The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, and FOX Sports has identified 10 breakout candidates who could steal the show. From seasoned veterans stepping into new roles to promising transfers and rising stars, these players are poised to make a significant impact. Let's dive into the top 10 breakout candidates and explore what makes them so exciting to watch.
Josh Hoover, QB, Indiana
As one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football, Josh Hoover is set to make a splash at Indiana. With over 9,600 passing yards and 71 touchdowns under his belt from his time at TCU, Hoover joins a Curt Cignetti program known for maximizing transfer quarterbacks. If he follows the path of Kurtis Rourke and Fernando Mendoza, he could become one of the biggest stars in the sport. Personally, I think Hoover's experience and the program's expertise in developing quarterbacks make him a strong contender for a breakout season. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for him to elevate Indiana's program to new heights.
Damon Wilson II, Edge, Miami
Miami is counting on Damon Wilson II to fill the void left by two elite pass rushers who entered the NFL Draft. The former five-star recruit made a name for himself at Missouri with nine sacks and 54 quarterback pressures last season. With proven SEC production and tremendous athletic upside, Wilson is poised to become one of the ACC's top defensive players. In my opinion, his ability to generate pressure could make him a game-changer for the Miami Hurricanes. What many people don't realize is that his impact could extend beyond just sacks and tackles, as he has the potential to disrupt entire offenses.
Andrew Marsh, WR, Michigan
Andrew Marsh quietly had one of the best freshman seasons in the country last year, becoming a bright spot in a Michigan passing attack that struggled throughout the season. Now, entering 2026 as one of Bryce Underwood's top targets, Marsh is poised for a breakout season. A 1,000-yard season is firmly within reach, and his improved quarterback play could make him a key factor in Michigan's success. From my perspective, Marsh's quiet rise and the potential for a big season make him an intriguing player to watch. What this really suggests is that Michigan's passing attack could be on the verge of a significant turnaround.
Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
Trey’Dez Green is one of the few returning offensive playmakers from LSU's previous regime. He showed major growth late last season and finished third on the team in receiving yards. With size and athleticism, he is an intriguing weapon in Lane Kiffin's offense. Expect him to become a featured piece of the Tigers' passing attack. Personally, I think Green's growth and the potential for him to become a featured player make him an exciting prospect. What makes this particularly fascinating is the possibility of him becoming a go-to target for LSU's quarterback, which could have a significant impact on the team's success.
Kamari Moulton, RB, Iowa
Kamari Moulton has steadily increased his production in each season at Iowa, flashing big-play ability and rushing for 878 yards last year. With Iowa's strong track record of developing under-the-radar talent, Moulton appears next in line for a breakout season. A 1,000-yard season could elevate him onto NFL Draft boards. In my opinion, Moulton's steady improvement and the potential for a big season make him a player to watch. What this really suggests is that Iowa's running game could be on the verge of a significant breakthrough, which could have a ripple effect on the entire team's performance.
Aneyas Williams, RB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame must replace Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, but Aneyas Williams showed plenty of promise in limited action, averaging an eye-popping 9.3 yards per carry last season. With running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider having developed NFL talent at multiple stops, Williams could be the next Fighting Irish running back to emerge nationally. Personally, I think Williams' potential and the expertise of the coaching staff make him a strong contender for a breakout season. What this raises a deeper question: Can Notre Dame's running game return to its former glory?
Earl Little Jr., DB, Ohio State
Ohio State added Earl Little Jr. to help replace All-American safety Caleb Downs. The former Florida State standout brings versatility and experience to the Buckeyes' secondary. With the ability to play multiple positions, Little could impact the game in a variety of ways. His role in Matt Patricia's defense could grow quickly this fall. From my perspective, Little's versatility and the potential for him to become a key player make him an exciting prospect. What this really suggests is that Ohio State's defense could be on the verge of a significant turnaround, which could have a ripple effect on the entire team's performance.
Terrell Anderson, WR, USC
USC enters the season with questions at wide receiver after losing several key contributors. Terrell Anderson arrives as one of the most accomplished transfers in the country, expected to provide leadership and production for a young receiving corps. If the Trojans reach playoff contention, Anderson will likely play a major role. In my opinion, Anderson's leadership and the potential for him to become a key player make him an exciting prospect. What many people don't realize is that his impact could extend beyond just statistics, as he has the potential to become a mentor for younger players.
Chaz Coleman, Edge, Tennessee
Chaz Coleman's talent is undeniable, but his status remains worth monitoring. The former Penn State standout has dealt with off-the-field issues and is not currently with the Tennessee program. If he returns, he is widely expected to compete for a starting role under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. His upside could make him one of the SEC's most impactful defenders. Personally, I think Coleman's potential and the impact he could have on Tennessee's defense make him a player to watch. What this really suggests is that the SEC could be on the verge of a significant defensive turnaround, which could have a ripple effect on the entire conference's performance.
Noah Rogers, WR, Alabama
Noah Rogers has taken an unconventional path to Alabama, transferring from Ohio State to NC State and developing into a productive receiver. His strong play earned him another high-profile opportunity with the Crimson Tide, where he is expected to compete for a starting role. If he becomes Alabama's next breakout pass catcher, it could have a significant impact on the team's success. From my perspective, Rogers' unconventional path and the potential for him to become a key player make him an exciting prospect. What this really suggests is that Alabama's receiving corps could be on the verge of a significant turnaround, which could have a ripple effect on the entire team's performance.
In conclusion, the 2026 college football season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and these 10 breakout candidates are poised to make a significant impact. From seasoned veterans to promising transfers and rising stars, these players are set to steal the show. As we eagerly await the season's kickoff, let's keep an eye on these breakout candidates and see if they can live up to the hype. What this really suggests is that the college football landscape could be on the verge of a significant shift, with new stars emerging and old ones rising to the occasion.
