College football fans are already buzzing about the 2026 season. The landscape feels wide open, full of players on the verge of stardom.
From quarterbacks to edge rushers, these athletes could go from promising names to campus legends. Let’s look at the top 10 breakout candidates for the upcoming season, spotlighting their backgrounds and what makes them worth your attention.
If you want the full breakdown, check out Fox Sports.
Quarterback Sensations: The Next Big Names
Hoover: The Veteran Ready for a New Challenge
Hoover stands 6-foot-2, weighs 200 pounds, and brings real experience to the 2026 season after his run at TCU. He’s racked up 9,600 passing yards and 71 touchdowns, so there’s no shortage of production.
With Indiana’s head coach Curt Cignetti—who’s got a knack for developing quarterbacks—Hoover could be in for a big year. The move from TCU to Indiana puts him squarely in the spotlight.
Andrew Marsh: Michigan’s Rising Star
Andrew Marsh, a sophomore wide receiver, made noise at Michigan even as the team struggled. He’s 6 feet tall, 190 pounds, and finished his freshman season with 45 catches for 651 yards and 4 touchdowns.
With Jason Beck now calling plays as offensive coordinator, Marsh is targeting Michigan’s first 1,000-yard receiving season in over a decade. Could he be the one to finally break that drought?
Defensive Dynamos: Game Changers on the Field
Damon Wilson II: Miami’s New Edge Threat
Damon Wilson II, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior, just landed at Miami after stops at Georgia and Missouri. Last season, he notched 9 sacks and 54 pressures, so he’s not exactly flying under the radar.
He’s stepping into a big role, filling the shoes of Miami’s departed edge rushers. The Hurricanes’ defense could look very different with Wilson in the mix.
Chaz Coleman: Tennessee’s Defensive Hope
Chaz Coleman, another 6-foot-4, 250-pounder, transferred from Penn State to Tennessee to follow defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. He didn’t see much action last season, but the potential is obvious.
Coleman’s got a real shot to grab a starting spot in Tennessee’s defense. Sometimes, all it takes is the right fit and a little patience.
Offensive Powerhouses: The Future of Scoring
Green: LSU’s Reliable Receiver
Green, a junior wideout at LSU, has a massive frame at 6-foot-7 and 237 pounds. Last year, he hauled in 33 passes for 433 yards and 7 touchdowns.
With Lane Kiffin’s new scheme in Baton Rouge, Green could really take off. He’s got the size, and now he’s got the opportunity.
Kamari Moulton: Iowa’s Underrated Talent
Kamari Moulton, Iowa’s junior running back, stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 205 pounds. He’s improved every season, hitting 878 yards and 5 touchdowns last year.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz has a reputation for developing steady contributors, and Moulton fits that mold. Maybe 2026 is when he finally gets his due.
Special Mentions: Players to Keep an Eye On
Aneyas Williams: Notre Dame’s Explosive Runner
Junior running back Aneyas Williams, at 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, is set to lead Notre Dame’s ground game. Last season, he averaged a wild 9.3 yards per carry and scored 5 touchdowns, even with limited touches.
Coach Ja’Juan Seider seems excited about Williams’ explosiveness. If he gets more carries, watch out.
Earl Little Jr.: Ohio State’s Versatile Defender
Ohio State’s redshirt senior defensive back, Earl Little Jr., brings a ton of versatility. He’s 6 feet tall, 198 pounds, and has played at Alabama and Florida State.
Last year, he racked up 76 tackles and 4 interceptions. That kind of experience is tough to ignore.
Wide Receiver Wonders: The Future of Receiving
Terrell Anderson: USC’s Experienced Addition
Terrell Anderson, a junior receiver, just transferred from NC State to USC. He’s 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, and last season he caught 39 passes for 629 yards and 5 touchdowns.
USC’s aiming for a College Football Playoff spot, and Anderson’s experience could be a big piece of that puzzle. He’s got the skills—now he just needs the stage.
Rogers: Alabama’s New Offensive Weapon
Redshirt junior wide receiver Rogers, at 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, made the move from NC State to Alabama. Last season, he caught 33 passes for 441 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.
Alabama expects Rogers to become a key piece in their offense. He’ll join forces with former five-star Ryan Coleman-Williams, and honestly, it’s tough not to get a little excited about what they might do together.
Want more on these players? Check out the full breakdown at Fox Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
