By Mark Pszonak
Everyone knows about Ashton Jeanty’s accomplishments this season, but there are several other G5 players who are having fantastic seasons. Here are 10 who deserve more attention, and might a few of these players find their way into the transfer portal this winter?
TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green, Junior
Fannin has taken his game to the next level in 2024. After grabbing 44 receptions for 623 yards and six touchdowns last season, he has become one of the top tight ends in the nation this fall with 66 receptions for 947 yards and six touchdowns in eight games. It’s not often that you see a tight end averaging 118.4 receiving yards per game.
QB Bryson Daily, Army, Senior
As a returning starter, Daily’s improvement is one huge reason for Army’s undefeated start. Coming off a season when he passed for 913 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions, while rushing for 901 yards and seven touchdowns, Daily has shattered those accomplishments in only seven games this season. In the passing game he has 629 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions, while in the running game he has 909 yards and a nation’s leading 19 touchdowns.
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S Jalen Catalon, UNLV, RS Senior
Catalon has had an interesting collegiate career, which is concluding on a good note. He started with a fantastic redshirt freshman season in 2020 at Arkansas before injuries derailed him and eventually led to his transfer to Texas. However, his one season with the Longhorns also did not meet expectations. Now with the Rebels he has 66 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack and four interceptions as he has gotten his career back on track.
CB Michael Coats Jr., Nevada, RS Senior
Coats made his way to Nevada after three seasons at East Central CC. Amazingly, his time at the JUCO was his first on the field since Pop Warner as he never played high school football. Now in his second season with the Wolfpack he has 27 tackles, four interceptions and a nation’s leading 12 passes defended.
QB Chandler Morris, North Texas, Junior
A transfer from TCU, Morris is playing a large part in making North Texas relevant this season. Helping the Mean Green to a 5-3 start, he has passed for a nation’s leading 2,873 yards along with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Up next is a big game against undefeated and #19 Army.
WR Nick Nash, San Jose State, RS Senior
In his sixth season with the Spartans, Nash started his collegiate career at quarterback before making the move to wide receiver prior to the 2022 season. After showcasing his potential in 2023 with 48 receptions for 728 yards and eight touchdowns, he has exploded this season with 80 receptions for 995 yards and 12 touchdowns in eight games.
WR Jalen Royals, Utah State, Senior
Royals made his mark nationally last season with 71 receptions for 1,080 yards and 15 touchdowns. Through seven games in 2024, he is having an even more impressive showing with 55 receptions for 834 yards and six touchdowns.
RB Makhi Hughes, Tulane, RS Sophomore
After being a big part of Tulane’s 11-3 2023 season, Hughes has become the main weapon in 2024. He is averaging 5.7 yards per carry this season while totaling 939 yards and nine touchdowns on 166 carries.
DE Trey White, San Diego State, Sophomore
White has been a revelation for the Aztecs this season. After only totaling 15 tackles and two tackles for a loss in 2023, he has been one of the best defensive playmakers in the country this season with 35 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in seven games.
LBs Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, Graduate Student & Red Murdock, Buffalo, RS Sophomore
I’m cheating on this one, but both Buffalo linebackers deserve attention. Dolac transferred to Utah State during the off-season only to return to the Bulls soon after. And Buffalo has reaped the benefits with Dolac totaling 108 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions in eight games. Murdock’s performance this season has been more as a surprise as he has exploded with 96 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles. There isn’t a more productive linebacker duo in the country.
