The 2026 college football season may still feel far off, but the buzz around returning talent is already electric. Veterans who could have taken NFL paychecks chose to stay in college. Transfer portal moves have reshuffled rosters overnight. And several standout players are coming back to finish what they started. Here's a position-by-position look at the best of the best heading into what promises to be an unforgettable season.
Quarterback: Julian Sayin — Sayin completed an eye-popping 77 percent of his passes in his first year as a starter, leading the nation in completion percentage and earning Heisman finalist honors. The one area he's working on? Mobility. Head coach Ryan Day has made it clear that improving Sayin's legs is a top offseason priority. But with his arm and decision-making already elite, the ceiling is sky-high.
Running Back: Jeremiyah Hardy — Hardy exploded onto the SEC stage with 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in his debut season. He saved his best for last, torching Mississippi State for 300 yards and three scores — the third-highest single-game rushing total in SEC history. Skeptics wondered if his Sun Belt production would translate. It did, in a big way.
Running Back: Ulysses Bentley IV — Bentley carried the ball 306 times for 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns, helping Ole Miss reach the College Football Playoff semifinals. He turned down more money elsewhere to stay in Oxford. "I just felt like what we've built at Ole Miss is remarkable," he said. That kind of loyalty is rare in today's game.
Wide Receiver: Ryan Wingo — Over the last two seasons, Wingo has racked up 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns — more than any other player in the country. NFL draft analyst Todd McShay says Wingo's current grade already exceeds the scores he gave Marvin Harrison Jr., Ja'Marr Chase, and A.J. Green coming out of college. The only prospect McShay has ever rated higher? Calvin Johnson. That's rarefied air.
Wide Receiver: Johntay Cook II — Cook posted 93 receptions, 1,306 yards, and 13 touchdowns in two seasons at Auburn despite a limited role. Now he's catching passes from Arch Manning in Steve Sarkisian's offense. His take on the difference? "I'm running way more routes." With more opportunities, expect his production to soar.
Tight End: Trey'Dez Green — Green hauled in seven touchdown receptions in just 11 games — all while playing through a knee injury — on a 7-6 LSU team. At 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds with a Division I basketball background, he's too big for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers. Now playing in Lane Kiffin's offense at Ole Miss, he's poised to become a matchup nightmare.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting ready for the season, these are the names to know. And with the right gear from your favorite team, you'll be ready to cheer them on every step of the way.