If an opposing offense boasts a superstar, defensive coaches will craft a scheme to limit that player. Some version of "we can't let him beat us" is a popular phrase in college football meeting rooms. When there are two playmakers, though? Good luck.
Ohio State is a prime example in 2024, readying to send out running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. (And that's before considering wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, by the way.) The list is subjective but considers both recent production—including from transfers—and 2024 outlook.
Since quarterbacks get so much attention on their own, the choices are limited to a signal-caller's supporting cast. This season, it even includes a couple of offensive tackles. Traditionally, skill-position players are the focus of this subject.
It's a sensible approach, given that running backs, wide receivers and tight ends are responsible for scoring touchdowns. We couldn't not mention LSU's offensive tackles, however. Will Campbell earned first-team All-SEC recognition last season, and Emery Jones picked up second-team honors.
They should both contend for All-American status in 2024, even as LSU rebuilds at the skill positions. Campbell is viewed as an elite NFL prospect and landed as the second overall pick on B/R's early 2025 mock draft . After an injury-shortened 2022 season, Xavier Restrepo broke out in 2023.
He caught 85 passes and became only the sixth receiver in Miami history to surpass the 1,000-yard barrier. Restrepo is back alongside Jacolby George and Houston transfer Sam Brown, who both notched 800-plus yards last year. But the 'Canes also reeled in a prized running back.
Damien Martinez tallied 1,043 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns as a freshman at Oregon State. As a sophomore, he jumped that production to 1,311 total yards and nine scores. Martinez averaged 6.
1 yards per carry in both of those seasons, too. Miami doesn't lack for talent at the skill positions—or anywhere on this 2024 offense, really. Two great receivers or running backs? Makes sense.
Standout back and receiver? Normal. Receiver and tight end? Less common, but certainly not a surprising pair. Michigan sports a unique combination with running back Donovan Edwards and tight end Colston Loveland.
Over the last two years, Edwards has contributed 1,937 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns to the Wolverines. He largely held a backup role to All-American runner Blake Corum in those appearances but is shifting into the featured spot for U-M's ground-heavy attack. Loveland, meanwhile, made 45 receptions for 649 yards and four scores last year.
He could be the nation's best tight end in 2024. If your preference is a back and receiver, no argument here. Emeka Egbuka is a worthy piece of a star combination.
Ohio State, though, is the proud owner of the nation's best backfield tandem. TreVeyon Henderson is a three-year contributor in Columbus, transfer Quinshon Judkins brings elite numbers from Ole Miss. Now, their deployment will be fascinating.
In some situations, OSU can utilize a two-back system. They'll most often be rotated for each other, and whether Henderson or Judkins winds up with a heavier share of touches is a storyline to watch. Still, the reality that Ohio State can bounce between a pair of All-American talents is a tremendous luxury.
The star, of, course is running back Ollie Gordon II. He's about as much of a household name as possible in 2024. Gordon paced the country with 1,732 yards and finished second with 21 rushing scores last year.
He added 39 receptions for 330 yards and another touchdown, earning the Doak Walker Award. Oklahoma State has a couple of nice sidekicks, too. Rashad Owens deserves a mention after he registered 895 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.
The offense's high-volume target is Brennan Presley, who's coming off a campaign with 101 catches for 991 yards and six scores. He also scored twice on jet sweeps. No matter which receiver you pick, OSU's offense has a terrific one-two punch—with a high-quality No.
3. In case these wide receivers aren't enough, tight end Caden Prieskorn has immense breakout potential. He closed the 2023 season on an absolute tear, wrecking Penn State in the Peach Bowl.
Yet he might be the Rebels' third or fourth option. Tre Harris notched 54 receptions for team-high marks of 985 yards and eight touchdowns last season, while Jordan Watkins had 53 catches with 741 yards and three scores. They're the foundation of an enticing skill-positing group around quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Always busy in the transfer portal, Ole Miss also snagged South Carolina transfer Antwane Wells Jr., too. He dealt with an injury-plagued 2022 but tallied 928 yards two years ago.
Harris and Wells have the highest upside, but the Rebels' duo could easily be a standout trio. With a nod to offensive tackles Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius, Oregon's most intriguing combination is a new pairing.
Last season, Tez Johnson snared a team-high 86 passes for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns in his program debut. He previously had a couple of 700-yard campaigns at Troy before transferring to Oregon. Johnson's return ensured the Ducks would have a dangerous top target, but the transfer portal was kind, as well.
Evan Stewart posted 649 yards as a freshman at Texas A&M and registered 514 in only eight appearances last year. In such a high-powered offense, he's a strong contender to soar beyond 1,000 yards. In the hands of veteran quarterback Dillon Gabriel with these wideouts, Oregon's scoring attack has a stellar outlook in 2024.
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