We’ll wait to see if he can bring both of those impressive facets to the FBS level early on in his career, and if he does, the Big Ten will be in for a rude awakening.
Nevada Wolf Pack: Drue Watts, LB
If you watched Nevada last season, Drue Watts was likely one of the first defenders to catch your eye. His instincts allow him to fly around the field, often reaching landmarks before offensive players. He has to improve as a tackler, especially in space, but Watts returns as one of the Wolf Pack’s best players.
New Mexico Lobos: Devon Dampier, QB
New Mexico hasn’t had a winning season in nearly a decade. Although Bronco Mendenhall was a great hire, fans should temper expectations — a full 180-degree turn doesn’t happen in one season.
Devon Dampier flashed in limited reps as a true freshman, and he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his dual-threat dynamism as a full-time starter in 2024. Losing star RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt to the transfer portal puts more pressure on him, but Andrew Henry and former Iowa State Cyclone Eli Sanders should be able to carry the weight in the run game.
New Mexico State Aggies: Monte Watkins, RB
New Mexico State will look completely different this season with HC Jerry Kill, OC Tim Beck, QB Diego Pavia, and TE Eli Stowers all off to Vanderbilt. The result will likely be a less potent offense and far fewer wins than the 10 the Aggies produced last year.
Nevertheless, it’s not all doom and gloom, with Monte Watkins back for his third season with the program.
The high school track star initially committed to TCU as a CB but moved to RB due to depth issues. He decided to transfer after his freshman season and committed to NMSU, where he saw immediate playing time. But it wasn’t until 2023 that he took the backfield reins.
Although Pavia was the team’s leading rusher, Watkins was by far the most impressive Aggie on the ground, putting up a video game-esque line of 59-572-2. He only saw more than five carries twice (six and 10), but expect that to change in 2024.
North Carolina Tar Heels: Omarion Hampton, RB
While Drake Maye conducted the offense, Omario Hampton was the engine. He rushed for 1,504 yards and 15 TDs, earning first-team All-ACC honors and finishing as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. His 6’0″ and 220-pound build can handle NFL-level volume, and his footwork and vision behind the line of scrimmage capitalize on his athletic gifts.
North Texas Mean Green: Chandler Morris, QB
Since enrolling at Oklahoma in 2020 and battling to start over a three-year tenure at TCU, including a start over Max Duggan once upon a time, Chandler Morris has taken to the portal once again.
This time, he landed at North Texas and took the place of Chandler Rogers, who dominated with the Mean Green last year. Morris, a very different quarterback than Rogers, can win in similar ways with his arm but brings a new level of throw-first attitude to Denton, Texas.
Northern Illinois Huskies: Antario Brown, RB
Antario Brown powered the Huskies to their first bowl victory and second winning season in five years under Thomas Hammock.
He has averaged over six yards per carry every year for Northern Illinois, and what he did to Akron last season (13-280-4 rushing line) was downright illegal. With Rocky Lombardi out the door, Brown will have to carry an even bigger load than his 212 carries from last season.
Northwestern Wildcats: Bryce Kirtz, WR
Northwestern’s passing attack wasn’t exactly explosive in 2023, but Bryce Kirtz still managed to put up impressive numbers. He finished the year with 49 receptions for 701 yards and five TDs. His performance earned him an All-Big Ten honorable mention, as he ranked eighth in the conference in receptions and ninth in receiving yards.
Kirtz’s 14.3 yards per catch was the highest by a Wildcat in a season (with a minimum of 49 catches) since Jeremy Ebert averaged 15.4 yards per catch in 2010. If transfer QB Mike Wright hopes to find success with Northwestern, he should look Kirtz’s way early and often.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Riley Leonard, QB
Riley Leonard showed flashes of brilliance at Duke, dominating ACC defenses at times but struggling when he couldn’t rely solely on his athleticism. Despite an injury-shortened 2023 season, Leonard is poised for greater success at Notre Dame this fall.
With a strong arm and impressive mobility, his ability to excel in the pocket will be key to his production. Given the upgrade in offensive line play at Notre Dame, Leonard could be set for a breakout campaign in 2024.
Ohio Bobcats: Rickey Hunt Jr., RB
Primarily a quarterback in high school, Rickey Hunt Jr. put his name on the map against Georgia Southern in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. He took 17 carries for 117 yards and four touchdowns, even scoring on a lone 18-yard reception.
With Sieh Bangura and O’Shaan Allison gone, Hunt is the clear RB1, and his combination of speed, shiftiness, and patience should lead to immense production.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Will Howard, QB
Is Will Howard a jaw-dropping passer? No, but he is productive (5,786 yards and 48 TDs at Kansas State) and meshes well with Chip Kelly’s offense. The Buckeyes are going to light up the scoreboard no matter who is running the show, but Howard has the arm and legs to stress defenses in multiple ways.
Oklahoma Sooners: Jackson Arnold, QB
By talent alone, Jackson Arnold may be a top-five SEC QB come the end of the season. Yet, the Sooners will trot out an entirely new offensive line in 2024, which could be a disaster in their first year in the SEC.
If they can give the consensus five-star time to rip it downfield, Arnold could put up numbers in Seth Littrell and Joe Jon Finley’s offense, especially with 6’4″ Nic Anderson on the outside.
Oklahoma State Cowboys: Ollie Gordon II, RB
Ollie Gordon II won the Doak Walker Award and generated over 2,000 yards of total offense (1,732 rushing and 330 receiving) — he was the obvious choice for the Cowboys. His jaw-dropping flexibility, contact balance, and eyes gain every inch physically possible on every carry.
Gordon presses holes, manipulating defenders into giving him space to operate, and has the speed to turn plays behind the LOS into home runs.
Old Dominion Monarchs: Jason Henderson, LB
After leading the FBS with 189 tackles in 2022, Jason Henderson totaled another 167 in 2023, earning second-team AP All-American recognition.
Curious as to just how prolific he is as a tackler? His career 12.1 tackles per game ranks third in FBS history behind only Boston College’s Luke Kuechly and Maryland’s E.J. Henderson. Oh, and last season, ODU allowed him to blitz more often, resulting in 4.5 sacks and over two dozen pressures.
Ole Miss Rebels: Jaxson Dart, QB
In addition to throwing six fewer picks in 2023, Jaxson Dart tossed for 390 more yards and three more TDs than his 2022 numbers. He was far more efficient in Year 2 in Lane Kiffin’s offense, and with Tre Harris, Juice Wells, Jordan Watkins, and Micah Davis on the outside, expect even greater production in Year 3.
Oregon Ducks: Dillon Gabriel, QB
Dillon Gabriel is one of the premier deep-ball artists in the game, and he drastically reduced his pressure-to-sack rate last season. He is also athletic enough to move the chains with his legs when he needs to, and he even ran for 12 TDs in 2023.
With Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart on the outside and Jordan James in the backfield, it’s easy to see why Gabriel is the Heisman favorite this season.
Oregon State Beavers: Jam Griffin, RB
Jam Griffin has racked up the frequent flyer miles over the last few years. He spent his first three seasons at Georgia Tech before transferring to Oregon State, generating 400+ yards and four scores.
Then, he left for Ole Miss, only to return to the Beavers this offseason. With Damien Martinez gone, Griffin has the skill set to be the team’s new workhorse, with the strength to break through contact and the ability to cut on a dime.
Penn State Nittany Lions: Drew Allar, QB
Drew Allar’s production as a first-year starter in 2023 was impressive (2,631 yards, 25 TDs, and only two picks), but he struggled to complete passes against Ohio State, Michigan, and Ole Miss.
New OC Andy Kotelnicki was brought in from Kansas and should elevate Allar’s play. Bringing in WR Julian Fleming was a huge boon to the pass-catching corps, and having Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen in the backfield certainly alleviates pressure.
Pittsburgh Panthers: Donovan McMillon, S
The biggest win in the offseason was keeping Donovan McMillon on the roster. The former Florida Gator found his stride at Pitt, being named an honorable mention All-ACC after leading the team in tackles with 105 (20 more than any other player).
McMillon comes into the 2024 season with high expectations. While the exact role he will play may change from game to game, he’ll be an integral piece of the defense.
Purdue Boilermakers: Dillon Thieneman, S
As a true freshman, Dillon Thieneman stuffed his résumé with accolades, including Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a spot on the AP All-American team.
He made QBs pay from his free safety alignment, snatching six interceptions. But what really pops off the screen is Thieneman’s trigger downhill in the run game, obliterating unknowing ball carriers careening toward open space.
Rice Owls: Dean Connors, RB
Dean Connors made the Shrine Bowl 1000 watch list for a reason. In 2023, he accumulated 771 yards and seven TDs on the ground, picking up another 403 yards and three scores as a receiver.
His 6.4 yards-per-carry average was the highest in school history (minimum 100 carries) since 2005, and his two rushing TDs in the First Responder Bowl against Texas State were the most by a Rice RB in a bowl game since 1954.
The best part is Connors is only heating up. He averaged 7.3 attempts per game through the first 10 weeks of the season, but that number rose all the way to 16 in the final three contests. He has the acceleration, vision, and shiftiness to send would-be tacklers to the shadow realm on any given catch or carry, and he should receive an increased workload in 2024.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Kyle Monangai, RB
Even with defenses keying on Kyle Monangai and the Rutgers’ rushing attack, he still ran for 1,262 yards and eight TDs last season.
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He didn’t let the ball hit the turf a single time and stood his ground as a pass protector, which you can’t say about most collegiate running backs. With Minnesota’s Athan Kaliakmanis taking over for Gavin Wimsatt under center, expect even more pressure on Monangai’s shoulders in 2024.
Sam Houston Bearkats: Noah Smith, WR
Sam Houston didn’t exactly thrive in its first season in the CUSA, going 3-9 and finishing second to last in points per game (20.0). Even still, Noah Smith did all he could to keep the team in games, taking 79 catches for 782 yards and six TDs. No other Bearkat had more than 35 receptions or two receiving scores.
With Ife Adeyi stretching the field and forcing defenses to pay attention to him, Smith will have more room to produce underneath. And with Central Michigan’s Jase Bauer now in place under center, the passing attack should be much more efficient in 2024.
San Diego State Aztecs: Bryce Phillips, CB
Brother of former Utah great and current Atlanta Falcons Clark Phillips III, Bryce Phillips knows what it takes to get to the NFL. His path has had more twists and turns than his older sibling, as Bryce began his collegiate career at Santa Ana College before shining at Tennessee State.
Now an Aztec, Phillips will have to prove himself for a third time, but if his previous stops are any indication, he’ll do more than that. Teams rarely tested his side of the field, but when they did, it was usually a wasted down. Phillips racked up 18 PBUs and an interception across 22 games, and his length and fluidity pose a problem for opposing WRs.
San José State Spartans: Nick Nash, WR
Nick Nash began his collegiate career as a QB, but after three seasons at the position, he switched to WR in 2022. The result? A second-team All-Mountain West selection last season, as he snatched 48 passes for 728 yards and eight TDs.
With another offseason to hone his craft, Nash could be even more dangerous in 2024. There is some uncertainty under center for the Spartans, but new head coach Ken Niumatalolo runs a tight ship, so they should remain competitive.
SMU Mustangs: Preston Stone, QB
Will Preston Stone undergo some growing pains moving to the ACC? Yes, but he’s also easily one of the conference’s best throwers. He tossed 3,197 yards and 28 to just six INTs in Rhett Lashlee’s offense last season, and with most of the team’s production returning in 2024, Stone’s in line for an encore outing.
South Alabama Jaguars: Jaden Voisin, S
QB Gio Lopez could’ve been the pick here, but we simply haven’t seen all that much from the lefty (though his bowl game showing against Eastern Michigan was electric).
Instead, we show some love to the defensive side of the ball, where one of the best safeties in the country resides. Jaden Voisin is fresh off back-to-back All-Sun Belt performances (2022 honorable mention, 2023 first team) and is primed for his third straight. Last year, he wreaked havoc on offenses, culminating in 71 tackles, four INTs, and seven PBUs.
South Carolina Gamecocks: LaNorris Sellers, QB
LaNorris Sellers played a handful of snaps in his true freshman season, but he was electric. He completed all four of his passing attempts for 82 yards and two TDs while taking five carries for 51 yards and another score.
At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, Sellers has the size, athleticism, and arm strength to take the conference by storm — we just have to see it first.
South Florida Bulls: Byrum Brown, QB
In Year 1 under HC Alex Golesh, the Bulls set 12 team and 16 individual records, including the program’s first 3,000-yard passer (redshirt freshman Byrum Brown) and 1,000-yard receiver (former walk-on Sean Atkins). In Golesh’s scheme, Brown set school records for TD passes (26), completions (276), completion rate (64.6%), and 300-yard passing games (four).
With Golesh at the controls, Brown is primed to continue breaking barriers and setting new standards in the upcoming season.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles: Tiaquelin Mims, WR
A dynamic playmaker on offense and special teams, Tiaquelin Mims led Southern Miss in receptions (39 catches for 445 yards and two scores) while manning the team’s primary punt-return duties, averaging 11.1 yards on 15 returns with a touchdown.
A Swiss Army knife that can even run the ball, Mims is going to be one of the main benefactors from the transfer of FSU QB Tate Rodemaker.
Stanford Cardinal: Elic Ayomanor, WR
Most remember Elic Ayomanor as the WR who toasted Travis Hunter and Colorado’s DBs to the tune of 294 yards and three scores. But the Buffaloes weren’t the only team that felt his wrath, as the Stanford WR also passed the century mark against Oregon State and Washington.
Syracuse Orange: LeQuint Allen, RB
After starting 4-0, the Orange fell off tremendously last season, but it wasn’t LeQuint Allen’s fault. In his first season as a full-time starter, he took 245 carries for 1,064 and nine touchdowns, adding another 210 yards and a score as a receiver.
Allen won’t bulldoze forward for yards after contact like some other top backs, but he has the speed to run away from the second level and the shiftiness to break tackles in the open field. And with Kyle McCord now running the show, Allen should face lighter boxes than he did in 2023.
TCU Horned Frogs: Josh Hoover, QB
Josh Hoover showed flashes of dominance against BYU and Baylor last season, but his inconsistency in other games raises questions about his ability to remain TCU’s starting quarterback in 2024. While he excelled at quickly spotting open receivers and delivering accurate throws, he struggled with indecision, downfield accuracy, and handling pressure, leading to lopsided losses against tougher opponents.
Hoover will need to improve his in-structure consistency, but he forced Chandler Morris to transfer. And with Savion Williams, JP Richardson, and Eric McAlister on the outside, he’ll have a chance to prove his doubters wrong in 2024.
Temple Owls: Dante Wright, WR
It’s been a long road for Dante Wright. He began his career with a bang, hauling in 57 receptions for 807 yards and four scores as a true freshman at Colorado State. But that wasn’t all, as he recorded 214 yards and two TDs on the ground and 135 more yards on punt returns. However, Wright has been chasing that success ever since.
Injuries and a pandemic-shortened season limited his output over the next two years, causing him to redshirt and enter the transfer portal in 2022. Operating as Temple’s WR3, Wright produced 507 yards and four scores on 39 receptions, adding 58 yards as a punt returner.
With a new QB, a new WRs coach, and five new WRs, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Wright in 2024. He returns as the team’s top WR, returner, and leader in all-purpose yards, and with 13 of 19 players in the position group owning zero snaps at the FBS level, he’ll be tasked with carrying the unit.
Drops have been an issue, but the Owls also utilized Wright in a role he hadn’t played before. At CSU, he spent the majority of his time from the slot and did a significant amount of his damage after the catch. But last year, Temple deployed him on the outside, which isn’t the best spot for a 5’9″ and 180-pound WR.
Tennessee Volunteers: Nico Iamaleava, QB
The Volunteers have been spoiled with gifted QBs in the Josh Heupel era. Joe Milton III wasn’t Hendon Hooker, but he still led Tennessee to an 8-4 regular-season record. Nico Iamaleava finished the season with a Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa, showcasing the physical tools that have fans hyping him up as a Heisman candidate.
His skill set meshes well with Heupel’s high-octane offense, but don’t take my word for it.
“I believe he’s going to be a great, dynamic playmaker,” Heupel said after the team’s bowl win. “I thought he handled himself composed all day long. Subtle things of breaking the huddle, communication inside of the huddle, controlling the run game, his eyes were in the right place.”
“Great to see a young guy go out and perform in that way in his first career start. There are a lot of things that Nico can continue to grow and will continue to grow in.”
Texas Longhorns: Quinn Ewers, QB
Quinn Ewers is probably a better college QB than an NFL QB, and that’s OK! He isn’t the most accurate, but he has the arm and talent around him to lead Texas back to the College Football Playoff. Plus, with Arch Manning breathing down his neck, I expect Ewers to keep his foot on the gas pedal.
Texas A&M Aggies: Conner Weigman, QB
An injury robbed Conner Weigman of what was turning into a dominant 2023 campaign after just four games. He has tossed 16 TDs to two INTs since his true freshman year in 2022, and with Mike Elko — who unleashed Riley Leonard at Duke — taking over for Jimbo Fisher, Weigman could challenge for a top-five spot with a full season.
Texas State Bobcats: Jordan McCloud, QB
Jordan McCloud had a dominant season at JMU last year, throwing for 35 touchdowns and turning the Dukes into a national power. After changes at JMU, McCloud found a new home at Texas State, stepping into a promising situation under GJ Kinne.
If Kinne’s offense aligns with McCloud’s strengths, Texas State could not only dominate the Sun Belt but also challenge for the Group of Five’s spot in the College Football Playoff.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: Tahj Brooks, RB
With a 5’10” and 230-pound frame, Tahj Brooks bounces off tackle attempts and runs through defenders’ arms like a hot knife through butter.
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He ran for over 1,500 yards and 10 TDs last season, doing most of his damage after first contact. But don’t get it twisted; Brooks can break one downfield if he gets a runway.
Toledo Rockets: Jacquez Stuart, RB
Jacquez Stuart shined alongside Peny Boone last season, and with the latter leaving for Louisville, it’s now his backfield. Stuart is a home-run hitter at 5’9″ and 178 pounds, boasting game-altering speed. He doesn’t need a head of steam to blaze downfield, owning the change of direction and acceleration to obliterate tackling angles.
Troy Trojans: Damien Taylor, RB
With former standout Kimani Vidal now in the NFL, Damien Taylor is set to take on a larger role in the Trojans’ backfield. Last season, Taylor ranked second on the team in rushing, amassing 346 yards on 67 carries, averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry.
He found the end zone twice, once on the ground and once through the air, showing flashes of his potential. As he steps into the spotlight, Taylor’s increased workload could be a key factor in Troy’s offensive success this season.
Tulane Green Wave: Makhi Hughes, RB
The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the best all-around college football player — Makhi Hughes made the watch list this summer. After sitting out the 2022 season due to an injury, Hughes erupted for 1,378 yards and seven TDs, propelling Tulane to only its fourth 11+ season in program history.
The team will look vastly different in 2024 following a coaching change and QB Michael Pratt’s departure for the NFL, but one thing will remain the same: Hughes will dominate every opponent who steps on the field across from him.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane: Anthony Watkins, RB
It’s been a long road for Anthony Watkins, who enters his sixth collegiate season in 2024. After spending a year at Missouri (2019), he transferred to Tulsa but didn’t see meaningful reps until 2021. That year, Watkins flashed his momentum-altering ability, producing 634 yards and four TDs on 86 rushing attempts and returning 15 kickoffs for 311 yards and one TD.
However, instead of building on his impressive outing, Watkins’ life was turned upside down. He lost his younger brother in the summer of 2022 and then was deemed academically ineligible for the season.
Following a year off the field, Watkins was ready to turn his pain onto his opponents, and that he did. He rumbled for 889 yards, including 146 against Charlotte, 115 against North Texas, and 106 against East Carolina, and he earned third-team All-AAC merits. It wouldn’t be surprising if Watkins saved his best for last and bowled his way to 1,000+ yards this season.
UAB Blazers: Jacob Zeno, QB
Jacob Zeno emerged as the perfect quarterback for Trent Dilfer, thriving under his simplified offense in 2023. Zeno threw for over 3,100 yards and 20 TDs, showcasing his impressive arm talent, though the team’s wins didn’t follow. While he still needs to improve under pressure and in the pocket, the way Zeno progressed as the season went on provides great promise for 2024 and beyond.
UCF Knights: KJ Jefferson, QB
After three standout seasons at Arkansas, where he showcased his dual-threat ability and threw for over 2,100 yards each year, KJ Jefferson transferred to UCF. Underrated as a passer, Jefferson is a savvy pocket quarterback with the arm talent to push the ball downfield into tight coverage. His quick decision-making and versatile release angles will align well with Gus Malzahn’s offense, giving fans Cam Newton flashbacks.
UCLA Bruins: T.J. Harden, RB
Despite the departure of leading rusher Carson Steele to the NFL, UCLA’s running game could actually take a step forward with T.J. Harden. Steele ran for 847 yards and six TDs last season, while Harden registered 827 yards and eight scores of his own.
Steele relied on breaking tackles to generate big gains, but Harden has the speed and agility to capitalize on the lanes his offensive line paves for him. He could surpass 1,000 yards as the RB1 in 2024, providing a greater threat for explosive plays.
UConn Huskies: Cam Edwards, RB
Cam Edwards and Victor Rosa split carries last season, combining for 1,086 yards. However, Edwards is the name to know, as he has only scratched the surface of his potential. He began his true freshman campaign in 2022 as a defensive back before transitioning to RB halfway through the year.
Thus, last season was Edwards’ first full-time at the position, making his team-leading 618 yards (5.0 yards per carry) all the more impressive. As he continues to develop, he’s poised to become a deadly force in the backfield.
UL Monroe Warhawks: Hunter Smith, RB
A standout homegrown talent, Hunter Smith quietly served in a backup role last season, but he’s poised to take the reins as the lead back in 2024. As a sophomore, Smith averaged nearly 5.5 yards per carry, showcasing his potential. With the Warhawks looking to him for stability, Smith is set to be a key piece in driving their ground game forward this season.
UMass Minutemen: Anthony Simpson, WR
UMass’ offense will revolve around Anthony Simpson in 2024, as he’s far and away QB Taisun Phommachanh’s top target. Named College Football Network’s Independent Wide Receiver of the Year and earning a first-team All-Indepenedent spot in 2023, Simpson was a key playmaker, starting all 12 games and racking 57 receptions for 792 yards and three scores. He also added 93 yards and a touchdown on the ground, along with a kickoff return.
With four 100-yard receiving games and a career-high 140 yards against Toledo, including a 71-yard touchdown, Simpson’s raw playmaking ability and reliable hands will be crucial for the Minutemen in 2024.
UNLV Rebels: Ricky White, WR
Losing Jayden Maiava stings, but Holy Cross transfer Matthew Sluka is a proficient passer in his own right. After starting slow against Bryant and Michigan, Ricky White III exploded for 12 receptions and 165 yards vs. Vanderbilt and never looked back.
He can take any play to the house, hitting a top speed of 21.2 mph in Week 12 against Air Force. But the UNLV WR simply knows how to win on his routes, creating separation at an impressive rate.
USC Trojans: Zachariah Branch, WR
There are many words to describe Zachariah Branch’s game, but one stands above the rest: electric. The USC WR is a Tesla Model S Plaid on the field, efficiently outperforming all the gas-powered engines on the field. He generated 332 yards and a score on punt returns and another 442 yards and one TD on kicks en route to becoming USC’s first-ever true freshman first-team All-American.
Utah Utes: Cameron Rising, QB
Cameron Rising returns for what feels like his 10th collegiate season (actually his seventh). Injuries have plagued his career, but the veteran has the talent and experience to bounce back in a big way in the Utes’ first season in the Big 12.
Rising takes care of the football and rarely allows pressure to turn into drive-killing sacks. Additionally, his athletic build allows him to extend plays within the pocket and occasionally on the move. He can improve his pre-snap recognition, mental processing, and decision-making, but he possesses the arm talent and moxie to deliver strikes all over the field.
Utah State Aggies: Jalen Royals, WR
The biggest question for Jalen Royals is how he will mesh with Iowa QB Spencer Petras. In reality, it doesn’t matter. He came down with 17 of 23 contested catches and had a 142.0 passer rating when targeted last season. Another 1,000+ yard and 15-TD season would cement his place among the Mountain West’s elite of Tory Horton and Ricky White.
UTEP Miners: Jevon Jackson, RB
Following four years as the head coach at Austin Peay, Scotty Walden took the role at UTEP, bringing much of his star power with him, including Jevon Jackson. Jackson finished fifth in the FCS in rushing yards (1,373) and sixth in rushing yards per game (114.4) last season, scoring 10 TDs in 12 games.
It’s not as if most of his production came against weak competition, either. He rushed for 100+ yards in seven games, leading to first-team All-United Athletic Conference honors. With 20+ carries in eight games, including 38 against Utah Tech, Jackson is the definition of a bell-cow back who can carry the weight of the offense all on his own.
UTSA Roadrunners: Kevorian Barnes, RB
Kevorian Barnes’ encore following his CUSA Freshman of the Year-winning 2022 campaign wasn’t out-of-this-world spectacular, but 715 yards and six TDs on 147 carries is nothing to scoff at. Also of note is the fact that he had three 100+ yard performances while only toting the rock 10+ times in eight games.
As mentioned with backfield mate Robert Henry Jr., Barnes will benefit from the loss of QB Frank Harris, as UTSA will run the offense through its star RBs. Standing 5’9″ and 220 pounds, Barnes has the center of gravity and burst to churn through contact and explode for long gains.
Vanderbilt Commodores: Diego Pavia, QB
New Mexico State transfer Diego Pavia has torched the competition over the last two years, tossing 4,423 yards, 39 TDs, and 15 INTs through the air and picking up 1,436 yards and 15 TDs on the ground.
Thanks to his legs and awareness, Pavia rarely turns pressures into sacks and can get out of seemingly inescapable situations in the pocket. He can make you miss in the open field and zip passes downfield to move the chains.
Virginia Cavaliers: Malachi Fields, WR
Despite inconsistent QB play at UVA last year, Malachi Fields remained a reliable force on the field. With 58 catches for 811 yards (14 yards per catch) and five touchdowns, Fields earned a spot on the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List, solidifying his reputation as one of the nation’s top receivers.
Virginia Tech Hokies: Kyron Drones, QB
Kyron Drones took the ACC by storm following his transfer from Baylor last season. After Grant Wells went down with an injury in September, Drones generated 22 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 total yards. He worked out with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward this offseason, which will be needed as teams will no longer be surprised by his skill set.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Jasheen Davis, EDGE
Jasheen Davis doesn’t get enough attention. Since becoming a full-time starter, he has produced 14+ TFLs and 7+ sacks in each of the last two seasons. His incessant motor and active, heavy hands overwhelm linemen, and he utilizes his skill set anywhere from 4i to 9 tech.
Washington Huskies: Will Rogers, QB
Will Rogers committed to Kalen DeBoer at Washington but stuck around with Jedd Fisch after DeBoer took the Alabama job. In four seasons at Mississippi State, Rogers accumulated 12,315 passing yards and 94 touchdowns. The 2023 season was rough for the Bulldogs as a whole, and a change of scenery could be exactly what Rogers needs to end his career on a high note.
Washington State Cougars: John Mateer, QB
After a position battle that lasted throughout the spring, summer, and fall, the Cougars have named redshirt sophomore John Mateer as their QB1. Mateer was a four-year starter in high school and went 7-of-8 for 148 yards and two TDs against Northern Colorado last year.
While Bryant transfer Zevi Eckhaus may have been the better on-paper option, Mateer clearly showed enough to earn the starting nod, and he’s created some impressive highlights this offseason.
West Virginia Mountaineers: Garrett Greene, QB
In his first year as the full-time starter in 2023, Garrett Greene put up an unspectacular stat line as a passer: 53% completion rate, 2,406 yards, 16 TDs, and four INTs. However, he tore defenses apart as a rusher, generating 772 yards and 13 scores.
With impressive downfield throws against Houston and Baylor, and notable rushing performances against Penn State, Cincinnati, and Oklahoma State, Greene demonstrated both arm talent and mobility. As a fifth-year player, Greene has solidified WVU’s position in the Big 12, making the Mountaineers a formidable opponent with his leadership and playmaking skills.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: TJ Finley, QB
TJ Finley’s transition to Western Kentucky under Tyson Helton and Will Friend promises to be a game-changer for both him and the team. After finding his stride at Texas State, Finley’s move to WKU sets up a potentially explosive combination with the new offensive scheme.
In his lone season with Texas State, Finley erupted for 3,439 yards and 24 TDs against just eight INTs while completing 67% of his passes. Meanwhile, the Bobcats posted their best record in school history (8-5) and won their first bowl game (First Responder Bowl vs. Rice).
While he sometimes holds the ball too long under pressure, Finley can effectively create or evade opportunities, making him a strong fit for WKU’s quick-paced offense. Expect a high completion rate and significant success in both short and deep passes.
Western Michigan Broncos: Jalen Buckley, RB
Western Michigan’s line consistently paved holes for Jalen Buckley to burst through, but he can create yardage after contact all the same. After redshirting in 2022, he earned MAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2023, taking 189 carries for 1,003 and 10 scores.
Buckley is a perfect fit for the Broncos’ zone-rushing scheme and will take pressure off Hayden Wolff under center.
Wisconsin Badgers: Hunter Wohler, S
Hunter Wohler racked up the second most tackles (120) in the Big Ten last year and earned first-team all-conference honors.
Spending most of his time in the box certainly helped, but Wohler also spent significant time in the slot and at deep safety. He’s best deployed near the line of scrimmage, as he shoots out of a cannon downhill and has the range to chase down RBs from the backside of the play.
Wyoming Cowboys: Harrison Waylee, RB
Harrison Waylee is a consistent and experienced back for the Cowboys, letting the ball hit the dirt just three times on over 500 carries. He did deal with some injuries last season, but that didn’t stop him from continuing the linear progression he showed at Northern Illinois.
While speed is the predominant trait of his game, Waylee has the vision to take advantage of the holes his offensive line gives him.
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