The Sun Belt Conference had six players selected during the 2024 NFL Draft. The conference put forth a slew of impressive prospects. The draft picks included Marshall running back Rasheen Ali, Georgia State offensive lineman Travis Glover, and Troy running back Kimani Vidal.
The Sun Belt will hold its annual media days on July 23rd and July 24th. New talents are emerging and prepared for the spotlight. We’ve identified the 10 overall talents with the most upside to produce this campaign.
Jordan McCloud, QB, Texas State
The reigning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, quarterback Jordan McCloud traded James Madison for Texas State earlier this offseason. The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for nearly 7,000 yards and 58 touchdowns throughout his illustrious college football career. McCloud has added 13 rushing scores to his offensive totals. He's primed for another massive season in 2024.
Jacob Dobbs, LB, James Madison
Holy Cross transfer Jacob Dobbs should be the star of James Madison's defense this season. Dobbs recorded 432 tackles and 22.5 sacks throughout his time with the Crusaders. He'll be coached by defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill this season, who joins the program from Duke.
Ismail Mahdi, RB, Texas State
Texas State's Ismail Mahdi is an undersized playmaker. The electric ball-carrier is listed at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds and produced 1,606 total yards of offense and 11 touchdowns last season. Mahdi may have a future as an NFL kick returner after accumulating 563 yards and one score via the third phase.
Ethan Johnson, CB, App State
App State cornerback Ethan Johnson was a second-team All-Sun Belt selection last season. A ball magnet in the defensive backfield, Johnson recorded 11 pass breakups and one interception. He also offers support in run defense, totaling 56 tackles as a sophomore.
Chris Lewis, WR, Troy
A big-bodied boundary playmaker, Chris Lewis recorded 32 receptions for 735 yards and an astounding 10 touchdowns last season. The explosive Lewis led the entire nation in yards per catch, averaging an unheard-of 22.97. Lewis should be the Trojans' No. 1 receiver in 2024 after last year's leading receiver Jabre Barber transferred to Texas A&M.
Jaden Voisin, SAF, South Alabama
Jaden Voisin has been extremely productive over the previous two seasons. Voisin totaled 151 tackles, 18 passes defensed, 8.5 tackles for loss, and six interceptions across 2022 and 2023. He'll continue roaming center field for the Jaguars throughout 2024.
Ben Bell, DE, Texas State
The Sun Belt lost some great pass rushers to the 2024 draft, including Troy EDGE Javon Solomon. Texas State's Ben Bell may be the conference's best returning quarterback hunter. Bell is a high-effort defender who accumulated 10 sacks and 16 tackles for loss throughout 2023.
Joey Aguilar, QB, App State
Joey Aguilar was a revelation for the Mountaineers last season after starting the final 12 games. Aguilar set new program single-season records for passing yards (3,757) and touchdowns (33) en route to winning Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year. He could firmly place himself on the NFL draft radar with a repeat performance.
Ayo Adeyi, RB, James Madison
Ayo Adeyi transferred to James Madison earlier this offseason after three campaigns (2021-23) at North Texas. In three seasons with the Mean Green, he had 339 carries for 2,320 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging an explosive 6.8 yards per carry. Adeyi will be a standout performer in the Sun Belt.
Jason Henderson, LB, Old Dominion
Jason Henderson is arguably the best overall defender in the Sun Belt. The Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania native led the country in tackles per game with 14.2 and placed third in tackles per loss per game with 1.6. Henderson finished second in the nation in total tackles with 170 takedowns.
