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Eli Lederman
Multiple Authors
In today’s college football landscape, the elite freshmen arriving at their new programs this spring are not merely prospects for the future. Increasingly, the nation’s top recruits are stepping onto campus as some of the highest-paid members of their teams, with many securing six- and seven-figure financial deals before playing their first college game.
Whether they’re providing immediate impact or displaying early signs of potential, the pressure on college football’s highest-rated (and best-compensated) freshmen to deliver is intensifying. This has become especially evident following the 2026 recruiting cycle. Elite recruits like Mark Bowman (USC), Jackson Cantwell (Miami), and Felix Ojo (Texas Tech) have landed multimillion-dollar deals, with major programs heavily investing in the high school recruiting landscape as they enter a new era of revenue sharing.
Freshmen are poised to shape the 2026 college football season. Last year, it was players like Malachi Toney from Miami and Bryce Underwood from Michigan. This autumn, any number of the country’s top newcomers could make significant contributions, influencing the College Football Playoff race, the coaching changes, and how major programs allocate resources moving forward.
As many of the 2026 class prepare for their first spring camp, we highlight 15 freshmen who face the greatest pressure as they begin their inaugural seasons later this year:
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 3
Considered one of the most refined offensive tackle prospects in recent cycles, Cantwell signed a multiyear deal worth over $2 million annually with the Hurricanes, according to ESPN sources.
This substantial investment naturally elevates expectations for the five-star freshman in 2026. also, the 6-foot-8, 315-pound Cantwell boasts elite agility, superior technique, and a college-ready physique. Miami has embraced the practice of playing first-year offensive linemen, allowing Cantwell a chance to seize a starting position from the onset as the national runner-up Hurricanes look to fill the gaps left by 2025 offensive tackle starters Mauigoa and Markel Bell.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 12
The opportunity to fill Diego Pavia’s shoes and compete for a starting job drove Curtis to change his commitment from Georgia to Vanderbilt late last fall. With scant proven talent in the Commodores’ quarterback room, ESPN’s top pocket passer is likely to be under center when Vanderbilt faces Austin Peay in Week 1.
Alongside returning veteran running back Sedrick Alexander and pass catchers Junior Sherrill and Tre Richardson in 2026, Curtis will need to step into a challenging role. While he has support, he’ll have to contend with the pressures of being a freshman quarterback in the SEC, following an offensive overhaul. The Commodores’ October 3 matchup against Georgia—where Curtis decommitted twice—will carry significant implications as well.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 27
Crowell, ESPN’s No. 3 running back in the 2026 class, reclassified to join college a year early. The Crimson Tide will likely rely on the powerful runner from Jackson, Alabama, to revive a rushing attack that struggled last fall.
Long viewed as a potential Day 1 contributor, Crowell’s role gained importance when Texas added transfer rusher Hollywood Smothers, diluting Alabama’s running back depth. With proven experience being scarce, Crowell could play a pivotal role in turning around a run game that ranked 125th nationally (104.1 YPG) last season.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 33
Bowman joined the Trojans under a seven-figure revenue sharing deal, making him arguably the highest-paid tight end before stepping onto the field.
USC invested heavily in Bowman for a good reason—he’s regarded as a top-tier pass-catching tight end who could anchor the offense. although opting out of his senior high school season, the recent departures of USC tight ends Walker Lyons and Lake McRee create an immediate opportunity for Bowman to thrive and justify his lucrative contract.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 46
The Huskies made significant financial moves to bring Greene from Oregon last spring, anticipating that the 6-6, 320-pound lineman would step immediately into their offensive line rotation in 2026.
Ranked as ESPN’s No. 6 offensive tackle, Greene excelled against formidable competition and possesses the size and skills necessary for starting roles. Competing with Sam Houston State transfer Kolt Dieterich for the open left tackle position, Greene’s potential extends beyond just Week 1, as he emerges as a critical part of the offensive line under Jedd Fisch in 2026.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 1
The Tigers made a concerted effort to secure Brown’s commitment, emerging victorious against Texas A&M to sign the nation’s top overall recruit just as Lane Kiffin took the helm in December.
With a unique blend of power and speed, Brown is expected to develop into a versatile force along the defensive line. Initially, he may require physical and technical growth before reaching his full potential. Fortunately, with ample depth at defensive tackle, LSU can afford to let Brown develop at his pace while keeping an eye on him as he joins a talent-rich defensive line class.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 6
Guyton, a former top prospect in the 2027 cycle, decided to reclassify and join the Red Raiders a year early with a multiyear deal exceeding $3 million.
A standout at 6-3, 250 pounds, Guyton is projected to become an elite speed rusher reminiscent of Texas Tech All-American David Bailey or Texas star Colin Simmons. yet, with four experienced pass rushers added this offseason via the transfer portal, it remains to be seen when Guyton will be able to make his mark as a situational contributor. His initial success will likely hinge on physical development and adaptation to college football.
Felix Ojo, OT, Texas Tech Red Raiders
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 28
Similar to Guyton, Ojo joined Texas Tech with a lucrative, multiyear revenue-sharing contract, yet his contributions might not come immediately.
Ojo boasts elite agility, significant upside, and an ideal frame, but at 6-6, 285 pounds, he may need more physical development to make an immediate impact for a Red Raiders offensive line that faced challenges against top-tier defenses last season. Like Guyton, Ojo’s early phase might focus on development, generating optimism for the future.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 36
Syracuse made a significant effort to secure the commitment of Russell, a 6-5, 195-pound prospect, beating out Miami and Michigan for the highest-ranked signee in the program’s history.
Having joined the men’s basketball team this winter, Russell needs to ensure his dual-sport commitments don’t hamper his football adjustment. If he can navigate both, he stands to become a valuable downfield target, particularly as the program lost its top three pass catchers from last season, paving the way for Russell to make an immediate impact.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 44
The Cougars made significant investments during the 2026 recruiting cycle, securing the highest-ranked signing class in program history, led by Harris, a prolific pass catcher from St. George, Utah.
As a key figure in this historic class, Harris will face pressure but finds himself in a favorable situation with a well-stocked BYU tight end room. Following the graduation of third-leading pass catcher Carsen Ryan, the Cougars bolstered the position by adding transfers Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga, plus several other experienced options. With this depth, Harris will aim to refine his blocking skills while still taking advantage of opportunities in 2026.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 2
Mike Locksley and the Terps dedicated considerable resources to keep Elee, ESPN’s top defensive end, within Maryland as the highest-ranked signee in the program’s history. Elee’s early progress could significantly impact Locksley’s future at the school in 2026.
Maryland has shown it can effectively utilize talented young pass rushers. Last year, freshmen Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis combined for 13 total sacks, serving as a bright spot amid the team’s 4-8 record. With the right opportunities, the 6-4, 220-pound Elee possesses the tools needed to deliver a significant impact, potentially adding depth to an already compelling pass rush. Such evolution would provide credibility to Locksley’s recruitment strategy during this pivotal season.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 7
Henry has long been regarded as a premier Ohio State wide receiver prospect, and with his famous last name—he’s the son of the late Chris Henry, a notable pass catcher for West Virginia and the Cincinnati Bengals—and a seven-figure deal, the weight of expectation is high for Henry in 2026.
The recent exit of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline for South Florida, along with Carnell Tate’s NFL draft decision and the departure of four other pass catchers via the portal, has drastically altered Ohio State’s receiving corps this offseason. Only Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss remain as proven returners, which offers a perfect opportunity for a talented playmaker like Henry to emerge as a key target for quarterback Julian Sayin. While replicating Smith’s All-American freshman stats may be unrealistic, Henry has every chance to meet the lofty expectations set since he committed to the Buckeyes in July 2023.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 14
The Vols built their 2026 recruiting strategy around Brandon, envisioning the 6-4 quarterback from Greensboro, North Carolina, as their future signal caller. yet, after a state court denied the eligibility request of 2025 starter Joey Aguilar, Tennessee might lean on Brandon sooner than anticipated during his freshman year.
While Colorado transfer Ryan Staub and second-year quarterback George MacIntyre present experienced options, the looming tough early schedule puts pressure on Tennessee to evaluate Brandon’s readiness as a potential starter. He comes with a historic record of 35-1 as a high school starter, boasting traits reminiscent of a franchise quarterback. If Tennessee struggles early in the 2026 season, it may open the door for Brandon sooner rather than later.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 24
The Wolverines return junior rusher Jordan Marshall after his breakout performance in 2025. With new offensive coordinator Jason Beck expected to prioritize the run game, Hiter could find himself in a substantial role in the backfield as they aim to make the most of second-year quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Hiter, a 6-foot, 210-pound runner, combines power and speed to be an explosive weapon. since Marshall registered a career-high 150 carries last season, if Michigan actively manages his workload in 2026, Hiter may quickly emerge as a key asset in the backfield rotation of one of the nation’s intriguing offenses.
2026 SC Next 300 ranking: No. 49
Mississippi State capitalized on momentum from the previous season, a robust financial push, and changes at Auburn to land Womack, the No. 3 overall prospect in Mississippi, in late fall.
Part of the appeal for Womack included stepping into a role within the program’s defense akin to that of quarterback Kamario Taylor, who impressed during his freshman year. The Bulldogs added two safeties in the portal—Jardin Gilbert from LSU and Marcus Williams from Rice—while maintaining strong depth in 2026. yet, given Womack’s versatile skill set and high expectations, a trajectory toward playing significant time similar to Taylor’s could unfold for the program’s new defensive standout.
