As Stanford and Cal prepare for their inaugural seasons in the ACC, both programs are spotlighting standout offensive talents: Stanford’s wide receiver Elic Ayomanor and Cal’s running back Jaydn Ott. These two athletes have already made significant impacts in the Pac-12, and now they’re ready to take their talents to a new stage. The question on everyone’s mind is: who will shine brighter in the ACC spotlight?
Elic Ayomanor: Stanford’s Emerging Threat
Elic Ayomanor exploded onto the college football scene last season with a string of impressive performances, amassing 62 receptions, six touchdowns, and 1,013 receiving yards over 12 games. His defining moment came against Colorado, where he single-handedly orchestrated one of the most remarkable comebacks in Stanford’s history. Down 29-0 at halftime, Ayomanor’s 13 receptions, 294 receiving yards, and three touchdowns powered Stanford to a 46-43 overtime victory. His 294 receiving yards set a new single-game record for Stanford, and his highlight-reel catch off Travis Hunter’s helmet became an instant classic.
Standing at 6’2” and weighing 210 pounds, Ayomanor possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and physicality. He’s a vertical threat capable of stretching the field and making contested catches in traffic, making him a nightmare for defensive backs. His playing style draws comparisons to former Stanford standout J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, but Ayomanor’s added speed makes him an even more formidable deep threat.
However, Ayomanor’s performance hasn’t always been consistent. Against Cal, he managed only three receptions for 43 yards as the Golden Bears successfully contained him. This inconsistency raises questions about whether he can deliver high-level performances week in and week out. Still, Ayomanor’s physical tools and potential make him one of the most exciting players to watch in the ACC.
When it comes to NFL draft prospects, Ayomanor’s size, speed, and playmaking ability make him a tantalizing candidate. If he can refine his game and improve his consistency, he could find himself climbing up draft boards as a potential first-round pick. Teams are always on the lookout for wide receivers who can change the game with a single play, and Ayomanor certainly fits that bill.
Jaydn Ott: Cal’s Consistent Workhorse
On the other side, Cal’s Jaydn Ott has firmly established himself as one of the most reliable running backs in college football. Last season, Ott carried the ball 246 times, racking up 1,315 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He also demonstrated his versatility by adding 25 receptions for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Ott’s ability to contribute in the running game, passing game, and even as a kick returner makes him an invaluable asset to the Golden Bears.
Ott’s most notable performance came against USC, where he rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries, nearly leading Cal to an upset victory. His ability to deliver against top competition sets him apart as a reliable and consistent performer. In the Big Game against Stanford, Ott outshone Ayomanor, rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries, helping Cal secure a 27-15 victory.
At 6’0” and 210 pounds, Ott combines speed, vision, and physicality to break through defenses. His agility in the open field and nose for the end zone make him a constant threat. With new offensive coordinator Mike Bloesch at the helm, Ott is expected to be the focal point of Cal’s offense, and his role as a leader on and off the field further cements his status as a star.
Ott’s draft stock is already on the rise. NFL scouts value running backs who can handle a heavy workload, contribute in multiple areas, and deliver consistently—qualities that Ott has in spades. His ability to take over games and his experience against top-tier competition make him a strong candidate for the NFL, likely as an early-round pick if he continues to perform at this level.
The Verdict: Who Brings More Star Power?
Comparing Ayomanor and Ott is difficult due to their different positions and styles of play. Ayomanor has a higher ceiling thanks to his physical attributes and potential for explosive plays. His performance against Colorado demonstrated that when he’s at his best, he can dominate like few others. However, his consistency remains a question mark, and whether he can deliver those performances regularly in the ACC will be crucial.
Ott, on the other hand, is a proven commodity. He’s a workhorse who can be relied upon to produce consistently, game after game. His versatility and ability to excel in multiple facets of the game make him a cornerstone of Cal’s offense. Ott’s established body of work gives him an edge in terms of reliability, and his draft stock reflects that.
Ultimately, both players bring significant star power to the ACC. Ayomanor’s potential to become a game-changing receiver and Ott’s consistency as a dynamic running back will make them key players in their respective teams’ offenses. The true winner will be the ACC, which gains two electrifying talents ready to make their mark on a new conference.
