The most wonderful time of year is upon the sports world again as college football is in full swing, from the lights of Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to Huskies Field along the Puget Sound in Seattle. Players waiting who earned their shot in spring practice finally got to make their mark on the gridiron and help their team win. Coaches talked about these players all spring and now they make a real impact for their squad, starting from week one.
USC quarterback Miller Moss bided his time behind Caleb Williams for two years and it certainly paid off for the Southern California native. Moss looked sharp in Lincoln Riley’s offense en route to a 27-20 win over no. 13 LSU, throwing for 378 yards on 27-of-36 passing and one touchdown. He exhibited great command over his passes, including a 28-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Lane where he placed it perfectly into Lane’s arms. He guided another ball where he threw behind double coverage where only the receiver could get it, and Kyron Hudson went up and made his quarterback look good. After Monday’s week one showing and last year’s bowl game record with 5 touchdowns, the homegrown kid proved himself as a true impact player for the Trojans.
Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan went into the season as one of CFB’s most highly touted players, and he lived up to those expectations with an explosive performance in Arizona’s 61-39 drubbing of New Mexico. On just 10 catches, McMillan racked up 304 yards despite playing only three quarters, which meant that the FBS single-game receiving yards record of 405 yards set by Troy Edwards was well within reach. 74 of his yards came on a play where McMillan burned the Lobos defense after catching the ball 20 yards downfield and raced by would-be tacklers. After that explosive performance, McMillan cemented himself as wide receiver one on NFL draft boards and could even lead Arizona to a playoff berth catching passes from his best friend Noah Fifita.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty just might be the best running back in the country, and he certainly played like that. The Mountain West Offensive Player of the year in 2023 had an incredible six touchdowns against Georgia Southern on the road. Jeanty became the first FBS player to score six rushing touchdowns in a game since Pitt’s Israel Abanikanda. On his second carry, Jeanty broke away for a 77-yard touchdown.
He also scored a decisive 75-yard touchdown to help the Broncos pull away from Georgia Southern 56-45. Jeanty went for an eye-popping 267 yards on the day on just 20 carries, good for a Boise State school record. Both Jeanty’s coach and his teammates consider him one of the best players in the country, and it is only up from here for this Bronco.
Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker was misused in his first two years in the program, as he played inside linebacker for two years in a primary run-defense role out of necessity. Starting this spring, Walker has played more in his natural role of outside backer on some snaps and made an instant impact this weekend against Clemson. He posted six tackles, three solo, and a sack and a half. On one of his sacks, he beat the offensive lineman fairly easily and burst off the edge to get to quarterback Cade Klubnik. Walker also made several important stops on the run plays, and coach Kirby Smart was impressed with his versatility. It looks like Walker could be a breakout star for the Bulldogs on the defensive side.
Alabama freshman receiver Ryan Williams had an incredible performance against Western Kentucky, and he is dusting Division 1 defensive backs at only 17 years old. In his first collegiate game, the Mobile native and home-grown talent caught a bomb of a pass for 84 yards and his first collegiate score. His next pass came as a 55-yard touchdown where he raced by the defense and caused them to tackle each other on route to his score. Williams is already attracting attention from scouts three years out. He could be a shout for All-SEC freshman team if he continues to replicate that performance from here on out.
These players are all looking to make a splash in their breakout years, and it is not a surprise that they are in great positions to contribute to their teams in their season. Some of them might wind up on All-America lists as the talk of college football, and their performances early would be no surprise.
Comments