The 2024 college football season presents an entirely new landscape. Texas is in the SEC. SMU is back in a power conference as ACC members. The College Football Playoff now includes 12 teams and an automatic bid for the best G5 team in the land. For most, the start of the season is in Week 1 on August 30, though SMU starts in Week 0 and TCU plays its first game on Aug. 29. 

To celebrate us making it through another off-season, we’re counting down the 50 most important players in Texas as we inch closer to kickoffs. This list isn’t necessarily about which players are the best in terms of NFL draft stock. It ranks players in order of importance to their team's success. 

NO. 27: UTEP QB Cade McConnell

The history: McConnell emerged as UTEP's potential QB in what was otherwise a lost season for the Miners in 2023. A host of injuries vaulted McConnell from fourth-string to starter for the FIU game. He made the most of his opportunity, throwing for 262 yards and two touchdowns in the win. McConnell went on to start the final six games and played himself into a chance to start at QB for UTEP's new regime. He'll battle Austin Peay State transfer Skyler Locklear in fall camp. 

The skillset: McConnell displayed command of Scotty Walden's 'Blue Blaze' offense in a stellar spring game, completing 24-of-32 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns. McConnell showed excellent pre-snap processing ability throughout spring practice, which allows the Miners to snap the ball every 12 seconds. Pair the intelligence with his quick release, and he's got the goods to pilot an up-tempo offense. 

The impact: If you want your offense to go fast, you need a quarterback who's mind can slow the game down. Walden's tempo offense plays to McConnell's strengths, allowing him to get the ball out quickly and find a rhythm. UTEP will give teams favored against them fits if McConnell plays like he did in the spring game.