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Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor has become more of a factor in each of his three years with the program, catching more passes for more yards and more touchdowns each season. Last year, he set career highs in receptions (30), receiving yards (618), receiving touchdowns (six), and yards per reception (20.6). Despite standing at 6'5" and weighing north of 230 pounds, Harbor possesses game-changing, sprinter speed, and he could be in line for more volume and explosives with new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles in Columbia for his senior campaign. Harbor is a freak athlete, but he hasn't turned into a polished NFL-type wideout yet. With a big season in 2026, he could raise his 2027 NFL Draft stock significantly, similarly to how former Gamecock Xavier Legette did in his last season on campus.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and USC Trojans football programs have squared off 96 times since 1926, with the latest meeting in the 2026 season. This is one of the best rivalries in college football, but as of now, there are no scheduled matchups in the future. According to Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times, the two schools have recently begun active discussions for resuming the rivalry. Kartje said it's possible the two schools still won't meet until the 2030 season, given their current scheduling agreements with other programs, but the negotiations have begun to restore the must-see game at some point in the future. Based on what we know, Notre Dame wants to keep the game later in the season, while USC wants the game early in the year. That appears to be the main point of contention, and why the series was not renewed earlier.
Source: Ryan Kartje - The Athletic
Source: Ryan Kartje - The Athletic
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele's decision to return to the program following the coaching change from Justin Wilcox to Tosh Lupoi brings significant optimism that the team could be a contender in the ACC title race this season. Last year, as a true freshman, JKS completed over 64.2% of his passes for 3,454 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. The Golden Bears defeated two top-25 teams over their last four games, with Sagapolutele going over 320 passing yards in both upset wins. Momentum is building heading into 2026, and Sagapolutele is feeling it. "I'm very confident in our team," Sagapolutele said about Cal's chances at competing for an ACC title. "We have the guys to do it. We have the talent. It really just comes down to whether we want it enough, and I think we do."
Source: On3
Source: On3
Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy suffered a gunshot wound to his leg on early Sunday morning in Mississippi and underwent surgery. Obviously, it's never good to hear about something like this happening, but according to The Athletic's sources, his wound is not expected to be "career-threatening," and he is already on the road to recovery. All things considered, this is a great update on the situation. As of now, Hardy's timeline for a return to action is unclear, but it sounds like he has a great chance to return to the field at some point in the future. The 20-year-old took the SEC by storm last season, rushing 241 times for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns. He earned consensus All-American honors.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
Ahmad Hardy in Stable Condition After Suffering Gunshot Wound on Sunday
Missouri standout running back Ahmad Hardy is in stable condition after being a victim of a shooting during a concert in Mississippi on early Sunday morning, according to Missouri Athletics. The 20-year-old underwent surgery and is now on the road to recovery, though specific details of the incident are unknown at this time. Hardy is viewed as one of the best ball carriers in the country after starting his career with 3,000 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns through the first 25 games of his career with Louisiana-Monroe and Missouri. He has the potential to be the first running back selected in the 2027 NFL Draft. "Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family, and fans," Missouri athletic department said in a statement. "We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength, and support. A timeline for his return to football activities is unknown at this time. Mizzou Athletics will provide more information on his status when it becomes available."
Source: On3
Source: On3
Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Star Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy was a victim of a shooting at a concert in Mississippi on early Sunday morning, according to the University. The 20-year-old is in stable condition after undergoing surgery briefly after the incident. "Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family and fans," the program's statement read. "We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength, and support. A timeline for his return to football activities is unknown at this time. Mizzou Athletics will provide more information on his status when it becomes available." Hardy is one of the top players returning to college football in 2026 after taking the SEC by storm in his true sophomore season last year. In 13 games for the Tigers, he tallied 262 total touches for 1,671 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
BYU tight end Walker Lyons, who transferred from USC ahead of the 2026 season, could emerge as one of quarterback Bear Bachmeier's top options in the passing game following the departure of his top three leading receivers from last season. Parker Kingston, Chase Roberts, and Carsen Ryan combined to catch 166 passes for 2,350 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Bachmeier threw for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman, so the bulk of his receiving production is gone. Lyons played in 12 games for the Trojans last year, collecting 20 passes for 223 yards and two scores. For Bachmeier to take the next step as a passer, he'll need Lyons to take a step forward, giving him breakout potential for the Big-12-contending Cougars in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
Boise State transfer safety Ty Benefield was one of the top defensive backs available in this offseason's transfer portal, and he was the first defensive player to commit to Lane Kiffin's Tigers. The 6'2" California native has had a standout career in three seasons with the Broncos, tallying 235 tackles (162 solo), 18 tackles for loss, five interceptions, 12 pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in 41 career games. He notably led Boise State in tackles (nine) in its College Football Playoff Game against Penn State in 2025. Kiffin said Benefield has an "ultra-elite skill set and mindset," so expectations are reasonably high for his first season in the SEC. Benefield is set to play for one of the country's best defensive coordinators in Blake Baker, and a strong season could propel him into an early-round NFL Draft grade in 2027.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
Miami defensive end Hayden Lowe was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2025, and according to ESPN's Andrea Adelson, he was making an early impact in practice ahead of his freshman season before suffering an injury that cost him the entire 2025 season. Now, with Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor off campus and on to the NFL, Lowe figures to be part of the group tasked with helping replace their production. Bain and Mesidor combined for 117 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, and five forced fumbles last season, so there is plenty of production up for grabs in 2026. Lowe has the opportunity to be a full-time player for the Canes, and head coach Mario Cristobal said his expectations for the California native are "through the roof."
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
As part of one of the best and most talented defenses in 2025, Oklahoma defensive lineman Taylor Wein posted a strong sophomore season. The Tennessee native tallied 39 tackles (22 solo), seven sacks, 15 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one pass deflection, and one interception. He was named a second-team All-SEC performer, but with R Mason Thomas off to the NFL, he could be in line to take another step forward in Brent Venables' defense. Wein led the team in sacks, tackles of loss, and pressures, and another year of seasoning could propel him into being one of the nation's premier players on the defensive line. Expect Oklahoma's stop unit to remain one of the best in the conference despite some of its losses via the 2026 NFL Draft.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Former Pitt linebacker Rasheem Biles transferred to Texas this offseason, and while he wasn't the biggest name to join the Longhorns in the portal, he could sneakily be the most important addition in 2026. The rising senior was a machine last season for the Panthers, tallying 101 tackles (62 solo), 17 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He was also credited with two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, four pass deflections, two interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns. The Longhorns lost Anthony Hill Jr. to the 2026 NFL Draft, but there might not be much of a drop-off with Biles playing in the middle of Will Muschamp's defense next season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (foot), who has been limited this offseason with a foot injury, is expected to be fully cleared for preseason camp, according to LSU head coach Lane Kiffin. The Arizona State transfer had pins removed from his foot in early April and is progressing nicely ahead of his first season with the Tigers. "He's gonna be able to do full summer stuff," Kiffin said. "I don't know what the exact date is, but yes, he's going to be able to do full stuff in the summer." Leavitt was viewed as the No. 1 player in the transfer portal by many sites and is expected to help LSU compete for a championship right away. In 20 games with the Sun Devils, he tallied 4,513 passing yards, 749 rushing yards, and 44 total touchdowns. Alongside star running back Cam Skattebo, he helped lead Arizona State to the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
Since Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman stepped on campus in 2021, the Irish have had no shortage of star power in the secondary, including All-Americans Kyle Hamilton, Xavier Watts, and Leonard Moore. Moore remains with the team in 2026, but safety Brauntae Johnson could be next in line in the impressive run of defensive back talent. In his redshirt freshman season, Johnson logged 48 tackles (31 solo), four interceptions, three pass deflections, a defensive touchdown, and a special teams touchdown (blocked punt return) in 10 games. Like Watts, the 6'2" Indiana native is a game-changer and disruptor, and he could be one of the country's best safeties by the end of his sophomore campaign.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
Georgia tight end Ethan Barbour suffered a broken ankle in the second game of his true freshman season a year ago, but ESPN's Mark Schlabach views him as the team's "under the radar" player to know heading into 2026. The 6'3", 235-pound freshman was a four-star recruit out of Alpharetta in the Class of 2025, and Schlabach said the coaching staff was high on him before he was lost for the year. "Smart loves his toughness, blocking ability, and versatility," Schlabach wrote. "He's a capable pass catcher, too." The Bulldogs' tight end room has been loaded for much of the Kirby Smart era, and this season is no different, despite the departure of Oscar Delp. However, we've seen Georgia utilize several tight ends in the same offense, so Barbour is a name to know as Georgia looks to win its third consecutive SEC title.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
Ohio State linebacker Payton Pierce has big shoes to fill with the departure of first-round picks Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. Jake Trotter of ESPN listed Pierce as the Buckeyes' under-the-radar player, and he doesn't expect linebacker to be a weakness for Matt Patricia's defense despite the All-American players leaving the program. "With Reese and Styles gone, Pierce, who had 44 tackles as a reserve last season, looks ready to step into a starting role," Trotter wrote. "The No. 5 inside linebacker recruit in the country two years ago out of Lucas, Texas, Pierce chose Ohio State over the Longhorns. In Pierce and rising sophomore Riley Pettijohn, the Buckeyes have a promising young linebacking tandem to retool the defense around." Ohio State's defense has been dominant over the last two seasons, but much of its personnel has moved on to the NFL. However, the program continues to reload on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal. A step back on defense is likely, but Ohio State will likely flex a top Big Ten stop-unit once again in 2026. Pierce will play a significant role in that effort.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
