Josh Hoover headlines ESPN's ranking of the top 100 college football newcomers for 2026, bringing his TCU experience to Indiana. The senior quarterback threw for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns during his college career, immediately filling the void left by NFL-bound Fernando Mendoza. His aggressive style should unlock explosive plays for the Hoosiers, though his 42 career turnovers present some volatility for a team with College Football Playoff expectations.

Cam Coleman follows at No. 2 after transferring from Auburn to Texas. The junior receiver brings 93 career catches for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns to complement Ryan Wingo in Austin. His 6-foot-3 frame and contested-catch ability will help maximize Arch Manning's development in one of the nation's most explosive offenses. Coleman's production despite inconsistent quarterback play at Auburn suggests he'll thrive in a more stable environment.

Quarterbacks dominate the early rankings, with Sam Leavitt (LSU) at No. 3 after leading Arizona State to a Big 12 title. The dual-threat accounted for 29 touchdowns in 2024, throwing for 2,885 yards while adding 443 rushing yards. Darian Mensah (Miami) comes in fourth after throwing for 3,973 yards with 34 touchdowns and just six interceptions for Duke. Jordan Seaton, the No. 1 offensive tackle in 2024, provides immediate stability to LSU's offensive line, while Princewill Umanmielen bolsters the Tigers' defensive front with nine sacks from his previous season.