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Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
West Virginia running back Cam Cook led all FBS players in rushing yards last season with Jacksonville State. The rising senior accumulated 295 rushes for 1,659 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He added 30 receptions for 286 yards in 13 games. He won the Conference USA Player of the Year Award. The Texas native spent his first two collegiate seasons at TCU, totaling 135 rushing attempts for 518 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. Stepping back into the Big 12, it's fair to question whether or not Cook can replicate his 2025 success in the Conference USA. However, we've seen college players take massive offseason leaps heading into their junior and senior campaigns, and the Mountaineers are counting on him to carry the load offensively in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
According to On3's Brett McMurphy, both the ACC and the Big 12 support a 24-team College Football Playoff. "We like 24, we want 24," Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark told On3. "There are too many teams getting left out, and 24 teams provides the type of access that is warranted." ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips echoed Yormark's opinion. "When you're leaving national championship-contending teams out of the playoff, you don't have the right number," Phillips said. "We lived through it, we suffered through it with Florida State, when the field was four." Three of the four Power 4 conference commissioners are now in support of a 24-team field, as the Big Ten's Tony Petitti was the first one on this wave. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey remains opposed to 24 teams, instead preferring 16 teams. Either way, CFP expansion seems imminent, and it's starting to sound like the 24-team model is getting more likely as time moves forward.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
Nebraska starting quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who comes to Lincoln after two seasons at Virginia and one season at UNLV, has high expectations for Matt Rhule's Huskers in 2026. "I want to win a national championship; I want to go to the playoffs," Colandrea told On3. "I have high expectations, and we have high expectations as a team. "When I first got here, it felt like the bar was eight or nine wins, and I was like, no -- we want to win 11, 12 games. We've got to go win. That's the biggest thing." Colandrea is stepping in for former blue-chip QB recruit Dylan Raiola, who has moved on to Oregon. In 33 career games with the Cavaliers and Rebels, Colandrea has tallied 7,542 passing yards, 49 passing touchdowns, 1,151 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, and 29 interceptions. He led UNLV to 10 wins and a spot in the Mountain West title game a season ago. With games against Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State on the schedule, leading the Huskers to 11 or 12 wins would be quite the feat.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Former UCLA wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer transferred to Nebraska this offseason, and starting quarterback Anthony Colandrea has been impressed with him, according to On3. While catching passes from Nico Iamaleava last season, Gilmer led the Bruins in receptions (50), receiving yards (535), and receiving touchdowns (four). He saved his best performance for the end of the season, catching 10 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in the rivalry game against No. 17 USC. The Huskers are looking to take a step forward offensively after the departures of Dylan Raiola and standout running back Emmett Johnson, and Gilmer's chemistry with Colandrea will play a significant part in making that happen. Gilmer brings 24 games of experience in the Big Ten with him to Lincoln.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Texas State defensive line transfer Devarrick Woods committed to Clemson on Tuesday, according to On3. The rising senior received a final year of eligibility this offseason after spending time at Hinds Community College and Texas State. In his lone season at the FBS level, the 290-pound Woods tallied 16 tackles (nine solo) and one sack in nine games for the Bobcats. After bringing in just four transfers last season and no transfers the season before, Dabo Swinney and the Tigers now have 11 incoming transfers. Woods figures to join a talneted defensive line headlined by Will Heldt in 2026.
Source: Transfer Portal on X
Source: Transfer Portal on X
Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
University of Louisville running back Isaac Brown decided to return to the Cardinals program after initially considering entering the transfer portal, a big win for Jeff Brohm. Brown is undoubtedly one of the top ball carriers in the country, and his production proves it. On just 101 rushing attempts during last year's injury-plagued sophomore season, Brown tallied 884 yards and seven touchdowns. His 8.8-yard rushing average ranked No. 1 nationally among players with at least 100 carries. He posted nearly 1,200 rushing yards as a freshman in 2024 and was clearly well on his way to doing so if he had a full season in 2025. With the inexperienced Ohio State quarterback transfer Lincoln Kienholz under center for the Cardinals in 2026, expect Brown to be the engine of Louisville's offense. With 1,148 rushing yards as a junior, he could move into second all-time in career rushing yards by a Cardinal, trailing only Lamar Jackson.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
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
