College football: Best returning players that skipped the NFL Draft

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The deadline to declare for the NFL Draft has passed, and the result is a significant injection of talent back into the college game for 2026. While the allure of professional contracts usually drains the sport of its top-tier talent, this offseason sees notable retention of Day 1 and Day 2 prospects. These ten players have opted to delay their pro careers, reshaping the competitive landscape for the upcoming season.

10. Danny Scudero

Sep 6, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Danny Scudero (10) reaches for a pass while defended by Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Wide Receiver, Colorado
2025 Stats: 88 receptions, 1,291 yards, 10 TDs

Colorado adds significant production to its receiving corps with Scudero, who arrives via the portal from San Jose State. He led the Mountain West in receiving yards last season, proving to be a high-volume target who can stretch the field. His move to the Big 12 offers a chance to validate that production against Power 4 secondaries before making the jump to the next level.

9. Cam Cook

Jacksonville State’s Cam Cook scores a touchdown as LibertyÕs Deuce Spurlock defends during college football action at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, September 6, 2025. (Dave Hyatt / Hyatt Media LLC)

Running Back, West Virginia
2025 Stats: 1,659 rushing yards, 16 TDs, 5.6 yards per carry

Cook transfers to West Virginia as the reigning FBS rushing leader, bringing a proven ground game to Morgantown. His 2025 campaign at Jacksonville State was defined by contact balance, forcing 100 missed tackles and consistently gaining yards after contact. He steps into a tougher conference, looking to show that his efficiency and durability hold up against stiffer defensive fronts.

8. Damon Wilson II

Damon Wilson II — Miami (EDGE) — Missouri Tigers defensive end Damon Wilson II (8) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Edge, Miami
2025 Stats: 9 sacks, 23 tackles, 12 QB pressures

Miami shores up its defensive line with Wilson, a former five-star recruit who found his stride at Missouri last season. Logging nine sacks in the SEC is a strong indicator of pro potential, particularly for an edge rusher relying on speed and bend. He returns to his home state to anchor the Hurricanes’ pass rush, aiming to stack back-to-back productive seasons.

7. Brice Pollock

Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders cornerback Brice Pollock (14) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Defensive Back, Texas Tech
2025 Stats: 5 INTs, 7 pass breakups, 46 tackles

Pollock was a statistical standout in the Big 12 last year, leading the conference in interceptions. His ability to track the ball and convert turnover opportunities was a key asset for the Red Raiders’ defense. By returning, he has the opportunity to refine his technique in man coverage and prove he is a complete corner rather than just a ball hawk.

6. A’Mauri Washington

Nov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman A’Mauri Washington (52) reacts with fans after the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Defensive Line, Oregon
2025 Stats: 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 83.8 run-defense grade

Washington provides a massive anchor for the Ducks’ interior, utilizing his 330-pound frame to clog rushing lanes. He graded out highly as a run defender during Oregon’s playoff campaign, doing the dirty work that allows linebackers to flow freely. His return guarantees continuity in the trenches for a defense expecting to contend for a title.

5. Jayden Maiava

College football: Best returning players that will skip the 2026 NFL draft — Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Quarterback, USC
2025 Stats: 3,711 passing yards, 24 TDs, 89.9 QBR

Maiava settled into Lincoln Riley’s system efficiently, finishing second nationally in QBR during his first full year as a starter. He managed the offense with poise, minimizing mistakes while distributing the ball effectively downfield. Getting a returning starter at quarterback gives USC a distinct advantage in continuity as it navigates the Big Ten schedule.

4. Arch Manning

Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs with the ball against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Quarterback, Texas
2025 Stats: 3,163 passing yards, 26 TDs, 10 rushing TDs

Manning validated his prospect status with a productive season that showcased dual-threat ability. While his passing mechanics are well-documented, the 10 rushing touchdowns added a necessary layer of versatility to the Texas offense. He returns to Austin to further polish his pocket presence and command before his expected declaration in 2027.

3. Carter Smith

Nov 22, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Carter Smith (5) runs the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Offensive Line, Indiana
2025 Stats: 0 sacks allowed, 9 pressures allowed in 16 games

Smith was a stabilizing force for Indiana’s national championship squad, starting every game at left tackle. Allowing zero sacks over a 16-game season is a rare statistical feat for a blindside protector in the Big Ten. His return anchors the line for the defending champs, ensuring the quarterback remains upright as they look to defend their title.

2. Darian Mensah

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) throws a pass against the UConn Huskies in the first quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Quarterback, Miami
2025 Stats: 3,973 passing yards, 34 TDs, 6 INTs

Miami lands an experienced signal-caller in Mensah, who was one of the ACC’s most productive passers at Duke last season. Nearly cracking 4,000 yards and recording 34 touchdowns demonstrate his ability to drive an offense vertically. He steps into a roster with high-end skill talent, looking to replicate that statistical success in a new system.

1. Dante Moore

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore walks the field after the Ducks’ loss as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Quarterback, Oregon
2025 Stats: 3,565 passing yards, 30 TDs, 71.8% completion rate

Moore’s decision to return is perhaps the most significant of the cycle, keeping a projected top-tier pick in Eugene. He operated with high efficiency last season, ranking in the top 15 nationally for completion percentage. His return gives Oregon a veteran presence under center, removing the uncertainty that usually plagues contenders as they break in a new quarterback.

The talent stays home

The 2026 NFL Draft class has taken a hit, but the college game is the clear beneficiary. Instead of a rebuilding year defined by new faces, the upcoming season will feature established stars and proven commodities leading the top programs. The road to the College Football Playoff now runs through these veterans.

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