Every offseason, a handful of elite college football players make the surprising decision to return to school instead of entering the NFL Draft. These returning stars instantly reshape the competitive landscape, giving their programs proven production, leadership, and high-end talent for another season. The best returners who skipped the 2026 NFL Draft aren’t just good players — they’re impact performers expected to drive conference races and national title conversations.
Dante Moore — Oregon (QB)
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws a pass during the fourth quarter the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Moore is considered one of the most naturally gifted passers in college football, combining high-end arm talent with improved decision-making and pocket composure. His return gives Oregon a quarterback with pro-level tools and big-game upside. Evaluators see him as a difference-maker because he can stretch defenses vertically while also operating efficiently in structured concepts — a rare combo at the college level.
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Darian Mensah — Miami (QB)
Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) celebrates after the Blue Devils score a touchdown in overtime during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Mensah brings explosive athleticism and dual-threat stress to defenses. His development curve has been steep, and coaches value how quickly he processes RPO-heavy looks. He’s viewed as one of the best returning players because he can turn broken plays into chunk gains and forces defenses to account for him on every snap, both as a passer and a runner.
Carter Smith — Indiana (OL)
Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Carter Smith (5) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Smith anchors the line with size, leverage discipline, and strong pass-protection fundamentals. He’s regarded as one of the top returning linemen because he consistently wins his assignment, handles power rushers well, and communicates protections effectively. Offensive lines improve dramatically when a player like Smith returns — he stabilizes the entire unit.
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Arch Manning — Texas (QB)
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning warms up before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Manning’s value goes beyond the famous name — he offers high-level mechanics, poise, and advanced field vision for his age. Coaches and scouts view him as one of the best returning players because of his ceiling: he reads defenses well, throws with timing and touch, and shows command in pressure situations. His return signals another year of offensive growth and refinement.
Jayden Maiava — USC (QB)
Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Maiava is known for his live arm and aggressive downfield mentality, making him a perfect fit for an explosive passing system. He’s considered elite among returning players because he challenges coverage constantly and creates scoring opportunities in bunches. When he’s in rhythm, he can take over games quickly.
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A’Mauri Washington — Oregon (DL)
Oregon Ducks defensive lineman A’Mauri Washington (52) reacts with fans after the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Washington is a disruptive interior presence who affects both the run and pass game. His get-off and hand usage allow him to penetrate gaps and collapse pockets. He’s viewed as one of the best returning defenders because interior disruption is scarce — and he produces it consistently, forcing offenses to adjust protections.
Brice Pollock — Texas Tech (DB)
Texas Tech Red Raiders cornerback Brice Pollock (14) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Pollock stands out for his coverage versatility and ball skills. He can match up in man coverage while also reading route concepts in zone. His return matters because he limits explosive plays and creates turnover chances. Corners with that blend of instincts and physicality are premium assets at the college level.
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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
Wilson is a high-motor edge defender with burst and bend off the corner. He’s considered one of the top returning players because he pressures quarterbacks at a steady rate and forces hurried decisions. His pass-rush profile — speed-to-power conversion plus pursuit effort — makes him a constant backfield threat.
Cam Cook — West Virginia (RB)
Jacksonville State Gamecocks running back Cam Cook(4) dives in for a touchdown against the UTEP Miners defense at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, Saturday, November 8, 2025. The touchdown was negated by a penalty. redit:
© Ivan Pierre Aguirre/Special to El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Cook is a dynamic runner with lateral agility and strong contact balance. He produces explosive runs without needing perfect blocking and contributes in the passing game. He’s rated among the best returners because he generates offense on his own and keeps defenses honest on early downs.
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Danny Scudero — Colorado (WR)
San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Danny Scudero (10) runs in for the touchdown after the catch against the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine during the third quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Scudero is viewed as a high-impact receiver due to his route-running precision and reliable hands. He consistently separates and converts key downs. His return boosts the passing attack because he’s the kind of target quarterbacks trust in tight coverage and high-leverage situations.
Conclusion
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning warms up before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
When top prospects choose development and unfinished goals over an early jump to the pros, it raises both their teams’ ceilings and the overall quality of the college game. These players return with draft-caliber traits, bigger roles, and stronger expectations, making them central figures to watch all season. Their decisions set the stage for a more experienced, more competitive, and more star-powered year of college football.
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