Multiple College Football Players Named to Comeback Player of Year Watch List

Several college football players across prominent programs have been named to the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Watch List as they recover from significant injuries and prepare to impact their teams. Max Johnson of North Carolina, recovering from a broken leg, is competing for the starting quarterback position against transfer Gio Lopez and has garnered preseason honors reflecting his comeback potential. Notre Dame has three players on the list—Charles Jagusah, Gi’Bran Payne, and defensive end Boubacar Traore—who collectively missed much of the previous season, with Traore emerging as a strong candidate after a serious knee injury. Michigan State’s Armorion Smith, who overcame personal tragedy and injuries, is poised for playing time and was also named to the watch list. At Michigan, safety Rod Moore returns from a season-ending ACL injury and is expected to gradually rejoin practices, offering a boost to a strong secondary once fully healthy. These athletes’ recoveries and readiness are pivotal as their teams gear up for the 2025 season, highlighting resilience and the competitive battles ahead for starting roles.