10 CFB Players to Watch for this Season

10. QB Arch Manning: Texas Longhorns

Going into last season Texas fans expected nothing less than a playoff appearance from Arch Manning’s Longhorns. However, Arch did not deliver on those expectations and struggled to find his footing during the season. He threw for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. The Longhorns went 10-3 last season, but two of those victories were against Kentucky and Mississippi State which were won in overtime. Late in the season Arch showed us what we were looking for all year. He led Texas to a win over No.3 Texas A&M throwing for 179 yards and a touchdown with 53 rushing yards including a touchdown. Being a dual threat is what we hoped to see out of him all season and ending last year strongly gives hope for 2026. This potential is why he starts off our list. 

9. ED Dylan Stewart: South Carolina Gamecocks

Despite a rough season for the Gamecocks, Dylan Stewart still found a way to shine. He recorded 19 solo tackles and 4.5 sacks in the 2025 season. While those numbers don’t jump off the page it was his explosiveness off the snap, and raw athleticism that caught everyone’s attention. His ability to collapse the pocket forcing quick throws and track down ball carriers from the backside is what makes him stand out. This will most likely be his last year playing college ball and he is projected as an early first round pick in next year's draft.

8. S/WR Koi Perich: Oregon Ducks

Koi Perich will play his first season with Oregon after transferring from Minnesota this offseason. He reminds many of Taysom Hill, as he has the ability to play every position. Last season he had 39 solo tackles, a pick six, and 7 receptions for 89 yards, but it doesn’t stop there. Perich had 37 returns with his longest being 93 yards. His athleticism is what makes him such a good pick up for Oregon. We don’t know how his role will change with the Ducks, but he will make an impact on whatever side of the ball he plays on.

7. WR Malachi Toney: Miami Hurricane

Malachi Toney had a standout season with the Miami Hurricanes last year. He led college football with 109 receptions for 1,211 yards, while scoring 10 touchdowns. There’s no surprise why he should be on this list especially after his 10 receptions for 122 yards in the national championship game. This was all while being a true freshman. He was praised by Mario Cristobal for his work ethic during the season and he could only have gotten better in the offseason. Toney could be the difference maker again this season that helps Miami reach another college football playoff.

6. RB Caleb Hawkins: Oklahoma State Cowboys

Coming off an outstanding rookie season with North Texas rushing for 1,434 yards off of 231 carries and scoring 25 touchdowns (most in college football) in the process. Hawkins hopes to make just as much of an impact with Oklahoma State this season. His ability to break tackles and extend the play after first contact is what makes him stand out. The Big 12 is going to have trouble containing him this season.

5. QB Julian Sayin: Ohio State Buckeyes

Julian Sayin is coming off an incredible season with the Buckeyes. He threw for 3,610 yards with 32 Touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Yes, their season did end in a devastating fashion, losing in the Big 10 championship to Indiana due to a missed field goal, and then losing to Miami in the first round of the playoffs. However, Sayin led his team to an undefeated regular season, which he hopes to replicate next year. His throwing precision is unmatched with a pass completion rate of 77%. This, combined with his quick processing time, will leave defenses having nightmares about him. With a strong receiving core Sayin should continue to put up these numbers and maybe even lead his team on a deeper playoff run.

4. RB Kewan Lacy: Ole Miss Rebels

After leading the nation in carries last season and rushing for 1,567 yards with 24 touchdowns, Lacy had to be on this list. Obviously, he’s on this list because of his explosiveness and being able to handle a heavy workload, but there’s even more that makes his case interesting. After Ole Miss lost their Head Coach, offensive coordinator, and running back coach, Lacy wasn’t left with much to work with. When asked in an interview if he ever thought about leaving for LSU, he said it never crossed his mind. This is a player that believes in what Ole Miss has worked hard to build over the years and wants to be part of that success. We want to watch how Kewan Lacy continues to positively impact Ole Miss, and how Ole Miss can find a way to keep production up after losing major components to their coaching staff.

3. QB Jayden Maiva: USC Trojans

Entering his Senior year, Maiva has the tools around him to make some noise this season. After having a decent season with the Trojans going 9-4, while throwing for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, there are some places they can improve on. That’s going to be easier than you think though with 15 returning starters (the most in college football this year). Yes, he has been loose with the football in the past, but working with most of the same O-line can only make him more comfortable with the football. Seeing how Maiva can improve alongside the same team from last season can give us some competitive matchups with an already competitive Big 10.

2. CB Leonard Moore: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

After being named a Unanimous All American and a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award, all while being a sophomore, we knew there was more of this to come. After having a slow start to the season by coming up short against Miami and Texas A&M, Moore became a main reason why they won eight in a row to close out the season. He had 5 interceptions and returned one for a touchdown against Syracuse. His ability to shut down sides of the field haunts opposing quarterbacks, limiting them to a 50% completion rate. Moore will have a big role this season in aiding Notre Dame to a CFP appearance.

1. WR Jeremiah Smith: Ohio State Buckeyes

I think we all expected Jeremiah Smith to be on this list. Last season he had 87 receptions scoring 12 touchdowns for the Buckeyes. Measuring in at 6 '3 220lbs he creates some serious mismatches for smaller defensive backs. His 38-inch vertical allows him to dominate 50/50 balls in the air. He immediately gained media attention after breaking Ohio State's freshman receiving record while winning the National Championship in 2024. After an early exit in the playoffs last season, it will be interesting to see how Jeremiah Smith works with Sayin this year while hunting down another National Championship.