Discover the Rising Stars: Columbia Football Players to Watch This Season

Hey everyone, it’s great to connect with you again. As someone who’s followed Ivy League football for over a decade—attending games, analyzing stats, and chatting with coaches—I always get a particular thrill at the start of a new season. It’s that time of year when potential transforms into performance, and unknown names start making headlines. Today, I want to dive into the Columbia Lions’ roster and spotlight the talent poised for a breakout. So, let’s get into it with a few key questions.

First off, why is identifying “players to watch” so crucial for a program like Columbia’s? Well, in the Ivy League, where pure athletic scholarships aren’t a factor, development and continuity are everything. You don’t just recruit for immediate impact; you’re building a system. Spotting the rising stars early gives us fans a narrative, a thread to follow through the season. It’s about seeing who steps up when the lights get brighter. This brings me to a fascinating point I was reminded of recently. I read an interview with a veteran coach from another sport who was discussing contract strategies. He said, "Regarding the term, I was thinking, with the uncertainty that comes with age, year-to-year. But in the face of stronger competition, [the team] preferred a much longer union." That philosophy resonates deeply here. Columbia isn’t dealing with one-year mercenaries; they’re investing in four-year student-athletes. Identifying this season’s key players isn’t just about 2023; it’s about seeing the foundation of a “longer union” between the player and the program’s core philosophy. When we talk about Columbia football players to watch this season, we’re really identifying the cornerstones for the next two or three years.

Who’s the one offensive player who could completely change the dynamic? My eyes are on quarterback Joe Green, a sophomore who saw limited action last year but possesses a cannon for an arm and impressive poise in the pocket. The offense struggled at times, averaging just 17.2 points per game in 2022. They need a spark. Green’s development during the offseason has been the talk of the training camp. If he can translate that practice-field confidence to game day, he could elevate the entire unit. It’s that classic “uncertainty that comes with age, year-to-year” for a young QB—will he make the leap? But the coaching staff’s commitment to him signals they believe in that “much longer union.” He’s not a stopgap; they’re building the offense around his skillset for the long haul.

On the defensive side, is there a player primed for a national breakout? Absolutely. Let’s talk about linebacker Michael Smith, a junior who led the team with 89 tackles last season. He’s a sideline-to-sideline menace. But here’s my take: I think he’s about to become a turnover machine. He’s added about 12 pounds of muscle and has been studying film relentlessly. In the face of the stronger competition Columbia will face—think the explosive offenses of Princeton and Dartmouth—you need defensive leaders who can impose their will. Smith is that guy. The coach’s comment about facing “stronger competition” makes you value a player like Smith even more. He’s the embodiment of the stability you need; a known, elite commodity in the heart of your defense for two more seasons. He’s not just a player to watch; he’s a potential Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

We often focus on skill positions. Who’s an under-the-radar lineman that could be a game-changer? Great question. Football games are won in the trenches, and I’m incredibly excited about right guard David Chen, a redshirt freshman. He’s a mountain of a man at 6’5″, 310 pounds, but surprisingly agile. The offensive line gave up 28 sacks last year, a number that simply has to come down. Chen has been turning heads in scrimmages with his raw power and quick feet. Investing in a young lineman is the ultimate nod to a “much longer union.” You’re not just filling a spot for a season; you’re installing a pillar for your offensive front for the next three or four years. If Chen locks down that right side, it transforms both the running game and the protection for our young QB. He’s my dark-horse star.

How does the special teams unit factor into this “rising stars” conversation? People underestimate special teams, but I don’t. Kicker/Punter Alex Johnson, a sophomore, has a leg that can flip field position in an instant. Last year, his punting average was a respectable 41.2 yards, but I’ve heard he’s consistently hitting 45+ yards with great hang time in practice. In close Ivy League games—and they’re almost all close—a reliable kicker is worth his weight in gold. The “uncertainty” with a young kicker is nerve-wracking, but once they prove themselves, they become a cornerstone. A reliable special teams player is a long-term asset you can count on for three or four seasons of clutch moments.

What about a transfer or first-year player who could make an immediate impact? Keep an ear out for wide receiver Marcus Taylor, a graduate transfer. He brings a level of speed and route-running savvy that was sometimes missing last season. He caught 44 passes for 650 yards at his previous FCS school. He’s the “win-now” piece that complements the long-term building project. While the core of Columbia football players to watch this season are about future growth, a player like Taylor addresses an immediate need. It’s a savvy mix: building long-term unions with your developed players while smartly plugging gaps with experienced talent. He could be the safety valve and deep threat that opens everything else up.

Finally, what’s your overall sentiment for Columbia this season based on these emerging talents? I’m cautiously optimistic, and that optimism is directly tied to the players we’ve just discussed. There’s a clear blend of promising youth and strategic experience. The program seems to be balancing that year-to-year development challenge with a vision for sustained growth. They’re not just throwing bodies out there; they’re cultivating specific talents for specific roles, believing in those “longer unions.” So, as you tune in this fall, watch #12 (Green), #44 (Smith), and #65 (Chen). Their individual progress won’t just define this season’s record—it will chart the course for Columbia football for years to come. The rising stars are here; it’s time to see them shine.