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The next wave of college football stars is already on campus, and some won’t have to wait long to make their mark. You don’t have to look far for recent examples. In 2025, Malachi Toney emerged as a freshman star for Miami en route to the College Football Playoff national title game.
These are the freshmen in every conference who are most likely to make an immediate impact in 2026. They are not simply the highest-rated recruits, but the players whose combination of talent, opportunity and team need could influence conference title races and College Football Playoff hopes. From instant starters to emerging playmakers, these are the newcomers to know heading into the season.
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1. Jared Curtis, QB, Vanderbilt: Curtis was the top-ranked passer in 2026 and Vanderbilt’s highest-rated recruit ever after he flipped from Georgia. While he hasn’t been named the starter, Curtis remains the odds-on favorite to win the job this fall. He will have to combat significant expectations, but he has the natural arm talent and comfortable situation under Clark Lea, who signed an extension in November, to flourish in Nashville.
2. Faizon Brandon, QB, Tennessee: Brandon, the No. 14 prospect and third-ranked pocket passer in 2026, must first beat out redshirt freshman George MacIntyre for Tennessee’s starting job, but his ceiling is significantly higher. His natural arm strength is a great fit for Josh Heupel’s vertical offense and could unlock another gear for Tennessee.
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3. Deuce Geralds, DT, LSU: Yes, LSU’s defensive line is loaded. Geralds also isn’t the highest-rated defensive lineman in LSU’s incoming class — that was No. 1 overall prospect Lamar Brown — but he made a strong first impression this spring. Geralds’ explosion should help make up for less-than-ideal measurables and he may be better equipped to quickly step into a rotational role this fall.
4. EJ Crowell, RB, Alabama: The door is wide open for Crowell to make an immediate impact in Tuscaloosa even despite battling injuries this spring. Crowell was the third-ranked running back in the 2026 class and the 221-pounder has an impressive combination of physicality and contact balance. He also has home run speed posting a 10.74 100 meter dash in the spring of 2025. For a fan base accustomed to watching backs such as Derrick Henry and Najee Harris lean on defenses, Crowell’s style will seem very familiar.
5. Zykie Helton, OG, Georgia: Helton should push for early snaps on the offensive line and Kirby Smart is not shy about inserting true freshman upfront. His weight fluctuated through high school but he is now tipping the scales at a solid 300 pounds and moving extremely well. He’s quick, explosive and powerful once he gets his 10.5 heavy hands on defenders. He reminds us of Chance Warmack out of high school. Helton started every game as a freshman at Carrollton High School (Carrollton, Ga) protecting former five star QB JuJu Lewis.
6. John Meredith III, CB, Texas: The Longhorns clearly feel like Meredith is ready to make an impact. He reclassified from 2027 to 2026 in late July after the state of Texas denied his appeal to transfer high schools ahead of his spring season. Previously No. 2 in the 2027 SC Next 300, Meredith has elite physical ability and 4.41 laser verified speed. He may play some catch-up early, but don’t be surprised if he carves out a rotational role by the end of the year.
7. Kaiden Prothro, TE, Georgia: How Georgia ends up deploying Prothro is one of the most fascinating subplots of the Bulldogs’ fall camp. Listed at 6-6, 230 pounds, the five-star Prothro ranked as the No. 22 prospect and No. 2 tight end in the class, yet worked as a slot receiver in spring ball. He has a fascinating combination of size and skill, and could develop into a weapon much like Brock Bowers at tight end or George Pickens at receiver.
8. Jermaine Bishop Jr., WR, Texas: Bishop could soon outperform his four-star ranking after making a tremendous first impression this spring in Austin. The explosive 166-pound playmaker capitalized on injuries ahead of him on the depth chart and stands out for his shiftiness and versatility – so much so that Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian stated he’d even consider giving Bishop reps at defensive back. Bishop can impact games from all over.
LSU was able to keep Lamar Brown, the No. 1 overall recruit. University School9. Lamar Brown, DT, LSU: Brown has excellent physical tools. He knows how to play with leverage and has excellent agility for a 295-pounder along the interior. Brown also responds well to coaching. Those are all good traits for someone who faces a crowded path to playing time within a talented LSU defensive line room that also includes fellow freshmen Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson. Brown’s tool set could set him apart.
10. Brandon Arrington, CB, Texas A&M: Arrington is one of the fastest incoming freshmen in the nation and even broke Olympian Noah Lyles’ San Diego County 200-meter record with a time of 20.35 in high school. Cracking the two-deep as a freshman under Mike Elko isn’t easy, but Arrington draws comparison to former Aggies corner Will Lee, and there’s opportunity for him to carve out a rotational role this year.
1. Savion Hiter, RB, Michigan: Hiter, the No. 25 recruit in the 2026 class, walks into a situation ripe for opportunity. The Wolverines will need playmakers to take the pressure off QB Bryce Underwood, and Hiter is a perfect freshman running mate alongside returning tailback Jordan Marshall. Hiter is quite explosive for a 200-pound back with impressive lateral ability who should fit Kyle Whittingham’s rushing scheme and impressed teammates and coaches this spring.
2. Luke Wafle, Edge, USC: Wafle surged to No. 24 on the SC Next 300 and earned his fifth star late in the recruiting process. He’s one of the most college-ready defensive linemen in this class, and the Trojans need him now. Listed at 6-6, 265 pounds, he pairs pad leverage with a quick get-off that stresses tackles off the edge, and his motor simply never quits. After USC’s front wore down late last season, Wafle’s contributions early on could be the fix.
3. Chris Henry Jr., WR, Ohio State: Henry was the top-ranked receiver in the 2026 class. Even if the touches won’t come easy behind Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Innis early on, few receivers can match his skill set. Listed at 6-5, 195 pounds, his blend of size, twitchy movement and vertical ball skills draw Tee Higgins comparisons. Henry is a 50-50-ball nightmare who can climb the ladder and win after the catch. Ohio State can afford to work Henry in patiently, and it could pay off big.
4. Mark Bowman, TE, USC: Opportunity knocks for Bowman after USC’s top two tight ends from 2025, Lake McRee and Walker Lyons, have moved on. He’ll need to prove his mettle as a blocker, but Bowman is a vertical threat at tight end with a great knack for separating from defenders. He has the talent to develop into the Trojans’ most impactful tight end since Fred Davis.
5. Legend Bey, RB, Ohio State: Bo Jackson cracked the 1,000-yard plateau a year ago for Ohio State and emerged as the unquestioned lead back. Bey lacks the every-down qualities of Jackson but has better speed, posting a blazing wind-aided 10.23 100-meter dash in 2025. Expect Bey to take some of the load off Jackson this year in Arthur Smith’s offense. A former high school quarterback, Bey is a dynamic athlete who could plug in all over the offense, from the backfield to the slot, and give the Buckeyes a versatile chess piece to move around the board.
6. Kodi Greene, OT, Washington: Originally committed to Oregon, Greene, a top-100 prospect, ultimately flipped to Washington, joining his brother in Seattle. At 6-6, 321 pounds, Greene possesses elite size with good feet and movement skills for a player of his stature. He plays with a strong base, squares defenders and consistently finishes blocks. With Carver Willis moving on to the NFL, Greene has the physical tools to compete for the starting job right away and develop into one of the conference’s most imposing tackles.
7. Keenyi Pepe, OT, USC: Pepe is USC’s best offensive tackle recruit since ESPN introduced the rankings in 2006 and the highest-graded offensive tackle to reach campus since Chuma Edoga in 2015. Pepe has excellent size at 6-7, 330 pounds, light feet and savvy technique for being 19 years old. Those are the building blocks for a long-term cornerstone left tackle. USC threw him into the fire in spring ball, getting Pepe reps at both tackle positions, and he could push for early playing time as a swing tackle.
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8. Kendre’ Harrison, TE, Oregon: With first-rounder Kenyon Sadiq gone, Oregon backfills at tight end with the five-star Harrison, who ranked No. 15 on the SC Next 300. They are different styles of players — Harrison is listed 3 inches taller and 10 pounds heavier — and Jamari Johnson is the favorite to start. Still, Harrison’s massive catch radius and leaping ability as a two-way basketball standout will be appealing right away in red zone packages.
9. Zion Elee, Edge, Maryland: Elee was the No. 2 prospect in the class and has NFL-type measurables, an excellent first step and disruptive length off the edge. He’s Maryland’s highest-ranked recruit in the ESPN recruiting rankings era. So why doesn’t he rank higher on this list? Elee will need to work into a rotation alongside Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis, who led the Terps in sacks as freshmen. Good luck, Big Ten quarterbacks.
10. Immanuel Iheanacho, OT, Oregon: The Ducks have a senior-laden line and are high on left tackle Fox Crader. Iheanacho also didn’t enroll early, so he might not have an obvious path to immediate playing time. It will be hard, though, to keep Iheanacho’s immense size and talent off the field. He’s a 6-7, 350-pound mauler who ranked No. 5 in the 2026 class. Iheanacho has elite length, violent hands and enough versatility to play either guard or tackle.
Joey O’Brien, S, Notre Dame: O’Brien ranked No. 47 on the SC Next 300 with his rare combination of length, ball skills and instincts at safety. His frame and overall game should remind Irish fans of Kyle Hamilton. Though an ankle injury slowed him this spring, O’Brien is expected to be fully healthy this fall. His football IQ matches his physical traits.
1. Kelvin Obot, OT, Utah: The program must prove a changing of the guard under Kyle Whittingham’s successor doesn’t cost the Big 12’s most consistent program its edge. That includes up front, where Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu just left as first-round tackles. Obot, the No. 42 prospect in 2026, is light on his feet and already ahead of the curve after enrolling early under position coach Jordan Gross, who coached him in high school. He’ll be expected to contribute early.
2. LaDamion Guyton, Edge, Texas Tech: The Red Raiders need to replace the production of two early-round NFL draft picks in David Bailey and Romello Height, who helped tie a school record with 41 sacks last year. Guyton now steps in as a five-star edge with a ceiling that rivals Bailey’s. Even though he’s young after reclassifying from 2027, Guyton has game-changing burst off the edge.
3. Kevin Brown, OT, West Virginia: Rich Rodriguez wants to revamp his offensive line’s identity in 2026. Step 1 was reuniting with longtime offensive line coach Rick Trickett. Step 2 is turning to new faces such as Brown, whose father, Tim, was a three-year starting tackle under Rodriguez at West Virginia. The four-star tackle is a physical, nasty culture-setter who knows how to use his leverage and lower-body strength to his advantage.
4. Bott Mulitalo, OT, BYU: At one point in Mulitalo’s high school career, he was an Oregon commit projected to the defensive line. He has since switched positions — and schools — and still finished the 2026 cycle ranked No. 53 in the SC Next 300. He blends explosive power with good bend, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he pushes for early playing time, even if there’s not an obvious starting position up for grabs right now.
5. Tyren Hornes, WR, UCF: The No. 74 player in 2026, Hornes has perhaps the highest upside of any receiver in the class. He’s an excellent route runner with competitive ball skills and a savvy approach to the game, which should allow Scott Frost to move him around the offense. Incoming transfer QB Alonza Barnett is the reigning Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year and isn’t afraid to push the ball vertically. If he forms an early connection with Hornes, watch out.
6. Jaron Pula, WR, BYU: Wide receiver is one of the few unsettled positions for a Cougars team with College Football Playoff aspirations in 2026. BYU must replace its top three pass catchers from last year and its top returner at receiver, Jojo Phillips, caught just 14 balls for 161 yards. The 6-3 Pula, a late flip from Utah alongside twin brother Kennan Pula, has a good catch radius on the boundary and a four-star résumé.
7. Keisean Henderson, QB, Houston: Henderson ranked No. 4 nationally and has the highest upside of any incoming Big 12 recruit. Returning starter Conner Weigman blocks Henderson’s path to making an immediate impact, but it will be hard to keep Henderson’s athleticism and dual-threat skills off the field. How Willie Fritz carves out reps for his five-star signal-caller is one of the more fascinating Big 12 subplots of the season.
Keisean Henderson was the top QB in the recruiting class. UC Report8. Matt Sieg, S, West Virginia: A four-star recruit, Sieg was a decorated high school quarterback and two-time state champion in Pennsylvania who owns the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League’s all-time total offensive record with 12,592 career yards. West Virginia flipped him from Penn State, and he’s dynamic enough that the Mountaineers didn’t close the door on him contributing on offense this spring. He projects best to safety, where he can use his ball skills and athleticism to step in immediately.
9. Felix Ojo, OT, Texas Tech: Ojo was a five-star offensive tackle who ranked No. 28 on the SC Next 300, so there’s massive upside thanks to his physical tools at 6-6, 295. Though fellow five-star LaDamion Guyton has a clear path to playing time as the Red Raiders replenish their losses on defense, Ojo will need to navigate a murkier depth chart after Texas Tech restocked from the portal along the offensive line.
10. Hayden Vercher, TE, Arizona State: Plenty of attention will rightfully go toward transfer receivers Omarion Miller and Reed Harris in Arizona State’s revamped passing game. Vercher, who just cracked the SC Next 300 at No. 295 overall. He has excellent length and speed at a position the Sun Devils love to utilize in their passing game. He could carve out a complementary role as a pass catcher even if his blocking skills will need some time to catch up.
1. Jackson Cantwell, OT, Miami: Cantwell is one of the nation’s most important newcomers regardless of class and certainly faces some of the highest expectations of any freshman. That’s both because of his ceiling — the 6-8, 330-pounder has all the tools of a cornerstone left tackle — and the Hurricanes’ recent history of turning five-star tackles into productive stalwarts after turning Francis Mauigoa into a first-round pick.
Jackson Cantwell could be another immediate freshman contributor on Miami’s offensive line. Under Armour2. Devin Carter, WR, Florida State: There’s some urgency for a revamped Florida State offense to coalesce around transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels if the Seminoles want to restore their status among the ACC’s elite. Mike Norvell hasn’t shied away from potentially utilizing either Carter or fellow freshman Jasen Lopez as the team looks to fill out targets around Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy. An early enrollee, Carter ranked No. 143 on the SC Next 300 and is the son of former FSU running back Dexter Carter.
3. Kenton Dopson III, CB, North Carolina: Bill Belichick historically has a great eye for identifying and developing defensive backs. The Tar Heels flipped Dopson from ACC rival Miami in December, and he arrived as North Carolina’s highest-ranked defensive recruit and the No. 15 corner in the 2026 class. A reclassification from 2027, Dopson now has a better opportunity to make a quick impact at Chapel Hill.
4. Izayia Williams, LB, Florida State: Williams didn’t take the most conventional path to Tallahassee. He committed to six different schools, including Florida State twice, and missed his senior high school season because of an ACL injury. Still, there’s no denying his physical tools. Williams ranked No. 89 in the 2026 class and is a speedy, rangy off-ball linebacker. He’s fully cleared for fall camp, and there’s plenty of opportunity in the Seminoles’ linebacker room.
FSU needs help at linebacker and Izayia Williams fits a need. Don Juan Moore/Getty Images5. Zion Robinson, WR, Stanford: At its peak, Stanford relied on its player development and high school recruiting pipeline. The portal era has rocked the Cardinal, but new coach Tavita Pritchard understands what works at Stanford, and Robinson appears to be a potential early recruiting win after he flipped from Michigan. He has terrific speed and hands, and the No. 48 recruit in the 2026 class is arguably the most college-ready of any receiver in the country.
6. Naeem Burroughs, WR, Clemson: Burroughs can fly. The wiry 6-foot receiver ranked No. 111 on the SC Next 300 and clocked out at speeds north of 21 mph on tape as a high schooler. Burroughs enrolled early and made a strong first impression on Clemson’s coaching staff this spring, and that is often a precursor to a fall breakout. He could wrestle away the Tigers’ slot receiver duties at some point in 2026.
7. Damon Ferguson Jr., RB, Pittsburgh: Ferguson was a four-star athlete out of Maryland who has flashed skills as a receiver, returner and even enough athletic traits to suggest he could’ve handled a move to the defensive secondary. A shifty and sudden runner, Ferguson’s jack-of-all-trades skill set could allow him to carve a role alongside returning rusher Ja’Kyrian Turner and perhaps even share the field at the same time.
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8. Sam Utu, OL, SMU: The partnership between Kevin Jennings and Rhett Lashlee has yielded plenty of wins for SMU, and the Mustangs enter 2026 as one of the more dangerous teams in the ACC. Keeping Jennings upright and healthy is paramount to fulfilling that goal. Though Utu dipped to No. 208 on the SC Next 300 by the end of the 2026 cycle, the one-time Alabama commit has the physicality and versatility to bounce between tackle and guard if needed in 2026.
9. Davion Brown, WR, Virginia Tech: There’s no shortage of newcomers who could make a quick impact in Blacksburg. Brown is one of nearly a dozen former Penn State 2026 commits who followed James Franklin to Virginia Tech. Brown ranked No. 115 on the SC Next 300, and at 6-1, 202 pounds, has the kind of size and catch radius that could be impactful either on the boundary or in the red zone for a new-look Hokies passing offense. Brown can run, too. He has posted a 4.42 40, and his game speed has been clocked at over 21 mph.
10. Jarius Rodgers, Edge, Syracuse: A healthy Steve Angeli could lead to Syracuse’s rejuvenation after its promising start to 2025 spiraled following his Achilles injury. The Orange will need more contributions than just quarterback, though, especially on defense. Enter Rodgers, a 6-4, 225-pound athletic freak who is a candidate to take a significant step forward in college with the right tutelage.
1. Jamel Howse, TE, App State: A four-star tight end, Howse is App State’s second four-star recruit in the ESPN recruiting rankings era since 2006 and its highest-graded recruit since Grant Tucker in 2023. Dowell Loggains first built a relationship with Howse at South Carolina and now has a unique weapon at his disposal. Howse brings tight end size and length with receiver fluidity and speed, giving the Mountaineers a big-play pass catcher who can win vertically.
2. Xavier McDonald, WR, James Madison: McDonald’s signing day flip from Colorado to James Madison made the four-star the highest-rated recruit in program history, giving first-year head coach Billy Napier a dynamic playmaker. McDonald is long and athletic with room to get stronger, though his quick release, suddenness, ball skills and savvy separation skills already stand out. With the Dukes’ top two receivers gone, McDonald arrives right on time.
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3. Jordan Harrison, C, South Florida: By landing the four-star Harrison, new coach Brian Hartline brings in one of the highest-rated Group of 6 recruits in 2026. Harrison was one of the most consistent blockers at the 2026 Under Armour All-American Game. He makes up for a lack of length with technique, mirroring ability and the balance to stay square and sustain blocks. With only one returning starter up front for South Florida, Harrison can compete for a starting role.
4. Terrious Favors, WR, Boise State: Favors was a productive high school playmaker who turned down Power 4 offers to pick Boise State, where he fills a major need with the Broncos’ top four receivers in yardage all moving on. One of the fastest players in the 2026 class with a 10.53 100-meter time, Favors brings elite explosiveness, suddenness and elusiveness with the ball in his hands, giving Boise State a dynamic weapon in the new-look Pac-12.
5. Jude Okeleke, DT, Temple: At 6-2, 300 pounds, Okeleke is built to make an early impact. He was the No. 3 high school prospect in Connecticut and chose Temple over multiple other offers. Okeleke uses his wrestling background to play with excellent power and leverage. He’s a stout run defender who clogs lanes and still has enough push to disrupt the pocket. Expect him in the rotation up front from Day 1.
6. Colin Bussey, Edge, Charlotte: Bussey is another highly ranked Group of 6 prospect who spurned Power 4 programs to instead play for Charlotte. The Douglasville, Georgia, native brings a powerful frame at 6-3, 250 pounds and plays with strength, physicality and a relentless motor. Bussey’s ability to generate power at the point of attack, collapse the pocket and disrupt quarterbacks gives him the skill set to make an impact in the American Conference.
7. Kentrell White, TE, Bowling Green: White will face inevitable comparisons to Harold Fannin Jr. after Bowling Green’s success developing him into an NFL-caliber tight end. White, the 6-4, 215-pounder and one-time Auburn commit, has a unique background after playing receiver, safety and returning punts in high school. Now transitioning to tight end, his fluidity and ability to create after the catch give the Falcons a dynamic weapon in the MAC early in his career.
8. Maxwell Robinson, OT, Georgia State: Robinson turned down multiple SEC offers to choose Georgia State, where he adds much-needed depth and young talent to an offensive line that experienced some attrition this offseason. His combination of athleticism, power and light feet allows him to play on the edge, and Robinson has enough strength to also move defenders off their spot. His physical tools give him a real shot to push for early playing time.
9. Malik White, OG, UNLV: There’s a real need for depth along UNLV’s line after it lost three starters from 2025. White is 6-5, 314 pounds with an 84-inch wingspan and a physical presence. His power, strength and versatility should allow the Rebels to deploy him at numerous spots along their line, and he can quickly emerge as a legitimate depth option.
10. Marquez Wimberly, RB, Washington State: Wimberly is a dynamic runner who used his Under Armour Baltimore camp MVP as a springboard to reclassify into 2026. At 5-9, 200 pounds with a 10.87 100-meter time, Wimberly combines size, speed and quickness with good vision, balance, and elusiveness. His high school film has some similarities to former Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty, showcasing a playmaker capable of creating explosive plays out of the backfield.
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