Top 10 College Football Breakout Stars of 2026 Season! [Ohio State, Alabama, Texas Highlights] (2026)

As the college football season approaches, the stage is set for a dramatic rise in the stock of certain players. The first week of fall camp is a crucial period, where depth charts are formed and the reality of offseason projections collides with the raw talent on the field. This is the time when players make their case for a starting job, and the buzz around them can be a game-changer. Let's take a closer look at some of the players who are making waves and why their emergence could significantly impact their teams this season.

Devin McCuin, WR, Ohio State

Devin McCuin, a fourth-year wideout, is making waves in the Big Ten. His confidence and polished route-running skills have been on full display during the early portion of fall camp. A source close to the team 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. This is a significant development for a transfer who arrived without the five-star billing that several others in the room had. McCuin's proven playmaking ability and experience at UTSA make him a legitimate riser, generating momentum at the right time as the season openers approach.

Justin Scott, DL, Miami

The Miami Hurricanes are in good hands up front defensively, despite losing multiple first-rounders. Justin Scott, a former five-star recruit, is taking a featured, potentially breakout role as a veteran. He has shown enhanced quickness and tenacity in camp, clogging up the middle as a defensive tackle. Scott's early intel suggests that he is ready to take on a more prominent role, and his performance in camp has been a positive sign for the team.

EJ Crowell, RB, Alabama

Alabama's offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, is planning to "resurrect" the team's run game, and EJ Crowell is a key part of that plan. The five-star freshman ballcarrier turned heads during the team's first day in pads. 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, this offense needs production, and Crowell is quickly showing why he was one of the cycle's most coveted ball-carriers.

Jelani McDonald, S, Texas

Jelani McDonald may be the most important player in Texas' secondary, and he's not getting the attention he deserves. According to Steve Sarkisian, McDonald is underrated, and his leadership and versatility give the Longhorns flexibility to disguise coverages and create pressure from multiple alignments. His vocal leadership during the team's stretch routine to open their second day of practice is a positive sign for the team.

Byron Baldwin Jr., S, Indiana

Byron Baldwin Jr. is a sophomore who is ready to breakout. He 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. However, Baldwin must also provide communication, reliability, and leadership to keep the entire unit connected.

Talyn Taylor, WR, Georgia

Talyn Taylor continues 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. His 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. Taylor's combination of size, polish, and ball skills makes him an obvious candidate along with Sacovie White-Helton and Isiah Canion.

Nasir Wyatt, LB, Oregon

Nasir Wyatt has finally bulked up and looks the part as one of the Ducks' outside linebackers. 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. This speaks to his offseason body makeover and what he's shown on the field early. However, Wyatt must continue to show consistency to warrant extended reps at an uber-talented position group for one of the Big Ten's frontrunners.

Jonaz Walton, RB, Notre Dame

Notre Dame assistant Ja'Juan Seider sees no redshirt coming for Jonaz Walton, given the 5-for-5 ruling and the splash he's already making during camp. Aneyas Williams will start this season, but given Seider's success with other running back duos, there's a chance this offense moves Walton into the mix with Williams, Nolan James, and Kedron Young early.

Emmanuel Poku, OG, South Carolina

Emmanuel Poku, an offensive line transfer, has been as good as advertised. A two-year starter at East Carolina, Poku was an all-conference performer last season at right guard. The former walk-on will play guard with the Gamecocks and has slimmed down to improve his agility at the line of scrimmage. Shane Beamer overhauled this position group this offseason, and Poku plays a major role in that potential turnaround.

DaSaahn Brame, TE, Tennessee

DaSaahn Brame, essentially Braylon Staley's backup in the slot during the second half of the 2025 season, has taken advantage of projected starter Ethan Davis' precautionary time away from practice. 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 Brame's focus and expects an increased role from him this season.

LaDamion Guyton, EDGE, Texas Tech

LaDamion Guyton, a true freshman, is a five-star from Georgia who is expected to rotate 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, but his assignment will be clear: attack the quarterback and disrupt the pocket.