The college football landscape is ever-shifting, and with the 2026 season fast approaching, it's time to take a closer look at some of the players who are making waves in fall camp. These athletes are not just rising stars; they're the ones who are pushing the boundaries, challenging the status quo, and redefining what it means to be a college football standout. From the quarterback competitions to the defensive lines, these players are not just making noise; they're making a statement. And in my opinion, that's what makes college football so captivating.
Devin McCuin, WR, Ohio State: The Transfer Turnaround
One of the most intriguing stories of the fall camp is Devin McCuin, a wide receiver who is making waves in the Big Ten. What's fascinating about McCuin is that he's a transfer who arrived without the five-star billing that several others in the room had. But that hasn't stopped him from making an impact. His confidence has been impossible to miss during the early portion of fall camp, and one source told CBS Sports that McCuin could be ahead of Brandon Innis in the competition to become Ohio State's No. 2 option behind Jeremiah Smith. That would be a significant development for a transfer who arrived without the five-star billing that several others in the room had. McCuin was productive over three seasons at UTSA, totaling 152 receptions for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns. He brings experience, route-running polish, and proven playmaking ability to a talented offense. In my opinion, McCuin's emergence is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. It's a reminder that sometimes, the underdogs can rise to the top.
Justin Scott, DL, Miami: The Aggressive Defender
Another player who is making waves is Justin Scott, a defensive tackle at Miami. Early intel suggests that the Hurricanes will be in good hands up front defensively despite losing multiple first-rounders. Scott played the second-most snaps on the team last fall at defensive tackle and clogged up the middle as a former five-star recruit really coming into his own as an aggressor. In 2026, he's taking a featured, potentially breakout role as a veteran and has shown enhanced quickness and tenacity in camp. Running back Jordan Lyle, who never returned to top form after suffering an injury against Notre Dame last season, is reportedly back to full strength and gunning for that No. 2 role behind Mark Fletcher Jr. In my opinion, Scott's emergence is a sign of the depth and talent that Miami has on its defensive line. It's a reminder that sometimes, the players who are overlooked can become the stars of the show.
EJ Crowell, RB, Alabama: The Freshmen Sensation
Alabama's offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, has a plan to "resurrect" Alabama's run game, and one of the key players in that plan is EJ Crowell, a five-star freshman ballcarrier. Crowell turned heads during the team's first day in pads last week, and he joins a crowded competition for snaps with Daniel Hill, AK Dear, and Kevin Riley. Grubb has repeatedly pushed to go hard on every rep and complimented Crowell's explosiveness and physicality. After Alabama ranked 126th nationally last season after averaging 3.4 yards per carry, this offense needs production. Crowell arrived in Tuscaloosa with a college-ready frame and has quickly shown why he was one of the cycle's most coveted ball-carriers. In my opinion, Crowell's emergence is a sign of the talent and depth that Alabama has at the running back position. It's a reminder that sometimes, the freshmen can make an immediate impact.
Jelani McDonald, S, Texas: The Underrated Leader
Jelani McDonald may be the most important player in Texas' secondary that casual fans are not discussing enough, at least according to Steve Sarkisian, who called him underrated after the first week of fall camp. That's a noteworthy endorsement for a player yielding veteran leadership at the back end. McDonald's versatility gives the Longhorns flexibility to disguise coverages, match up with different personnel groupings, and create pressure from multiple alignments. He possesses the length and athleticism to erase mistakes, but his value extends beyond measurables. Texas needs a reliable presence on the back end, and McDonald appears ready to become one of this defense's defining pieces during a championship push. In my opinion, McDonald's emergence is a sign of the leadership and depth that Texas has in its secondary. It's a reminder that sometimes, the players who are overlooked can become the stars of the show.
Byron Baldwin Jr., S, Indiana: The Breakout Star
Byron Baldwin Jr. is a sophomore who is on the cusp of a breakout season. Labeled as a "glider" when it comes to running with fluidity and making plays in the secondary, Baldwin has an opportunity to become one of Indiana's most important defenders this season as the Hoosiers reshape a secondary expected to face weekly stress from others in the Big Ten. His range, physicality, and instincts give Curt Cignetti's defense a potential difference-maker on the back end. In my opinion, Baldwin's emergence is a sign of the potential and depth that Indiana has in its secondary. It's a reminder that sometimes, the players who are overlooked can become the stars of the show.
Talyn Taylor, WR, Georgia: The Dependable Target
Talyn Taylor is a wide receiver who is continuing to stack good days during camp at a position of extreme interest for the Bulldogs. Taylor signed as a four-star member of the 2025 class with elite expectations. Taylor's role now demands more than occasional flashes as he battles London Humphreys for snaps at flanker. Georgia needs a dependable target capable of winning contested catches, stretching defenses, and delivering in critical situations. After losing Zachariah Branch as the alpha of last season's room, the Bulldogs are looking for threats to set the standard in a room searching for new leaders. Taylor's combination of size, polish, and ball skills makes him an obvious candidate along with Sacovie White-Helton and Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion. In my opinion, Taylor's emergence is a sign of the depth and talent that Georgia has at the wide receiver position. It's a reminder that sometimes, the players who are overlooked can become the stars of the show.
Nasir Wyatt, LB, Oregon: The Consistent Defender
Nasir Wyatt is an outside linebacker who is finally looking the part after failing to bulk up early in his career. Wyatt now tips the scales at a muscular 245 pounds, and defensive coordinator Chris Hampton said after Oregon's second day of fall camp that Wyatt has a chance to be an "every-down player" this fall. That level of consistency must continue, Hampton says, to warrant extended reps at an uber-talented position group for one of the Big Ten's frontrunners. In my opinion, Wyatt's emergence is a sign of the depth and talent that Oregon has at the linebacker position. It's a reminder that sometimes, the players who are overlooked can become the stars of the show.
Jonaz Walton, RB, Notre Dame: The Freshmen Sensation
Jonaz Walton is a freshman running back who is making waves at Notre Dame. Given the wealth of talent that second-year Fighting Irish assistant Ja'Juan Seider has helped develop at running back in recent seasons, his opinion carries weight. And glowing reviews of this freshman have staying power. Seider sees no redshirt coming for Walton, given the 5-for-5 ruling and the splash he's already making during camp. Aneyas Williams will start this season, but given the success Seider's had with the duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price last season and Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen at Penn State, there's a chance this offense moves Walton into the mix with Williams, Nolan James, and Kedron Young early. In my opinion, Walton's emergence is a sign of the depth and talent that Notre Dame has at the running back position. It's a reminder that sometimes, the freshmen can make an immediate impact.
Emmanuel Poku, OG, South Carolina: The Transfer Turnaround
Emmanuel Poku is an offensive line transfer who has been as good as advertised at South Carolina. A two-year starter at East Carolina, Poku was an all-conference performer last season at right guard, one year after starting all 13 games at right tackle. The former walk-on will play guard with the Gamecocks and slimmed down a bit to 6-foot-5, 320 pounds this offseason to try to improve his agility at the line of scrimmage. Shane Beamer overhauled this position group and hired a new offensive line coach this offseason to ensure South Carolina was built to withstand the rigors of weekly punches from the rest of the SEC this time around. Poku plays a major role in that potential turnaround. In my opinion, Poku's emergence is a sign of the depth and talent that South Carolina has on its offensive line. It's a reminder that sometimes, the players who are overlooked can become the stars of the show.
DaSaahn Brame, TE, Tennessee: The Underrated Leader
DaSaahn Brame is a tight end who has taken advantage of projected starter Ethan Davis' precautionary time away from practice by showing up and making an impression. One source told CBS Sports that Brame has dramatically improved his blocking ability, which is essential in Josh Heupel's offense. Vols tight ends coach Alec Abeln spoke highly of the former top-100 recruit's focus and expects an increased role from him this season. In my opinion, Brame's emergence is a sign of the depth and talent that Tennessee has at the tight end position. It's a reminder that sometimes, the players who are overlooked can become the stars of the show.
LaDamion Guyton, EDGE, Texas Tech: The Freshmen Sensation
LaDamion Guyton is a true freshman who is making waves at Texas Tech. True freshmen rarely start for a national title contender, but the Red Raiders do plan on rotating this five-star from Georgia into the mix this fall. His explosiveness off the edge gives the defense another tool to deploy in obvious passing situations, keeping veteran rushers fresh while creating matchup problems with his speed. Guyton's snaps may be limited early, yet his assignment will be clear: attack the quarterback and disrupt the pocket. If he handles that role, Texas Tech gains valuable depth without placing unrealistic expectations on him. In my opinion, Guyton's emergence is a sign of the depth and talent that Texas Tech has at the edge rusher position. It's a reminder that sometimes, the freshmen can make an immediate impact.
