As college football gears up for the 2026 season, Forbes highlights ten standout players from the Power Five conferences who are expected to make significant impacts. Leading the list is Ohio State’s wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, a Miami Gardens native whose impressive performances landed him sixth in last year’s Heisman Trophy voting. Smith’s consistent ability to rack up 100-yard games and clutch touchdowns makes him a top contender for college football’s most prestigious individual award. Sharing the Heisman buzz is Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who led the nation in completion percentage and with his top receiver, is poised to light up the scoreboard once again.

Quarterbacks dominate the list, including Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss, a senior and former Division II transfer whose leadership propelled the Rebels to the College Football Playoff last season. Ole Miss also boasts powerhouse running back Kewan Lacy, who shattered school records with 24 rushing touchdowns and over 1,500 yards. Oregon’s Dante Moore is another signal-caller to watch; he stood out in 2025 despite the team’s injury-plagued receiving corps and will enter 2026 with a healthy group around him. Meanwhile, Texas brings in Arch Manning, who is entering his fourth season and has been bolstered by a strong influx of transfer talent aiming to put the Longhorns back in the national title conversation.

The list also includes notable defensive players who could shape key matchups and earn individual accolades. Leonard Moore, a cornerback at Notre Dame, has garnered first-team All-American honors with his lockdown coverage and playmaking ability in the secondary. Texas’ Colin Simmons stands out as a pass-rushing threat, leading the SEC in sacks last season and expected to flourish under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. Indiana’s Carter Smith is a crucial left tackle helping solidify an offensive line that aims to make the Hoosiers a Joe Moore Award contender for the nation’s best offensive line.

Other offensive weapons among the top players include Miami’s Malachi Toney, an all-purpose receiver known for his quick impact and versatility, and Ohio State’s standout quarterback-target duo of Sayin and Smith, who highlight one of the nation’s most potent offenses. These ten players represent a mix of established stars and rising talents who will be central to their teams’ aspirations for conference titles and national championships as the 2026 college football season unfolds. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who emerges as this year’s breakout star and joins the elite echelon of college football’s best athletes.