2026-01-02 09:00

As I sat down to look at Columbia’s football roster for the upcoming season, I couldn’t help but think about the unique challenge of identifying “rising stars” in a program like this. It’s not like following Alabama or Ohio State, where five-star recruits are household names before they ever step on campus. Here, it’s about projection, development, and spotting that spark of potential before it fully ignites. This process reminds me of a point made in an interview I once read regarding team-building philosophy elsewhere. The speaker noted, “Regarding the term, I was thinking, with the uncertainty that comes with age, year-to-year. But in the face of stronger competition, [they] preferred a much longer union.” That idea—opting for longer-term development and cohesion over quick, year-to-year fixes—feels particularly relevant to Columbia. Our stars aren’t always the flashiest transfers; they’re often the players who have grown within the system, whose best football is still ahead of them because the coaching staff has invested in that “longer union.” With that framework in mind, let’s talk about a few Lions who are poised to break out and become the names we’re all discussing by November.

First and foremost, my eyes are on quarterback Caden Bell. Now, I’ll admit I’ve been a bit of a skeptic in the past, questioning if his arm strength was quite Ivy League-elite. But what I saw in the spring game changed my perspective entirely. The game has slowed down for him. Last season, as a sophomore, he completed about 58% of his passes for 1,850 yards and 14 touchdowns against 9 interceptions—solid, but not spectacular. The key stat for me, however, is his 7.1 yards per attempt, a number I expect to jump to well over 8.5 this year. He’s making quicker decisions, and his chemistry with the returning receiving corps is palpable. He’s not just a player; he’s becoming the leader of that offensive unit. That’s the “longer union” at work—a player maturing within the same offensive scheme for multiple seasons, building trust and timing with his teammates. If the offensive line gives him just half a second more, I think Bell makes a legitimate case for All-Ivy consideration.

On the other side of the ball, it’s impossible not to get excited about defensive end Anthony Roussos. As a freshman last year, he was primarily a situational pass-rusher, but he made those situations count, racking up 5.5 sacks in limited snaps. That’s a phenomenal rate. This season, he’s slated to be a full-time starter, and I’m predicting a massive jump. We’re talking potential double-digit sacks. At 6’3″ and 250 pounds, he has the frame, but it’s his first-step explosiveness that is truly special. He reminds me of those players who just have a knack for being in the backfield. The defensive coordinator, Mike G., has hinted at moving him around more, even standing him up occasionally to create confusion. This kind of strategic development—expanding a player’s role as he matures—is exactly how you build a defensive cornerstone. Roussos isn’t just a rising star; he’s a potential game-wrecker who could single-handedly change the complexion of a drive.

Let’s shift to a less obvious pick, a player who embodies the grind-it-out ethos of Ivy League football: running back J.J. Jenkins. With the departure of last year’s leading rusher, the backfield is open, and from everything I’ve heard from camp, Jenkins has seized the opportunity. He’s not the biggest back, maybe 5’10”, 205, but his vision is exceptional. He’s a one-cut runner who gets upfield in a hurry. What I love about his potential this season is the offensive line in front of him. Four starters return, a group that has played over 30 games together. That continuity is gold. It goes back to that interview quote—this isn’t a patchwork line; it’s a seasoned, cohesive unit. For a running back, that means trust. Jenkins will know where the holes are supposed to be, and that line will know how he hits them. I can see him easily surpassing 900 rushing yards and becoming that reliable, chain-moving force that every successful team needs.

Of course, a rising star doesn’t have to be on offense or defense. Special teams are a third of the game, and that’s where kick returner and wide receiver Marcus Lee comes in. He’s electric. Every time he touches the ball, there’s a collective intake of breath in the stadium. Last year, he averaged a respectable 22 yards per kick return, but he was so close to breaking a couple for touchdowns. This year, I feel it’s inevitable. He’s also expected to see his role in the slot receiver position expand significantly. They’ll get him the ball on quick screens, jet sweeps—anything to let his agility and speed work in space. In a close game, a big return from Lee could be the momentum swing that secures a win. He’s the type of explosive athlete that can put fans in seats and points on the board in the blink of an eye.

So, what does all this mean for Columbia’s season? Identifying these players isn’t just an exercise for fans; it’s a window into the health and direction of the program. The fact that we’re talking about homegrown talent like Bell, Roussos, and Jenkins—players who have been developed in the system—speaks volumes. It suggests a program that is building sustainably, favoring that “longer union” of player and system over short-term gambles. My personal belief is that this approach pays off more consistently in the competitive, academic-focused Ivy League. These rising stars represent more than just individual talent; they represent a core that has grown together, understands the scheme, and is ready to elevate the team’s ceiling. I’m genuinely optimistic. If Bell takes the next step, if Roussos lives up to his pass-rush potential, if Jenkins stabilizes the run game, and if Lee provides those special teams fireworks, this Columbia team could surprise a lot of people. They might not win the Ivy title this year, but with this core of emerging talent, they’ll be a tough out for anyone, and the future looks brighter than it has in years. Mark my words, you’ll know these names by the end of the fall.