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 injuries starting to pile up alongside the usual depth chart battles, staying informed is more important than ever. 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 spotlights the biggest headlines, key injuries, and under-the-radar developments you need to know from around the country. From surprising breakout names to crucial position battles and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. No one else is delivering this kind of curated, actionable college football camp content as we head toward Week Zero. Let’s get into it.

20 Storylines You Need to Know From Fall Camp

With that out of the way, let’s dive into the latest from around the country — the injuries, breakout performances, and position battles that are shaping rosters as Week Zero approaches.

1. Garrett Nussmeier Injury Update

LSU had a brief scare earlier this week when starting quarterback and Heisman hopeful, Garrett Nussmeier was rumored to have suffered a significant injury at practice. The school quickly shut down those concerns, and on Friday, head coach Brian Kelly told reporters it was nothing more than tendinitis.

"Just for the record, he has tendinitis," Kelly said. "Patellar tendinitis. He does not have a torn ACL. We have not amputated his leg."

Kelly added that Nussmeier was throwing at practice that day and is expected back in full drills soon, noting the issue stems from a surgery in 2023. His lighthearted tone matched the relatively minor diagnosis, which makes sense, considering LSU’s season (and perhaps Kelly’s job security) depends heavily on Nussmeier’s ability to stay healthy and produce in 2025.

From a devy and NFL Draft perspective, Nussmeier remains one of the more polarizing quarterbacks in the 2026 class. It’s not a question of polish or experience , it’s about traits. He doesn’t have elite arm strength, dynamic athleticism, or the ability to completely take over games on his own. But there’s still a path to becoming a first-rounder if he can show more poise under pressure, improve his decision-making, and push the ball downfield with greater consistency against a brutal schedule.

That said, this injury does make me a bit uneasy. Even if it’s minor now, any lingering lower-body issue could chip away at his mobility and consistency. Many are bullish on him, I remain cautious.

2. Dallas Wilson Injury Update

Florida freshman wide receiver Dallas Wilson gave Gators fans and devy fans a scare this week after suffering a lower-leg injury during camp. While the exact severity hasn’t been confirmed, sources say he’s in a hard cast on his left foot that goes halfway up his calf and will likely miss at least the next two weeks. Coach Billy Napier hasn’t spoken publicly about it yet and won’t address the media until August 11.

Wilson’s injury adds to an already banged-up wide receiver room. Kahleil Jackson, Aidan Mizell, and Eugene Wilson III have also missed time recently, which has raised some early questions about Florida’s depth at the position. That’s not what you want when sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway is trying to build chemistry and take the next step after a promising 6–1 stretch as a true freshman.

A top-50 national recruit and one of the crown jewels of the 2025 class, Wilson has been electric since arriving in Gainesville. He was the breakout star of the Orange and Blue Game back in April, torching the defense for 10 catches, 195 yards, and two touchdowns, setting and tying multiple spring game records in the process. The Gators were counting on his speed and playmaking to help open up the vertical passing game this season, especially since none of Florida’s returning receivers topped 20 catches last year.

The good news? All signs point to him being ready for Week 1. This feels more like a short-term bump in the road than a season-altering injury. Still, with so many receivers sidelined, it’s worth keeping an eye on how this affects Florida’s camp reps and offensive rhythm heading into a tough 2025 schedule. One potential name to watch is true freshman WR Vernell Brown III.

3. Freshman to Watch at Boston College – RB Mekhi Dodd

Boston College’s backfield is loaded with experience, so freshman Mekhi Dodd probably won’t be a big factor right awa but he’s already making noise in camp. The three-star back from Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury was a top-10 overall recruit in Massachusett. In his senior season, he turned just 84 carries into over 1,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, adding five receptions and another score through the air.

During a recent scrimmage, Dodd ripped off an explosive run of nearly 80 yards for a touchdown, showing off both his burst and his long speed. He’s got good size and a different style than Bo MacCormack, who’s smaller and shiftier, but also had a strong day. Even if Dodd redshirts this season, which is still the most likely outcome given the depth chart, it’s worth noting that Boston College’s offense could use more dynamic weapons. If he keeps making plays like this, the coaching staff might find ways to get him on the field sooner than expected.

4. Pittsburgh RB Desmond Reid Will Be Used Everywhere

Pitt’s Desmon Reid isn’t just a running back he’s the definition of an all-purpose weapon. During this weeks practice, he was one of three players fielding punts (along with Kenny Johnson and Blue Hicks), and by all accounts, he looks like the favorite to handle the primary punt return duties. That might sound like a small detail, but it says a lot about Reid’s mentality. Here’s a guy who’s already proven he can produce at an all-conference level, was pursued by other programs in the offseason, and is still out there catching rep after rep like it’s game day.

Last season, Reid racked up 966 rushing yards, 579 receiving yards, 159 punt return yards, and 10 total touchdowns and there’s a real chance those numbers climb in 2025. Pitt’s coaches are lining him up all over the field, and multiple beat reporters have said he looks to be in the best shape they’ve ever seen him. For an offense looking to take a step forward, having Reid in this kind of form is a huge deal.

5. Does Iowa Finally Have a QB?

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