Breakout Offensive Candidates For The 2024 College Football Season
As June winds down and we draw closer to games, some players will burst onto the scene. Some are no-brainers, and others are going under the radar because players in front of them are running out of eligibility or transferring to other programs.
By the time we reach the halfway point of the 2024 season, these guys will be household names. With all that being said, let's look at the list.
Breakout Offensive Candidates
1. Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee
After sitting behind Joe Milton III last season, the former five-star quarterback got his first start and didn't disappoint, earning Citrus Bowl MVP Honors passing for a touchdown and adding three on the ground.
Iamaleava has a solid offensive line in front of him, with three starters returning: center Cooper Mays, right tackle John Campbell Jr., and right guard Javontez Scroggins, who have played a combined 126 games and made 95 starts. They also have left guard Jackson Lampley back for a sixth season, having 12 appearances and one start at guard. They also added Lance Heard in the portal from LSU to protect Iamaleava's blindside.
He'll also have a strong supporting cast, with leading receiver Squirrel White returning, Bru McCoy returning after a season-ending ankle injury, and Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II.
Nico can be one of the SEC's top quarterbacks, even with Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, and Jaxson Dart in the SEC.
2. Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
Auburn's passing offense last season was one of the worst in the nation, ranking 121st with an average of 162.2 yards per game. Enter five-star wide receiver Cam Coleman, one of the most gifted playmakers in the class of 2024.
Coleman has a chance to play early and often for the Tigers, who desperately need impact players at the skill position. Coleman will be a household name by the end of his freshman season.
3. Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC
After having a quiet start to his freshman season, bringing in four receptions for 33 yards. Lane broke out in USC's bowl game, finding an instant connection with quarterback Miller Moss, bringing in three receptions for 60 yards and two touchdowns. Lane has a chance to make noise for the Trojans, with the top wideouts Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice both in the NFL.
4. Avery Johnson, QB, Kansas State
With Will Howard now at Ohio State, it's Avery Johnson's chance to be the full-time starter for the Wildcats. Johnson is the definition of a dual-threat quarterback. He showed his capabilities in KSU's bowl game by passing for 178 yards, two touchdowns, 71 yards on the ground, and a touchdown. He can lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 title, with Oklahoma and Texas now in the SEC.
5. Savion Williams, WR, TCU
Savion Williams is a prime player that is perfect for this list. The talent is evident, as Williams was ranked as a four-star for the class of 2020 and a top thirty recruit out of Texas. Unfortunately, he's been underutilized at TCU, only catching 41 passes last season. If the Horned Frogs can get him more targets, he has the talent to be a late day-one or early day-two pick.
6. Brock Vandagriff, QB, Kentucky
After spending three seasons at Georgia, one of the nation's top backups is getting the opportunity to be a full-time starter. While he saw limited time, he was efficient on the field, passing for 165 yards and two touchdowns with a 66.7 completion percentage. Per PFF, he only threw 18 passes but recorded two big-time throws and zero turnover-worthy plays.
7. Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
After backing up a generational tight end, Brock Bowers, for two seasons, Delp gets his first opportunity to be a full-time starter for the Bulldogs. We saw what Delp could do when Brock Bowers was out due to injury. He finished the 2023 campaign with 284 yards and three touchdowns.
Read More College Sports News From Stadium Rant Here: College Sports News
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS:
Order your favorite whiskey or spirit for the big game right to your doorstep and use code STADIUMRANT10 for a 10% discount at Caskers
Use code STADIUMRANT20 for a 20% discount at Bulletproof Coffee, SwingJuice, and Performix.
If you love to shotgun beers, use code STADIUMRANT10 at Wild Man Drinking Company.
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our YouTube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok a follow for more great content!