Here is a list of some of the critical players to watch throughout the 2023/24 college football season as fans get ready for another action-packed season. We feel it is important to keep a close eye on these players since we anticipate that they will have a significant effect both on the playing field, on college football odds, and in the rankings.
Spencer Rattler – Quarterback, South Carolina
After transferring from Oklahoma to USC, former Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler is now anticipated to be the driving force behind the success of the Gamecocks in the upcoming season. The combination of Rattler's powerful arm, pinpoint accuracy, and quick feet make him a dangerous opponent on the field. Many people feel that he has what it takes to win the Heisman Trophy this year.
Kedon Slovis – Quarterback, BYU
Kedon Slovis is another talented quarterback for BYU. The junior has excellent accuracy and mobility, making him a dual threat on the field. He threw for 1,921 yards and 17 touchdowns last season and is expected to have another strong season since transferring to the Cougars.
Caleb Williams, USC Trojans – A Heisman favorite & potential top draft pick for 2024
Caleb Williams has already achieved a lot in his young college football career. As a sophomore, he won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the third quarterback under head coach Lincoln Riley to do so. Williams has a unique ability to excel outside of the original play design, leading the nation in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and big-time throws in 2022. He is the early favorite to be the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and has a chance to join the exclusive club of two-time Heisman winners.
Drake Maye, North Carolina Tar Heels – A challenger for QB1
Drake Maye is a redshirt freshman who has quickly emerged as a serious challenger to Caleb Williams for the top quarterback spot in college football. In 2022, he was the most valuable player according to PFF’s wins above average metric. Maye also had 45 big-time throws, which was 10 more than the next closest FBS quarterback. He proved to be a versatile threat, tying for second among all quarterbacks with 56 combined rushing first downs and touchdowns.
Michael Penix Jr., Washington Huskies – A top Heisman contender
Michael Penix Jr. is a talented quarterback who led the Power Five in passing yards in 2022. He has a low turnover-worthy play rate, which ranked fifth lowest in the country. Penix transferred from Indiana to Washington and led the Huskies to their best season since their College Football Playoff appearance in 2016. He is expected to be a top Heisman contender in 2023.
Jayden Daniels, LSU Tigers – A revitalized career in a new environment
Jayden Daniels is another quarterback who thrived in a new environment. After transferring from Arizona State to LSU, he led all quarterbacks in the country with a low turnover-worthy play rate. Daniels was the only quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards and was among the most valuable Power Five quarterbacks in 2022, trailing only Maye and Williams.
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame Fighting Irish – A valuable transfer from Wake Forest
Sam Hartman was one of the most coveted transfers in the offseason and eventually chose Notre Dame. He has been the most valuable Power Five player over the past two seasons, according to PFF’s wins above-average metric. Hartman has a high passing grade and will likely be the best quarterback Notre Dame has had in the PFF College era. His success at Wake Forest can be attributed to the slow-mesh system, but he has shown that he can succeed in a different environment.
KJ Jefferson, Arkansas Razorbacks – An underrated quarterback
KJ Jefferson is a redshirt junior who has been one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. He has a high grade and has rushed for over 1,000 yards after contact in the past two seasons, which is the second-highest among all quarterbacks. Jefferson has also shown significant improvement as a passer, finishing 2022 with an impressive passing grade that was seven points higher than his previous mark.
DJ Uiagalelei - Quarterback, Oregon State
DJ Uiagalelei, previously at Clemson and now transferred to the Oregon State Beavers, is a dual-threat player on the field because of his outstanding arm strength as well as his exceptional agility. In his limited playing time during the previous season, he threw for 914 yards and 5 touchdowns, displaying glimpses of brilliance in the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these players are the ones to watch in the upcoming college football season. They are all poised to make an impact on the field and in the rankings and are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether it's the breakout stars or the well-established players, these names are the ones to keep an eye on this season. Stay tuned for more exciting college football action.
