As fall camp kicks off across colleges in the U.S., the excitement for the upcoming 2024 college football season is building. This period is crucial as it gives coaches their first real glimpse of how new freshmen and transfers perform in practice.
Not only does it allow them to assess emerging talent, but it also highlights players vying for key positions on their teams. Many athletes will be under pressure to deliver strong performances, whether they are big-name transfers eager to make a mark or seasoned players aiming for a standout season.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at several players to keep an eye on, discussing their potential impact and why their success in fall camp is vital for their teams.
Alex Orji, QB, Michigan
Alex Orji is definitely a player to monitor as fall camp unfolds. With Michigan not bringing in any top quarterbacks during the spring transfer window, it shows they have faith in their current options.
Orji, who backed up J.J. McCarthy last season, is most likely to win the starting job this year. While he had a solid spring and is set to have a significant role, nothing is guaranteed yet. Michigan’s offensive coordinator, Kirk Campbell, has praised Orji, stating he’s one of the best players on the offensive side.
However, there are still questions about whether he will be the starting quarterback over Jack Tuttle, who is pressing for playing time. Fall camp is crucial for Orji to prove he deserves to lead the team, whether that means being the starter or working in other key positions.
Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Domani Jackson is a key player to watch during fall camp for Alabama. His health and performance are crucial for the Crimson Tide’s defense. As a five-star recruit from high school, he has the talent, but injuries have affected his progress.
Last season, while he showed improvement, he still battled consistency issues. This year, Alabama needs him to step up as a reliable cornerback. With a mix of transfers and rookies competing for spots, Jackson’s success could turn a weak secondary into a strong one.
If he finds his form, it could significantly enhance Alabama’s defensive strategy, making them a team to consider on platforms like FanDuel college football.
Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
Alfred Collins is seeking to fill the shoes of All-American defensive tackles Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat. With the Longhorns bringing in new talent through the transfer portal, including Jermayne Lole, Bill Norton, and Tiaoalii Savea, there are several options at the defensive tackle position.
However, Collins stands out due to his potential as a former five-star recruit. After a year of somewhat mixed performances, he showed improvement as a senior and is now expected to take on a bigger role in 2024. His size and quickness make him a force on the field, especially in pressuring the quarterback.
If Collins can deliver a strong performance during fall camp, it will be a good sign that he can effectively help fill the gaps left by Texas’s NFL departures.
Harrison Wallace, WR, Penn State
Many eyes will be on Penn State wide receiver Harrison Wallace. Although Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming gets a lot of attention, Wallace has the potential to be the player that stands out the most.
The Nittany Lions need a top receiver, and Wallace showed promise last season, notably with impressive games like a 72-yard outing against West Virginia and a 67-yard performance in the Peach Bowl versus Ole Miss.
Unfortunately, injuries held him back for most of the year. However, his strong performance in the spring indicated he is ready to step up.
With KeAndre Lambert-Smith gone, if Wallace can keep his momentum going, he could become the primary target for quarterback Drew Allar, potentially filling a crucial role on the team.
Troy Stellato/Adam Randall, WR, Clemson
Troy Stellato and Adam Randall are two wide receivers who must make a significant impact this fall for Clemson. Last season, the Tigers faced difficulties in their passing game, ranking last in the nation for average air yards per throw.
The struggles were not solely due to quarterback Cade Klubnik or offensive line issues; the wide receiver group also had a role in this. With Beaux Collins transferring to Notre Dame, Stellato and Randall now find themselves as the primary outside receivers.
In 2023, neither made a strong impression, with Stellato managing just 337 yards and one touchdown, while Randall posted 250 yards and a below-average PFF rating.
This upcoming season is crucial for them, especially with talented freshmen like TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco pushing for playing time. If Stellato and Randall can’t elevate their performance, they risk losing their spots on the roster.
Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
If Ohio State is going to make it to the national championship, they must get stellar play out of Will Howard. He’s viewed as the likely starter after transferring from Kansas State, but he won’t have an easy path. Howard will face competition from Devin Brown and true freshman Julian Sayin, both eager to secure the top spot. Still, most believe it’s a foregone conclusion that Howard will win the job.
The Buckeyes have retained key players like Jack Sawyer and Emeka Egbuka, making the QB position all the more important. Howard has to demonstrate his skills and prove he can lead the team effectively. He also has the perfect skill set for the new offense being put in place by coordinator Chip Kelly.
Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame has its eyes on a deep run in the 12-team playoff this year, but to do so, they must get elite play from the quarterback position. After losing Sam Hartman, the Fighting Irish looked to upgrade by bringing in Riley Leonard from Duke. Leonard is a dual-threat quarterback who many saw as a Heisman Trophy candidate halfway through last season before suffering an ankle injury that derailed his season.
Health is the biggest question surrounding Leonard, who missed much of spring practice recovering from ankle surgery. While the Irish have quality backups in Steve Angeli and incoming freshman C.J. Carr, the team believes Leonard gives them the best shot of winning a national title this year.
The Irish also upgraded the talent around Leonard in the offseason, turning their biggest weakness–the wide receiver position–into a strength by adding transfers Beaux Collins from Clemson and Kris Mitchell from Florida International.
Cade McNamara, QB, Iowa
Cade McNamara is essential for Iowa’s success this fall as he returns from serious injuries that kept him sidelined for most of last season.
With new offensive coordinator Tim Lester, the Hawkeyes hope to improve their attack, but everything hinges on McNamara’s performance. The Hawkeyes, always known for their potent defense, have experienced significant problems on the offensive side of the ball in recent seasons, holding them back from winning the Big Ten.
Staying healthy and making the most of fall camp will be crucial for McNamara’s development and the team’s potential.
Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Wisconsin
Tyler Van Dyke is an important player to watch for Wisconsin as he joins from Miami. He’s competing with Braedyn Locke for the starting quarterback spot, and their performances during spring camp were mixed.
To secure the job, Van Dyke must demonstrate consistency and strong leadership in the upcoming fall camp, proving he can meet the expectations set for him.
Major Burns, Star, LSU
Major Burns will be a part of LSU’s secondary makeover in 2024. With several key starters leaving, both Burns and Sage Ryan are switching positions; Burns moves from safety to nickel, while Ryan returns to his natural safety spot.
After leading the team in tackles last year, Burns must also improve his coverage skills during fall camp.
