The list of established stars around college football entering the 2026 season is both glitzy and robust.
There are the quarterbacks -- Arch Manning, Trinidad Chambliss, Julian Sayin, CJ Carr, Darian Mensah and others -- as well as non-QB playmakers such as Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Texas defensive end Colin Simmons and Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy.
But every season produces a set of surprise stars, players who emerge from off the radar and enter the spotlight.
Some of the names on the list below will be recognizable, as they have shown production either with their current teams or former ones. Some are coming off injuries or had reduced roles behind established stars. None of them appears in ESPN's list of top 100 players for the 2026 season.
I surveyed coaches in every Power 4 conference as well as others from the Group of 6 ranks to identify sleepers for the fall. Last year's list included Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who blossomed into an NFL first-round draft pick for the national champions, and Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell, who finished second in the SEC in sacks after transferring from Bowling Green. Other standouts included NC State running back Hollywood Smothers, Iowa safety Koen Entringer, Arizona State running back Raleek Brown and South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse.
As in past years, I looked for variety with the 2026 sleepers, both in position and background. A climate favoring player movement has created different pathways to success.
Here's a look at 51 sleepers for the upcoming season.
Khobie Martin, RB, Indiana
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot, 204 pounds
2025 stats: 506 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns, 77 carries
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 117 running back, No. 27 in Indiana
Indiana's unwavering commitment to the run game was an under-discussed but essential part of its championship run. The Hoosiers rose to No. 12 nationally in rushing average (212.9 yards per game) but also second in rushing attempts (659). The team lost its top two backs to the NFL in Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black. Martin and Boston College transfer Turbo Richard are in line to take over, and Martin showed big-play burst in limited opportunities last season. He had consecutive 100-yard rushing performances and four games with 50 yards or more despite never logging more than 12 carries.
Coach's take: "He's a good, hard, downhill runner," Indiana coach Curt Cignetti told ESPN. "He really has improved every fall, every spring. He's taken advantage of all his opportunities when he's gotten in the game. We're really counting on him. We love what he's doing. He had some significant carries last year, and he's got a bright future."
Ja'Bril Rawls, CB, Florida State
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
2025 stats: 7 starts, 40 tackles, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 2 tackles for loss
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 87 athlete, No. 142 in Florida
Rawls is only a sleeper in the sense that he missed about half of last season because of injury, but he produced nicely in his seven starts. He was the team's only defender to record multiple games with 10 or more tackles, and he showcased his playmaking ability against Virginia, Wake Forest and others. Rawls projects as one of the leaders of the Seminoles' secondary alongside Duke transfer Ma'Khi Jones, and his skills allow defensive coordinator Tony White to use him in multiple ways.
Coach's take: "He's got a chance to be one of the best cornerbacks in college football," FSU coach Mike Norvell said. "He did some great things in the first part of the season. If he would have played the rest of the year, he would have probably put himself in position to be a top draft pick. He's got first-round ability. ... He can press, he can play off. Tony's defense has really let him flourish because you know he can get up and play man, but he can also do great ball skills, play with his eyes to the quarterback."
Yvan Kemajou, DE, Penn State
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 252 pounds
2025 stats: 11 games played (1 start), 13 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 pass defended
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 49 defensive end, No. 12 in Maryland
Penn State's roster turned over significantly during the coaching change from James Franklin to Matt Campbell, but the defense held on to Kemajou, who capitalized on his opportunities during the second half of last season. Kemajou gives the new staff a budding pass rusher who flashed during Big Ten play, finding his way into opposing backfields. Despite limited play, he finished fourth on the team in tackles for loss.
Coach's take: "Yvan started and played the last half of the season as a true freshman in the Big Ten," Campbell told ESPN. "I don't know if anybody could have played any more impressively as a young freshman, what he did against the Ohio States of the world, the Indianas of the world. Some of the plays he made were really impressive and I think the sky's the limit for him."
Nate Roberts, TE, Ohio State
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 240 pounds
2025 stats: 13 games, 4 receptions, 30 yards, 2 rushing attempts
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Four stars, No. 152 overall, No. 5 tight end-H, No. 2 in Oklahoma
After losing two tight ends in the top 90 selections of April's NFL draft, the Buckeyes are looking for different contributors at the position for new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Roberts didn't have a huge role last season but has impressed during the offseason. He could deliver a blended skill set to fill the receiving production void left by second-round draft pick Max Klare and the in-line blocking from third-round pick Will Kacmarek.
Coach's take: "Nate really has a bright future here," Buckeyes coach Ryan Day told ESPN. "He's tough, he's smart, really good ball skills, really good route runner. In terms of a second-year tight end since we've been here, he's right on track to be as good as anyone."
Makilan Thomas, G, Virginia
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 317 pounds
2025 stats: Missed the season after sustaining a broken foot in preseason practice
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 79 guard, No. 10 in Arkansas (signed with Arkansas State)
A preseason foot injury wiped out Thomas' much-anticipated first season at Virginia, but he's healthy now and will join one of the ACC's best offensive lines this fall. Thomas started three seasons at Arkansas State, mostly at right tackle, and drew top pass-blocking grades from Pro Football Focus, allowing only one sack in 836 snaps in 2023. He earned second-team All-Sun Belt honors that fall. Thomas is slated to start at right guard for Virginia this fall.
Coach's take: "I think he'll be an all-conference-caliber right guard for us," Virginia coach Tony Elliott told ESPN. "He looks like a defensive lineman. He's lean, strong, athletic, he can run, great feet, loves to play. He gets overlooked a little bit because he's not 6-foot-4, but he's got the length, so I think he's an NFL-caliber player. Just needed to move up from [Group of 6]."
Aycen Stevens, DE, Virginia Tech
Class: Redshirt junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 260 pounds
2025 stats: 12 games, 14 tackles, 1 quarterback hurry, one-half tackle for loss
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 53 outside linebacker, No. 8 in Indiana
Stevens has been among the big stories of the offseason under new Hokies coach James Franklin. He earned the program's coveted Lunch Pail for his relentless approach to practice and workouts, and could anchor the team's defensive line this season alongside senior tackle Kemari Copeland. Franklin said the "light has gone on for Stevens," who has good size for an edge rusher and will once again play for former Hokies coach Brent Pry, who is taking on defensive coordinator duties under Franklin.
Coach's take: "He's finally turning the corner. He's the guy I hoped he'd be," Pry told ESPN. "He's got a bunch of talented guys chomping at the bit for his job, and he hasn't given it up. He's long, he's got straight-line explosiveness, he's tough, but he'd never played end. He was a linebacker when we took him. He just had to learn the position more than anything, how to bend, and how to lean into his strengths, be a power rusher and be an edge guy."
Andy Burburija, DT, Clemson
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 305 pounds
2025 stats: 45 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks at Iowa Western
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated (signed with Iowa Western)
Clemson has made some interesting transfer choices as it dips its toe in the portal pond, and Burburija is certainly one to watch as the Tigers reload along the defensive line. He had a very productive season in 2025 at Iowa Western, earning first-team NJCAA All-America honors for a national championship squad. Burburija, who grew up northwest of Chicago, joins a Clemson defensive front that replaces three NFL draft picks, including first-rounder Peter Woods.
Coach's take: "He's not very tall, but he is powerful and he can run," Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen said. "I'm anxious to see him, because he obviously wasn't with us in spring, but really, we need him to play at a high level, and he's got a chance to. He is so strong."
Marquis Gillis, RB, Arizona State
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 6-foot, 210 pounds
2025 stats: 1,182 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs, 184 rushes, 84 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD at Delaware State
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated (signed with Delaware State)
Arizona State has a clear need in the backfield after losing its top four rushers, including 1,100-yard back Raleek Brown to Texas. Gillis had 2,474 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns at Delaware State, where he won MEAC Rookie of the Year honors in 2022 and last season ranked eighth in the FCS in yards per carry (6.45). The veteran back doesn't go down easily, racking up 816 yards after contact last fall. His presence should help ASU's new quarterback.
Coach's take: "He's big, strong, fast, and was productive when he was at Delaware State, and was coached by Clinton Portis," ASU coach Kenny Dillingham told ESPN. "Clinton Portis thinks he's an NFL back."
DJ Chester, G/T, Mississippi State
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 315 pounds
2025 stats: 7 games (1 start) for LSU, after starting 13 games at center in 2024
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Four stars, No. 194 overall, No. 18 offensive tackle, No. 17 in Georgia
Chester is a significant addition for the MSU offensive line, bringing experience at multiple positions to a group that must protect Kamario Taylor and create rushing lanes for Fluff Bothwell and the other backs. He and center Canon Boone could form one of the SEC's top interior tandems. Chester earned freshman All-SEC honors playing center for LSU but also has the size to play tackle if needed.
Coach's take: "DJ's done an outstanding job from a leadership standpoint," Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby told ESPN. "He played center, guard, tackle at LSU, and now he's a little closer to home [Conyers, Georgia]. I think there's been great comfort for him, coming in here and having the ability to go earn a starting job and lead a group."
Brian Nelson II, CB, NC State
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 6-foot, 197 pounds
2025 stats: 29 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 1 tackle for loss
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated as a recruit (signed with North Texas)
After earning first-team All-AAC honors at North Texas in 2024, Nelson transferred to NC State and carved out a role last season. He proved to be a good tackler in space, finishing eighth on the team in solo tackles with 21, and tied for second in pass breakups. Nelson started NC State's final three games in 2025 and carried over his performance into a strong offseason.
Coach's take: "He's a very talented kid, really good leader, he's got a chance to be special," NC State coach Dave Doeren told ESPN. "He really does everything well, but his poise, he's not a guy that panics and gets pass interferences that he shouldn't get. When the ball's in the air, he's got great body control and ball-tracking skills."
Katin Houser, QB, Illinois
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 225 pounds
2025 stats: 3,300 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 193 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns at East Carolina
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Four stars, No. 18 pocket passer, No. 26 in California (signed with Michigan State)
Houser comes to Illinois with 26 career starts, including seven for Michigan State during the turbulent 2023 season, which is tied for 12th most nationally. He really elevated his game at East Carolina, especially in 2025, when he completed nearly 66% of his passes for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns, and added nine rushing touchdowns. Houser has big shoes to fill as Luke Altmyer departs Champaign, but his experience and tools have already drawn good reviews.
Coach's take: "Probably the fastest release I've ever had in my career, like really, really quick, really sudden, very accurate," Illinois coach Bret Bielema told ESPN. "Our RPO game is going to take a big jump. He gets the ball out. I think we've got something here."
Joseph Ionata, C, Georgia Tech
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 305 pounds
2025 stats: Appeared in 14 games as a redshirt freshman at Alabama, appearing on offense and special teams
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 48 guard, No. 115 in Florida (signed with Alabama)
Georgia Tech coach Brent Key sets a high standard for offensive line play, so for Ionata to come in and make an immediate impression is notable. Ionata appeared in all but one of Alabama's games last season as a reserve, backing up Parker Brailsford, and is in line to start at center right away for Georgia Tech. He has excellent size for a center but also a demeanor that Key likes to make line calls and ensure his teammates are in the right position.
Coach's take: "He is going to be a tremendous, tremendous center in our league," Key told ESPN. "He's a more athletic Bradley Bozeman. Big, 6-5, 315-pound guy, commands the other guys, but also there's a unique thing to the center position that you can't be that fiery guy every time. There's that calm right before that ball is snapped, to make the calls and put everybody on the same page. He's got really good traits to be outstanding."
Jireh Moe, DT, Utah
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot, 280 pounds
2025 stats: 28 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks at San Jose State
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 165 defensive tackle, No. 169 in California
Moe doesn't look like most Power 4 defensive tackles, but he plays bigger than his frame and should be an interesting addition for Utah's staff to use. He impressed throughout the spring for a new-look Utes defensive line. His relentlessness and understanding of the game jumped out, and he should help both as a run stopper and occasional pass rusher.
Coach's take: "Jireh is 5-11, and the sucker is so strong and so quick and so disruptive," Utah coach Morgan Scalley told ESPN. "You look at him like, 'There's no way,' and then he's so powerful and quick-twitched and he's so productive."
Vincent Firenze, LB, Wake Forest
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 221 pounds
2025 stats: 85 tackles, 3 interceptions, 7 passes defended, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack at Dayton
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated as recruit (signed with Dayton)
Wake Forest's transfer success is tied to finding under-the-radar players, and it might have hit on one with Firenze. He had a breakout 2025 season at Dayton, earning first-team all-league honors and leading the team in tackles and pass breakups while finishing second in interceptions. Firenze joins a Wake Forest defense losing leading tackler Nick Andersen to the NFL, and looking to build around returning linebackers Aiden Hall and Frank Cusano.
Coach's take: "He reminds me of Logan Wilson, who we had at Wyoming a long time ago," Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert told ESPN. "Speed, length, size, he's got it. It's just the speed of the game that he's got to get caught up to. I get it, he was at Dayton, but there's such a fine line between starting at that FCS, Group of 5 level and being a really productive Power 4 player, and he has all the traits and the mentality. He hit 22 [miles an hour] on the GPS the other day, at 230 pounds."
Ben Hanks III, CB, Florida
Class: Redshirt freshman
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
2025 stats: 3 games, 8 tackles, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups
ESPN recruiting snapshot: No. 124 overall, No. 16 cornerback, No. 21 in Florida
Hanks certainly isn't a sleeper from a recruiting perspective, but he played only three games last season, making his first career start against Florida State, where he shined with two pass breakups and a 48-yard interception return. He impressed the new staff during spring practice and brings size and good recognition of routes to coordinator Brad White's defense. Hanks is the son of Ben Hanks Jr., a former All-SEC linebacker at Florida.
Coach's take: "He could be a guy that we all look up, and at the end of the year, if he stays the course, has a really good year," Florida coach Jon Sumrall told ESPN. "Length, speed, bloodline -- his dad was a really good player here -- works his ass off, has got some competitive traits that you like, it matters to him. He's wired right. He hasn't been in the battle in this league yet, but there's a lot to like."
Lloyd Avant, RB, Oklahoma
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 5-foot-10, 212 pounds
2025 stats: 12 games played (4 starts), 90 carries, 417 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns, 24 receptions, 261 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown at Colorado State
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 92 running back, No. 195 in Texas (signed with Tulsa)
Oklahoma's path to becoming an annual CFP contender requires a more powerful offense, especially an improved run game, which slipped to 112th nationally last season and averaged just 3.54 yards per carry and eclipsed 100 yards just once in the final four games. After dealing with injuries and subpar performance in 2025, the Sooners will turn to a reshaped group of backs that includes Avant from Colorado State. He produced in limited action for the Rams and logged significant time this spring as Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock worked back from injuries.
Coach's take: "He has done a fantastic job since he got here," Sooners coach Brent Venables told ESPN. "He's powerful, hard to knock off, his speed, he was a really good all-purpose runner."
Brian Rowe Jr., WR, UCLA
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 168 pounds
2025 stats: 19 receptions, 149 receiving yards, 1 TD at South Carolina, 3 rushes, 8 rushing yards
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Four stars, No. 51 wide receiver, No. 7 in North Carolina (signed with South Carolina)
Rowe is among a large group of transfer receivers joining holdover Mikey Matthews with new coach Bob Chesney in Westwood. He's a natural slot receiver who started four games as a true freshman at South Carolina, recording 50 yards against Missouri and 45 yards against Ole Miss. Rowe's playmaking ability stood out during spring practice, and the former four-star recruit could become a favorite target for quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
Coach's take: "I remember talking to [South Carolina coach] Shane Beamer about him, like, 'Can't believe you let that kid go,'" Chesney told ESPN. "He's like, 'We didn't want to let him go.' It shows up. He makes these, like, heroic catches, he's fast as can be. We've just got to keep getting the playbook done."
Peyton Morgan, S, Texas Tech
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot, 185 pounds
2025 stats: 11 tackles, one-half tackle for loss, 3 pass breakups
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 42 safety, No. 79 in Texas
Morgan saw his role increase for Texas Tech's defense last fall while continuing to contribute on special teams. He recorded all three of his pass breakups against Big 12 opponents and had four tackles and a PBU in a shutout win against Oklahoma State. Morgan showed an ability to make plays on the ball last fall, which was amplified in spring practice and he took on a more significant role in the secondary. He intercepted a Brendan Sorsby pass in the spring game.
Coach's take: "He's got great ball skills," Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire told ESPN. "He had nine interceptions his senior year in high school, with like another four called back for different penalties. You saw that this spring. He can really cover a lot of ground in the secondary, playing safety for us."
Alex Graham, DB, USC
Class: Redshirt freshman
Height/weight: 6-foot, 195 pounds
2025 stats: 5 games (2 starts), 15 tackles (12 solo), 2 tackles for loss
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 45 cornerback, No. 6 in Michigan
USC's secondary will have a different flavor under new coordinator Gary Patterson, as Prophet Brown and Chasen Johnson return from injuries, and Jontez Williams, an All-Big 12 cornerback at Iowa State in 2024, transferred onto the team. But Graham will be a factor, likely at the nickel spot. He was in line to play significantly for USC as a true freshman in 2025, but an injury delayed his impact. Graham started USC's final two games against UCLA and against TCU in the Alamo Bowl, combining for all 15 of his tackles in those two contests.
Coach's take: "We're really excited about Alex," USC coach Lincoln Riley told ESPN. "He had a really nice bowl game. Kid probably would have played a lot for us as a true freshman, got injured right before the first game, but came back and played some meaningful snaps for us in the last couple. I certainly believe he's going to factor in."
Alex Honig and Luke Dehnicke, TE, Northwestern
Class: Honig senior; Dechnicke sophomore
Height/weight: Honig 6-foot-6, 275 pounds; Dechnicke 6-foot-6, 240 pounds
2025 stats: Honig 13 receptions, 162 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs, 26-yard rush at UConn; Dehnicke 61 receptions, 1,119 receiving yards, 14 TDs at Minnesota Duluth
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Honig three stars, No. 46 quarterback, No. 2 from Germany (signed with TCU); Dehnicke unrated (signed with Minnesota Duluth)
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's arrival should impact several positions, including tight end. Northwestern surprisingly didn't take a transfer wide receiver but picked up two tight ends it feels can make major impacts this fall. Honig, a native of Germany who originally committed to TCU as a quarterback, is a huge body who had his best season at UConn last fall and should help both as a receiver and blocker. Dehnicke should be an even bigger factor in the passing game, as he finished third in Division II in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns last fall.
Coach's take: "Alex is the more well-rounded blocker, but in spring ball, Luke was dynamic in the passing game," Northwestern coach David Braun told ESPN. "He's a weapon. Alex is your typical Y. Luke is an H who will develop as a Y. Luke creates matchup issues on a nickel with his athleticism. You try to put a Sam linebacker on that dude, no chance."
Armondo Blount, DE, Miami
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 265 pounds
2025 stats: 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 6 QB hurries, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Four stars, No. 37 overall, No. 7 defensive end, No. 7 in Florida
Blount is another former blue-chip recruit who hasn't quite broken through at the college level but could take a major step this fall for the national runners-up. Miami has a clear need at the end spots after losing first-round NFL draft picks Rueben Bain and Ahkeem Mesidor. While Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II will help, Blount gained valuable experience last season, including during Miami's CFP run.
Coach's take: "Armondo Blount is a guy I really pay close attention to," coach Mario Cristobal told ESPN. "That guy has a great skill set, and he is big, strong, fast, and he is relentless. Like, that motor is insane. I know everyone talks about Damon Wilson, and they should. Can [the ends] play as good as Mesidor and Bain? Let's go find out if they can."
Jaylen Thomas, S, Washington State
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot, 190 pounds
2025 stats: 12 starts, 59 tackles (47 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 6 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries at San José State
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated as a recruit (signed with San José State)
Thomas could be an impactful addition to Washington State's first defense under new coach Kirby Moore. He led San Jose State in both pass breakups and fumble recoveries last season, and was a strong open-field tackler with the second-most solo stops on the team. Thomas had three pass breakups and a tackle for loss against Stanford.
Coach's take: "He is just a playmaker," Moore told ESPN. "Just the amount of communication that has to happen in the back end, he played top down, made tackles in space, and then made a ton of plays on the ball throughout spring ball, so I'm looking forward to seeing that."
Joker Johnson and La'khi Roland, CBs, Arkansas
Class: Both juniors
Height/weight: Johnson 6-foot, 191 pounds; Roland 6-foot-2, 192 pounds
2025 stats: Johnson 14 starts, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 42 tackles at Tulane; Roland 11 games, 3 interceptions, 1 tackles for loss, 21 tackles at Maryland
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Johnson three stars, No. 92 safety, No. 42 in Louisiana (signed with Tulane); Roland three stars, No. 118 cornerback, No. 134 in Georgia (signed with Maryland)
Arkansas is going to need its transfers to hit on both sides of the ball in coach Ryan Silverfield's debut season, and there's optimism about both corners. Johnson showed playmaking ability for a CFP team in Tulane, which he led in both interceptions and pass breakups (9). He also had durability, logging a team-high 834 defensive snaps. Roland also was his team's interceptions leader, and should be a bigger factor in coverage at Arkansas.
Coach's take: "Both of those kids have a chance to be pretty good," Silverfield told ESPN. "Roland is a little bit longer. Johnson was really good in the Group of 5, and Roland has a really high ceiling."
Kayden McGee, WR, UNLV
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-feet, 170 pounds
2025 stats: 7 rushes, 56 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 blocked punt, 1 punt return TD
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 172 wide receiver, No. 18 in Oklahoma
McGee didn't catch a pass for UNLV in 2025 but had a team-high 54 rushing yards against Utah State, including a 25-yard touchdown in overtime. He also shined on special teams, recording a blocked punt and returning another blocked punt for a touchdown against Wyoming. UNLV's turnover at wide receiver with Jaden Bradley and others departing has cleared more opportunities for McGee, who had three catches for 97 yards and a touchdown in 2024.
Coach's take: "We had a bunch of senior receivers ,and he was a redshirt freshman [in 2025]," Rebels coach Dan Mullen told ESPN. "He's a speed guy that was a little bit underdeveloped. He's going to take a major step into being a starring role on the offense at the receiver position, and he needs to be for us to be successful this year."
Jamir Conn, S, Nebraska
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 185 pounds
2025 stats: 10 tackles, one-half tackle for loss, 1 pass breakup, 2 blocked punts
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated as a recruit (signed with Southern Illinois)
Conn, who transferred to Nebraska from FCS Southern Illinois following the 2024 season, made his biggest mark on special teams in his first season as a Husker. He became the first Nebraska player to record multiple blocked punts in a season since 2014, and his second block resulted in a return touchdown against Michigan State. Coach Matt Rhule sees some similarities between Conn and NFL safety Buddha Baker, one of Rhule's favorite players when he coached in the pros.
Coach's take: "One of our best players last year, Ceyair Wright, goes, 'Hey coach, next year, like you know who your guy is. It's Jamir,'" Rhule told ESPN. "He's one of those guys, I can walk in the building on a Saturday night, and he's probably out on the field doing extra footwork. ... Jamir is going to play safety for us, and I have unbelievably high expectations for what I think he can do."
Bryce Lewis, TE, Boston College
Class: Redshirt freshman
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 245 pounds
2025 stats: Did not record stats in three games at defensive end
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 47 tight end-H, No. 174 in Georgia
Lewis is returning to his original position at tight end, where Boston College has a clear need after losing Kaelan Chudzinski to an Achilles' injury for the season. The Georgia native came to BC as a tight end, but switched to defensive end last year because of the logjam at the position. He has ideal size and can be a big target in coach Bill O'Brien's offense, while also helping as a blocker.
Coach's take: "He can run, he's 6-7, he's got great hands," O'Brien said. "He was a tight end in high school, but he was like a flexed-out tight end. And when he came to BC, there were some tight ends at that point that we had, and he's like, 'Do you mind if I play defensive end?' I'm like, 'No, try defensive end,' because he wasn't going to play as a freshman at tight end. He was actually going to be a good defensive end, and then Chud got hurt, and we moved him to tight end, and he's had a really good offseason."
Leroy Harris III, DE, Kansas
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 260 pounds
2025 stats: 4.5 sacks, 8 pass breakups, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1 blocked kick, 31 tackles
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated as recruit (signed with Chattanooga)
Harris isn't a sleeper for Kansas fans, who saw him emerge as a disruptor last season, leading the team in both sacks and pass breakups. The Chattanooga transfer showed his playmaking skills against Big 12 opponents such as UCF, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Utah, where he had a tackle for loss and three pass breakups in the regular-season finale. Harris has been through another year of development in Kansas' offseason program and could be among the Big 12's top pass rushers.
Coach's take: "Leroy burst on the scene last year, and he continues to play well for us," Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold told ESPN. "He's put on over 35 pounds since he's been here, he's gotten faster. I think he's got a chance to have a breakout year as a defensive end."
Marco Jones, DE, Texas A&M
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 258 pounds
2025 stats: 13 games, 21 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss,
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Four stars, No. 201 overall, No. 20 defensive end, No. 18 in California
After Cashius Howell turned out to be an excellent sleeper pick in 2025, I'm going back to the defensive line for the next selection from the Aggies. Jones tied for fifth on the team in sacks despite a somewhat limited role, which should increase with Howell and others moving on. A talented baseball player, Jones played both sports for Texas A&M in 2025 before choosing to focus solely on football. He has added some weight and has ideal size for an edge rusher.
Coach's take: "He's extremely athletic and has a tremendous ability to rush the passer," Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said. "He has a really good feel for getting off the ball and creating problems for offensive tackles. As he continues to develop and learn, I think he's going to be a really, really good football player for us."
Tyren Polley Jr., S, SMU
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot, 195 pounds
2025 stats: 20 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 74 safety, No. 141 in Texas
Coach Rhett Lashlee described Polley as "a guy who's going to be a star" for SMU, which likely will rely more on the sophomore in the back end. Polley tied for second on the team in interceptions as a freshman despite appearing in only six games. SMU made a big transfer push in the secondary with Jarvis Lee (South Florida) and Jimmy Wyrick (UTSA), but Polley will have a significant role among the holdovers.
Coach's take: "He played behind Isaiah Nwokobia, and candidly played better than him last year, he was just hurt a lot as a true freshman," Lashlee told ESPN. "He's going to be really good. He's physical, he can hit and run, he can cover, he's super smart. The game, it's slow to him, and he has a maturity that allows him to soak it up early."
DJ Miller, WR, Kentucky
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 208 pounds
2025 stats: 13 receptions, 175 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 3 starts
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 105 wide receiver, No. 8 in Missouri
Miller is among the holdovers on offense from the previous coaching staff, and he has a chance to see his production grow under new boss Will Stein. Miller had at least one catch in six of his seven games as a true freshman last fall, and had a breakout performance against Tennessee with five receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns, which tied the team single-game freshman record. Miller started three games against SEC opponents and had all but one of his receptions against conference foes.
Coach's take: "He's a big, physical wide receiver," Stein told ESPN. "He's a good ball-in-hand player, and ready for a breakout season."
Zechariah Sample, WR, Texas State
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Height/weight: 5-foot-10, 175 pounds
2025 stats: 12 punt returns, 101 returns yards at Arizona State
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 61 athlete, No. 115 in Texas (signed with Arizona State)
Sample did not factor as a receiver at Arizona State, playing primarily as a punt returner, but his speed should help a Texas State offense that finished fifth nationally in yards and 12th in scoring last season. The three-star prospect returns to his home state and joins an offense that brings back 1,000-yard receivers Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn Jr.
Coach's take: "Sample just really fits the offense really well," Texas State coach GJ Kinne said. "Super fast, great ball skills, going to be a great complement to Beau and Chris. His speed really jumps out."
Quaid Carr, RB, Washington
Class: Redshirt freshman
Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 189 pounds
2025 stats: 2 games, 4 carries, 14 rushing yards, 1 reception
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 58 running back, No. 62 in California
Washington has a clear need at running back after the departures of Jonah Coleman, a fourth-round NFL draft pick, and primary backup Adam Mohammed (transfer to Cal). Although Oregon transfer Jayden Limar and holdover Jordan Washington are in the mix for carries, Carr could quickly move up the depth chart. He shined during spring practice as Limar and Washington were both recovering from surgery.
Coach's take: "He was behind Jonah, behind Adam, behind Jordan Washington, so there just really wasn't a lot of space for him to peek his head out [last season]," Huskies coach Jedd Fisch told ESPN. "This spring, he ran with the 1s, and what I saw a year ago continued to show up and got better and better and better. He's trained extremely well, he does everything right off the field and he's a powerful runner with great vision."
Matt Wagner, TE, Boise State
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 250 pounds
2025 stats: 14 games (10 starts), 24 receptions, 251 receiving yards, 1 TD
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Two stars, No. 50 tight end, No. 297 in Texas
Wagner spent two seasons honing his game behind primary tight end Matt Lauter, and will now step into a lead role for quarterback Maddux Madsen. He has excellent size and should be a more featured target in the passing game, as Boise State must replace its top four receptions leaders from 2025. His blocking skills are strong, and the question now is how much he can grow in the passing game.
Coach's take: "He's going to be one of the better tight ends we've had here in my 10 years," Boise State coach Spencer Danielson told ESPN. "He just can do it all. A lot of tight ends, you're like, 'OK, he's our pass guy.' You can flex him out, he can run on a safety, but you bring him in line, he's going to get his tail kicked by a D-end. What I like about Matt is he is a matchup problem in the pass game, but he'll mix it up with any defensive end."
Christian Bodnar, DB, Oklahoma State
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot, 188 pounds
2025 stats: 9 starts, 44 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 pass breakups at Liberty
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 95 cornerback, No. 152 in Florida (signed with Liberty)
After an illness nearly ended his playing career at Liberty in 2024, Bodnar returned last season, appeared in all 12 games and finished fourth on the team in tackles. A winner of the Comeback Player of the Year award, he gets his opportunity with a Power 4 defense and a new staff in Stillwater, which will look to capitalize on his versatility and ability to defend both the pass and run. He had three sacks the past two seasons at Liberty.
Coach's take: "He's played a ton of positions, played some safety, played some corner, really good athlete," Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris told ESPN. "We moved him to the nickel position, and in our package, we're going to allow him to blitz some and play some man-to-man coverage. Just kind of a Swiss Army knife out there, he's so valuable to us. He's a great cover guy with his size. If you have a slot corner that can play man-to-man, can tackle, and as an elite blitzer off the edge, you could do so much."
Makhi Hughes, RB, Houston
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 6-foot, 210 pounds
2025 stats: 17 carries, 70 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 24 receiving yards at Oregon
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 84 running back, No. 50 in Alabama (signed with Tulane)
Hughes' season at Oregon didn't come close to expectations, but he's not far removed from a two-year run at Tulane in which he piled up 2,779 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, twice earning first-team All-AAC honors and being named AAC Rookie of the Year and a freshman All-American in 2023. Houston coach Willie Fritz recruited Hughes to Tulane and could unlock what was lacking at Oregon last fall.
Coach's take: "He had a couple great seasons for us back at Tulane," Fritz told ESPN. "It was very appealing to him, coming back and playing for my system but really for our offensive coordinator, Slade Nagle. He had great success under Coach Nagle, understands the offense, a lot of the terminology is similar. If he was going to get a fresh start, he wanted to go someplace where he had some familiarity with the coaches and the staff."
Kingston Lopa, S, California
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 210 pounds
2025 stats: 12 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass breakup at Oregon
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Four stars, No. 164 overall, No. 13 safety, No. 16 in California (signed with Oregon)
Despite losing his starting job at Oregon following an injury last season, Lopa followed Tosh Lupoi to Cal. He has incredible length for a safety at 6-foot-5, and brings 19 games of experience, mostly as a reserve on defense and on special teams. Lopa's size and ball skills stood out during spring practice and the offseason, and he joins a mix of other transfers and holdovers in Cal's secondary.
Coach's take: "A guy that's got really strong potential," Lupoi told ESPN. "His true freshman year, he started in the Big Ten championship game -- that was the first time he played. Just his demeanor, he's like, 'What's my job?' And he [was told] 'You're going to erase Tyler Warren,' a top-10 pick, the Mackey Award winner, and he's like, 'OK.' That's how he's built, and he did a great job in that game. Going into the next season, he was our starter, and then he had a high ankle sprain, went out ... and became more of a rotational player."
Gavin Freeman, WR, Baylor
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 5-foot-9, 189 pounds
2025 stats: 53 receptions, 481 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns, 48 rushing yards
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 209 wide receiver, No. 29 in Oklahoma (signed with Oklahoma)
Baylor is looking for reliable options around new quarterback DJ Lagway, and Freeman brings Big 12 experience from both Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, where he earned honorable mention all-league honors in 2023. He had 42 career appearances and will slide into the primary slot receiver role in coordinator Jake Spavital's offense. Freeman also can be used as a runner and should be a factor on special teams after having 17 punt returns last season.
Coach's take: "He was one of the worst matchups for us when we played Oklahoma State," Baylor coach Dave Aranda told ESPN. "Gavin [symbolizes] the team that we want to become. If you said, 'Hey, there's 105 of him,' they would be chip-on-the-shoulder, tough, competitive, rises to the moment, keeps coming, hard to kill. Gavin's going to be a really go-to guy for us."
Messiah Delhomme, S, Maryland
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 196 pounds
2025 stats: 39 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 2 blocked punts
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Four stars, No. 231 overall, No. 20 safety, No. 6 in Virginia
The ESPN 300 prospect displayed his talents as a true freshman in 2025, shining on special teams and carving out an increasingly bigger role in the secondary, where he made a start and appeared in all 12 games. Delhomme was named Maryland's special teams player of the year after becoming one of only 11 FBS players to block multiple kicks. He also led the team with 11 tackles against eventual national champion Indiana and had an interception against Nebraska.
Coach's take: "He was always around the ball, a super, super crafty guy," Maryland coach Mike Locksley told ESPN. "Instinctual, great ball skills, really strong tackler. I mean, he's just a ball hawk. Some of it's just innate with him."
MJ Cannon, S/LB, Cincinnati
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds
2025 stats: 57 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups at Bowling Green
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated (signed with Illinois State)
Cannon has been productive at his previous two spots and could be an integral piece of Cincinnati's defense this fall because of his experience and ability to line up at different spots. He earned second-team All-Missouri Valley honors with Illinois State in 2023 after recording three interceptions and 13 passes defended, and was third-team All-MAC last fall for Bowling Green. A natural playmaker, he has eight career interceptions.
Coach's take: "He can run, has got great length, he could really probably start at four positions for us on this defense," Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield told ESPN. "He's one of the more versatile players on our team, and I love his demeanor. Plays with great poise in the defensive backfield."
TreyShun Hurry, WR, Louisville
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
2025 stats: 15 receptions, 122 receiving yards, 1 touchdowns, 11 starts
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated (signed with Weber State)
Louisville's receiving corps will look different with Chris Bell, Caullin Lacy and others departing. While coach Jeff Brohm is bullish on Vanderbilt transfer Tre Richardson -- "He's got to catch 80-plus balls and 10-plus touchdowns for us to do well," Brohm said -- Hurry also is in line for a bigger role. He had 481 receiving yards on 28 receptions for San Jose State in 2024 and will be entering his fifth college season after two years at Weber State.
Coach's take: "He didn't play a lot last year, but sometimes the second year of a transfer, even back to when we were doing this before others were out of the junior college ranks, they do a much better job their second year," Brohm told ESPN. "I think he'll shine for us. He's a big 6-2 and a half, 200-pound receiver."
Matt Fuller, RB, South Carolina
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 221 pounds
2025 stats: 72 carries, 260 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, 6 receptions, 32 receiving yards
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Four stars, No. 22 running back, No. 38 in Georgia
Fuller has been one of South Carolina's biggest offseason stars, being named the team's offensive player of the spring and continuing to progress in camp. He had a 72-yard touchdown run last year against LSU and helped seal a win against Kentucky with 48 rushing yards. South Carolina needs to improve a rushing attack that slipped to 117th nationally last season and will feature Fuller this fall under new coordinator Kendal Briles.
Coach's take: "He's powerful and explosive," South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said of Fuller. "He's a more mature version than what he was a couple years ago, and you are seeing that manifest itself with the way that he's performing on the field. The new [offensive] system will help him and our run game."
Gavin Hunter, S, Arizona
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 207 pounds
2025 stats: 19 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 107 athlete, No. 4 in Hawai'i
Hunter was overshadowed by Arizona's contingent of future NFL draft picks in the secondary last season, but he continued to work hard behind the scenes and projects as one of the back-end leaders this fall. He showed playmaking ability despite a reduced role and was one of four players with three or more tackles for loss and three or more pass breakups. Hunter also has good length and can be used in multiple roles by coordinator Danny Gonzales.
Coach's take: "Gavin's going to be the biggest surprise in the Big 12," Gonzales told ESPN. "He played so well the first three games, and his maturity to handle Treydan Stukes coming in and him getting pushed to the back burner, and him being a team guy and still learning and not just pouting and being a crybaby about it, I think, is going to serve him tremendously."
Alex Sanford Jr., LB, Pittsburgh
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 235 pounds
2025 stats: 46 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery at Purdue
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 35 linebacker, No. 21 in Mississippi (signed with Arkansas)
Despite Purdue's recent struggles, the Boilers have had talented players transfer out and impact their new teams, including Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Will Helt (Clemson), Max Klare (Ohio State) and Nic Scourton (Texas A&M). Pitt hopes Sanford can help fill a need at linebacker after losing Kyle Louis to the NFL and Rasheem Biles to Texas. Sanford, who started his college career at Arkansas, started nine games for Purdue last fall and had six or more tackles in four Big Ten games.
Coach's take: "I think he's a dude," Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi told ESPN. "We lost a good linebacker to Texas [Biles], but this kid's a good football player. He's physical, tough. I think we stole this kid."
Ben Rothhaar, TE, Rutgers
Class: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 240 pounds
2025 stats: 6 games played
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 58 tight end-H, No. 75 in Ohio
Rothhaar did not record a catch in six appearances as a freshman last fall, but projects as a bigger factor in the team's passing game as a sophomore. Rutgers has more experienced tight ends, but the position group overall is open and creates opportunities for players like Rothhaar, a four-sport athlete in high school.
Coach's take: "No one knows who he is, but he's athletically a pretty gifted guy, and depending on how we use him schematically, he's got a chance to make a difference," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano told ESPN. "He's learning the position. It might be a year early still, but you ask for somebody that might be a dark horse, come out of nowhere, he might be one."
DJ Johnson Jr., LB, East Carolina
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot, 224 pounds
2025 stats: 60 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, one-half sack, 2 QB hurries, 8 starts
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three starts, No. 39 inside linebacker, No. 122 in Georgia
Johnson has seen his role increase in each of the past two seasons and should be a featured player for coach Blake Harrell's defense this fall. The son of former Baylor and NFL defensive end Dwight Johnson finished second on the team in tackles last fall, including 10 -- the most by any Pirate in a game -- against UTSA.
Coach's take: "DJ could have a good year," ECU coach Blake Harrell told ESPN. "Just kind of a ball hawk. He's undersized, but he's just got a nose for the ball. He'll make a bunch of tackles, could lead us in tackles."
Jojo Phillips, WR, BYU
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 205 pounds
2025 stats: 8 games (6 starts), 14 receptions, 161 receiving yards
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 139 wide receiver, No. 97 in California
BYU's wide receiver room turns over significantly from 2025, but Phillips is the main holdover and projects to have a much bigger role this fall. He sustained a fractured collarbone early last season that kept him out until November. Phillips was productive down the stretch, especially against Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl with 53 receiving yards on four catches. He also gives quarterback Bear Bachmeier a big target on the outside.
Coach's take: "He's been in the program three years, super talented guy," BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick told ESPN. "He had a really serious injury last year, just one of those injuries that really affects your confidence. He had a little break to be ready for the bowl game, and he played so well, and it's, 'OK, that's the guy.' I'm expecting Jojo to be a really good player this year. He's 6-4, 6-5, he can run."
Scoop Gardner Jr., DE, Western Michigan
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 255 pounds
2025 stats: 52 tackles, 7 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick, 4 QB hurries at Long Island
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated (signed with Long Island)
Gardner is among the large transfer group Western Michigan added for its defensive line to help a unit that ranked 17th nationally last season and lost MAC Defensive Player of the Year Nadame Tucker. He shined last season for FCS Long Island, leading the Sharks in sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles. Gardner had five games with multiple tackles for loss, including against Florida in the season opener.
Coach's take: "He has been excellent," WMU coach Lance Taylor told ESPN. "He has elite effort and he's disruptive, because of running to the football. Whether it's run game or pass game, he's been really hard for us to block. From a measurables standpoint, he's undersized, but he's going to create havoc with quick movement, burst to the football, finish, all those things have really shown up."
Brandon White, WR, Kansas State
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 5-foot-7, 168 pounds
2025 stats: 12 games (4 starts), 38 receptions, 399 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs, 36 rushing yards, 21 kick returns yards at Hawai'i
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 144 wide receiver, No. 27 in Ohio (signed with Kentucky)
After spending his first three seasons at Kentucky, White is returning to the Power 4 after by far his most productive year, as he had multiple receptions in all but one game for Hawai'i. He had six 20-yard receptions and three of 30 yards or longer last season, and had a productive midseason stretch with 47 yards or more against four consecutive Mountain West opponents. His second touchdown catch came in Hawai'i's bowl game victory against Cal. White should be an effective slot receiver option for K-State.
Coach's take: "He's undersized, he's got the ability to run, he's really dynamic with the ball in his hands," Kansas State coach Collin Klein told ESPN. "He's got a chance to be explosive with some of the things we're going to be able to build around him. I think he's got a chance."
DJ Epps, WR, West Virginia
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 188 pounds
2025 stats: 14 games (10 starts), 47 receptions, 512 receiving yards, 5 receiving touchdowns, 554 kick return yards
ESPN recruiting snapshot: Not rated as a recruit (signed with Troy)
West Virginia's second major transfer haul under coach Rich Rodriguez prioritized experience and production, mostly at the Group of 6 level, and Epps checked those boxes. He led Troy in receptions and tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns, while finishing second in receiving yards. He had two 100-yard receiving performances -- recording two scoring catches in each -- and two others with 50 or more yards. Epps also shined on returns, finishing second in the Sun Belt in return yards.
Coach's take: "He was very productive at Troy, walked on initially, and in spring ball and fall training camp, he has stood out every day," WVU coach Rich Rodriguez told ESPN. "He's got great ball skills, understands what we're doing. What we saw on film, we're getting and then some."