College football stars projected for major 2026 awards

Several prominent college football players are projected as top contenders for major individual awards heading into the 2026 season.

Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy is a favorite for the Doak Walker Award. Lacy previously set program records for rushing yards and touchdowns, finishing a recent season with 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns.

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith is a leading candidate for the Biletnikoff Award. Since joining the Buckeyes, Smith has recorded 163 catches for 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns. He enters his third season with the returning support of starting quarterback Julian Sayin.

Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore is noted as a contender for the Jim Thorpe Award following a standout sophomore season where he earned unanimous All-American honors.