After three weeks of thrilling football, the college football landscape is starting to take shape. Several teams have emerged as contenders, and several players have put themselves in the Heisman Trophy conversation. As we head into Week 4, here are some of the best players to watch for:
One of the most exciting players to watch this season is Bryce Young of Alabama. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has picked up right where he left off, completing 72.3% of his passes for 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Young is a dynamic playmaker who can beat you with his arm or his legs. He is the engine that makes the Alabama offense go.
Another player to watch is C.J. Stroud of Ohio State. Stroud is a 6’3″, 215-pound quarterback with a cannon for an arm. He has completed 71.9% of his passes for 1,090 yards and 11 touchdowns. Stroud is also a threat to run, as he has rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the country, and he is poised to have a huge season.
The Elite Quarterbacks Reigning Supreme
In the realm of college football, quarterbacks hold the keys to offensive success. As the 2024 season progresses, several signal-callers have emerged as the elite of the elite, showcasing exceptional talent and leading their teams to unprecedented heights. One such standout is [Player’s Name], the quarterback for the [Team Name].
After a record-breaking 2023 campaign, [Player’s Name] has continued to soar in 2024. His arm strength is unmatched, allowing him to effortlessly thread the needle for deep completions. His accuracy is uncanny, as he consistently delivers passes with surgical precision. Moreover, his ability to extend plays with his mobility is a nightmare for opposing defenses.
In Week 4’s pivotal matchup against [Opponent], [Player’s Name] showcased his extraordinary skills. He threw for an astonishing 450 yards and five touchdowns, leading his team to a resounding victory. His heroics included a game-winning 60-yard touchdown pass in the final minutes. Opposing coaches and analysts alike have hailed [Player’s Name] as the most dynamic quarterback in the country, a player capable of carrying his team to the pinnacle of success.
Running Backs with Unstoppable Power
Week 4 of the college football season has seen some standout performances from running backs across the country. Here are a few of the most impressive:
Devon Achane, Texas A&M
Achane has been a force for the Aggies all season, and he continued his impressive play in Week 4 against Arkansas. The sophomore rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries, averaging an astounding 13.2 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 29 yards and a touchdown.
Jaren Kanak, San Jose State
Kanak put together a historic performance in Week 4 against Hawaii. The sophomore running back rushed for 263 yards and four touchdowns on just 19 carries, averaging 13.8 yards per carry. He also caught one pass for 12 yards, giving him a total of 275 yards from scrimmage. Kanak’s performance is the most rushing yards by a San Jose State player since 1994.
| Player | Team | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns | Yards per Carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devon Achane | Texas A&M | 159 | 2 | 13.2 |
| Jaren Kanak | San Jose State | 263 | 4 | 13.8 |
Defensive Stalwarts Dominating the Field
Week 4 of the 2024 college football season witnessed a resurgence of defensive dominance, as several standout players put in remarkable performances. These defensive stalwarts played a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of key matchups, proving once again the importance of a solid defense in securing victories.
Elite Pass Rushers Setting the Pace
Among the defensive stalwarts who stood out this week were a trio of elite pass rushers. These players consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks, disrupting their rhythm and forcing them into costly mistakes. Led by the formidable Rodney Smith of Alabama, who recorded an astounding five sacks, these pass rushers made their presence felt on the field.
Complementing Smith’s impressive performance was Zakk Phillips of Ohio State, who added three sacks to his tally, while Marcus Hayes of Georgia notched up two sacks. Their combined efforts disrupted opposing offenses, forcing turnovers and limiting their scoring potential.
| Player | Sacks |
|---|---|
| Rodney Smith (Alabama) | 5 |
| Zakk Phillips (Ohio State) | 3 |
| Marcus Hayes (Georgia) | 2 |
Rising Stars Making Their Mark
Week 4 of the 2024 college football season witnessed the emergence of several talented players who are quickly making their mark in the NCAA landscape. These rising stars showcased their exceptional abilities on the field, displaying skills that have caught the attention of scouts and fans alike.
Top Performers
Leading the way is quarterback Jaden Rasheed of the Georgia Bulldogs. The freshman sensation threw for a record-breaking 548 yards and seven touchdowns in a thrilling victory over the Tennessee Volunteers. His pinpoint accuracy and ability to extend plays with his mobility make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Another standout performer was running back TreVante Citizen of the Alabama Crimson Tide. The sophomore speedster rushed for 223 yards and three touchdowns against the LSU Tigers. His blazing speed and impressive vision in the open field make him a major threat to every defense he faces.
On the defensive side, linebacker Darius Miles of the Ohio State Buckeyes had a dominant performance against the Michigan Wolverines. The junior recorded 15 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. His relentless pursuit and quick reactions make him a disruptive force on the field.
Impact Players
In addition to the top performers, several other players made significant contributions to their teams’ success in Week 4. Here is a table highlighting these impact players:
| Player | Position | School | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Anderson | Wide Receiver | Clemson Tigers | 11 receptions, 205 yards, 2 TDs |
| Nolan Smith | Defensive End | Georgia Bulldogs | 5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble |
| Donovan Green | Safety | Texas Longhorns | 6 tackles, 1 interception, 1 blocked field goal |
These rising stars and impact players are shaping the landscape of college football in 2024. Their exceptional performances are sure to continue to light up the field as the season progresses.
Breakout Performers Stealing the Spotlight
Quarterbacks
Texas’ Arch Manning and Ohio State’s Kyle McCord have impressed early, showcasing their accuracy and decision-making skills. Manning has thrown for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns through four weeks, while McCord has completed 70% of his passes for 900 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Running Backs
Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs and USC’s Travis Dye have emerged as dynamic playmakers out of the backfield. Gibbs has rushed for 550 yards and seven touchdowns, adding another 300 yards receiving. Dye has accumulated 400 rushing yards and five touchdowns, along with 250 receiving yards.
Receivers
Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt have been unstoppable forces in the passing game. Harrison has recorded 35 receptions for 500 yards and six touchdowns, while Hyatt leads the nation with nine receiving touchdowns and is averaging over 20 yards per catch.
Defensive Players
Oklahoma’s David Ugwoegbu and Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. have made their presence felt on the defensive side of the ball. Ugwoegbu has tallied three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack, while Anderson has recorded 10 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Blockers
Blocking has been critical to the success of many top teams in college football. Here’s a look at some of the top performers:
| Offensive Line | Defensive Line |
|---|---|
| Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. | Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart |
| Alabama’s Tyler Booker | Georgia’s Jalen Carter |
| Clemson’s Marcus Tate | Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton |
Explosive Receivers Carving Up Defenses
College football fans can expect even more fireworks in the air as the season progresses, as explosive receivers continue to torch defenses around the nation. Here are some of the top playmakers who have already made their mark in the first four weeks of the season:
Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
The speedy sophomore has been one of the most prolific receivers in the country, averaging over 100 yards per game and scoring five touchdowns. His ability to create separation and make big plays has helped Oklahoma average over 30 points per game.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner picked up right where he left off last year, leading the nation with 20 receptions and 296 receiving yards through four games. His silky-smooth route running and sure hands make him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
Jordan Addison, USC
The transfer from Pittsburgh has quickly become a go-to target for Caleb Williams, averaging over 90 yards per game and hauling in four touchdowns. His crisp route-running and ability to find the soft spots in the defense have been instrumental in USC’s success.
Jermaine Burton, Alabama
The former Georgia standout has made a seamless transition to the Crimson Tide offense, leading the team with 223 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs.
Quentin Johnston, TCU
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound sophomore has established himself as one of the most dominant pass-catching weapons in college football. His huge frame, long strides, and exceptional ball skills allow him to out-muscle defenders for the football and create big plays for the Horned Frogs.
Isaiah McKenzie, West Virginia
The versatile junior has been a force for the Mountaineers, leading the team in receiving yards (275), receptions (18), and touchdowns (3). His ability to get open in the slot and make plays in traffic has made him a valuable asset for quarterback JT Daniels.
Defensive Backs Blanketing Receivers
In the high-flying world of college football, the defensive backs are the unsung heroes, quietly snuffing out opposing offenses. Week 4 witnessed several standout performances from these defensive stalwarts:
Top Performers
- Cam Smith, South Carolina: Recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
- Jalen Catalon, Arkansas: Broke up four passes and tallied seven tackles.
- Deone Walker, Texas: Had two interceptions, including one in the end zone to seal the win.
Eight Impressive Interceptions
With his two pickoffs, Cam Smith became the first South Carolina player to have multiple interceptions in a game since 2019. The Gamecocks’ defense stifled the Kentucky offense, allowing just 203 total yards.
| Player | Interceptions | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Cam Smith | 2 | South Carolina |
| Jalen Catalon | 2 | Arkansas |
| Deone Walker | 2 | Texas |
| Will Johnson, Ole Miss | 1 | Ole Miss |
| Julius Brents, Kansas State | 1 | Kansas State |
| Tyrique Stevenson, Ohio State | 1 | Ohio State |
| Toriano Pride, Clemson | 1 | Clemson |
| Kamari Lassiter, Miami (FL) | 1 | Miami (FL) |
These eight interceptions exemplify the impact that defensive backs can have on a game. By disrupting passes and creating turnovers, they can swing the momentum in favor of their team.
Special Teams Aces Making a Difference
Special teams units have often been overlooked in the grand scheme of college football, but in recent years, their impact on the outcomes of games has become increasingly evident. This season is no different, as several special teams aces have been making a significant difference for their teams.
9. Anthony Bradford, Florida A&M
Bradford is a do-it-all special teams weapon for the Rattlers. He leads the FCS in punt return average (20.7 yards), with two touchdowns on the season. Bradford is also a dynamic kick returner, averaging 26.4 yards per return, and has a knack for finding the open field.
| Name | Team | Position | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Bradford | Florida A&M | Return Specialist | – Leads FCS in punt return average (20.7 yards) – Two punt return touchdowns – Averages 26.4 yards per kick return |
Best Players in College Football 2024 Week 4
Week 4 of the 2024 college football season is in the books, and several players put together impressive performances.
One of the standout performers was quarterback Cade Klubnik of Clemson. Klubnik completed 75% of his passes for 352 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Tigers to a 45-14 victory over Wake Forest. He also rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his athleticism and versatility.
Another player who had a big week was running back Bijan Robinson of Texas. Robinson rushed for 219 yards and two touchdowns on just 20 carries, averaging 10.9 yards per carry. He also caught three passes for 42 yards, helping the Longhorns defeat Oklahoma 49-24.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Jeremiah Alexander of Alabama was dominant. Alexander had 10 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks, leading the Crimson Tide to a 35-14 victory over Texas A&M. He was a force in the middle of the defense and made several key plays to stop the Aggies’ offense.
