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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
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
