College Football: 6 Breakout Players On Offense in 2022

With OTAs underway across the NFL and spring football in the rearview mirror for teams throughout college football, it’s time to look ahead to the 2022 college football season. Here are a few breakout candidates on offense to keep a keen eye on.

*Not all players listed are draft-eligible in 2023*

Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami (FL)

After a monstrous 2021 season within Rhett Lashlee’s high-tempo offense, scouts remain intrigued about how Van Dyke will respond to Josh Gattis’ scheme. The 2021 Jim Broyles award winner for the nation’s top assistant at Michigan, his mentorship of the 6-foot-4 Van Dyke could elevate his draft stock. A redshirt freshman last year, Van Dyke totaled nearly 3,000 yards through the air with 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He still remains a ball of clay but don’t be shocked if he finds himself in the Heisman conversation come January. 

Antwane Wells, WR, South Carolina 

SEC fans will quickly learn Wells’ name. A dominant force at FCS James Madison where he totaled 1,250 yards receiving with 15 touchdowns,oth single-season school records, Wells has received a ton of work with Spencer Rattler this spring and should have a massive perimeter workload for the revamped Gamecocks this fall. 

Byron Cardwell, RB, Oregon

With C.J. Verdell now a member of the Indianapolis Colts and Travis Dye off to USC, it’s Cardwell’s backfield. Just a true sophomore, his workload increased following Verdell’s season-ending injury, and with an NFL-ready frame, he could light up the Pac-12 in no time. Colorado and Washington State fans got a glimpse of his ability last fall, but as the clear top back for the Ducks this season, he’s a massive breakout candidate. 

Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

The former top signal-caller at the prep level, Ewers enters his first season in Austin after transferring from Ohio State. If all comes to fruition, Ewers’ big-time game and persona are a fit for the bright Texas spotlight. That said, his success likely won’t materialize without wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who remains one of the top pass-catchers in the country.

Luther Burden, WR, Missouri

The top-ranked wide receiver in the 2022 recruiting class, Burden opted to stay home for Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz, and will immediately become the focal point of the Mizzou aerial attack led by Brady Cook. An eerily similar talent to that of Atlanta Falcons wideout Drake London, he’s explosive with the ball in his hands and consistently makes men miss in open space.

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Jackson State

Another true freshman, Hunter, the No. 1 overall recruit in the country, will have a massive impact for Deion Sanders’ Tigers in his debut collegiate season. A stud on both sides of the ball in high school, Hunter has the ability to become one of the more unique weapons that college football has to offer, and has zero limitations as a high-impact athlete.