Jeremiah Smith headlines eight college football stars to watch in 2026

Quarterbacks will inevitably command much of the attention, but several game-changing receivers and defenders could shape the national championship race.

With DAZN's college sports coverage now bigger than ever, following these emerging stars week to week is easier than ever.

Here are the top eight players worth following this season.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

Smith enters his third college season with 163 receptions, 2,558 yards and 27 receiving touchdowns already behind him.

The 6' 3" receiver recorded 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, finishing sixth in the Heisman vote.

His combination of size, speed and body control leaves defensive backs with few satisfactory options.

Ohio State begin against Ball State before visiting Manning and Texas on September 12.

Arch Manning, QB, Texas Longhorns

Manning’s first full season as Texas starter contained a shaky beginning but a strong finish. He threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns, adding 399 yards and ten scores on the ground as the Longhorns finished 10-3.

The redshirt junior passed, rushed and caught a touchdown during a six-score performance against Arkansas, displaying the versatility that makes him more than merely the latest quarterback from football’s most famous family.

Texas open against Texas State on September 5 before hosting Ohio State one week later.

Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Opposition quarterbacks may decide that avoiding Moore altogether is the safest policy.

The Notre Dame cornerback led his team with five interceptions last season while allowing a passer rating of only 45.9 when targeted.

Moore was a unanimous All-American and finalist for both the Jim Thorpe Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy.

At 6' 2", he has the length to contest catches and sufficient anticipation to punish almost any mistimed throw.

Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas Longhorns

Manning may lead the Texas offense, but Simmons is the player most likely to wreck an opponent’s afternoon.

The explosive edge defender led the SEC with 12 sacks in 2025, adding 15.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

Simmons registered at least one sack in each of Texas’ final five regular-season games and now enters his junior year as a leading contender for the major national defensive awards.

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon Ducks

Moore rewarded Oregon’s faith last season by guiding the Ducks to the College Football Playoff semi-final.

He completed 71.8% of his passes – the fourth-best rate nationally – while throwing for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and ten interceptions.

Another year in the offense should bring greater command at the line of scrimmage. It may also put Moore firmly in contention to be the first quarterback selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina Gamecocks

Stewart’s 2025 sack total fell to 4.5, but that figure does not fully reflect his influence. The 6' 5", 250lb defender still forced three fumbles and earned second-team All-SEC honours.

He has accumulated 22.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks across his first two seasons. An outstanding first step and considerable power make Stewart one of the country’s most disruptive edge defenders.

South Carolina open at home against Kent State on September 5.

Malachi Toney, WR, Miami Hurricanes

Toney’s debut campaign was outrageously productive. The Miami receiver led the nation with a school-record 109 catches, producing 1,211 receiving yards and ten touchdowns.

He also contributed as a runner, punt returner and occasional Wildcat quarterback, finishing with 1,622 all-purpose yards.

The reigning ACC Rookie of the Year begins his second season at Stanford on September 4.

Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss Rebels

Chambliss travelled an unlikely road from Division II Ferris State to the College Football Playoff semi-final.

After taking over at Ole Miss, he threw for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and only three interceptions, while rushing for another 527 yards and eight scores.

The sixth-year quarterback returns following a successful eligibility battle and will launch another playoff push against Louisville in Nashville on September 6.