Top 10 returning players to watch in college football Week 5
College football's returning players know that the game tends to be a war of attrition. With injuries piling up, big conference matchups ahead, and competition getting more fierce, this is their time. Teams looking for a spot in the College Football Playoff will likely be leaning on reliable, seasoned standouts. Here are 10 returning players who could be significant in Week 5.
10 Returning Players to Watch in College Football Week 5
10. Chris Bell, Louisville
A 6-foot-2 junior wide receiver, Bell is always a big-play threat for Louisville. With the loss of Caullin Lacy to a season-ending injury, Louisville will have opportunities in the passing game. A year ago, Bell caught 29 passes for 407 yards. While he has just six catches this year, he does have 167 yards and ties for the team lead with two touchdowns.
9. Jordan James, Oregon
While the passing game of Oregon gets most of the focus, the Ducks' ground game will be pivotal for playoff chances. James, a 5-foot-10 junior, has been remarkably productive. A year ago, he rushed for 759 yards while splitting time with Bucky Irving. So far in 2024, he has 283 rushing yards and three touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
8. Drew Allar, Penn State
Not the flashiest of passers, Allar reinvented himself as a sophomore at Penn State by simply not making mistakes. He tossed just two interceptions in 389 passing attempts, while leading Penn State to ten wins. As the No. 9 Nittany Lions face No. 19 Illinois, the team may need more. Allar has thrown for 729 yards and eight touchdown so far in 2024.
7. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
One of the most exciting players in college football, Milroe's transition to Kalen DeBoer's offense has had a few bumps. But against No. 2 Georgia this weekend, Milroe will need to be masterful. In three games, he has passed for 590 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions. Milroe has also rushed for 156 yards and six scores and that skill could be key this week for Alabama.
6. Carson Beck, Georgia
Beck had a puzzling game against Kentucky, struggling to make big plays. It's something he usually does well. For the season, the senior passer has completed 68 percent of his throws for 680 yards and seven touchdowns. He hasn't thrown an interception all year, and Alabama could need one or two to compete with the No. 2 Bulldogs this weekend.
5. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
The wily veteran of Ohio State's receiver room, Egbuka is in jeopardy of being overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith. Still, he remains a big-play guy for OSU. Egbuka has 14 catches this season for 266 yards and a touchdown. He'll get some chances to shine as the No. 3 Buckeyes face Michigan State and the returning player will be ready.
4. Anthony Hill, Texas
The Longhorn offense, which is stacked with transfers, gets the headlines, but the defense might be the biggest key. Hill is that rare specimen who was a standout middle linebacker as a freshman. Now a sophomore, he leads No. 1 Texas in tackles with 25, as well as posting 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception.
3. Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Edwards has been splitting carries for most of his career and got off to a slow start this season with his chance to be the feature back. That said, he has stepped up in the past two weeks and now has 224 yards and two scores this year. His physical style could be a big help for the veteran returning player as he leads the No. 12 Wolverines against Minnesota.
2. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Dart, who began his career at USC, but has now been a Rebel starter for three seasons, seems to get better as a returning player every year. In 2024, he has completed nearly 80 percent of his passes for 1,554 yards and 12 touchdowns. Dart averages an amazing 13.1 yards per pass and could excel against Kentucky on Saturday.
1. Xavier Restrepo, Miami
One of the most consistent returning players in the nation, Restrepo has benefitted from an upgrade in the offensive talent around him. A season ago, he caught 85 passes for 1,092 yards. In 2024, he has 20 receptions for 362 yards and five touchdowns, which is one fewer than ALL of last season. With the No. 7 Hurricanes as one of the best stories in college football, Restrepo has been superb.
Which returning players in 2024's college football season have impressed you? Share your impressions below in our comments section!