Picking college football's top non-QB playmakers in 2026 - ESPN

The quarterback position is always a flashpoint around college football, especially for the 2026 season, as Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, Trinidad Chambliss, CJ Carr, Gunner Stockton and others return to lead national contenders.

But QBs aren't the only playmakers in the sport. Those who play other positions, on both sides of the ball, will significantly impact moments and outcomes.

Not every playmaker listed regularly has the ball in his hands, but each affects where it often ends up. Some transferred to higher-profile programs, while others stayed put to play for new coaches. Several have already entered the conversation for national awards. A few are ready to take that step this fall.

I surveyed coaches about which players they're expecting big things from on their teams, or how they view other notables around the sport. (Note: Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy was on the original list, but his playing status is in doubt after being shot at a concert earlier this month.)

Here's a look at 15 non-quarterback playmakers to watch this fall, and what coaches are saying about them.

Vitals: Sophomore, 5-foot-11, 188 pounds

2025 stats: 1,211 receiving yards, 109 receptions, 10 TDs, 113 rushing yards

Why he's here: Toney didn't win the Biletnikoff Award, which went to USC's Makai Lemon, and wasn't even a finalist (Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and UConn's Skyler Bell were the others). But good luck finding a more electrifying receiver at the end of the 2025 season. Toney led the nation and set a team record for receptions, and also set a team record while finishing fifth nationally in receiving yards.

The ACC Rookie of the Year was one of 16 players to record 10 or more receiving touchdowns and had five or more