2024 College Football Playmakers: Week 1’s Top Offensive Stars
The 2024 college football season kicked off with a bang, and the offensive performances in Week 1 were nothing short of spectacular. From quarterbacks dropping dimes to running backs and receivers breaking records, here’s a breakdown of the top offensive players who set the standard right out of the gate.
Quarterbacks of the Week: Shedeur Sanders, Colorado & Cam Ward, Miami
Two quarterbacks shined brighter than the rest in Week 1: Shedeur Sandersof Colorado and Cam Ward of Miami. Both players led their teams to impressive victories, showcasing their abilities to make big plays under pressure and deliver in key moments. Let’s take a closer look at their standout performances.
Shedeur Sanders: Colorado’s Offensive Leader
Shedeur Sanders came out swinging in Colorado’s season opener, putting the nation on notice. Sanders threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Buffaloes to a thrilling 31-26 victory over North Dakota State. Even with his offensive line struggling to protect him at times, Sanders stayed calm and delivered when it mattered most. His ability to make big plays under pressure and spread the ball around effectively proves he’s ready to lead Colorado’s resurgence in 2024.
Cam Ward: Miami’s New QB1
Cam Ward made a statement in his debut for Miami. Ward completed 26 of 35 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Hurricanes to a commanding 41-17 win over Florida. Ward’s ability to dissect the defense and make precision throws downfield showcased why he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. His performance suggests that Miami might just be back in the conversation for national relevance this season
Offensive Players of the Week: Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State) and Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
Week 1 of the 2024 college football season saw some incredible performances, but two players stood out as the undisputed stars of the weekend: Boise State’s running back Ashton Jeanty and Arizona’s wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Together, they put together record breaking performances that set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling season.
Ashton Jeanty: Boise State’s Workhorse Running Back
Ashton Jeanty was the engine that powered Boise State’s 56-45 victory over Georgia Southern. Jeanty was unstoppable, rushing for an astounding 267 yards on just 20 carries, and finding the end zone six times. His ability to break through tackles and explode into the open field left the Georgia Southern defense in shambles. Jeanty’s performance wasn’t just about piling up yards; it was about consistently making game-changing plays that kept Boise State in control from start to finish.
Tetairoa McMillan: Rewriting Arizona’s Record Breaking Wide Receiver
On the other side of the country, Tetairoa McMillan was busy rewriting the Arizona record books. The 6’5″ receiver torched New Mexico’s secondary for 304 receiving yards and four touchdowns, setting a new school record for single-game receiving yards. McMillan’s blend of size, speed, and precise route-running made him virtually uncoverable, as he repeatedly outleaped and outmuscled defenders to haul in big-time catches. His performance was a clinic in how to dominate as a wide receiver, leaving no doubt that he’s one of the premier pass-catchers in the nation.
All-Purpose Player of the Week: Colorado’s Versatile Travis Hunter (WR/CB)
Travis Hunterisn’t just playing both ways—he’s dominating on both sides of the ball. In Colorado’s win over North Dakota State, Hunter caught three touchdown passes, each more impressive than the last. Whether he was making an acrobatic sideline catch or outmuscling defenders in the end zone, Hunter’s impact on the game was undeniable. His ability to excel as both a receiver and a cornerback makes him one of the most unique and valuable players in college football
Closing Out Week 1: Offensive Stars Set the Tone for 2024
Week 1 of the 2024 college football season delivered standout offensive performances that set the tone for what’s to come. From Shedeur Sanders’ precision passing to Ashton Jeanty’s dominance on the ground, these players made a strong impact right out of the gate. Expect more from these stars as the season unfolds.
