College football players poised for bounce-back seasons in 2026

The 2026 college football season is poised to offer numerous comeback stories as players seek fresh starts at new programs. Among the notable players aiming for bounce-back years is Nic Anderson, a wide receiver who battled injuries at Oklahoma and LSU but now looks to thrive under Kentucky's first-year coach Will Stein. Boo Carter, a former standout at Tennessee, joins Colorado as part of an impressive defensive class. Xavier Chaplin, an offensive lineman with a solid track record at Virginia Tech and Auburn, aims to stabilize Florida State's offensive line.

Makhi Hughes reunites with former coach Willie Fritz at Houston after a challenging stint at Oregon, hoping to revitalize the Cougars' offense. Defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis, once a key figure at Alabama and Colorado, seeks success at Ole Miss. DJ Lagway, a quarterback facing a new chapter at Baylor, will operate under the guidance of offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, while South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers looks to rebound with a revamped