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Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
Tennessee running back Javin Gordon, who transferred to the Vols from Tulane after his true freshman season, will have the opportunity to carve out a role in the backfield right away. Head coach Josh Heupel has rarely used a one-man backfield, except for Dylan Sampson in 2024. With Peyton Lewis and Star Thomas gone, Knoxville native DeSean Bishop figures to begin the year as the starter in the backfield, but Gordon and rising sophomore Daune Morris can play their way into touches alongside him. Harry Lyles Jr. of ESPN listed Gordon as the "under the radar" player to watch for Tennessee in 2026. The Georgia native rushed 128 times for 516 yards, caught 13 passes for 93 yards, and scored six touchdowns in his first year of college football. In Tennessee's wide-open offense, he could take a big step forward, and the Vols could lean more heavily on their rushing attack with a freshman quarterback set to lead the offense.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
USC wide receiver Tanook Hines had a productive true freshman campaign in Los Angeles, despite serious target competition. The Texas native shared the field with 2026 NFL Draft picks Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, but still managed to tally 34 receptions for 561 yards and two touchdowns. With Lemon and Lane now with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, respectively, Hines has major breakout potential as Jayden Maiava's go-to option in Lincoln Riley's offense. Riley has declared that the Trojans have entered their championship window, and Hines taking a step forward will be a big part of that effort. With games against Oregon, Washington, Ohio State, Penn State, and Indiana on the schedule, he'll have plenty of opportunities to show out as a 20-year-old sophomore. He's one of the top wideouts to keep an eye on in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Texas A&M running back Rueben Owens II is set to enter the 2026 season as the clear leader in the backfield after the departure of Le'Veon Moss. He saw extra action last season with Moss missing five games due to injury, but he has yet to fully break out following his 2023 freshman season, in which he led the SEC in all-purpose yards before being limited to just two games in 2024. With the injury fully behind him and the RB1 job in hand, Dave Wilson of ESPN believes Owens has star potential for the Aggies in his fourth year on campus. Overall, Owens has rushed 236 times for 1,090 yards, caught 26 passes for 262 yards, and scored eight total touchdowns. Much of the attention will be given to quarterback Marcel Reed and wideouts Mario Craver and Isaiah Horton, but Owens could fuel the offense behind new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
Texas A&M wide receiver Mario Craver enjoyed a fantastic first season with the Aggies in 2025, racking up 59 receptions for 917 yards and four touchdowns. However, the former Mississippi State Bulldog totaled 443 of his 917 yards in the team's first three games before taking a backseat to KC Concepcion, who was recently selected in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. With Concepcion gone, Craver projects to be Marcel Reed's go-to option in 2026. The Aggies added former Alabama wideout Isaiah Horton in the transfer portal, but Craver has the built-in chemistry with Reed and a higher ceiling entering next year's campaign. Craver is a must-see playmaker for a team that just lost 10 players to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft following his redshirt freshman campaign. In his debut season, he led the Gamecocks to nine wins behind 3,208 total yards and 25 touchdowns. However, he regressed in nearly every statistical category in 2026 with offensive coordinator Mike Shula, and South Carolina posted an abysmal 4-8 campaign. Entering Year 3 as a starter, he'll work with offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, who has had major success at several stops. Wide receivers Nyck Harbor and Jayden Sellers are back, and South Carolina added several depth pieces to its pass-catching group. The offensive line has also seen a makeover, which was much needed after a disastrous performance from that group a year ago. Sellers is a fantastic athlete with all the raw tools needed to be a successful quarterback. With a better situation around him in 2026, he's a prime rebound candidate this college football season.
Source: Sports Reference CFB
Source: Sports Reference CFB
Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman, who transferred from Auburn to Austin this offseason, is viewed as one of the top pass-catchers in the country entering 2026. The Longhorns, who lacked big-time wide receiver production outside of Ryan Wingo last season, were aggressive in their pursuit of Coleman. The 20-year-old's counting stats don't pop off the page, but in the context of the sluggish Auburn offense over the last two seasons, he has been one of the SEC's best receivers since he stepped on the field. Overall, he has tallied 93 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns through his first 23 collegiate games. Now at Texas and catching passes from Arch Manning, he'll have the chance to blossom into an All-American-type wide receiver and establish himself as a first-round talent in the 2027 NFL Draft. Anything short of a highly productive year would be a letdown.
Source: Sports Reference CFB
Source: Sports Reference CFB
Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond (knee), who suffered a torn ACL last October, suddenly finds himself in a potential starting role for a College Football Playoff contender after it was revealed that Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby gambled on his own team as a member of the Indiana Hoosiers. There is a chance Sorsby permanently loses his eligibility, and with the Red Raiders unable to bring in serious quarterback competition, Hammond is next in line. The goal was for Hammond to return in Week 3 against Houston, but with Sorsby likely out, he is pushing harder to be ready for the season-opener against Abilene Christian. He has begun on-field work and throwing. "Things are really, really good," quarterback coach Jeff Christensen said. "Threw it really well today. The knee is getting better at a rapid pace; it's going really well." In two starts last season, Hammond tallied a 1-1 record, throwing for 269 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
Despite Notre Dame losing its top two rushers (Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price) and its second- and third-leading receivers (Malachi Fields and Eli Raridon) to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Irish rank No. 1 in the FBS in returning snaps for 2026. According to On3, Notre Dame returns 66% of its total snaps from last year, including 73% of its defensive snaps. After narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff last year, the Irish are among the betting odds favorites to win the National Championship next season. Marcus Freeman's squad returns rising quarterback CJ Carr and a loaded and experienced defense. The program also has one of the easiest schedules in Power 4 football, with its toughest tests being Miami at home and BYU on the road.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
According to The Clarion Ledger, Ole Miss quarterback Rees Wise and running back Damarius Yates were arrested on May 3 by the Oxford Police Department. The teammates, who are both under the age of 21, have been charged with DUI and reckless driving. Wise, a true freshman, is expected to be no higher than third on the quarterback depth chart this season. Yates, a four-star freshman, enters a crowded backfield headlined by Kewan Lacy and was facing an uphill battle for playing time to begin with. Needless to say, neither is helping their case with early off-the-field incidents to begin their collegiate careers.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
Last year, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood became the first true freshman to start at the position for the Wolverines since 2009, and his debut campaign had plenty of ups and downs. Overall, the No. 1 QB recruit in the class of 2025 tallied 2,428 passing yards, 392 rushing yards, 17 total touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 13 games. His raw stats aren't impressive, but he had limited pass-catching options to work with, and new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham said he did not have a dedicated quarterback coach last season. So far, the former longtime Utah coach is impressed with what he's seen from Underwood this offseason. "You talked about spring ball, but long before that we were in the film room and talking him through mechanics and footwork and read progressions and all that, continued through spring," Whittingham said. "He has made progress. Still got a long ways to go, but he's on the right path. And one thing about Bryce, he's got a great work ethic. There's no worrying about him putting in the time. He's going to put in all the time he needs. He's completely dedicated to his craft." With an established coaching staff around him and a year of starting experience under his belt, Underwood could take a significant step forward as a passer in 2026. The program will need him at his best with games against Oklahoma, Indiana, Oregon, Penn State, and Ohio State on the schedule this fall.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava's collegiate career has been a roller coaster through three years, but entering Year 2 with the Bruins, new head coach Bob Chesney has nothing but great things to say about the rising redshirt junior. Chesney said Iamaleava has emerged as a clear leader for the program, and he is "as electric as any quarterback right now in college football." Through 26 career starts with Tennessee and UCLA, the former five-star recruit has completed 64% of his passes for 4,858 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, adding 934 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Once viewed as a future first-round NFL Draft pick, Iamaleava can earn his way back into the spotlight with a big 2026 campaign. He was last in the headlines for leaving Tennessee after last year's spring practice, but living up to his hype as a high school prospect could change the narrative for the 21-year-old.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Former Ohio State and Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams, who now plays for the Detroit Lions, is suing the NCAA, SEC, and Big Ten over allegations that they used his name, image, and likeness without compensation. According to the California Post, Williams is seeking financial compensation and an injunction barring the entities from using his NIL for "financial or any similar gain without his consent and compensation." He argues he should receive social media earnings and game telecast group licensing revenue that the defendants earned due to his success on the field while in college. In two seasons at Ohio State and one season at Alabama, Williams totaled 94 receptions for 1,838 yards and 18 touchdowns, with the bulk of his production coming in the lone season with the Crimson Tide.
Source: California Post
Source: California Post
Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was one of the top players in the transfer portal this offseason, could be facing a permanent ban from college football after it was found that he had placed bets on the 2022 Indiana Hoosiers team that he played for. The NCAA's gambling policy includes a "permanent loss of eligibility" for those wagering on their own team. The 22-year-old entered rehab at a treatment facility on Monday following the NCAA contacting Texas Tech two weeks ago. The investigation into Sorsby's gambling activity could take time, but Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports believes the NCAA will recommend Sorsby be deemed ineligible in the end. The Red Raiders reportedly paid a hefty price to get Sorsby to Lubbock, and if he can't play, there aren't many options available to find his replacement this late into the offseason.
Source: Ross Dellenger - Yahoo
Source: Ross Dellenger - Yahoo
Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Texas Tech transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby has entered rehab for a gambling addiction, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. Sorsby was regarded by many as the top transfer quarterback this past cycle and was gearing up to start for the Red Raiders, but will now be away from the team indefinitely as he seeks treatment. He is under NCAA investigation after the discovery of him placing thousands of bets through a gambling app. Sorsby reportedly placed wagers on Indiana football while redshirting there as a true freshman, coming in a game in which he did not appear. Head coach Joey McGuire stated that "We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help. Taking this step requires courage, and our primary focus is on him as a person. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health."
Source: Pete Thamel
Source: Pete Thamel
Beau Pribula Leading Virginia Quarterback Competition
Former Missouri and Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula, who transferred to Virginia this offseason, is leading the quarterback battle against former Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein, according to On3. In 10 games with the Tigers last season, Pribula tallied 1,941 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, 297 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He started the year on fire before fading against SEC competition. Holstein appeared in eight games for the Panthers last year, connecting on 61.6% of his passes for 1,081 yards, 12 passing touchdowns, and six picks. While this is said to be a true competition, Pribula is the more dynamic athlete and could flourish in Tony Elliott's offensive system as the Cavaliers look to get back in the ACC title game.
Source: On3
Source: On3
