Top CFB Performers From Week 1

By: JC Nevils

Well folks, the first full slate of games for this season has given us nothing short of exciting finishes, mind-blowing numbers, and, as always, plenty of overreactions. Here I give my top performers from the opening weekend of the 2024 college football season.

1. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Stats: 20 Car, 267 Yds, 6 TDs

The preseason All-American and 2023 Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year certainly showed why he earned those accolades. In a 56-45 win over Georgia Southern, Jeanty ran over, around, and through their defense the entire game. The speedster from Jacksonville, FL, would end up breaking the school record for rushing yards in a game with 267. People should definitely know his name now if they didn’t already.

2. QB Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee

Stats: 22-28 (78.6 Comp%), 314 Yds, 3 TDs (One Half)

When Nico Iamaleava first signed with the Vols everyone around the country knew it was a big get . He was arguably the No. 1 recruit in the country, but not many knew he was THIS good - other than maybe Tennessee fans. He has been raved about ever since he stepped foot on campus, and for good reason. He got his first ever start back in January in the Cheez-It Bowl against Iowa, in which he earned MVP honors. That would only be the beginning. In just one half of football he threw for more than 300 yards along with three scores. All he does is throw darts with ultimate poise, and I think many are finally starting to catch on. If not, good luck.

3. WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

Stats: 10 Rec, 304 Yds, 4 TDs

Another preseason All-American choice showed off his prowess as well. The 6’5" target - whom I expect to go in the first round - did nothing but up his stock. In a blowout win over New Mexico, McMillan went off for more than 300 yards along with four scores. The kicker is that wasn’t even his career high. It’s going to be a long year for defensive backs going up against McMillan.

4. QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Stats: 26-34 (76.5 Comp%), 445 Yds, 4 TDs (1 Int)

If you have ever seen Shedeur Sanders play at all then you should know this is a pretty normal day for him, whether he was at Jackson State or Colorado. He has an innate ability to process the defense and seemingly make the right throw on the money time after time. Having maybe the best overall player in the country at WR in Travis Hunter doesn’t hurt, but he’s pretty darn good himself. In a tight win over North Dakota State he put everything on display. I fully expect him to be one of the first two QBs off the board, if not the first two picks overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

5. QB Cam Ward, Miami

Stats: 26-35 (74.3 Comp%), 385 Yds, 3 TDs (1 Int)

I have been raving about Cam Ward’s ability since last offseason. Even when he was at Washington State you could see the talent oozing out of him. All he needed was the players around him along with the right opportunity to fully show his talents and succeed. After another great season last year for the Cougars, he decided to transfer to Miami.

The Hurricanes couldn’t be happier, as it seems like he was the missing piece. In a route over hated rival Florida, all he did was break the record for most passing yards in his first start with 385. He has the unique ability to improvise and throw from various arm angles that land right on the money every time it seems. He is certainly a Heisman contender now if he already wasn’t.