College football Week 2 trends, storylines: Familiar foes, must-see receivers, upset watch
Think this weekend’s college football slate can’t possibly top the excitement of a Week 1 that extended into Week 2 because of the holiday? How can it beat the “Florida State is back” headline? Or the Duke upset of Clemson? And finally, no way it can top the Colorado/Deion debut, right?
But Deion and his talented No. 22-ranked Buffaloes are at home this week, facing a team with which Colorado fans are familiar, Nebraska (noon ET on Fox).
Also at noon ET, No. 10 Notre Dame looks to improve to 3-0 when it plays NC State (ABC). At 3:30 p.m., No. 20 Ole Miss travels to No. 24 Tulane (ESPN2) and No. 23 Texas A&M faces Miami (Fla.) in Coral Gables (ABC). Saturday’s prime-time matchup, No. 3 Alabama-No. 11 Texas (7 p.m. ET, ESPN), features future SEC opponents.
Our reporters preview this weekend’s games with a look at familiar faces on opposing sidelines, teams primed to pull off upsets, wide receivers breaking through and some of the week’s best quotes.
Familiar foes in Week 2
Steve Sarkisian vs. Nick Saban (Texas at Alabama)
The stats aren’t pretty for former Saban assistants, and Sarkisian is well aware.
Only twice since Saban has been at Alabama (going back to 2007) has one of his former assistants beaten him — both losses coming in 2021 with Texas A&M and Jimbo Fisher upsetting Alabama during the regular season in College Station and then Georgia and Kirby Smart taking down the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Saban is 28-2 against his former assistants.
Sarkisian’s response, and a fair one: “What’s the record for all the guys who aren’t former assistants against Nick Saban?”
Texas’ visit to Alabama will be Sarkisian’s first return to Bryant-Denny Stadium since the 2020 season, when he won the Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in college football. He has said Saban saved his career after giving him a second chance following Sarkisian’s struggles with alcohol and being fired from his head coaching job at USC. Sarkisian took advantage of that second chance and headed an explosive Alabama offense that was second nationally in scoring (48.5 points per game) as the Crimson Tide ran through an All-SEC schedule during the COVID-impacted 2020 season and won Saban’s most recent national championship.
What that record-setting season also did was open the door for Sarkisian to get the Texas job.
“I would not be the head coach at Texas if it weren’t for Nick Saban,” Sarkisian said last year. “He gave me a chance when I had a hard time getting an interview, never mind a job.”
What Saban hasn’t done is lose to one of his former assistants at home. In fact, Alabama hasn’t lost to anybody at home since 2019, a 46-41 setback to eventual national champion LSU.
Sarkisian, in his third season at Texas, is looking for his first signature win and first over a top-10 team. The Longhorns came agonizingly close a year ago against Alabama in a 20-19 loss at home when the Tide kicked the winning field goal in the final seconds. Bryce Young pulled a Houdini-like act in Alabama’s final drive, and Texas played with its backup quarterback much of the way after Quinn Ewers was knocked out with a shoulder injury at the end of the first quarter. Ewers is back and Young is now playing in the NFL.
This is Texas’ last chance to make a run at the College Football Playoff as a member of the Big 12. The No. 11 Longhorns move to the SEC next season. This looks to be their best and most talented team under Sarkisian.
“Every game takes on a life of its own,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve got to play better than we did a year ago. Clearly, that wasn’t good enough.” — Chris Low
Former Big 12 foes meet (Nebraska at Colorado)
Both programs have been mostly irrelevant since their departures from the Big 12, where they also left one of the better rivalries in college football. Rest assured, the fan bases haven’t forgotten and the animosity still exists. And despite having played twice in nonconference games recently — CU wins in 2018 and 2019 — this one feels different. This one has the nation’s attention. Colorado went with Deion Sanders to resurrect its program in the offseason, while Nebraska hired Matt Rhule to engineer a turnaround similar to what he did at Temple and Baylor.
“Rivalries are rivalries — there’s some more severe than others,” Sanders said this week. “I think everywhere you go coach from high school on up or from youth league on up, you’re gonna have rivalries and just learning [what] the dynamics of the different rivalries are. I like it. It’s delightful. So I’ve learned the severity, the serious nature of this rivalry and I’m embracing it 100 percent. This is personal. That’s the message of the week. This is personal.”
For the Buffs, a loss would be deflating. They are the talk of the country after their upset of national runner-up TCU in Week 1, and head into their home opener a favorite (-2.5) to remain unbeaten. With a win, the hype train will only gain more steam
On the other hand, Nebraska’s lethargic 13-10 loss to Minnesota dampened Rhule’s Huskers’ debut. Can the offense make strides in game No. 2? — Kyle Bonagura
High school teammates square off (Auburn at Cal)
Payton Thorne and Sam Jackson V last shared a field together on Nov. 3, 2018, when Naperville Central High School (Illinois) lost in the second round of the Class 8A postseason.
Jackson, a quarterback, played wide receiver as a sophomore during Thorne’s senior year — catching 50 passes for 847 yards and 14 touchdowns. With help from Jackson, Thorne established a school record with 40 touchdown passes.
Saturday night in Berkeley, California, Thorne and Jackson will reunite, though this time as opposing QBs.
Thorne was 10-of-17 passing for 141 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers’ 59-14 victory over UMass last week, while Jackson (3-of-4 passing, 33 yards and a TD) left the first half of Cal’s 58-21 victory over North Texas with what coach Justin Wilcox called an upper-body injury. Jackson, who was replaced by Ben Finley, is considered day-to-day.
Thorne, a two-year starter at Michigan State, transferred to Auburn in May. Jackson transferred from TCU to Cal in January. — Blake Baumgartner
Reuniting with former player … as opposing coach (UTSA vs. Texas State)
When UTSA and Texas State meet Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+), there won’t be much need for introduction. Not just because they’re separated by about 50 miles on I-35, either.
UTSA will be a double-digit favorite, but Roadrunners coach Jeff Traylor knows not to overlook Bobcats coach G.J. Kinne. He’s lost to him before, in 2005 when Traylor was the coach at Gilmer High School, which he had built into an East Texas powerhouse, and Kinne was down the road at Canton, playing for his dad, Gary Joe Kinne.
“He beat me his junior year 61-58,” Traylor said this summer. “We had the better team, and he’s the reason we lost.”
Just months earlier, in April 2005, the unthinkable had happened: A disgruntled parent of a freshman player went to the high school and shot Gary Joe. The coach survived and led Canton to a 12-2 record, including the playoff win over Gilmer, then left Canton for a job at Baylor.
G.J. Kinne opted to move to Gilmer to finish his high school career — he wanted to play for Traylor. They met at a Dairy Queen to talk it over, and Kinne took over as his quarterback, throwing 47 TDs to just one interception. They lost in an upset in the state playoffs, but Kinne and Traylor are bonded for life. Kinne was in the wedding party of Traylor’s son, Jordan, this summer.
“Whatever he asked me to do, I did it,” Traylor said. “You can’t help but love the kid. He’s got the whole package. I know you’re not supposed to say that because I’m competing against him. But I’m just telling you, I think the world of him.” — Dave Wilson
Receivers to watch in Week 2
Travis Hunter, Colorado: Hunters’ FBS debut was one of the most impressive in college football history. Full stop. He caught 11 passes for 119 yards as a receiver, while also standing out as the best defensive player on the field. This is not normal. It’s fair to question how long he can maintain going nearly full-time on both sides, but there’s every indication that that’s the plan. — Bonagura
Tre Harris, Ole Miss: Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin, aka the Portal King, knew what they were getting when they landed Harris. He was an all-conference performer at Louisiana Tech and had nine catches of 30-plus yards last season. But nobody could have predicted the show the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Harris put on in his Ole Miss debut. His first three catches went for touchdowns in the Rebels’ season-opening 73-7 rout of Mercer, and he set an Ole Miss single-game record with four touchdown catches. What does he do for an encore? It should be entertaining because the Lafayette, Louisiana, product goes back home this Saturday when Ole Miss travels to nationally ranked Tulane. — Low
Keon Coleman, Florida State: It is hard to pick anyone other than Coleman after his performance against LSU in Week 1. Coleman had nine catches for 122 yards and three touchdowns, giving the Seminoles an extra dimension to an already talented receiver group. He was the best player on offense against the Tigers and how he continues to mesh and develop as the season progresses will provide Florida State even more options on the outside. Florida State plays Southern Miss this week, and while the game will not have the same high profile as last week, it is important to keep an eye on how this team responds. — Andrea Adelson
Xavier Worthy, Texas: Last year against Alabama, Worthy caught five passes for 97 yards as Quinn Ewers came out hot against the Tide, going 9-of-12 for 132 yards (including a drop of a TD pass by Worthy) before leaving with an injury. Steve Sarkisian revealed this spring that Worthy played most of last season with an injured hand, which led to a slight drop-off in production. In the Longhorns’ opener last week against Rice, Worthy was again Ewers’ top target (10 attempts), catching 7 passes for 90 yards. The Longhorns will need his speed to open the passing game, and while Ewers has been struggling on deep balls, Worthy has the attention of Alabama’s banged-up secondary. — Wilson
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State: The chemistry between Drew Allar and Lambert-Smith for Penn State was undeniable in last week’s win over West Virginia. Lambert-Smith caught four passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the 38-15 victory. Lambert-Smith is already halfway to his touchdown total (four) and 266 yards away from his receiving total (389) last year. As Allar continues to get his feet wet for the Nittany Lions in the post-Sean Clifford era, will that connection maintain against Delaware? — Baumgartner
Upset watch
Coming off Colorado’s Deion debut and Duke’s stunner against Clemson, which team is primed to pull off an upset in Week 2?
Miami: There are a few possibilities this week in the ACC, but we will go with Miami, which hosts No. 23 Texas A&M at home. The game between these two teams last year was not exactly an offensive showcase — the Aggies won 17-9 — but Miami was just three games into the Mario Cristobal era and has made significant changes to both its roster and coaching staff since then. Miami showed encouraging signs in the opener against Miami (Ohio) with its run game — a major emphasis heading into the season. Miami rushed for 250 yards behind an improved offensive line. If Miami can establish the run early in this game and play physically up front, the Hurricanes will give themselves a chance to win. Keep an eye on Virginia as well against James Madison. — Adelson
Purdue: Ryan Walters and Purdue have to be champing at the bit after losing at home to Fresno State last week. Texas transfer Hudson Card was 17-of-30 passing for 254 yards and two TDs in his Boilermakers debut, but the defense surrendered 487 total yards. The defending Big Ten West champs travel to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech, which went 3-8 in 2022. The Boilermakers can’t afford a 0-2 start, with Syracuse, Wisconsin and Illinois up next. — Baumgartner
Cal: As Auburn coach Hugh Freeze himself said, it’s never ideal to have to travel across the country to play a football game that kicks off about the time most people are starting to go to bed. That’s the challenge that awaits Auburn when it visits Cal in Berkeley this week. The Tigers looked solid in Freeze’s debut last week, a 59-14 pummeling of UMass. Cal also scored a ton of points in its opener in a 58-21 road win at North Texas. Auburn has a chance to make major strides in this first season under Freeze. But going so far away to play a road game in Week 2 may be too much for the Tigers, who will be playing only their third regular-season contest on the West Coast. — Low
Washington State: WSU scored 50 points in its opener against Colorado State and is a 6.5-point underdog at home against a team (Wisconsin) it beat on the road last year. ESPN analytics give the Cougars a 36.5% chance of winning outright, which feels a bit low considering how good QB Cameron Ward looked last week and how underwhelming QB Tanner Mordecai was for the Badgers.
Texas Tech: The Red Raiders came into the season with high hopes as one of this year’s sleeper teams, but were upset by Wyoming in Laramie last week in overtime, while No. 15 Oregon scored 81 points in a win against Portland State. But the Red Raiders, under first-year coach Joey McGuire, were tough in Lubbock last season, where they were 6-1, including overtime wins against both Texas and Oklahoma (first time in school history they’ve beaten both in the same season). Texas Tech has a 23-game winning streak in home openers, the Red Raiders have made several stadium improvements in recent years and with a sellout crowd on hand, the atmosphere will be rockin’ in West Texas. — Wilson
Quotes of the week
Johnny Hodges: TCU’s linebacker didn’t hold back in the postgame interview after the national runner-up Horned Frogs were stunned by a Colorado team that went 1-11 a year ago.
“I guess you can say it’s a wake-up call. I don’t know how losing in the national championship by 60 isn’t a wake-up call. Right now we’re definitely the laughingstock of college football.”
Brian Kelly: LSU’s coach was as stunned as anyone about the Tigers’ second-half meltdown in a 45-24 loss to Florida State.
“For some reason, we thought we were somebody else. We thought we were the two-time national champion Georgia Bulldogs or something. I don’t know what we thought, but we were mistaken.”
Jaheim Bell: The Florida State tight end lined up as a running back and tossed aside LSU defensive back Zy Alexander as he crossed the goal line on his 4-yard touchdown run.
“A lot of people are asking me why I did that … that’s just how I play. I play very physical, and I just had to make sure they felt it.”
Sports
Who comes in at No. 1? Ranking the top 100 college football players ahead of the 2025-26 season
Piecing together a list of the best players in college football before the season begins is no easy task. It requires a mix of information, reporting and assumptions.
While some choices are easy (Jeremiah Smith is good, you heard it here first) and some projections are nearly universally agreed upon (hello, Arch Manning), there are enough wild cards to ensure that, by season’s end, this list will probably look at least a little silly.
Georgia, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Notre Dame and Alabama all start new QBs with little experience, so ranking those players near the top seems presumptuous. Odds are, though, at least a few will be Heisman Trophy contenders by season’s end.
Smith, Leonard Moore and Ryan Williams quickly established themselves as stars during elite freshman campaigns in 2024, but it’s a nearly impossible task to predict which first-year players will break out in 2025.
This time a year ago, few people had pegged Sam Leavitt, LaNorris Sellers or Blake Horvath as household names, but each proved to be among the best in the country by the conclusion of the campaign. Who will be this season’s surprises? If we knew, it wouldn’t be a surprise.
Our top 100 players represent something of a compromise. Five of ESPN’s college football experts (David Hale, Adam Rittenberg, Chris Low, Paolo Uggetti and Bill Connelly) weighed in, each using some variation of hard data and educated guesswork to compile a list. They then debated, refined and adjusted until coming to an agreement — or, perhaps, just giving up — on an official ranking.
It might not be perfect, but that’s the beauty of a new college football season: No matter what we expect in August, we’ll look back later to find we hardly knew anything at all. — David Hale
Jump to a section: 100-76 | 75-51 | 50-26 | 25-1
WR, Auburn, sophomore
2024 stats: 56 rec, 754 yards, 3 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
There’s a reason new Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold said throwing the ball to Singleton was “like throwing routes on air.” Singleton was one of the most coveted wideouts in the transfer portal after hauling in 104 passes for 1,468 yards with nine touchdowns in two seasons at Georgia Tech. The Atlanta native can flat-out fly. If Arnold adjusts to Hugh Freeze’s offense effectively, the Tigers might have one of the top receiver trios in the SEC in Singleton, Wake Forest transfer Horatio Fields and sophomore Cam Coleman. — Mark Schlabach
WR, Clemson, sophomore
2024 stats: 708 receiving yards, 5 TD, 41 catches
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Wesco earned raves as a true freshman during camp last season, but he didn’t get a real shot at serious playing time until Week 5 against Stanford, when he racked up 104 receiving yards and a touchdown. From there, he blossomed into one of Clemson’s biggest threats on offense, racking up 36 catches for 574 yards from Week 5 on. — Hale
C, Iowa, senior
2024 stat: 1 sack allowed
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The 6-foot-3, 302-pound Jones is the linchpin of the Hawkeyes’ line who helped running back Kaleb Johnson have a breakout season in 2024. A converted defensive lineman, Jones has settled in well to the role and turned himself into one of the most consistent centers in the country. — Paolo Uggetti
QB, Vanderbilt, senior
2024 stats: 2,293 yards, 20 TD, 74.6 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: 69
In his first year in the SEC, Pavia led Vandy to its first bowl win in 11 years, its first win over Alabama in 40 years and its first win ever over a No. 1 team. He finished 2024 with 2,293 passing yards, 927 non-sack rushing yards and 28 combined touchdowns, and he enjoyed himself enough in the process that he sued for an extra year of eligibility — and won. So, he’s back! — Bill Connelly
OT, Clemson, senior
2024 stat: 2.9% allowed pressure percentage
2024 postseason ranking: NR
One of the most consistent blockers in the country, Miller has been a fixture on Clemson’s offensive line since he was a freshman, racking up 41 career starts. He allowed four sacks all season, never more than one in the same game. — Hale
RB, Texas A&M, senior
2024 stats: 121 carries, 765 yards, 10 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Moss says he is 100 percent recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him for the final four games of the 2024 season, and that’s good news for the Aggies. Before going down, Moss ran for 765 yards with 10 touchdowns in nine games. He ranked second in the SEC with 6.3 yards per carry. With Rueben Owens II returning from a foot injury that sidelined him for most of 2024, the Aggies should have one of the better one-two punches in the FBS. — Schlabach
DB, SMU, senior
2024 stats: 100 tackles, 3 INT, 3 PD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The heart and soul of SMU’s defense, Nwokobia allowed just 75 yards, picked off three passes on 19 targets all season, while serving as a stalwart in run defense, racking up 100 tackles. More than just an on-field star, Nwokobia wears No. 23 for the Mustangs, an honor that goes to the player who best represents the leadership and fearlessness of SMU great Jerry Lavias, the first Black player in the old Southwest Conference. — Hale
WR, LSU, junior
2024 stats: 61 receptions, 884 yards, 5 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The former Alabama transfer emerged as a star receiver for LSU last season, leading the team with 61 catches for 884 yards with five touchdowns. His biggest moment came late in the fourth quarter in the Tigers’ 29-26 victory against Ole Miss on Oct. 12. He caught a 23-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-5 with 27 seconds remaining to force overtime. Anderson also had eight catches for 100 yards in a 44-31 win against Baylor in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl. — Schlabach
LB, Texas Tech, senior
2024 stats: 127 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 5 sacks
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Much is made of Tech’s transfers this offseason, but the return of Rodriguez for his senior year might be the Red Raiders’ most important defensive player. At 6-1, 235 pounds, Rodriguez is a formidable presence who was a first-team All-Big 12 honoree and was named preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year this year. — Dave Wilson
RB, Missouri, sophomore
2024 stats: 237 carries, 1,351 yards, 13 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Here’s a list of heavily used running backs (175 carries or more) who forced more missed tackles per touch than Hardy in 2024: [null]. As a freshman at the UL Monroe, Hardy bulled his way to 1,351 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, dodging tacklers well and running through them when necessary. Now the Oma, Mississippi, native moves to the SEC, where he will immediately become a feature back for a Mizzou team coming off of back-to-back 10-win seasons. — Connelly
LB, Buffalo, senior
2024 stats: 156 tackles, 2 sacks, 7 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The school that produced Khalil Mack, and most recently Shaun Dolac, has another defender firmly on the national radar. Murdock had one of the more statistically dominant seasons in the country last fall, leading the FBS with seven forced fumbles, finishing second in tackles with 156 and 12th in tackles for loss with 16.5. After helping Buffalo to nine wins in coach Pete Lembo’s first season, he’s back to challenge for national honors. — Adam Rittenberg
QB, Iowa State, junior
2024 stats: 3,505 yards, 25 TD, 69.4 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Becht guided the Cyclones to a school-record 11 wins in 2024 and capped the season with an MVP performance in a 42-41 win against Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. This season will be his third as Iowa State’s starter, and he will enter the year with 6,690 career passing yards and 48 touchdown passes. He’ll have a revamped receiving corps to work with, but his experience should keep the Cyclones among the favorites in the Big 12. — Kyle Bonagura
OL, Georgia Tech, senior
2024 stats: 1 sack allowed, 77.8 pass-blocking grade
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The day he committed to Georgia Tech after transferring from Middle Tennessee, Rutledge wrecked his truck and suffered a severe foot injury that nearly resulted in an amputation. Instead, he started every game for the Yellow Jackets, earned first-team All-ACC honors and proved to be one of the most formidable interior linemen in the country. — Hale
C, Alabama, junior
2024 stats: 63 knockdown blocks, 80.7 run-blocking grade
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Brailsford is the anchor of what could be a very good Alabama offensive line. After transferring from Washington, Brailsford had an 80.7 run-blocking grade, which ranked second among Power 4 centers, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). He had 63 knockdown blocks and allowed only a half-sack. — Schlabach
DB, Arizona State, senior
2024 stats: 40 solo tackles, 2 INT, 5 PD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
After stints at Texas and USC, Alford had a breakout season with the Sun Devils in 2024, playing a huge role in the upstart program’s run to the College Football Playoff. According to ASU, he allowed just nine receptions in coverage while playing 522 snaps — an incredible ratio that ranked among the very best defensive backs in the country. — Bonagura
S, Penn State, senior
2024 stats: 95 tackles, 50 solo, 1 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Anyone who tracked Penn State’s postseason run noticed Wheatley, who played his best during some of the team’s biggest moments last season. He earned VRBO Fiesta Bowl Defensive Player of the Game honors against Boise State in the CFP quarterfinal after recording an interception and a fumble recovery. Wheatley then had an interception, a sack and 16 tackles against Notre Dame in Penn State’s narrow loss in the CFP semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. — Rittenberg
DE, Rutgers, senior
2024 stats: 52 solo, 13 sacks, 3 PD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
One of Rutgers’ biggest additions in the offseason, O’Neill comes from James Madison after a standout campaign with the Dukes. The 6-3, 255-pound end was a force to be reckoned with and set the pace for a stingy JMU defense that led the nation in turnover margins last year. — Uggetti
RB, Washington, senior
2024 stats: 193 carries, 1,053 yards, 10 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Many of the core players from Jedd Fisch’s 10-win Arizona team in 2023 remained in Tucson, but Coleman followed his coach to Washington and maintained his success with a new team and in a new league. An honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection in 2023, he earned third-team All-Big Ten honors last season at Washington, where he rushed for 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns, despite logging more than 19 carries only twice. — Rittenberg
CB, Indiana, junior
2024 stats: 35 solo tackles, 3 INT, 9 PD
2024 postseason ranking: 51
After an impressive true freshman season at James Madison, Ponds joined coach Curt Cignetti at Indiana and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as well as All-America recognition. He had two interceptions, including a 67-yard pick-six, against Washington and blocked a punt for a safety against Michigan State. His most productive games came against top competition, as he had three passes defended against Ohio State and an interception against Notre Dame. — Rittenberg
DE, Michigan, senior
2024 stats: 23 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
After two straight seasons of consistent production for the Wolverines’ defense, Moore heads into his senior season ready to once again be one of the key cogs in Wink Martindale’s unit. At Big Ten media days, Moore made news by joking that Ohio State’s title was not a “real win” because the Buckeyes didn’t beat Michigan. — Uggetti
S, Georgia, sophomore
2024 stats: 59 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
After playing in 14 games and starting two as a freshman, Bolden is being counted on to become a leader in Georgia’s secondary. With safeties Malaki Starks and Dan Jackson departing for the NFL, the sophomore is now the Bulldogs’ last line of defense. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team after finishing fifth on the team with 59 tackles in 2024. — Schlabach
QB, Kansas State, junior
2024 stats: 2,712 yards, 605 yards rushed, 25 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
In his first season as a full-time starter at K-State, Johnson flashed glimpses of his dual-threat stardom, most notably against Oklahoma State, when he threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more, passing for 259 yards and running for 60 yards. A former national top-100 recruit and a Kansas native, he is driven to return the Wildcats to the top of the Big 12 and beyond. — Wilson
WR, Indiana, senior
2024 stats: 53 receptions, 957 yards, 8 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Sarratt has produced everywhere he has been, from FCS Saint Francis to James Madison to Indiana, and played a big role in helping coach Cignetti flip the Hoosiers into an instant CFP contender in 2024. He finished sixth in the Big Ten in receiving yards in his debut season and third in yards per catch (18.1) but still chose to run it back for one more season with Cignetti rather than go pro. — Max Olson
LB, Indiana, senior
2024 stats: 118 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 PD
2024 postseason ranking: 73
Heading into his senior season, Fisher has been a tackle machine for the Hoosiers and is set to be a crucial part of their defense yet again. The 6-1, 231-pound linebacker was a first-team All-American last year. — Uggetti
OL, Notre Dame, sophomore
2024 stats: 15 starts, 818 snaps, 3 sacks allowed
2024 postseason ranking: NR
After expected starter Charles Jagusah went down before the 2024 season, Notre Dame turned to Knapp, a true freshman, to anchor the line. All he did was help pave the way for a Notre Dame offense that ranked seventh nationally in rushing average, protect QB Riley Leonard’s blind side while surrendering just three sacks, and help the Fighting Irish march to a national championship game appearance. — Hale
TE, Ohio State, junior
2024 stats: 1 reception, 685 yards, 4 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
At 6-4 and 236 pounds, you won’t miss Klare on the field, and for whoever does line up under center for the Buckeyes, Klare will quickly become a favorite target. The junior had a breakout season last year and helped Ohio State’s potent offense to a title, but there’s a sense that this season could be even bigger for the Indiana product. — Uggetti
OL, Penn State, junior
2024 stats: 0 sacks allowed in 900+ snaps
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Ioane proved he was ready to play as a redshirt freshman with five starts at left guard in 2023, then took his game to another level last season as a 16-game starter who earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. He surrendered zero sacks over the course of the Nittany Lions’ run to the CFP semifinals, according to ESPN Research, and finished with just eight pressures allowed and three penalties on the year while playing the most snaps (957) of any player in the Big Ten. — Olson
S, Illinois, senior
2024 stats: 49 tackles, 6 PD, 4 INT
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Scott was targeted more than any other defensive back in the Big Ten in his second year as a starter, according to TruMedia, and he fared well in allowing just 28 catches on 63 targets (44%) and 4.9 yards per target with the second-most interceptions in the conference. The first-team All-Big Ten performer will help lead an Illini squad with big-time expectations for 2025. — Olson
DT, Penn State, senior
2024 stats: 42 tackles, 11 TFL, 3 sacks
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Durant isn’t just going to be a space eater in new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ scheme this fall. The two-year starter is a disruptor up front who has generated 26 pressures at defensive tackle over the past two seasons, most among all returning Big Ten linemen, according to ESPN Research. — Olson
OG, Missouri, junior
2024 stats: 776 snaps played, 3 allowed pressures
2024 postseason ranking: NR
A former top-60 recruit and Under Armour All-American from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Green started as a true freshman at Oklahoma, then transferred to his home-state school in 2024. He was an immediate hit in Columbia, allowing just three pressures with five blown run blocks in 13 starts and 776 snaps. With a new quarterback and reasonably new skill corps, Mizzou will be leaning on Green and the interior line to establish efficiency in 2025. — Connelly
QB, SMU, junior
2024 stats: 28 TD, 3,245 passing yards, 354 rushing yards
2024 postseason ranking: NR
After taking over as SMU’s starter in Week 4, Jennings ignited the Mustangs’ offense, leading them to a playoff berth. From Nov. 1 through the ACC championship game, Jennings proved to be one of the most explosive QBs in the country, accounting for more than 1,500 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions, alongside an 81.4 Total QBR. — Hale
RB, Texas, junior
2024 stats: 226 carries, 1,064 yards, 44 receptions
2024 postseason ranking: NR
As the only returning 1,000-yard rusher in the SEC this season, Wisner is sacrificing his favorite meal — a 10-count McNuggets and McDouble from McDonald’s — to get in better shape. He’s a double threat for defenses after running for 1,064 yards with five touchdowns and catching 44 passes for 311 yards with one score in 2024. He had a career-high 186 yards in the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory against rival Texas A&M. — Schlabach
QB, Georgia Tech, senior
2024 stats: 25 TD, 2 INT, 2,701 yards
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Is there a tougher QB in the country than King? Georgia Tech fans certainly don’t think so. King played through a painful shoulder injury last season that kept him from throwing more than a few yards downfield at times, and yet he still led the Yellow Jackets to their second straight winning season. He’s the sixth Power QB in the playoff era to account for at least 25 touchdowns, fewer than five picks and complete at least 70% of his passes. The other five were all later selected in the first round of the NFL draft. — Hale
WR, Ohio State, senior
2024 stats: 733 yards, 4 TD, 52 receptions
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Even though Jeremiah Smith will understandably take up much attention this season, don’t sleep on Tate. The 6-3, 191-pound wideout from Chicago had a strong season inside of Ohio State’s title-winning offense last year, and even though Will Howard is gone, Tate should be able to build on his 2024 campaign. — Uggetti
OG, Texas A&M, senior
2024 stat: 1 sack allowed
2024 postseason ranking: NR
After playing four seasons at Kansas, Reed-Adams didn’t miss a beat after stepping into a starting role in Texas A&M’s offensive line. Pro Football Focus said Reed-Adams led all Power 4 guards in gap-blocking proficiency and was fourth in zone blocking. In 361 snaps in 2024, Reed-Adams surrendered only one sack and eight pressures, while helping the Aggies run for 195.5 yards per game, which was second best in the SEC. — Schlabach
TE, Vanderbilt, senior
2024 stats: 49 receptions, 638 yards, 5 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
A former four-star quarterback, Stowers signed with Texas A&M in 2021 but found himself as a tight end and utility man at New Mexico State in 2023, gaining 366 yards receiving, 108 rushing and 99 passing. He followed former head coach Jerry Kill to Vanderbilt in 2024 and became one of the SEC’s best tight ends, and with quarterback Pavia, he returns for one last dance in Nashville in 2025. — Connelly
S, Texas, senior
2024 stats: 40 solo tackles, 1 FF, 2 INT
2024 postseason ranking: NR
A former walk-on and a reigning second-team All-American, Taaffe has been a central figure in the Longhorns’ secondary over the past two seasons and returns in 2025 as one of most experienced defenders anywhere in the country. Taaffe finished second among Texas defenders with 78 total tackles a year ago, anchoring a dominant defensive back unit alongside NFL draft selections Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba. With both gone this fall, Taaffe is set to lead a new-look secondary unit at Texas this fall. — Eli Lederman
OT, Boise State, junior
2024 stat: 2 sacks allowed
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The Broncos have a history of producing elite offensive linemen, and Casey should be the next in line after earning All-Mountain West honors in consecutive seasons. A gifted run blocker and pass protector, he led an offensive line that helped Ashton Jeanty rise to national prominence and protected quarterback Maddux Madsen. Boise State finished 12th nationally in fewest sacks allowed. — Rittenberg
LB, Ohio State, senior
2024 stats: 100 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 6 sacks
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The 6-4, 235-pound converted safety proved he’s one of the Big Ten’s best defensive playmakers in 2024, earning second-team all-conference honors as the leading tackler for the national champs, with big performances in some of the Buckeyes’ biggest games, including a career-high nine stops against Oregon, Penn State and Texas. He’s a 28-game starter and an invaluable leader with impressive traits and first-round pick potential. — Olson
CB, Texas, junior
2024 stats: 36 tackles, 1 TFL, 8 PD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Muhammad has played in all 30 games since arriving at Texas as a heralded recruit in 2023. In Year 3, he’s working hard to produce more turnovers in the secondary. Texas and BYU led the FBS with 22 interceptions last season, but Muhammad didn’t have one (and has just one in two seasons combined). He helped the Longhorns limit Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith to only one catch in Texas’ 28-14 loss in a CFP semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Muhammad won’t have to wait long for another shot at the star receiver; the teams open the season against each other at the Horseshoe on Aug. 30. — Schlabach
LB, Old Dominion, senior
2024 stats: 2 solo tackles, 3 total tackles
2024 postseason ranking: NR
College football’s ultimate tackling machine, Henderson recorded a combined 324 tackles in 24 games in 2022-23. That’s an average of 162 tackles — only one other defender had even 160 in either season. After taking a medical redshirt last fall, the senior from Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, returns to presumably load up on the hits again in 2025. — Connelly
LB, LSU, junior
2024 stats: 61 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
LSU is bringing Weeks back cautiously during preseason camp after he had surgery to repair a dislocated ankle he suffered against Baylor in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl. Weeks was second in the SEC with 125 tackles to go with 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 2024. He’ll get to play with his older brother, West, and younger brother, Zach, who are also linebackers at LSU this season. The last time the Tigers had three brothers on a team was in 2008 with the Taylors (Curtis, Brandon, Jhyryn). — Schlabach
LB, Texas A&M, junior
2024 stats: 35 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT
2024 postseason ranking: NR
A former three-star recruit who was ranked the 183rd-best prospect in Texas in the class of 2023 by ESPN Recruiting, York has proved to be much better than advertised in two seasons with the Aggies. Last season, he led the team with 82 tackles to go with 9.5 tackles for loss. According to Pro Football Focus, he leads Power 4 linebackers with 59 run-defense stops since 2023. — Schlabach
DL, Texas Tech, senior
2024 stats: 22 solo tackles, 7 sacks, 5 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The 6-3, 250-pound outside linebacker was a late addition to Texas Tech’s portal class after Stanford fired coach Troy Taylor. The California native brings a presence off the edge for the Red Raiders’ defense and experience with 16 starts in 33 career games. He will be an NFL draft prospect as a pass rusher. — Wilson
DL, Georgia, junior
2024 stats: 27 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks
2024 postseason ranking: NR
After a couple of injury-plagued seasons, Miller finally showed flashes of the player he could be in 2024. He had five tackles, one pass breakup and one quarterback pressure in Georgia’s 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in a CFP quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. At 6-3, 310 pounds, the junior needs to be a difference-maker in the middle of the defensive front. — Schlabach
RB, Pittsburgh, senior
2024 stats: 966 rushing yards, 1,704 all-purpose yards, 10 TD
2024 postseason ranking: 94
One of the nation’s most versatile players, Reid dominated in his first season after transferring from FCS Western Carolina, igniting Pitt’s offense as a runner and pass catcher while adding a touchdown in the return game. He was one of only two Power 4 players last season to rack up 10 or more total touchdowns while scoring as a runner, receiver and returner. — Hale
DL, Alabama, senior
2024 stats: 17 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
It took Overton a little while to get started at Alabama after transferring from Texas A&M, and he’s looking to convert quarterback pressures into sacks in 2025. Last season, Overton had 39 quarterback pressures but only two sacks in 13 games. He also had 42 tackles, three tackles for loss and one forced fumble. The Tide hope the former five-star recruit was only scratching the surface as a pass rusher. — Schlabach
QB, TCU, junior
2024 stats: 3,949 yards, 27 TD, 73.9 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The 6-2, 200-pound junior was lightly recruited out of high school and eventually committed to Indiana before flipping to TCU, where he set a school record for passing yards last season. His 3,949 yards in 2024 ranks second among returners behind LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. He turned down big NIL offers from Tennessee, among others, to stay in Fort Worth. — Wilson
QB, Baylor, senior
2024 stats: 3,071 yards, 28 TD, 82.9 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Robertson became the starter in the Bears’ third game last season and had a breakout year, helping Baylor save its season during a six-game win streak to finish the regular season. The 6-4, 220-pound senior will enter the season for the first time as a starter and is expected to be one of the best QBs in a QB-heavy Big 12. — Wilson
LB, Ole Miss, junior
2024 stats: 32 solo tackles, 10.5 sacks, 1 INT
2024 postseason ranking: NR
After a bright freshman campaign in 2023, Perkins exploded last fall when the former five-star signee finished tied for the team lead in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (14.5) as part of a record-setting Rebels defensive line. In 2025, Perkins is one of only two returning starters within a heavily renovated Ole Miss defense. Without the likes of Walter Nolen III, JJ Pegues and Chris Paul Jr. alongside him, it’s his turn to spearhead a promising unit of front-seven talent this fall. — Lederman
QB, Navy, senior
2024 stats: 1,353 yards, 13 TD, 84.5 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: 84
Who’s the top returning college quarterback in terms of Total QBR? It’s not Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar or Carson Beck. It’s Blake Horvath, who finished sixth last season, piloting Navy’s evolving option offense to the tune of 1,353 passing yards, 1,298 non-sack rushing yards and 30 combined touchdowns. With most of his skill corps returning and a reasonably experienced line in front of him, he could produce similar numbers and lead a challenge in the American Conference in 2025. — Connelly
DL, Cincinnati, senior
2024 stats: 26 tackles, 5 TFL, and 3.5 sacks
2024 postseason ranking: NR
“The Godfather” is one of the best interior linemen in the country, a 6-1, 330-pound three-time all-conference selection who has played 34 games for the Bearcats, all while battling medical issues with blood clots that prevented him from practicing and didn’t allow him to play until Sept. 3 last year, when he had six tackles and a sack against Pitt. Now healthy, he’s primed for one final year. — Wilson
Edge, Boise State, junior
2024 stats: 10 sacks, 15.5 TFL
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty justifiably owned the spotlight for Boise State, but the team’s defensive line also stood out. Virgin-Morgan played opposite NFL sixth-round draft pick Ahmed Hassanein and led the team in both sacks (10) and quarterback hurries (7), while tying Hassanein for the top spot in tackles for loss (15.5). The first-team All-Mountain West selection enters his fourth season as one of the top Group of 5 players and among the nation’s top pass rushers. — Rittenberg
DL, Florida, senior
2024 stats: 10 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The towering, 6-6, 330-pound interior defensive lineman has been a constant for the Gators since arriving from Louisville in 2023, tallying 21 starts at Florida over the past two seasons. Banks set career highs in tackles (21) and sacks (4.5) a year ago. In 2025, he returns to anchor a veteran defensive line within a promising Gators defense, carrying legit first-round NFL draft size and potential. — Lederman
WR, Clemson, junior
2024 stats: 75 catches, 904 receiving yards, 11 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Coming off a sophomore season lost to injury, Williams reenergized the Clemson passing attack while becoming one of the most reliable receivers in the country. His 75 catches ranked second in the ACC, and his 11 touchdowns tied for the conference lead. In the process, he became the first Clemson receiver with at least 75 catches, 900 yards and 10 touchdowns since Mike Williams in 2016. — Hale
RB, Louisville, sophomore
2024 stats: 1,173 yards, 11 TD, 7.1 yards per carry
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Brown emerged as one of the best backs in the country last season as a true freshman, winning ACC Rookie of the Year honors as a result. Not only did he set the school true freshman rushing record, but he also became the first true freshman to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. Only one other running back last season averaged more yards per carry than Brown’s 7.1. — Andrea Adelson
S, Oregon, junior
2024 stats: 70 solo tackles, 6 PD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Purdue was a bad team the past two years but still produced several standout individual players, including Thieneman, who will suit up for a different Power 4 program this fall. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a third-team AP All-America selection in 2023, when he ranked third nationally with six interceptions and led the team with 106 tackles. Thieneman led Purdue and also all Big Ten defensive backs in tackles with 104 last season, to go along with four tackles for loss and seven pass breakups. — Rittenberg
LB, LSU, junior
2024 stats (four games played): 15 tackles, 5 solo tackles
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Perkins showed up as a freshman at LSU and blew everybody away with 13 tackles for loss, including 7.5 sacks. He shuffled between different positions in 2023 and then tore his ACL in Week 4 last season. Coach Brian Kelly said the Tigers plan to use the 6-1, 222-pound Perkins in more of a hybrid linebacker/safety role, freeing him up to make plays and go get the quarterback. — Chris Low
DB, Minnesota, sophomore
2024 stats: 28 solo tackles, 1 FF, 5 INT
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Perich is a bit under the radar at Minnesota but could be one of college football’s most exciting all-around players to watch, especially in the post-Travis Hunter era. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors at defensive back, recording five interceptions to go along with a forced fumble and 46 tackles. Perich also was a second-team All-Big Ten return specialist with 314 kick return yards and 188 punt return yards. He will have an even bigger role on offense this fall. — Rittenberg
DB, Notre Dame, junior
2024 stats: 15 starts, 3 INT, 9 PD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Gray had a breakout season in 2024 in his first full season as a starter, and expectations are high headed into 2025. His interception with 33 seconds left against Penn State in the CFP semifinal set up the game-winning field goal, allowing the Irish to advance to the national title game. Perhaps there is a little bit of extra motivation going into the year, after he was on the coverage of the big passing play to Jeremiah Smith that allowed the Buckeyes to hoist the championship trophy. — Adelson
LB, Pitt, junior
2024 stats: 101 tackles, 4 INT, 15.5 TFL
2024 postseason ranking: 86
As dynamic a linebacker as there was in the country last season, Louis did a little of everything in leading the Pitt defense. Louis ranked fifth in the ACC in total tackles (100), fourth in tackles for loss (15.5) and third in interceptions (four) — the only Power 4 defender to hit each of those totals. To that, he added 7 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 9 QB hurries and a forced fumble. — Hale
CB, Clemson, junior
2024 stats: 45 solo tackles, 3 FF, 2 INT
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The stat line for Terrell almost feels as if it is never ending. In 2024, Terrell became the first player under Dabo Swinney to have at least three forced fumbles, multiple interceptions and multiple fumble recoveries in one season. His 13 pass breakups tied the Clemson sophomore record held by two others and were the most by any Clemson player since 2014. He is poised for more this year. — Adelson
LB, Georgia, junior
2024 stats: 76 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 INT
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Overshadowed by inside linebackers Jalon Walker and Smael Mondon Jr. the past two seasons, it’s time for Allen to take charge of Georgia’s defense. In 12 starts in 2024, he was second on the team with 76 tackles. He showed up big in the Bulldogs’ most important games with eight tackles and one interception in a 34-20 victory against Florida and seven tackles and two interceptions in a 22-19 win against Texas in the SEC championship game. — Schlabach
C, Florida, senior
2024 stats: 0 sacks allowed, 0.5% pressure percentage
2024 postseason ranking: 92
One of the most experienced members along a seasoned Florida offensive line (21 career starts), Slaughter sits at the heart of a pivotal unit for the Gators in 2025. The 6-5, 303-pound blocker earned first-team AP All-America honors a year ago in his first season as a full-time starter. In 2025, Slaughter is back as one of four returning starters on a Florida offensive line tasked with protecting second-year quarterback DJ Lagway and paving the way for reigning Freshman All-SEC running back Jadan Baugh. — Lederman
Edge, San Diego State, sophomore
2024 stats: 21.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 9 run stops
2024 postseason ranking: NR
White became a hometown star in 2024. After becoming the first underclassman in nearly 20 years to be voted team captain, he erupted for 21.5 tackles for loss with nine run stops and 12.5 sacks from 37 pressures. He didn’t have a lot of help around him, so opponents were able to run away from him late in the season. If a more experienced set of defensive teammates can help him out more, just imagine what he could produce. — Connelly
DE, Indiana, senior
2024 stats: 19 solo tackles, 10 sacks, 2 FF
2024 postseason ranking: 55
Kamara was part of the James Madison contingent that followed coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana and made an immediate impact during the team’s historic 2024 season. A second-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2023, he was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last fall and a third-team AP All-American after leading the FBS in total pressures (73) and finishing with 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss for the nation’s No. 2 defense. — Rittenberg
RB, Penn State, senior
2024 stats: 220 carries, 1,108 yards, 8 TD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Allen forms half of arguably the best running back tandem in Penn State history, as he and Nicholas Singleton both have eclipsed 2,800 career yards. The 217-pound Allen had a career-high 1,108 rushing yards in 2024 to finish fifth in the Big Ten, logging four 100-yard games and remaining a factor in the passing attack with 18 receptions. He repeatedly gashed Oregon in the Big Ten championship game and averaged 7.9 yards per carry against Boise State in a CFP quarterfinal win at the Fiesta Bowl. — Rittenberg
DL, Miami, junior
2024 stats: 23 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Bain was limited last year with a leg injury he sustained in the season opener, and he worked tirelessly in the offseason to get back to full strength. Now, he’s hoping that pays off with a dominant performance up front with new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman leading the way. Bain has the potential to be one of the most dominant defensive ends in the country this season. — Adelson
DB, Duke, senior
2024 stats: 54 tackles, 3 INT, 8 PD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Going into his third full season as the starter, Rivers is a preseason All-American after putting together an All-American season in 2024. One of the best cover cornerbacks in the country, Rivers plays well in coverage and can create pressure in different ways — compiling 7.5 tackles for loss, three pressures and two forced fumbles. In all, Rivers allowed 13 total completions last year — three that went for 20 yards or more. — Adelson
DB, Tennessee, junior
2024 stats: 26 tackles, 4 INT, 7 PD
2024 postseason ranking: 45
After transferring from Oregon State, McCoy established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the country last season. He served as the eraser on the back end of a Tennessee defense that held 10 of its 13 opponents under 20 points. The Vols aren’t sure when they will get McCoy back this season after he tore his ACL in January while training. — Low
RB, Oregon, junior
2024 stats: 1,401 yards, 15 TD, 0 fumbles lost
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Hughes takes over for Jordan James in the Oregon backfield after transferring from Tulane. Hughes rushed for 2,779 yards combined the past two seasons, more than any other returning back in college football. Hughes should bring a level of physicality to the Oregon offense; he broke 38 tackles last season, tied with North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton for fifth most in the nation. — Jake Trotter
QB, Miami, senior
2024 stats: 3,485 yards, 28 TD, 80.9 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Beck was rated one of the top quarterbacks in college football headed into last season, but he opted to transfer from Georgia to Miami for one final year after some inconsistency on the field then a season-ending elbow injury. He says he is 100 percent following surgery, but now it is time to show he is completely healthy — and that the rollercoaster that was 2024 is in the past. — Adelson
WR, Arizona State, junior
2024 stats: 75 catches, 10 TD, 1,571 yards
2024 postseason ranking: 89
Tyson’s 2024 breakout season cemented him as one of the nation’s premier receivers. He earned Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors, hauled in 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, and posted five 100-yard games. All of that took place during the regular season, as Tyson missed the Big 12 championship game and the CFP quarterfinal game due to injury. — Bonagura
LB, Alabama, senior
2024 stats: 36 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Had he not torn an ACL in the second to last game against Oklahoma in 2024, Lawson likely would have turned pro. But after undergoing surgery and rehab, Lawson is back for his redshirt senior season, and he gives the Crimson Tide the kind of enforcer at middle linebacker who could take them to another level defensively. Lawson is one of the surest tacklers in college football. — Low
DE, Penn State, senior
2024 stats: 24 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The impending departure of Abdul Carter to the NFL seemingly became easier for Penn State during its College Football Playoff run as Dennis-Sutton played his best football under the biggest spotlight. Penn State’s other defensive end had 4.5 sacks in the CFP and added an interception and a forced fumble in a semifinal loss to Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl. Dennis-Sutton recorded 6.5 of his 8.5 sacks in Penn State’s final seven games, and he should shine in new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ aggressive scheme. — Rittenberg
QB, Florida, sophomore
2024 stats: 1,915 yards, 12 TD, 57.9 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The only question with Lagway is how healthy he will be. He was limited by an injury to his throwing shoulder in the spring then by a calf strain this preseason. When he is 100 percent, Lagway’s ceiling is as high as any quarterback in the country. He posted a 6-1 record in seven starts last season as a true freshman, and he has terrific awareness as both a passer and a runner. — Low
OL, Miami, junior
2024 stats: 0.6% blown block percentage, 0 sacks allowed
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Mauigoa has been a force on Miami’s offensive line since the moment he arrived as a true freshman, but this could be his defining season. Miami is poised to have one of the best O-lines in the country with Mauigoa at the forefront, as the Hurricanes hope their ground game can help lead the way for Beck and the offense. — Adelson
QB, Texas, sophomore
2024 stats: 939 yards, 9 TD, 87.5 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The wait is over. In his third year at Texas, Manning gets the keys to the Longhorns’ offense as the full-time starter. He played situationally last season and filled in when Quinn Ewers was injured. The Horns plan to use Manning’s strength in both passing and running. The 6-4, 219-pound Manning has thrown 95 passes across his first two seasons, with 90 of those coming in 2024. — Low
OLB, Illinois, senior
2024 stats: 74 tackles, 3 FF, 12.1% defensive pressure rate
2024 postseason ranking: NR
A third-team All-Big Ten selection last season, Jacas is entering his fourth campaign as a starter for the Fighting Illini. Jacas led Illinois in 2024 with 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks and 10 quarterback hurries. He also forced fumbles in wins over Michigan, Nebraska and Central Michigan, as the Illini won 10 games for the first time since 2001. — Trotter
QB, Arizona State, sophomore
2024 stats: 2,885 yards, 24 TD, 80.0 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: 58
During his first year in Tempe, Leavitt had arguably the best freshman season in school history, setting the freshman record for total offense (3,328) while guiding the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff. He was effective as a passer (2,885 yards). But his additional ability to make plays on the run (443 yards) is what sets him up to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football in 2025. — Bonagura
DE, Oregon, junior
2024 stats: 38 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 FF
2024 postseason ranking: 81
Uiagalelei was an All-Big Ten selection as a sophomore, his first season as a starter for the Ducks, as he led the league during the regular season with 10.5 sacks. The Ducks lost several key players off last season’s defense, including tackle Derrick Harmon, a first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Uiagalelei is a big reason the Ducks could be just as disruptive up front after ranking third in the Big Ten with 40 sacks in 2024. — Trotter
QB, South Carolina, sophomore
2024 stats: 2,534 yards, 18 TD, 69.8 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: 65
Sellers was one of the breakout stars in college football in 2024 as a redshirt freshman, and his impressive close to the campaign mirrored that of the Gamecocks, who won six in a row to conclude the regular season. The 6-3, 240-pound Sellers is a Cam Newton clone and impossible to get on the ground when he starts scrambling. Look for Sellers to be a more polished passer in 2025. — Low
DE, Auburn, junior
2024 stats: 30 solo tackles, 7 sacks, 1 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
As one of the most talented defensive linemen in the SEC, the 6-6, 285-pound Faulk returns for his junior season after tying for the Tigers’ lead with seven sacks in 2024. Faulk is a lot more than a pass rusher. His size, power and explosiveness make him equally strong against the run. — Low
QB, Penn State, senior
2024 stats: 3,327 yards, 24 TD, 77.5 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: 63
Allar went 23-6 as a starter over the past two seasons, including two victories in last year’s playoff. Penn State’s postseason run ended after he threw a late pick, allowing Notre Dame to kick a game-winning field goal and advance to the national title game instead. Despite that sour finish, Allar’s numbers improved across the board in 2024, and he enters this season with the fifth-shortest odds to win the Heisman Trophy, according to ESPN BET. — Trotter
QB, Oklahoma, junior
2024 stats: 3,139 yards, 29 TD, 70,9 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: 38
Mateer was one of the top quarterback targets in the transfer portal this offseason after making a name for himself at Washington State, and Oklahoma was giddy to get him after ranking 94th nationally in scoring offense last season at 24 points per game. Mateer is a playmaker both as a passer and a runner, and his former offensive coordinator at WSU, Ben Arbuckle, made the move with him to OU. — Low
RB, Penn State, senior
2024 stats: 1,099 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per carry, 17 TD
2024 postseason ranking: 80
Singleton teams up with Kaytron Allen to give Penn State perhaps the best running back duo in the country. Last season, Singleton and Allen were one of just two Power 4 tandems to each run for 1,000 yards, joining Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Singleton also is an effective pass catcher out of the backfield, snagging 41 passes last season for 375 yards and five touchdowns. — Trotter
OT, Alabama, junior
2024 stats: 639 snaps, 54 knockdown blocks
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Alabama’s offensive line is poised to be one of the strengths of the team, and Proctor’s return at left tackle is a big reason. Speaking of big, Proctor is 6-7 and 366 pounds. He has steadily improved since his true freshman season in 2023 and enters his junior season as one of the most physically imposing tackles in college football. — Low
CB, Notre Dame, sophomore
2024 stats: 34 solo tackles, 2 INT, 11 PD
2024 postseason ranking: NR
As a true freshman in 2024, Moore opened the season as a question mark at the back end of Notre Dame’s defense. He ended it as perhaps the most dominant corner in the country. Moore allowed just 39% completions on 51 targets, picking off two balls and breaking up 11 more. In the playoff alone, he allowed just 58 total yards while breaking up four passes. — Hale
WR, Alabama, sophomore
2024 stats: 48 receptions, 865 yards, 8 TD
2024 postseason ranking: 71
Williams cooled off a bit toward the end of last season after a torrid start to his true freshman year at Alabama, but he still proved to be one of the most explosive players in the nation. He had five touchdown receptions in the first four games, including the game winner against Georgia. Williams is as dangerous on deep passes as he is in making things happen after the catch. — Low
DE, Texas, sophomore
2024 stats: 31 solo tackles, 9 sacks, 3 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Simmons had a sensational true freshman campaign and led the Longhorns with nine sacks. A dynamic edge rusher, the 6-3, 240-pound Simmons has the speed and strength to blow past opposing offensive tackles. Texas coaches expect him to take an even bigger leap during his sophomore year after winning the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award in his debut season on the Forty Acres. — Low
DE, South Carolina, sophomore
2024 stats: 17 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 FF
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Stewart burst onto the scene last season as one of the best true freshmen in college football and immediately asserted himself as one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC. The 6-5, 245-pound Stewart earned Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-America honors, and he has all the skills to be a first-team All-American in 2025 as an even more complete defender. — Low
DL, Clemson, junior
2024 stats: 32 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3 sacks
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Woods alternated between defensive tackle and defensive end last season, and what is so intriguing about his potential headed into his junior year is what new coordinator Tom Allen will ask him to do. Clemson plans to be more aggressive with its entire D-line, a prospect that Woods has embraced. — Adelson
QB, LSU, junior
2024 stats: 4,052 yards, 29 TD, 80.0 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: NR
The SEC’s leading returning passer after throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2024, Nussmeier enters his second season as LSU’s starter after waiting his turn during his first three years on campus. Nussmeier will have a deep corps of receivers to throw to, including newcomers Nic Anderson and Barion Brown, although the Tigers are replacing both tackles. — Low
OL, Utah, junior
2024 stats: one sack allowed, 1.6% blown block percentage
2024 postseason ranking: NR
Fano anchored Utah’s offensive line in 2024, starting all 12 games at right tackle and earning All-America honors from PFF (first team), AP (second team) and Walter Camp (second team). A finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, Fano combines elite pass protection with physical run blocking. — Bonagura
DL, Clemson, junior
2024 stats: 64 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 11 sacks, 6 FF
2024 postseason ranking: 46
Parker showed his potential as a freshman All-American and followed that up with a dominant sophomore season. His six forced fumbles set a school record, and his 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks were the most at Clemson since Clelin Ferrell had 19.5 and 11.5 in 2018. — Adelson
RB, Notre Dame, junior
2024 stats: 1,125 yards, 19 TD, 6.9 yards per carry
2024 postseason ranking: 27
Love shouldered the rushing load last season, scoring a touchdown on the ground in 13 straight games and setting a CFP record with a 98-yard touchdown run in a first-round game against Indiana. He played through injuries for most of the playoff run, so a healthy Love in 2025 could set up the Irish for more postseason success. — Adelson
QB, Clemson, senior
2024 stats: 3,639 yards, 36 TD, 78.7 QBR
2024 postseason ranking: 53
Headed into his third year as a starter, Klubnik is poised to have his best campaign yet after posting career numbers in 2024. His return is one of the biggest reasons many believe the Tigers are poised to make a championship run. Klubnik also knows it is now or never for him to cement his Clemson legacy — and add this offense to the record books. — Adelson
S, Ohio State, junior
2024 stats: 81 tackles, 2 INT, 6 PD
2024 postseason ranking: 18
Downs was a major reason the Buckeyes featured the top defense in the country in 2024. Playing shallow safety, he locked up the middle of the field for Ohio State, which didn’t allow more than 23 points the rest of the way after giving up 32 in an Oct. 12 loss at Oregon. Downs, also an electric returner, took a punt 79 yards for a touchdown in a key late-season win over Indiana. There isn’t a more accomplished defensive player in college football entering this campaign. — Trotter
LB, Texas, junior
2024 stats: 59 solo tackles, 16.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 4 FF
2024 postseason ranking: 30
The 6-3, 238-pound Hill has been a starter since his true freshman season. Now a junior, he has developed into one of the most well-rounded defenders in college football. He led the Longhorns last season with 113 total tackles and was fourth among FBS linebackers with 16.5 tackles for loss. Hill was a first-team ESPN All-America selection last season, and he returns to spearhead Texas’ defense. — Low
WR, Ohio State, sophomore
2024 stats: 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, 16 TD
2024 postseason ranking: 5
Arguably the best player in college football, Smith broke the Big Ten freshman record with 1,315 receiving yards during Ohio State’s 2024 national championship campaign. He also totaled five touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ four playoff outings. With a season of experience behind him, Smith said he expects to play even faster this year. That’s a scary proposition for the rest of the Big Ten. — Trotter
ESPN’s preseason player rank list is here, but did our selection committee get things right?
Texas‘ Arch Manning came in at the No. 23 spot in the top 100 list, but based on what he has done over the past two seasons, was that spot fairly granted? And which other players didn’t get a fair spot and should have been ranked higher?
Our college football reporters break down the entire ranking, including what players our committee missed entirely.
(ESPN’s selection committee included Bill Connelly, David Hale, Chris Low, Adam Rittenberg and Paolo Uggetti.)
Jump to:
Changes to top 10 | Changes to top 50
Who should’ve made the list?
Player who could rise | Biggest surprises
Who should’ve been in the top 10?
Andrea Adelson: I would have had Alabama WR Ryan Williams in my top 10 simply because he was one of the most dynamic, exciting players in college football last season as a true freshman. Though it is true his production tailed off in the second half of the season, his effectiveness when given the opportunity was evident as he averaged 18 yards per catch. I know we were reminded at every turn last season just how young he was, it is not hard to imagine the vast improvement we will see this season now that he has playing experience and an entire offseason in the weight room and playbook.
Heather Dinich: Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor might be the best offensive lineman in the country this season. At 6-foot-7, 366 pounds, he’ll be protecting Ty Simpson‘s blind side and should be a top pick in the 2026 NFL draft. He has started all 24 games he has played at Bama, and his athleticism is stunning for how massive his frame is. He’s great in pass protection and a brick wall in the running game. His experience and leadership up front will be integral to Bama’s offensive success.
Max Olson: Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton missing out on the top 10 surprised me a little bit, and it made me wonder if his excellence gets underrated a bit simply because he shares the workload with another excellent back in Kaytron Allen. Singleton ranks No. 1 among all returning FBS players in career all-purpose yards with 4,673 and was extremely dependable as a junior with 100-plus total yards in 11 of his 15 games.
Adam Rittenberg: Texas’ Colin Simmons ended last season as one of the nation’s top young playmakers on defense. He led Texas in sacks (9), finished second in tackles for loss (14) and had some of his best games in the CFP. The former five-star recruit told me he wants to be more of a complete player, especially against the run. We have Anthony Hill Jr. at No. 2, but I wouldn’t be surprised if two Texas defenders end up in the postseason top 10. The other defender worth watching is Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore, who stood out as a true freshman and became the team’s top cover man after Benjamin Morrison‘s injury.
Chris Low: How many coaches would take South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers No. 1 right now if they had the top pick of any quarterback in the country? My educated guess is more than half of the coaches we decided to poll. Sellers improved greatly as the season wore on a year ago in his first season as a starter. He’ll be even more polished as a passer this season and more comfortable in the pocket, and good luck in trying to get him on the ground. His ability to scramble out of trouble is uncanny and what looks as if it’s going to be a sack often ends up being a 20-yard run or longer. He reached 20.8 mph on his 75-yard run against LSU last season. Having a quarterback who can beat teams in different ways is more important than ever in football.
Paolo Uggetti: I’m not saying John Mateer should have been in the top 10 now, but I could very much see a scenario in which Mateer comes out of the gates rolling and we’re suddenly talking about him as one of the best quarterbacks in the sport. After a stellar season at Washington State in 2024 (3,139 passing yards, 29 touchdowns), Mateer will now lead Oklahoma’s offense, which was in dire need of a playmaker. With better talent around him, I think Mateer could truly break out this season and, at the very least, he will be one of the most exciting players to watch in college football.
Who should’ve been in the top 50?
Dinich: Navy quarterback Blake Horvath should be much higher, given his historic passing accomplishments that added another dimension to a traditionally run-based offense. Oh, and he can run, too. Horvath finished last season with 1,246 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 175 carries for 7.1 yards per carry — good for third nationally. He also threw for 1,353 yards with 13 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He became the third quarterback in school history to rush and pass for more than 1,200 yards in the same season, and his 2,599 yards of total offense was the second most in school history.
Olson: Both came close to finishing inside the top 50, but I suspect we’re probably a little too low on Texas Tech‘s edge rusher David Bailey at No. 58 and LSU linebacker Whit Weeks at No. 60. Bailey flew under the national radar a bit during his career at Stanford but is one of the best returning defenders in the country and a potential early-round draft pick. He’s going to be set up for success under new defensive coordinator Shiel Wood in Lubbock. Weeks is coming off a remarkably productive season with 125 tackles, including an SEC-best 89 in conference play. SEC coaches had enough respect for his game to put him ahead of Anthony Hill Jr. and first-rounder Jalon Walker as a first-team All-SEC selection.
Jake Trotter: Don’t be surprised if Ohio State‘s Max Klare wins the Mackey Award as college football’s most outstanding tight end. Klare, Purdue‘s leading pass catcher last season before transferring to Ohio State, generated plenty of buzz in Columbus this preseason. With Jeremiah Smith commanding all the attention outside, he should get plenty of favorable opportunities in the middle of the field and prove to be a reliable security blanket for Ohio State’s new quarterback.
Uggetti: I think you can make a pretty good case for Haynes King, who we have at No. 69. King’s passing production last season is not going to blow anyone out of the water (2,114 yards, 14 touchdowns), but while dealing with an injury to his shoulder, he was still able to be one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country to go with 587 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. Coming off a strong 8-4 season, Georgia Tech is looking to surprise even more this season and if it does that, King probably will be leading the charge.
Adelson: Pitt running back Desmond Reid made our preseason All-America team as an all-purpose player and yet he is the only skill position player to make first or second team not ranked in the top 50. Hard to believe, considering Reid averaged 154.9 yards per game last season in all-purpose yards — more than any other returning player in the country. Now consider he was playing on a bum ankle and sat out two games as a result. Reid is healthy and rejuvenated headed into this season, which means big problems for opposing defenses.
Low: The last time we saw Old Dominion linebacker Jason Henderson healthy was toward the end of the 2023 season. He suffered a serious knee injury in the 2023 season finale against Georgia State and then played in the 2024 opener against South Carolina before redshirting. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound redshirt senior says he’s healthy and looking forward to recapturing the form that made him an All-American in both 2022 and 2023. Henderson is a tackling machine. He led the country in 2023 with an average of 14.2 tackles and tied for fourth with 19.5 tackles for loss. In 2022, he led the country with 186 total tackles and was the only FBS player to have multiple 20-plus tackle games. As long as he stays healthy, there’s not a more productive defender in college football.
Rittenberg: Love both the Klare and Reid picks, especially Klare, who drew amazing reviews from coaches I spoke to this offseason. Offensive linemen are often the toughest group for us to grade in compiling the rankings. Boise State’s Kage Casey, though, could very well end up being in the national awards conversation. He didn’t give up a sack in 440 opportunities last season and graded as Boise State’s top run blocker as the team made its first CFP appearance. Boise State coach Spencer Danielson says he thinks Casey can be an NFL first-round draft pick and told me this summer, “He will be one of the best offensive linemen we’ve ever had here.”
Which unranked player should’ve mad the list?
Adelson: I lean toward Duke quarterback Darian Mensah here for a few reasons. First, he had a good season at Tulane in 2024, throwing for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns to only six interceptions and was the top-rated quarterback in the transfer portal. That must mean he brings value, right? Duke coach Manny Diaz has raved about how Mensah has not only fit in with the team but also how he has picked up the playbook, his athleticism and his ability to throw the deep ball. With a better offensive line and deeper receiver group, Duke has a chance to be vastly improved on offense.
Low: Take your pick — either one of the Auburn receivers. Eric Singleton Jr. and Cam Coleman are both top-100 players and among the most talented pass catchers in the country. Singleton is a speedster who was one of the top transfer receivers in the portal. He had 104 catches and nine touchdowns over the past two seasons at Georgia Tech. The 6-3, 200-pound Coleman is a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs and showed only a glimpse of how good he can be last season as a true freshman with 37 catches for 598 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Rittenberg: We’re definitely short on offensive linemen overall, and several could have made the top 100. Notre Dame’s Aamil Wagner was one of few iron men for the Irish offensive line last fall and will help anchor a talented group. Army’s Brady Small, Iowa’s Gennings Dunker, Duke’s Brian Parker II and Wisconsin’s Riley Mahlman all have cases to be included.
Uggetti: The way that everyone at USC talks about junior safety Kamari Ramsey, I have a feeling we’re going to wish we had him on this list. Ramsey made the rare crosstown transfer in Los Angeles, going from UCLA to USC last offseason and proceeded to have a stellar season with the Trojans, totaling 43 solo tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 5 pass breakups. Under defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, Ramsey seems to be flourishing and I wouldn’t be shocked if he has an even bigger season for USC’s improving defense.
Olson: I’m also expecting a big-time season from USC wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane in 2025. I realize his production last season doesn’t stand out compared to the other nine receivers who made the top 100, but the 6-4 playmaker did finish among the top five in FBS in touchdown catches (12) and showed off how dominant he can be in a bowl win over Texas A&M with seven catches for 127 yards and three scores. If he gets consistently good QB play, Lane should have a huge season. I’d also mention his former teammate, Zachariah Branch, who has all the ability to be a serious difference-maker as a receiver and returner for Georgia.
Who could jump in the midseason rankings?
Kyle Bonagura: I remain a big believer in Kalen DeBoer and his reunion with Ryan Grubb as the offensive coordinator was a significant addition. For those reasons, I’m expecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to have a breakout season as the Crimson Tide’s starter. The track record DeBoer and Grubb have developing quarterbacks together is enough evidence to believe more success will come.
Olson: Ryan Wingo didn’t get the same opportunities that fellow five-stars Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams had as true freshmen, but Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has insisted all along that his guy is right up there with them in terms of talent and potential. The 6-2, 214-pound wideout turned 34 touches into 572 yards and 2 touchdowns in his debut season and is poised to do so much more on Sarkisian’s offense as a go-to target for Arch Manning.
Dinich: Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant. This is another Penn State player who put the NFL on hold to come back and he should increase his draft position this season. Durant has developed into a playmaker and has the speed and strength to get into opponents’ backfields and cause disruptions. He had his best season last fall, finishing with 42 tackles, 11 TFLs and 3 sacks. He’s explosive for a guy who’s almost 300 pounds and he draws the kind of attention that will help free up linebackers to make plays.
Rittenberg: Ohio State’s Klare and Carnell Tate both could make significant jumps, especially with opposing defenses so concerned with Jeremiah Smith. How many teams would take Tate as their unquestioned WR1? I also think TCU’s Josh Hoover is a bit undervalued and could end up being the Big 12’s top quarterback this season. He had exceptional numbers last season — a team-record 3,949 passing yards, 61 completions of 20 yards or more, and a passer rating of 151.1 — and draws strong reviews from opposing coaches.
Adelson: Haynes King. I am shocked King is as low as he is on the list, but I guess this just proves what I have said for the past few seasons: It feels as if those outside the ACC do not have a true appreciation for how good King is with the Yellow Jackets. He played with a significant shoulder injury for nearly half of last season and still completed 73% of his passes, improved his touchdown-to-interception ratio and had the highest QBR of his career. Oh, and he has rushed for over 1,200 yards combined the past two years. Georgia Tech has some big games in the first half of the season — including the opener at Colorado and home game against Clemson Week 3. If he has big performances, he should no doubt climb.
Low: Interior offensive linemen don’t ever get the love they deserve on these lists, but Texas A&M‘s Ar’maj Reed-Adams at No. 67 could easily wind up being one of the top five offensive linemen in the country. He anchors what should be an outstanding Texas A&M offensive line. From his right guard position a year ago, Reed-Adams proved to be a punishing run blocker and gave up only one sack. Now in his second season at Texas A&M after transferring from Kansas, Reed-Adams is poised to make a big jump.
What was the biggest surprise from the preseason list?
Trotter: Maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but nine quarterbacks in the top 30 is striking. The 2024 end-of-season top 100 player ranking included only four quarterbacks (Cam Ward, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Kurtis Rourke) all of whom now are in the pros. Based on these preseason rankings, this could be an historic year for college football quarterbacks — or, if many fail to deliver, prove disappointing.
Bonagura: Maybe Arch Manning wins the Heisman Trophy, but nothing we’ve seen from him in a game yet indicates he’s the 23rd-best player in college football. Having him ranked this high is very much a projection about what he can be, not what has been proven — and few players, if any, on this list get that same benefit of the doubt.
Olson: We were right to get five Big 12 quarterbacks in the top 100 between Sam Leavitt, Sawyer Robertson, Josh Hoover, Avery Johnson and Rocco Becht and there’s a decent debate to be had about how to rank them No. 1-5 in the conference. But I do think the Big 12 will have several more that play their way into top-100 consideration this fall. Texas Tech’s Behren Morton, Utah’s Devon Dampier and Cincinnati‘s Brendan Sorsby all have serious breakout potential, and we’ve already seen Colorado’s Kaidon Salter, Arizona’s Noah Fifita and Kansas’ Jalon Daniels perform at a high level in previous seasons. It’s a strong year for QB play across the conference featuring a ton of passers who’ll push Leavitt for All-Big 12 status.
Dinich: For all of the hype surrounding No. 2 Penn State this preseason, the Nittany Lions don’t have a single player ranked in the top 15. Ohio State, though, has the best player on offense (Jeremiah Smith) and the No. 3-ranked player on defense (Caleb Downs). Penn State’s toughest game is at Ohio State and will determine if the Nittany Lions can return to the top of the Big Ten standings. How many Penn State players will finish in the top 15 depends on if PSU can live up to the hype, but there’s no shortage of NFL talent on this roster.
Uggetti: It is not a surprise that Jeremiah Smith is the unquestioned top player in the sport, but I guess I still find it surprising how quickly we’ve reached this point for a player who has played only one season of college football. It says a lot about his talent, the lasting impression a player can leave before the season ended as well as just how much the growing playoff stage can be a perfect showcase for a player such as Smith, who saved his best performances for the first two rounds. Then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s someone out there that could come out this season and do what Smith did last season. It will, however, take a lot to unseat him.
Low: What’s the old saying? You win games up front, particularly in the offensive line. Only four offensive linemen were among the top 60 players and only two in the top 20 — Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano at No. 8 and Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at No. 15. Those big dudes up front pave the way for all the skill players to put up flashy numbers.
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Kiley McDaniel
A lot has changed since the last time we ranked the top MLB prospects.
The MLB draft and breakout seasons have added new names to our list, replacing players who have graduated or regressed in 2025 — and some of the prospects on the list are in new places after a busy MLB trade deadline.
All of that movement makes this the perfect time for an updated ranking of the top players in the sport — along with some of the biggest risers of the season — heading into the final weeks of the minor league season.
This is my ranking of these players for the long term, considering their upside, risk and proximity to the big leagues, in consultation with scouts and execs around the league. Here’s more on the grading tiers and lingo I use. Players in the big leagues are eligible for this update (MLB rookie eligibility rules apply here — 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 45 days on the active roster) so you will see some recently called up major leaguers.
Now let’s get to my final 2025 ranking of the best young prospects in baseball.
60 FV tier
1. Konnor Griffin, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates
It has been an improbable rise for the No. 9 pick in the 2024 MLB draft, going from being a high school hitter with big questions about his swing to ranking as the top prospect in the game in roughly 12 months.
I compared Griffin’s upside to Fernando Tatis Jr. at draft time and he’s following that plan, but with even better early reports on his shortstop defense and patience. Griffin is a plus-plus runner and thrower who can be average to above defensively almost anywhere on the field and has 30-homer upside, especially if he can lift the ball a bit more.
With some performance in Double-A (he was just promoted to the level), he will move into the hallowed 65 FV prospect tier, which doesn’t always have a player in it.
2. Kevin McGonigle, SS, Detroit Tigers
I was the guy in the media high on McGonigle when he was part of a very deep prep position-player crop in the 2023 draft — and my belief in him has paid off better than I could’ve expected so far.
The concerns at draft time were that his power/speed combo and odds to stick at shortstop weren’t strong enough to warrant going higher than 37th overall (where Detroit took him). He has been at least a passable shortstop as a pro and has a real shot to stick long-term. His power (by literally any measure) is now above average, if not plus.
McGonigle’s feel and on-base skills were never in question, so now he looks like he could be above average at everything in the batter’s box and closer to average on the bases and in the field.
3. Jesus Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers
Made leapt onto the prospect scene last summer into the middle of the top 100 amid one of the best DSL performances we’ve ever seen. He has continued to deliver with an .801 OPS across both Single-A levels as a 17- and 18-year-old this season.
Made is an above-average contact/patience threat with at least plus power, though his flatter swing plane is keeping his homer totals down at the moment.
4. Samuel Basallo, C, Baltimore Orioles
Basallo has legit 40-homer potential and might be an every-day catcher. He is a good enough framer and blocker, and he has a plus arm, though his exchange and accuracy are lacking a bit.
The reasons I have him just behind Made are because of the rocky development path catchers typically take and the fact that Basallo still tends to chase pitches out of the strike zone, which could undermine both his on-base and power potential against big league pitching.
That said, Basallo has to be ranked high because he’s a 21-year-old catcher who just got called up to the majors and could lead the league in homers in a few years.
5. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics
In the most A.J. Preller trade to date, the Padres traded De Vries to the A’s at the deadline in a package for reliever Mason Miller.
Though he is playing shortstop now, De Vries is a below-average runner and it’s looking more likely that he’ll need to slide over to third base.
The negatives end there as De Vries has a plus arm, above-average-to-plus power, great feel to pull and lift to get to that power in games, average-to-above contact/patience and all of that from an 18-year-old switch-hitter who is already playing in High-A.
There is some thought that he looks a little more like a very good player than a potential star, but either way De Vries is a very high probability, strong, every-day infielder with a shot to be an impact player.
6. Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers
Clark was the No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft, and everything has basically gone to plan since Detroit selected him.
He is a plus runner who fits in center field defensively, and he has plus contact skills and plus pitch selection at the plate. He’ll probably hit 20 homers in his best seasons but should hover around 15 on an annual basis with lots of doubles and triples.
7. Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners
Emerson was the 22nd pick in that same 2023 draft as Clark and it quickly became apparent that he was underrated.
He is now in Double-A and looks like he can be an every-day lefty-hitting MLB shortstop with above-average on-base percentages and 20ish homers.
8. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers
The sales pitch is easy here: Walcott is a 6-foot-4 potential long-term shortstop with big power.
That length to his frame creates plus-plus power potential — but also some swing-and-miss in the zone. His pitch selection is solid, but the main issue right now is that his flat swing plane is keeping him from posting homer totals that match his raw power.
9. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians
Bazzana was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft but doesn’t have the conventional superstar upside you may associate with that.
He is a plus runner and fine second-base defender whose best offensive traits are his patience and pull/lift ability. His bat-to-ball and raw power are close to average, but he should post plus on-base percentages and hit 20ish homers annually.
10. Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies
Miller was another 2023 draft prep position player from the deep group that produced McGonigle, Clark and Emerson ranked above on this list.
He is on the shortstop/third base defensive spectrum but has improved defensively (and seems quicker on the basepaths, too) to the point that I think he can be an average defensive option at shortstop — though some teams will likely move him if they have a superior option.
Miller has above-average-to-plus raw power right now but still has some work to do to fully tap into it in games, though he has been productive with 21 homers and 70 stolen bases in 196 games the past two seasons.
11. Walker Jenkins, CF, Minnesota Twins
Jenkins has played only 163 regular season professional games since going No. 5 in the 2023 draft because of various injuries. His .301/.405/.471 line with 16 homers and 34 stolen bases in those games while playing almost exclusively center field shows his power/speed combo and advanced feel to hit.
He is above average at basically everything on a baseball field, but durability has been an issue and that cost him a few spots on this list.
12. Josue De Paula, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers
I can’t shake the comp a scout gave me on De Paula a few years ago: Yordan Alvarez.
De Paula is a better runner and defender – he’s fine in left field – than the Astros slugger, but I don’t think he’ll be quite as elite at the plate. That said, De Paula should post plus on-base percentages buoyed by big walk rates and should grow into 25-30 homer seasons as he taps into his power.
13. Bubba Chandler, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
The first pitcher on this list didn’t crack the top dozen spots because of both the risks of pitching prospects in general and also a bit of a dip in who is still eligible as Chase Burns and Jacob Misiorowski recently graduated.
Chandler’s past nine starts in Triple-A have been just OK — 42 innings, 50 hits, five home runs, 24 walks, 47 strikeouts, 4.93 ERA. So, while he seemed ready for a big league look before this stretch, it’s now harder for the Pirates to make the move.
He still has front-line potential though, with a repertoire headlined by a plus fastball that sits 96-100 and hits 102 mph.
55 FV Tier
14. JJ Wetherholt, SS, St. Louis Cardinals
15. Thomas White, LHP, Miami Marlins
16. Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners
17. Ethan Holliday, SS, Colorado Rockies
18. Jett Williams, SS, New York Mets
19. Nolan McLean, RHP, New York Mets
20. Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals
21. Jonah Tong, RHP, New York Mets
22. Andrew Painter, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
23. Jordan Lawlar, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks
Lawlar is a sure shortstop in Triple-A and has grown into plus raw power, but has had some health, contact and consistency issues over the past few years. Wetherholt and Williams are also Triple-A shortstops but might move off the position depending on what their big league teams need.
The top three players on my 2025 MLB draft board went in the top four picks and fall into this tier: Anderson, Holliday and Willits.
White, McLean and Tong are all arrow-up prospects this season, joining Painter on the verge of the big leagues as potential front-line starters. I go back and forth on Tong vs. McLean: Tong has more command and a better changeup while McLean has multiple standout breaking pitches.
50 FV tier
24. Carson Williams, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
25. Franklin Arias, SS, Boston Red Sox
26. Eduardo Tait, C, Minnesota Twins
27. Carson Benge, CF, New York Mets
28. Luis Pena, SS, Milwaukee Brewers
29. Bryce Eldridge, 1B, San Francisco Giants
30. Luke Keaschall, 2B, Minnesota Twins
31. Sal Stewart, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
32. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
33. Payton Tolle, LHP, Boston Red Sox
34. Arjun Nimmala, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
35. Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
36. Bryce Rainer, SS, Detroit Tigers
37. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, St. Louis Cardinals
38. Chase DeLauter, RF, Cleveland Guardians
39. Colson Montgomery, SS, Chicago White Sox
40. Liam Doyle, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals
41. Moises Ballesteros, C, Chicago Cubs
42. Angel Genao, SS, Cleveland Guardians
43. Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners
44. Eduardo Quintero, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers
45. George Lombard Jr., SS, New York Yankees
46. Zyhir Hope, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers
47. Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics
48. Rhett Lowder, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
49. Owen Caissie, RF, Chicago Cubs
50. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, San Francisco Giants
The 55 FV tier tends to be shallower at this time of year because there has been so much movement and the top end of the list is hollowed out by graduations; over the winter another dozen or so prospects will slide up a tier.
Keaschall and Montgomery (whose season has been a rollercoaster, but he is now red-hot) should graduate soon and the majority of these players will be in the big leagues at some point next season.
Arias is a standout defender and contact hitter who needs to tap into more power but is also just 19 years old. Tait was the headliner of the Jhoan Duran trade and could hit 25-30 homers as an every-day catcher.
On the pitching side, Hernandez was the No. 5 pick in July and could move up a tier with a hot start next season while Tolle and Yesavage are arrow-up college arms from the 2024 draft who should be in the big leagues next season.
Rodriguez and Gonzalez are two of the new risers from the previous list; Rodriguez has a real shot to stick behind the plate and hit 25 homers while Gonzalez was the top signee from the January international class and has had a hot debut in the DSL. He could stick at shortstop, hit 20 homers and post plus on-base percentages, but obviously has a long way to go. I won’t project the same rise for Gonzalez as Jesus Made and Luis Pena, but those were the two standout names from the DSL at this time last year.
51. JoJo Parker, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
52. Aiva Arquette, SS, Miami Marlins
53. Slade Caldwell, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks
54. Josue Briceno, C, Detroit Tigers
55. Theo Gillen, CF, Tampa Bay Rays
56. Mike Sirota, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers
57. Emmanuel Rodriguez, CF, Minnesota Twins
58. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics
59. Robby Snelling, LHP, Miami Marlins
60. Khal Stephen, RHP, Cleveland Guardians
61. Troy Melton, RHP, Detroit Tigers
62. Logan Henderson, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
63. Jonny Farmelo, CF, Seattle Mariners
64. Ethan Salas, C, San Diego Padres
65. Harry Ford, C, Seattle Mariners
66. Noah Schultz, LHP, Chicago White Sox
67. Michael Arroyo, 2B, Seattle Mariners
68. Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals
69. Cam Schlittler, RHP, New York Yankees
70. Luis Morales, RHP, Athletics
71. Travis Sykora, RHP, Washington Nationals
72. Ricky Tiedemann, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays
73. Alex Freeland, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers
74. A.J. Ewing, CF, New York Mets
75. Cooper Pratt, SS, Milwaukee Brewers
Parker and Arquette (and Carlson just below) were the top position players in the 2025 draft outside of that top tier of Holliday and Willits. Caldwell and Gillen are arrow-up prep position players from the 2024 first-round group. Arnold was a borderline shocking drop to the No. 11 pick in the 2025 draft, largely tied to how hard his fastball was hit in college, but I think he still has mid-rotation upside.
Snelling, Stephen and Henderson have all been arrow-up this year mostly due to command and execution rather than a jump in raw stuff, though Snelling’s raw stuff has been a bit better. Schlittler and Morales are in the big leagues while Tiedemann is almost back from elbow surgery and Sykora is about to undergo surgery. Schultz and Salas have had tough seasons, but the tools are still there.
76. Caleb Bonemer, SS, Chicago White Sox
77. Billy Carlson, SS, Chicago White Sox
78. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves
79. Hagen Smith, LHP, Chicago White Sox
80. Didier Fuentes, RHP, Atlanta Braves
81. Spencer Jones, CF, New York Yankees
82. Connor Prielipp, LHP, Minnesota Twins
83. Brandon Sproat, RHP, New York Mets
84. Tink Hence, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
85. Emil Morales, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers
86. Lazaro Montes, RF, Seattle Mariners
87. Jarlin Susana, RHP, Washington Nationals
88. Jakob Marsee, CF, Miami Marlins
89. Jefferson Rojas, SS, Chicago Cubs
90. Luke Adams, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
91. Joe Mack, C, Miami Marlins
92. Ryan Waldschmidt, LF, Arizona Diamondbacks
93. Jeferson Quero, C, Milwaukee Brewers
94. Dylan Beavers, RF, Baltimore Orioles
95. Trey Gibson, RHP, Baltimore Orioles
96. Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Seattle Mariners
97. Leonardo Bernal, C, St. Louis Cardinals
98. Charlee Soto, RHP, Minnesota Twins
99. Jackson Ferris, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
100. Jaxon Wiggins, RHP, Chicago Cubs
The White Sox and Braves make up the top of this section of the list. Fuentes had a tough big league debut while Caminiti’s slider/arm speed taking one more step forward could vault him up this list. Smith, like Schultz, has had trouble throwing strikes this year, but the potential is still there. Bonemer had a loud pro debut while Carlson’s early returns will be watched closely as his age and offensive outlook put him just behind Parker and Arquette for some teams.
Jones has been red-hot of late but still has an uncertain outlook due to his long track record of contact issues and not hitting 20 homers in a season until his age-24 season. Speaking of red-hot, Marsee’s improved center-field defense, solid Triple-A showing and shocking MLB look allowed him to sneak onto the list before graduating.
Prielipp was on the shelf with elbow issues for years (30 total innings pitched in 2023-24), but now looks like a potential impact arm, likely in shorter stints. Sproat and Gibson could impact their teams early next season. Montes could hit 30 homers if it all clicks in the big leagues. Morales could be a 6-foot-3 every-day shortstop who hits 25 homers annually.
10 players in contention who weren’t on the preseason top 200
Luke Dickerson, SS, Washington Nationals
Kyle Karros, 3B, Colorado Rockies
Caden Scarborough, RHP, Texas Rangers
Edward Florentino, 1B, Pittsburgh Pirates
Johnny King, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays
Jacob Reimer, 3B, New York Mets
Jhonny Level, SS, San Francisco Giants
C.J. Kayfus, 1B, Cleveland Guardians
Josh Adamczewski, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
Juneiker Caceres, RF, Cleveland Guardians
Dickerson probably isn’t a shortstop and needs to lift the ball more, but he has impact tools. Karros and Kayfus are in the big leagues, so they probably aren’t secrets. Florentino is a surprisingly polished pull-and-lift left-handed power hitter but needs to prove it at three more levels of the minors and some scouts are still dubious.
King and Scarborough could be No. 2/No. 3 starters if their command continues to improve. Caceres is showing signs of developing into a strong every-day player with 25-homer upside. Adamczewski, Level and Reimer are not long-term shortstops, but they can all stick in the infield, they can hit and they all have above-average power potential with strong performances this season.
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