In 2025, players such as Ty Simpson, Elijah Griffin, Ellis Robinson, DJ Pickett, Dijon Lee, and others had breakout campaigns. In certain cases, such as prominent 5-star recruits, fans can spot these breakouts before the season starts. Sometimes it’s players who received playing time toward the end of the previous season who become starters the following year. Other times, these breakouts are unpredictable from players who went “under the radar.” Let’s talk about some potential breakouts for the 2026 college football season.
George MacIntyre, QB, Tennessee
MacIntyre finished the 2025 recruiting cycle as the #13 QB in the class and the #2 recruit in the state of Tennessee. While he must beat out freshman 5-star Faizon Brandon, MacIntyre is the early favorite to win the job due to his experience in the system. MacIntyre stands 6’5 with a very live arm, a trait that is essential in Heupel’s system, which demands many cross-field throws and go balls. MacIntyre finished the season 7/9 with 69 yards, leading one touchdown drive against East Tennessee State. He’s far from game-experienced, but his high level of arm talent makes him a dangerous weapon in Josh Heupel’s offense.
EJ Crowell, RB, Alabama
Crowell is one of those breakouts that everyone sees coming. He was ranked as the #1 RB in the 2027 class, then he reclassified to the 2026 class, finishing as the #2 RB and a 5-star. If you talk to those who live in Alabama, they will tell you he’s the best running back from the state in the 2000’s. As a junior, Crowell totaled 2,632 yards on 209 carries, averaging 12.6 YPC. How much workload can a 17-year-old handle in college football at the running back position? We’ll find out. Alabama is looking to revive its run game, and Crowell will be a major piece to the solution.
Jared Smith, DE, Auburn
Ranked as the #5 EDGE prospect in the 2025 class, Smith sat behind projected 1st round pick Keldric Faulk during this past season. Since arriving at Auburn, Smith has put on roughly 25-30 pounds, now standing 6’6 and 260 pounds. He possesses the traits to rush the passer from the outside while also holding his ground in the run game against SEC offensive tackles. Smith had just 53 pass rush snaps in 2025, totaling 2 sacks and 4 hurries. Smith is next in line to be a 1st round NFL draft pick in a couple of years. He’s one of college football’s freakiest athletic specimens.
Rasean Dinkins, DB, Georgia
Dinkins was rated as the #33 safety in the 2025 recruiting class. After arriving in Georgia, Dinkins quickly became a notable freshman. He appeared in 6 games as a backup before eventually making two starts. Now, those two starts showed quite the trust in Dinkins, as he started in the SEC Championship game and the College Football Playoff. Dinkins can play in the slot corner role or at safety. Depending on incoming transfers Ja’Marley Riddle and Khalil Barnes, Dinkins could be asked to play either position.
Aaron Philo, QB, Florida
Like MacIntyre, Philo hasn’t won the QB competition yet, though he’s viewed as the heavy favorite. Originally recruited to Georgia Tech as the #55 QB in the country, Philo followed offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to Gainesville. Philo was a standout QB in Georgia high school football, passing for 4,598 yards and 54 TDs in 2022, earning Class A Player of the Year honors. He attempted just 102 passes during his two years at Georgia Tech, throwing for 938 yards on 9.2 YPA, including 373 yards in his start against Gardner-Webb. Buster Faulkner is viewed as one of college football’s best play callers, and Philo will be well-equipped with 5-star weapons at wide receiver.
Adepoju Adebawore, DE, Oklahoma
Adebawore is a great example of a player who has stayed patient and developed behind veteran NFL talent. While Adebawore was rated as the #2 EDGE in the 2023 recruiting class, he was still quite a raw prospect. His ranking came mostly from his massive frame and 7′ wingspan. Now standing at 6’4 260-265 pounds, he’s ready to take on a full workload as an SEC defensive end. Adebawore has totaled 5 sacks, 10 TFLs, 8 QB hits, and 15 hurries through three seasons, while players such as R Mason Thomas, Marvin Jones, and Taylor Wein have made it difficult to earn starting reps. Adebawore is one of college football’s biggest defensive wildcards.
Jackson Lloyd, OT, Alabama
Lloyd will likely not make any of these breakout lists made by others. Personally, I believe Lloyd has the goods to be an All-SEC OL immediately. Lloyd was a fast riser in the recruiting rankings, rising from #513 to #44 in just one season. He currently stands 6’7 and 318 pounds with a 7′ wingspan. He was an all-league basketball player in Southern California, hence his elite footwork despite being 6’7. Scouts have raved about Lloyd’s aggression, frequently finishing run blocks all the way to the ground. Immediately after starting spring practice, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb named Jackson Lloyd the starting LT. Lloyd has all of the traits to be an elite OT in college football.
Jared Curtis, QB, Vanderbilt
Curtis is an absolute wildcard entering the 2026 college football season. Although ranked the #2 QB in the 2026 recruiting class, Curtis was considered a raw prospect. His ranking was derived mostly from his physical traits, as he stands roughly 6’4″ and 225 pounds with a rocket arm. He consistently broke tackles when escaping the pocket, made many highlight throws out of the pocket, and was known for being an elite creator on the move. The biggest caveat to Curtis’ immediate success is that he played 2A high school football, so his jump in competition is indescribable. Regardless, Curtis possesses one of the strongest throwing arms in the nation and is built like the prototype NFL QB.
Ethan Barbour, TE, Georgia
Barbour’s breakout season should’ve happened in 2025, but a leg injury cost him 90% of the season. Despite Georgia’s TE room being loaded with elite recruits and NFL talent, Barbour became a day-1 starter as a true freshman, starting the first two games of the season before his injury. Barbour was the #9 TE in the 2025 recruiting class, while ranked the #1 TE by ESPN. At 6’3 235 pounds, he’s the perfect H-TE for Georgia’s offense. Barbour possesses elite speed at the TE position as well, being able to outrun LBs and DBs in the open field. In 2025, Barbour became one of college football’s most promising TEs. I expect him to return to form.
Chaz Coleman, EDGE, Tennessee
Coleman originally played at Penn State, enrolling as the #31 EDGE prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. Coleman was an excellent scout by Penn State, and his potential shone throughout his first year. Drawing comparisons to Abdul Carter from Penn State coaches, Coleman led all true freshmen in pass rush grade with a 90.3. He totaled 1 sack, 4 QB hits, and 10 hurries in limited reps behind NFL draft picks such as Dani Dennis-Sutton. Coleman now transfers to Tennessee to play for his familiar defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles. Tennessee has developed very good EDGE talent in the last few years, and Coleman has a chance to be the best of them all.
