Meet the 10 exciting college football standouts of spring 2026

Spring practice is rarely where legacies are made, but it is almost always where they begin to take shape. Across college football this spring, a handful of players are making the kind of noise that has coaches, teammates and analysts paying close attention. From flipped commitments to fresh starts, here are 10 players worth watching as the 2026 season draws closer.

Legend Bey, wide receiver, Ohio State Buckeyes

One of the more talked-about stories of the spring is Bey, a dynamic Texas native who flipped his commitment from Tennessee to Ohio State. His quickness and agility have drawn early comparisons to former Buckeye Curtis Samuel, and coach Ryan Day has taken notice of the stylistic similarities. If his spring momentum carries into fall camp, Bey could become one of the more exciting new names in Columbus.

Will Black, offensive tackle, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The redshirt freshman entered spring with question marks ahead of him on the depth chart, but Black has quietly made a compelling case for a starting role. At 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, the former five star prospect has pushed past early frontrunner Anthonie Knapp at left tackle. Notre Dame’s offensive line continuity could hinge on how quickly Black continues to develop.

 Mark Bowman, tight end, USC Trojans

USC’s recruiting class has produced several intriguing names, but Bowman may be the most versatile of the group. The 6-foot-4½, 225-pound tight end has impressed with his blocking and his ability to get open as a receiver, drawing early comparisons from analysts to elite tight ends at the college level. His role in the Trojans offensive scheme could grow significantly as the season approaches.

JJ Buchanan, wide receiver/tight end, Michigan Wolverines

A transfer from Utah, Buchanan brings a rare combination of size and athleticism to Ann Arbor. At 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, he can line up at tight end or split wide, giving Michigan’s offense a matchup problem that is difficult to solve. His spring showing suggests the Wolverines landed a player capable of making an immediate impact.

Deuce Geralds, defensive lineman, LSU Tigers

At 6-foot and 279 pounds, Geralds has been working with LSU’s first team defense during spring drills, a strong signal from the coaching staff about where they see his ceiling. His ability to hold up against interior pressure will be central to how the Tigers’ defensive front performs in 2026.

 DJ Lagway, quarterback, Baylor Bears

After a difficult stint at Florida, Lagway is getting a fresh start in Waco, Texas. The Texas native has been building chemistry with new offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, whose system leans on a downfield passing attack that should suit Lagway’s arm talent. A bounce-back season would be a significant story heading into the fall.

Julian Lewis, quarterback, Colorado Buffaloes

Known widely as JuJu, Lewis enters the spring as the centerpiece of Colorado’s offensive rebuild. Reports out of Boulder suggest he has been sharp in connecting with his receivers, and the young signal-caller appears to be growing into the role. His development will go a long way toward determining how quickly the Buffaloes offense can get back on track.

Braden Pegan, wide receiver, Utah Utes

A transfer from Utah State, Pegan arrives in Salt Lake City with plenty of momentum. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound receiver put together a standout season before making the move and is expected to step right into a featured role in Utah’s Big 12 offense. His size and athleticism make him a legitimate deep threat.

Tait Reynolds, quarterback, Clemson Tigers

Reynolds arrived at Clemson as a mid-term freshman and a three-star recruit, but his spring game performance completing 7-of-10 passes for 74 yards and adding a rushing touchdown has opened up genuine competition at the position. He is no longer just a developmental name; he is in the conversation.

Talyn Taylor, wide receiver, Georgia Bulldogs

With Georgia facing real questions about production at wide receiver heading into the season, Taylor has used the spring to make a strong case for a bigger role. The rising sophomore has shown noticeable improvement and could emerge as one of the team’s primary targets if his trajectory holds. For a Bulldogs program accustomed to replacing stars, Taylor’s rise would be a timely development.

Spring practice will wrap up soon, but the impressions left by these 10 players are likely to follow them all the way into fall camp and possibly well beyond.