Key college football returning players for each top 25 team - ESPN

ESPN

by Max Olson

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In today’s college football landscape, where NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights and roster management dominate discussions, retaining top players has become a critical factor in a team’s success. The article highlights how colleges are increasingly focused on convincing star athletes to stay, rather than pursuing big-name transfers or draft-eligible prospects. Teams like Indiana, Texas, Notre Dame, and Georgia have successfully convinced key players to return for the 2026 season, which could significantly impact their chances of winning championships. The Indiana Hoosiers, who won the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2025, are counting on offensive tackle Carter Smith to anchor their line. Smith, a consensus All-American, chose to stay despite NFL draft interest, giving the Hoosiers a crucial leader for another title run. Meanwhile, the Texas Longhorns secured Trevor Goosby, an All-SEC left tackle who opted to return for his redshirt junior year, aiming to become a first-round draft pick in 2027. His presence will help stabilize a rebuilding offensive line. Notre Dame’s secondary remains strong with safety Adon Shuler leading the way. Shuler, a team captain and four-year contributor, excelled last season with 53 tackles, five pass breakups, and two interceptions. His return ensures the Fighting Irish have one of the top secondaries in the nation. Similarly, Georgia’s success hinges on running back Nate Frazier, who nearly left for the transfer portal but decided to stay after a standout sophomore season that included 947 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. These retention victories underscore how retaining experienced players can translate to sustained success on the field. Teams like Indiana, Texas, Notre Dame, and Georgia are proving that keeping key contributors is just as valuable—and often more cost-effective—as recruiting new talent. For sports fans, this focus on player retention adds another layer of excitement, as returning stars can help teams build momentum and achieve long-term goals.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/24/2026