In college football, the spotlight never sits still. One minute, it’s on the established stars; the next, it’s on the new faces ready to break out. Looking ahead to 2026, a handful of former 5-star recruits are about to step into much bigger roles. These guys were once top prospects—now, they’re right on the edge of becoming major contributors. Here’s a look at 13 such athletes, each one itching to make their mark on the college stage.
Amare Adams: Clemson’s Defensive Anchor
Amare Adams stands at 6’4″ and weighs in at 300 pounds. He was ranked No. 7 overall in his class. Last season wasn’t great for Clemson, and Adams didn’t see much of the field thanks to Peter Woods and TJ Parker. Now, with those two off to the NFL, Adams has a real shot to become the backbone of a rebuilding Tigers defense under Dabo Swinney. If he can harness that explosive athleticism, he’s got a good chance to lock down a starting spot and help Clemson chase ACC glory again.
Adepoju Adebawore: Oklahoma’s Edge Contender
Adepoju “PJ” Adebawore has stuck it out at Oklahoma, waiting for his moment. He’s 6’4″, 261 pounds, and was ranked No. 12 in the 2022 recruiting class. Even though he’s played in 36 games, he’s never started. With R Mason Thomas and Marvin Jones Jr. now out of eligibility, Adebawore finally gets to compete for a starting job. His experience could be a real asset for a Sooners squad eyeing the playoffs.
Andrew Babalola: Michigan’s Offensive Line Hope
Andrew Babalola is a 6’6″, 315-pound tackle from Kansas who was a big recruiting win for Michigan in 2025. He lost his freshman season to a knee injury during camp. But he stuck with the program through coaching changes and off-field drama, which says a lot. Michigan returns three starters, but if Babalola can get healthy, he’s talented enough to carve out a spot in the rotation.
CJ Baxter: Kentucky’s Revived Running Back
CJ Baxter, formerly of Texas, is now at Kentucky with coach Will Stein. He’s a 6’1″, 227-pound junior and was the top running back in the 2023 class. Baxter flashed promise as a freshman, but a knee injury cut his sophomore year short. Now he’s the lead back for the Wildcats, and if he’s healthy, he could put up big numbers.
Elijah Griffin: Georgia’s Defensive Line Phenom
Elijah Griffin was the gem of Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class. At 6’4″ and 310 pounds, he made an instant impression as a true freshman. With Christen Miller off to the NFL, Griffin is set to take on a starting role. He’s got the burst and strength to become a star in his second year under Kirby Smart.
Lance Jackson: Texas’ Next Edge Star
Texas just keeps churning out edge rushers, and Lance Jackson looks like the next one up. He’s 6’5″, 282 pounds, and hails from Tampa, Florida. Jackson was the No. 21 player in the 2025 class and had a solid freshman season. He’s expected to start opposite Colin Simmons Jr., bringing more juice to Steve Sarkisian’s defense.
Keon Keeley: Notre Dame’s Defensive End Returnee
Keon Keeley started at Alabama but has returned to Notre Dame, the school that first recruited him. At 6’5″ and 282 pounds, he flashed potential with the Crimson Tide, especially in the playoffs. Back with the Irish, Keeley’s primed to become a key piece for Marcus Freeman, building on that late-season momentum.
Deuce Knight: Ole Miss’ Quarterback of the Future
Deuce Knight transferred from Auburn and is in line to start for Ole Miss—assuming Trinidad Chambliss doesn’t get a sixth season. Knight stands 6’4.5″, weighs 217 pounds, and has shown some real flashes. Under Pete Golding, he could develop into a star. There’s a lot to like about his upside, but we’ll see how quickly he adjusts.
Jaylen Mbakwe: Georgia Tech’s New Playmaker
Jaylen Mbakwe, another former Alabama player, is hoping to hit reset at Georgia Tech. He’s 5’11”, 190 pounds, and started out as a defensive back before flipping to receiver. With two years left, Mbakwe has a shot to become a go-to guy for the Yellow Jackets. He’s got the athleticism—now it’s about putting it all together.
Na’eem Offord: Oregon’s Emerging Cornerback
Na’eem Offord is a 6’1″, 195-pound cornerback ready to make noise at Oregon. He finished 2025 on a high note and now looks set to battle for a starting spot in the Ducks’ secondary. Offord’s got the tools and could be a breakout player under Dan Lanning.
Keelon Russell: Alabama’s Quarterback Battle
Keelon Russell, a dual-threat QB from Duncanville, Texas, is locked in a tight competition for Alabama’s starting job. He’s 6’3″, 194 pounds, and will be battling Austin Mack for the role. Russell’s got NFL-level talent, so you’d think he’ll get a long look as Alabama sorts out its quarterback situation.
Devin Sanchez: Ohio State’s Next Shutdown Corner
Devin Sanchez, the top corner in the 2025 class, is set for a big sophomore year at Ohio State. He’s 6’2″, 198 pounds, and already saw meaningful snaps last season. With his coverage skills and knack for making plays on the ball, Sanchez could anchor the Buckeyes’ secondary this year.
Justin Scott: Miami’s Defensive Line Standout
Justin Scott stands at 6’4″ and weighs in at 298 pounds. Hailing from Chicago, he’s gearing up for a bigger role in Miami’s defense.
He had a solid 2025 season as a rotational piece. Now, Scott looks primed for more snaps and a shot at becoming a real anchor on a defensive line that’s already stacked with talent.
His upside? Pretty exciting, honestly. If you’re following the Hurricanes, he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.
For more details on these emerging stars, check out the full article on Bleacher Report.
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