Chambana Sun

University of Illinois wide receiver Zakhari Franklin and running back Josh McCray have been named to the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list, as announced on Wednesday by the College Sports Communicators in collaboration with the Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl.

The Comeback Player of the Year Award, established in 2018, recognizes college football student-athletes who have overcome injury, illness, or other significant challenges. Each season concludes with a panel vote comprising college football writers, editors, and sports information directors to honor three athletes at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.

Recent honorees include Blake Corum (RB, Michigan), Jacob Dobbs (LB, Holy Cross), and Mike Hollins (RB, Virginia) in 2023; Laiatu Latu (LB, UCLA), Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington), and Mohamed Ibrahim (RB, Minnesota) in 2022; Aidan Hutchinson (DE, Michigan), McKenzie Milton (QB, Florida State), and J.J. Weaver (LB, Kentucky) in 2021.

Zakhari Franklin transferred to Illinois in Summer 2024 with one year of eligibility remaining. He enters the season as the NCAA's active career leader in receptions (266), receiving yards (3,386), and receiving touchdowns (38). His senior year at Ole Miss was limited to four games due to injury. Previously at UTSA from 2019-22, Franklin set multiple program records and earned several accolades including a Phil Steele All-America honorable mention.

Josh McCray has faced significant challenges over the past two seasons due to injuries but had a notable freshman season in 2021. During that year he ranked second on his team for carries and rushing yards while achieving significant milestones against top-ranked opponents. Despite limited playtime since then due to injuries sustained early each season in both 2022 and 2023.

In addition to their nominations for Comeback Player of the Year Award:

- Kaden Feagin is listed for Doak Walker.

- Kenenna Odeluga is listed for Wuerffel.