In today’s college football landscape, the decision to return to school rather than bolt for the NFL is no longer just about loyalty or unfinished business - it’s also a smart financial move. Thanks to NIL deals and revenue-sharing opportunities, players can stay in school, develop their game, and still secure the kind of money that once only existed at the next level. And in 2026, we’re seeing some major names take full advantage of that.
This isn’t about draft projections or future NFL stardom. It’s about the guys who were eligible to leave but chose to stay - players with real production, not just potential. Let’s dive into the returning stars who are set to shape the 2026 college football season.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
In a move that turned heads across the sport, Dante Moore is staying in Eugene.
Projected by many as a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Moore’s decision to come back gives Oregon another shot at a national title - something that’s eluded them the past two years despite deep playoff runs. Moore was surgical in his first full season as a starter, finishing top-15 nationally in completion percentage (71.8%), passing touchdowns (30), and yards per attempt (8.7).
With his poise, accuracy, and command of the offense, Moore isn’t just a returning quarterback - he’s a legitimate Heisman contender and the engine of a Ducks team built to contend again.
Carter Smith, OL, Indiana
You don’t win a national championship without a dominant offensive line, and Carter Smith was the cornerstone of Indiana’s title-winning front.
The All-American left tackle could’ve been a Day 2 pick, but instead, he’s coming back to Bloomington to anchor the Hoosiers one more time. Smith has logged over 2,700 career snaps and allowed just two sacks and nine pressures in 16 games this past season - absurd numbers for a tackle facing elite pass rushers week in and week out.
His return gives Indiana a massive boost as they look to defend their crown.
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
The spotlight has never left Arch Manning, but after a rocky start in 2025, he found his stride - and then some.
Manning finished the year with over 3,100 passing yards, 26 touchdown passes, and added 10 more scores on the ground. His 2.85 offensive touchdowns per game ranked among the best in the Power Four, and his late-season surge - 15 total touchdowns and just one turnover in his final five games - showed the kind of growth that has Texas fans buzzing.
He’s back in Austin with unfinished business and a real shot at being the face of college football in 2026.
Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
Lincoln Riley’s quarterback factory continues to roll, and Jayden Maiava might be his latest masterpiece.
Maiava led the nation in QBR (91.2) in 2025, ahead of all three Heisman finalists. He threw for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns, and completed nearly 66% of his passes.
Yes, he had elite weapons in Ja’Kobe Lane and Makai Lemon, but Maiava’s control of the offense and decision-making were elite. With another year in Riley’s system, he’s set to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country - and the Trojans are once again in the mix.
A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
It’s not every day you find a 330-pound defensive tackle with the kind of twitch and athleticism A’Mauri Washington brings to the table.
He was a force in the trenches for Oregon, finishing with 33 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a team-high eight pass breakups. His run defense grade (83.8) was among the top-20 in the country, and his ability to disrupt passing lanes from the interior is rare.
A likely first-round pick had he declared, Washington is back to anchor a Ducks defense that’s aiming to match its offense in dominance.
Brice Pollock, DB, Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s defense will have a new look up front, but the secondary returns its biggest playmaker.
Brice Pollock was a lockdown corner in 2025, picking off five passes, breaking up eight more, and not allowing a single touchdown in coverage. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 50.7% of their throws when targeting him - a career-best mark.
His instincts and ball skills make him a nightmare for offenses, and his return gives the Red Raiders a true difference-maker on the back end.
Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Miami
Two schools later, Damon Wilson II has found his groove - and now he’s bringing it to Miami.
After transferring from Georgia to Missouri, Wilson racked up 54 quarterback pressures, nine sacks, and even snagged an interception in 2025. With Miami losing key pass rushers to the draft, Wilson steps into a prime role.
He’s explosive, versatile, and relentless - the kind of edge presence that can tilt a game and keep offensive coordinators up at night.
Darian Mensah, QB, TBD
Darian Mensah’s situation is still unfolding, but there’s no denying his impact.
After a monster season at Duke - 3,973 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, just six picks - Mensah initially committed to returning before entering the portal late. Miami is the frontrunner to land him, but legal hurdles have delayed his transfer.
If cleared, he’d step into a loaded Hurricanes roster with national title aspirations. Mensah’s ability to protect the football and stretch the field makes him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the country.
Cam Cook, RB, West Virginia
Cam Cook didn’t just lead the nation in rushing - he dominated every facet of the ground game.
After transferring from TCU to Jacksonville State, Cook exploded for 1,659 rushing yards and 1,945 total yards from scrimmage. He forced 100 missed tackles and had 53 runs of 10+ yards, averaging 5.62 yards per carry.
Now, he’s back in the Big 12 with West Virginia, where he’ll be the focal point of the offense. Cook has the speed, vision, and power to be a game-breaker every time he touches the ball.
Danny Scudero, WR, Colorado
Danny Scudero led the FBS in receiving yards in 2025 - and somehow did it under the radar.
That won’t be the case in 2026. The San Jose State transfer is now at Colorado, bringing his 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns to a Buffaloes offense that could use a go-to playmaker.
Scudero was the only player in the country to average over 100 receiving yards per game last season. With his route-running, separation ability, and hands, he’s exactly the kind of target Deion Sanders wants - and needs - to elevate Colorado’s passing attack.
The Bottom Line
This new era of college football is redefining what it means to “come back.”
For these players, it’s not just about loyalty or chasing a title - it’s about maximizing opportunity. Whether it’s refining their game, building their brand, or simply chasing greatness, their return raises the level of competition and keeps the sport as compelling as ever.
And for fans? It means another season of watching some of the game’s best do their thing on Saturdays.