THE NEXT BIG THINGS
Baker Mayfield is gone. So are Saquon Barkley, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen and Lamar Jackson. But as always, another crop of overshadowed players is ready to produce stars as recognized as the legends they’re replacing. Here are some of the players likely to start stealing the spotlight every week:
Kyler Murray Oklahoma QB
Murray didn’t need to accept the task of replacing one of the greatest players in school history. He could have taken the $4.6 million bonus he received from the Oakland A’s — after being drafted ninth overall in June — and focused on his baseball career. Instead, Murray decided he wanted to play one final season in football, taking over for Baker Mayfield. The former Texas A&M transfer has seen limited action in two seasons, but the dual threat possesses incredible athleticism.
Khalil Tate Arizona QB
Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Georgia’s Jake Fromm and a handful of other quarterbacks could become Heisman finalists while leading teams that contend for a national title, but Tate could join Jackson in making history with eye-popping stats. The electrifying junior averaged 128.3 yards rushing per game — including a single-game record of 327 yards by a quarterback — while also throwing for 1,591 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Trace McSorley Penn State QB
Without Barkley — last season’s preseason Heisman favorite — McSorley could end up with the honor that eluded his former running back. The undersized senior enters his third season as a starter and could lead Penn State to a second Big Ten title, mixing underrated mobility, improved accuracy and the ability to make almost any throw at almost any time. Last season, he threw for 3,570 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Ed Oliver Houston DT
In a season expected to be dominated by defensive lineman, Oliver hovers above his competition. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive lineman is the frontrunner to become the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft next season, having produced 39.5 tackles for losses over the past two seasons.
Justice Hill Oklahoma State RB
The Cowboys’ high-flying offense earned national attention last season because of quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington, but Hill will now carry the explosive attack. Last year, the running back ran for a Big 12-best 1,467 yards and 15 touchdowns and should earn even more touches this season.
McKenzie Milton Central Florida QB
Scott Frost left Central Florida, but the quarterback of last year’s undefeated season remains. As a junior, Milton returns as the nation’s leading passer, following a campaign in which he threw for 4,037 yards and 37 touchdowns, with only nine interceptions. Milton is nearly as dangerous with his legs, having run for 116 yards against Auburn in the Knights’ Peach Bowl win.