College football programs assess early camp momentum as 2026 season nears
Ohio State, Alabama, Texas and other major programmes report significant early developments during the first week of fall camp, with transfers and freshmen challenging for key roles.
As the 2026 college football season approaches, institutions across the United States are evaluating early performance metrics during the first week of fall camp. According to a report by CBS Sports, players from Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, Indiana, Georgia, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas Tech have generated notable momentum, reshaping depth charts ahead of the regular season.
At Ohio State, transfer McCuin has emerged as a primary contender for the No. 2 wide receiver role behind Jeremiah Smith. Sources indicate McCuin is currently ahead of Brandon Innis in the competition, a significant development for a player who arrived without five-star recruitment billing. McCuin brings established production from three seasons at UTSA, where he recorded 152 receptions for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Alabama’s offensive and defensive units are undergoing structural adjustments. Defensive tackle Scott, who played the second-most snaps at his position last season, is assuming a featured role characterised by enhanced quickness and tenacity. On the offensive side, five-star freshman running back Crowell has drawn attention for his explosiveness and physicality. Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb has emphasised the need to improve a run game that ranked 126th nationally last season, with Crowell joining a crowded field that includes Mark Fletcher Jr.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has publicly described cornerback McDonald as underrated, citing his role as a vocal leader during team routines. McDonald’s versatility is viewed as critical for the secondary’s ability to disguise coverages and match up against various personnel groupings. Meanwhile, at Indiana, safety Baldwin is being positioned as a potential difference-maker for Curt Cignetti’s defence, with coaches stressing the importance of his communication and leadership capabilities.
Other programmes are also integrating new talent into established systems. Georgia wideout Taylor is battling for flanker snaps, while Oregon linebacker Wyatt, now weighing 245 pounds, has been identified by defensive coordinator Chris Hampton as a potential every-down player. Penn State assistant coach Ja’Juan Seider has indicated that freshman running back Walton will not be redshirted, expecting immediate involvement in the backfield rotation.
South Carolina offensive lineman Poku, a former walk-on and transfer from East Carolina, has impressed coaches by slimming down to improve agility at guard. In Tennessee, slot receiver Brame has capitalised on the absence of projected starter Ethan Davis by demonstrating improved blocking ability. Finally, Texas Tech plans to rotate five-star freshman edge rusher Guyton into defensive packages to provide speed and disrupt the pocket in passing situations.
