August 20, 2026, and the college football buzz is already electric here in the Pacific Northwest, especially after that epic Oregon-Washington game at Husky Stadium late last year where the Ducks took home a 26-14 win. Now, the national spotlight is shining on a fresh batch of talent ready to explode in the upcoming season. Forbes.com just dropped their Top 10 Power Conference Players watchlist, and if these projections are anything to go by, we’re in for some serious fireworks when Week 0 action kicks off.
Smith’s Untouchable Dominance
Leading the charge is Ohio State junior receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is a prime candidate for the Heisman hardware in 2026 after placing sixth in the voting last year. This dude has done nothing but dazzle in two seasons with the Buckeyes. We’re talking 11 100-yard games already! He snagged six of those just last season, hauling in 87 passes in 13 games for 12 touchdowns and averaging 95.6 receiving yards per game, good for fourth nationally. And to think he missed one full game and most of another. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if he’s celebrated as the game’s top player just four months from now. He’s facing any defense, any time, and making it look easy.
Unlikely Heroes and Instant Stars
Keep your eyes on Trinidad Chambliss, the senior quarterback from Ole Miss. He was granted an extra year of eligibility, which kept the Rebels firmly in the national championship conversation and Chambliss in the Heisman chatter. What he did last season was insane: 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Remember, he didn’t even start the season! Austin Simmons’ injury and inconsistency opened the door, and Chambliss, a DII transfer from Ferris State, carried that program to the CFP. Now he’s got Kewan Lacy (No. 8 on that overall list, by the way) back toting the pigskin, making for a nasty QB/RB combo. Then there’s Miami’s Malachi Toney. This sophomore receiver/all-purpose guy introduced himself to the nation opening the scoring in a primetime season-opening win against Notre Dame. He was 17 then, setting Miami records with 1,622 all-purpose yards, even tossing two touchdown passes. Now at 18, turning 19 in September, Toney with Duke transfer Darian Mensah at quarterback is part of an elite cast. Expect coordinator Shannon Dawson to give him even more opportunities to shine.
Shutting Down the Opposition
On the defensive side, Leonard Moore, the junior cornerback from Notre Dame, is the kind of player whose name you *won’t* hear much this season, and that’s exactly why he’s so good. Offensive coordinators will be waking up in a sweat trying to figure out how to avoid throwing his way. It’s just not advisable if you want to keep your quarterback’s pass efficiency rating up. Moore starred as a sophomore last season, intercepting five passes and breaking up seven, earning him a first team All-American nod. This bundle of speed and size (6-2, 197) is a core piece of one of the nation’s best defensive units.
With Week 0 action getting closer and closer, these are the guys you need to watch. The polls and watchlists are out, and now it’s almost time to see who lives up to the hype and who becomes the next college football legend. Bring on the season!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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