College football’s 2026 season is rolling in, and we’re about to see some wild swings from players who can either elevate their teams to glory or sink them faster than a leaky boat. Leading the pack of these high-stakes gambles is DJ Lagway, the quarterback now with Baylor, who just a year ago tossed 14 interceptions in a four-win season. The dude has shown flashes of absolute brilliance, but those turnovers? That’s the kind of inconsistency that keeps coaches up at night.
Baylor Is Banking on a Five-Star Comeback for Lagway
Lagway isn’t some unknown talent, folks. He’s a former five-star prospect, and we saw what he could do as a freshman at Florida: rare arm talent, explosive playmaking, seriously elevating the offense. He’s got all the tools. But that sophomore season at Florida was plagued by injuries and those 14 picks. Now, Baylor is making a huge bet that a homecoming will unlock the best campaign of his career. If Lagway stays healthy and finds that confidence again, he could absolutely blow up and become one of the Big 12’s biggest stars. But if those turnover issues and durability concerns stick around, Baylor’s season could unravel before it even gets going. This isn’t just about one player’s stats, it’s about the fate of a whole program.
Ryan Coleman-Williams: The Drops That Could Cap Alabama’s Ceiling
Meanwhile, down in Alabama, another player with an insane ceiling but a concerning floor is wideout Ryan Coleman-Williams. This rising junior has shown us the kind of game-breaking speed and body control that makes you gasp, like in his true-freshman breakout against Georgia. At his best, this guy is one of the most talented wideouts in the nation. But his sophomore season? Plagued by drops and a real lack of explosive plays. Check this out: in 2024, he had 48 receptions for 865 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 4 drops. Solid, right? Then 2025 hit, and he had 49 receptions for 689 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a mind-boggling 13 drops. Yikes. If Williams can regain those dependable hands, he becomes Alabama’s premier weapon and a legitimate All-America candidate. But if those mistakes linger, his inconsistency could absolutely cap the Crimson Tide’s entire passing game, especially with a first-year starting quarterback. They’re even talking about a jersey number switch for good luck. Let’s hope it works because Alabama needs him to be at his best.
We’re also watching Makhi Hughes, the bruising ballcarrier now at Houston, who, during his time at Tulane, went over 1,300 rushing yards in back-to-back seasons. These are the guys who define early season trends. The fall season is on the horizon, and for these teams, the performances of these key players will decide everything. Will they rise into contention, or will they spend the season chasing answers? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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