The Unpredictable World of College Football: Surprising Stars Emerge
As we near the midpoint of the 2024 college football season, it’s become clear that some of the most hyped players have yet to live up to expectations. Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II, and Missouri’s Luther Burden III, among others, have shown flashes of brilliance but haven’t quite dominated the way many predicted. Meanwhile, their teams have collectively posted an impressive 17-2 record, proving that even without superstar performances, success is still within reach.
The beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability, and this season has been no exception. While some stars have failed to shine, others have emerged from the shadows to steal the spotlight. As we reflect on the wild ride that was Week 4, let’s highlight the most surprising breakout performers of the year.
For both offense and defense, we’ll assemble a starting lineup of 22 players who have flown under the radar. To qualify, players must not have been ranked in the preseason top 100. This means some of the season’s biggest stars, like Ashton Jeanty and Cam Ward, won’t make the cut.
**Quarterback**
Kurtis Rourke, Indiana, has been a revelation. The Hoosiers, who have won more than eight games only twice in their history, now boast a 55% chance of finishing the regular season with nine wins or more, according to SP+. While transfers from James Madison have contributed significantly to this turnaround, Rourke’s impressive play has been the driving force behind Indiana’s resurgence.
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