10 breakout stars to watch out for in 2024 college football season ft. Deion Sanders' son Shedeur
Deion Sanders' son, Shedeur Sanders, is among the long list of college football players who look poised to have a big season in 2024. Shedeur will be among the top quarterbacks in the country and is expected to have his name at the top of Heisman Trophy favorites.
There are a large number of other prospects who could be in for a big year this season across the 134 Division I FBS programs. Here is a look at 10 of the breakout stars to watch out for this year.
10 breakout college football stars to watch out for in 2024
#1 Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava already has his name on the pre-season list of Heisman hopefuls in the 2024 college football season. This will be Iamaleava's first year as the Vols starting quarterback and has been impressive throughout the spring and summer practices.
He earned his first career start in the Citrus Bowl last season and threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns while adding 71 yards rushing and three touchdowns on the ground.
#2 Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma
With Dillon Gabriel's transfer to Oregon, sophomore Jackson Arnold will step in to take over as the starter for the Sooners in 2024. Arnold served as Gabriel's backup during the 2023 college football season and saw action in seven games, completing 44 of his 69 passes. He finished last season with 563 yards and four touchdowns with over 100 yards rushing.
#3 Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Colorado coach Deion Sanders' son, Shedeur Sanders, is another quarterback who has his name on the Heisman watch list ahead of the 2024 college football season. Shedeur threw for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns in what was his first year with the Buffaloes in 2023.
Although Colorado's 4-8 record didn't reflect the success that Sanders had, he's proven himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
#4 Kyren Lacy, LSU
Senior receiver Kyren Lacy is on pace for a massive season as the lead wideout in 2024 following the departure of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. to the NFL. Lacy was LSU's third-leading receiver in 2023, behind both Nabers and Thomas. He hauled in 30 passes and racked up 558 yards receiving with seven touchdowns.
#5 Ja'Den McBurrows, Michigan
Ja'Den McBurrows will be a huge piece of Michigan's secondary during the upcoming college football season following Mike Sainristil and Josh Wallace's moves to the NFL. McBurrows will be joined in the secondary by Will Johnson, Jyaire Hill, Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson to create one of the most intimidating defensive backfields in the country.
#6 Oscar Delp, Georgia
Georgia tight end Oscar Delp is expected to be one of Bulldogs QB1 Carson Beck's top targets during the 2024 college football season, with Brock Bowers moving to the NFL. Delp has played the last two years behind Bowers and is set to take the starting role. With Beck expected to be a top Heisman candidate, Delp could have a massive season in store to place himself among the top tight ends in the nation.
#7 Miller Moss, USC
Redshirt junior Miller Moss has been patiently waiting for his time to become the starter for the Trojans, and the 2024 season will be his first chance. The quarterback made one start in the 2023 Holiday Bowl, posting an impressive 372 yards and six touchdowns while completing 69.7% of his passes.
#8 Jordan James, Oregon
Jordan James will be in full control of the Oregon backfield during the 2024 college football season as he takes over for Bucky Irving. As a backup for the Ducks in 2023, James appeared in all 14 games and added 759 yards and was tied for most rushing touchdowns with 11. He also contributed in the passing game, catching 15 passes for 132 yards and one receiving touchdown.
#9 Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Ohio State junior Sonny Styles is a dynamic athlete who can lineup and be effective at a multitude of positions, including safety and linebacker. He stands at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, giving him the ability to wreak havoc in the backfield as well as cover in the secondary. He finished last season with 53 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks with one forced fumble.
#10 Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Dani Dennis-Sutton immediately made his presence felt as a starter during his freshman year in 2022. He appeared in all 13 games during his first season at Penn State and followed that up with 6.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2023. He also managed to force two fumbles and recover one. With Chop Robinson on his way to the NFL, the path to stardom in 2024 is clear for Dennis-Sutton.
Which college football player do you think will have the best season in 2024? Let us know your predictions in the comment section.