5 College Football Stars Turning Heads After Week 1 of Fall Camp

The preseason is bringing the best out of college football players around the country.

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Justin Scott (5) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

College football is inching closer with teams across the country in the early stages of fall camp.

These are the dog days when established stars showcase their talents. However, it's also a time for young players and unexpected risers to let the coaching staff know they're ready for the next step.

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Consistency is the main focus over the next couple of weeks, but these five trending names are gaining buzz to play big roles for their respective programs.

1. Devin McCuin, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin McCuin (3) makes a catch during the first practice of training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Aug. 6, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

McCuin just transferred to Ohio State following three seasons at UTSA. During his career with the Roadrunners, he put up nearly 1,700 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

A three-star transfer, McCuin was somewhat of an afterthought entering a loaded Buckeyes wide receiver room. He's essentially moving up a level, and his size doesn't pop off the page at 6-foot-0, 195 pounds.

Don't tell that to McCuin. According to CBS Sports' Brad Crawford, McCuin is making a legitimate push to be considered Ohio State's No. 2 receiver behind Jeremiah Smith. He's making Brandon Inniss work to keep his job at this stage.

2. Justin Scott, Defensive Lineman, Miami

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Justin Scott (5) after defeating the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami fell just short in the national championship game and is working on picking up the pieces going into 2026. The Hurricanes are replacing a handful of key faces from their vaunted defensive front.

Junior Justin Scott and redshirt senior Ahmad Moten are the only two returning starters in the trenches. Scott is a former five-star prospect who totaled 26 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass deflection last season.

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Going into year three, Scott is more comfortable as a leader and could develop into a national name as one of the faces of Miami's revamped defense. His pure strength is jaw-dropping.

3. EJ Crowell, Running Back, Alabama

Aug. 7, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Running back EJ Crowell runs during practice for the Alabama Crimson Tide. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Crowell is only a true freshman. Not only that, he's a year ahead of schedule after reclassifying from the 2027 class. So what? The former five-star recruit has done nothing but impress since enrolling at Alabama.

When the pads came on, Crowell didn't blink despite being arguably the youngest player on the field, per CBS Sports. Though he might not start, he's in the mix to play a sizable role in the backfield alongside Daniel Hill, AK Dear, and Kevin Riley.

Crowell set the Alabama single-season rushing record as a sophomore, and broke that mark by a wide margin last season. In 2025, he rushed 209 times for 2,632 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading Jackson High School to its second straight state championship.

4. Jelani McDonald, Safety, Texas

Nov 22, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) scratches his helmet after making a tackle during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

McDonald technically falls into established star territory. Though he wasn't an All-American or All-SEC selection last season, he still started all 13 games, totaling 80 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 3 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions.

Going into his second year as a full-time starter, Texas is looking to McDonald to be a leader, and he's accepted the challenge this preseason. He's got elite length and is a solid enough athlete to play across the secondary.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian even wondered aloud earlier this month why McDonald isn't receiving more buzz. He can quickly put the doubters to rest when Texas hosts Ohio State on September 12.

5. Byron Baldwin Jr., Safety, Indiana

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Byron Baldwin Jr. (2) against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A breakout season might very well be around the corner for Indiana sophomore safety Byron Baldwin Jr. It was on the table last year, considering Baldwin Jr. was the Hoosiers' top-rated prep signee. However, an injury kept him out of the first five games.

Baldwin Jr. still appeared in eight contests and earned valuable experience behind one of the best defenses in America. With Louis Moore and Devan Boykin off to the NFL, Baldwin Jr. figures to start at one of the safety positions.

Though young, Baldwin Jr. brings physicality and playmaking ability to the secondary. The biggest question mark will be his communication as an underclassman, but Curt Cignetti will keep him in check as the Hoosiers look for another championship.

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