The Royale Report: College Football Camp Season Edition

The TDR team updates you on the latest news from CFB camps!

Fall camp is in full swing, and with so many teams and storylines to follow, we’re cutting through the noise to bring you only what matters. Instead of a team-by-team breakdown, this article series will spotlight the biggest headlines and under-the-radar developments you need to know from around the country. From surprising breakout names to key position battles and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. No other place is delivering this kind of curated, actionable college football camp content like we are. Let’s get into it.

20 Storylines You Need to Know From Fall Camp

With practices kicking off across the country, we’ve already seen emerging storylines, surprising depth chart movement, and a few standout performances that could shape the season ahead. Keep in mind; these are early observations. Pads are just going on, and a lot can change, but here are 20 notes from the first week of camp that caught our attention.

1. Clemson RB Gideon Davidson is already making his move

Gideon Davidson has the look. At 6’0, 200 pounds, he’s physically ready to compete in the ACC, and it shows in flashes throughout fall practice. Sure, he still carries that freshman energy; figuring things out, watching how the vets move but the raw tools are undeniable. He’s explosive, mechanically sound, and carries himself like a future starter.

Right now, Adam Randall is leading the backfield in camp, but Davidson is making noise. His burst and vision stand out among the group, and it feels like only a matter of time before he carves out a role. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him getting meaningful touches as early as Week 1. The talent is real and the staff knows it.

2. Florida State’s offense has some new faces and they’re already turning heads

Florida State’s camp buzz has centered around three names: QB Tommy Castellanos, RB Ousmane Kromah, and the first-team offensive line. Castellanos has looked smooth running the offense during 11-on-11s, and the energy he's brought to this group is exactly what Mike Norvell’s system thrives on. He’s in full command right now.

Kromah, the true freshman, and Oklahoma transfer Gavin Sawchuk are already emerging in that backfield, giving FSU some real thunder and lightning potential. At receiver, Duce Robinson and Squirrel White are clearly locked into WR1/WR2 roles, but all eyes are on who steps up behind them. Second-year wideout Elijah Moore is off to a hot start, and Jayvan Boggs. who’s been repping with the first team, is quickly earning trust. The staff loves what they’ve seen from Boggs since his early arrival, and it feels like one of those two needs to be ready to be the third option. From everything coming out of camp, the Seminoles may have hit on both. Robinson is the name to watch for in devy though. This staff seems to think they hit a home run with him and his unique ability could vault him up draft boards if his production profile hits as well this season.

3. Utah RB Wayshawn Parker is healthy and hungry

Utah’s offense looked sharp on Day 1 of fall camp, and one of the biggest reasons is that Wayshawn Parker is back to full strength. After being limited in the spring due to a minor procedure, Parker looks re-energized, telling reporters he's "hungry" and aiming for a 1,500-yard season. That may sound lofty, but Kyle Whittingham didn’t hesitate to call it realistic behind this veteran offensive line.

At 5’10, 206 pounds, Parker runs with power but has big-play juice too, he ripped off a 75-yard touchdown last year and took his first college reception 52 yards to the house. Now paired with dual-threat QB Devon Dampier and a revamped offense under Jason Beck, Parker feels comfortable, but not complacent. He’s locked in, talking about protecting his QB when not getting the ball, and maximizing every opportunity when he does.

Utah hasn’t had a 1,500-yard rusher since Devontae Booker in 2014, but Parker knows that legacy well; he’s from the same high school and has his sights set on topping that number. If he stays healthy, he’s a name that’ll rise quickly in the 2027 running back conversation.

4. Baylor WR Ashtyn Hawkins cleared and ready to roll

One of the biggest wins of fall camp so far? Baylor getting Ashtyn Hawkins back. After a frustrating eligibility issue nearly sidelined him for the season, the NCAA finally cleared Hawkins on Monday and that changes everything for this offense. Head coach Dave Aranda kept the faith all offseason, and now it’s official: Hawkins is back and practicing with the team.

Hawkins was productive last year, hauling in 45 catches for 567 yards and 5 touchdowns, and he’s already showing strong chemistry with QB Sawyer Robertson in camp. With Josh Cameron locked in as WR1, the question was always who would step up behind him. The Bears brought in transfer depth; Kobe Prentice, Kole Wilson, Ryne Shacklefield but none bring the proven experience Hawkins does.

This is a massive boost for both Robertson and the Bears’ offense, which quietly became one of the most explosive units in the Big 12 late last season. If Hawkins picks up where he left off, he’s a sneaky CFF play and Baylor might take another step forward offensively. Having a trusted weapon like Hawkins back in the mix changes the ceiling of this passing game.

5. Arizona State RB room gets interesting with Kanye Udoh flashing

Kyson Brown may be the frontrunner in Arizona State’s backfield, but don’t sleep on Kanye Udoh. After transferring from Army, where running backs rarely touched the ball through the air, Udoh has been working to refine his receiving game. And on Friday, he made a statement.

Udoh turned heads by hauling in a contested wheel route against starting corner Keith Abney during 11-on-11s, breaking a tackle and tacking on extra yardage. It was one of the highlight plays of the day and a big moment for a player still adjusting to a more modern offensive role.

While Brown still looks like the 1A in the room, Udoh’s ability to contribute as a pass-catcher could earn him real snaps, especially in a system that will lean on versatility. His skillset brings a new wrinkle to this RB battle—and it’s officially one to track as camp progresses.

6. Oklahoma WR Room: Sategna hype is real, but Burks' availability is still a concern