Midseason All-America team: College football’s best players so far
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Chris Low, ESPN Senior Writer
The 2023 college football season was always going to be memorable on several fronts.
It’s the last year of the Pac-12 as we know it, with Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington jet-setting to the Big Ten next season. Oklahoma and Texas are making one last tour through the Big 12 before bolting to the SEC. The Big 12 took on a revamped look with four new teams, and this is the last year of the four-team playoff, with the format moving to 12 teams in 2024.
Additionally, Coach Prime has made a few waves in what is Colorado’s final season in the Pac-12.
With the second half of the season still to play, we unveil ESPN’s midseason All-America team. Only six players on the preseason team made the cut this time around.
OFFENSE
Penix is currently the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and has already had his big-stage moment in rallying Washington to a thrilling 36-33 win over Oregon last Saturday. Penix, one of the many talented transfer quarterbacks around the country, is No. 1 nationally by a wide margin with an average of 383.5 passing yards per game and has thrown 20 touchdown passes and just three interceptions.
Honorable mention: Jayden Daniels, LSU
The Longhorns just keep churning out talented running backs, and Brooks is next in line. The 6-foot, 207-pound sophomore leads all Power 5 players with an average of 121 rushing yards per game and has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of his last four games. He’s averaging 6.72 yards per carry and is tied for fifth nationally with five runs of 30 yards or longer while ranking in the top three among Power 5 backs in yards after contact (463).
Honorable mention: Ray Davis, Kentucky
Even though he’s a bigger back (227 pounds), Estime is tied for sixth among Power 5 players with eight runs of 20 yards or longer. He’s rushed for more than 80 yards in six of his eight games while averaging 6.2 yards per rush and scoring nine touchdowns. And when the Irish need the tough yards, Estime has delivered. He leads all Power 5 backs with 532 yards after contact.
Honorable mention: Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
Nabers and teammate Brian Thomas Jr. have both been lighting it up this season and benefiting from quarterback Jayden Daniels playing the best football of his career. Nabers leads the nation with an average of 122.9 receiving yards per game and is third among Power 5 players with 52 catches. The 6-foot, 200-pound junior leads all FBS players with 19 catches of 20 yards or longer.
Honorable mention: Rome Odunze, Washington
Keeping Burden at home was a coup for the Tigers, and he’s been everything he was supposed to be coming out of high school and then some. The sensational sophomore leads all Power 5 players with 56 catches and is as electric after the catch as he is making plays down the field. He leads Power 5 receivers with 489 yards after the catch and all FBS players in yards per route run, according to Pro Football Focus.
Honorable mention: Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The news that Bowers could be out four to six weeks with an ankle injury was gut-wrenching for Georgia fans. Bowers is one of the best players in college football, period, and can do a little bit of everything wherever he lines up. He leads Georgia with 41 catches for 567 yards and has five touchdowns (four receptions, one rush).
Honorable mention: Dallin Holker, Colorado State
The 6-6, 317-pound senior has been a rock at his left tackle position for the Nittany Lions. He hasn’t allowed a sack or pressure in pass protection and has been equally dominant as a run-blocker. Penn State was thrilled to get Fashanu back for another season, and he’s been an integral part of an offense that is tied for fifth nationally in scoring (44.3 points per game) and has scored at least 30 points in all six games.
Honorable mention: Patrick Paul, Houston
Beebe has been one of the best and most consistent offensive linemen in college football for the past two seasons. He’s made 41 career starts (38 in a row) and is again the heart and soul of the Kansas State offense from his left guard position. The 6-4, 335-pound senior hasn’t given up a sack since the 2020 season and is the highest-graded Power 5 guard, according to Pro Football Focus.
Honorable mention: Tanner Miller, Oregon State
What a luxury for Georgia to bring back the center who started every game during its two national championship seasons. Van Pran, a 6-4, 310-pound redshirt junior, is once again the centerpiece of an offensive line that has paved the way for the Dawgs to rank ninth nationally in scoring (40.1 points per game). Van Pran has played 446 snaps this season and has the second highest grade among centers, according to Pro Football Focus.
Honorable mention: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Michigan is seeking to win its third straight Joe Moore Award as the best offensive line in the country. The interior of that line is headlined by Zinter, a 6-6, 322-pound senior in his third season as the full-time starter at right guard. He’s made 36 career starts for the Wolverines. In 360 snaps this season, Zinter has allowed no sacks and just one hurry, according to Pro Football Focus.
Honorable mention: Christian Haynes, UConn
The right side of the Oregon State offensive line has been dominant this season. The 6-6, 334-pound Fuaga is among the best run-blocking tackles in college football and teams with guard Tanner Miller on the right side to build a wall for the 6-1 Beavers. In his second season as a full-time starter, Fuaga has transformed from a second-team All-Pac 12 selection a year ago to one of the most imposing offensive linemen in the country.
Honorable mention: Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Even though Boise State has struggled, Jeanty has been one of the most electric players in the country. The sophomore running back leads the nation with 1,264 yards from scrimmage (868 rushing and 396 receiving) and has scored an FBS-best 15 touchdowns. Get Jeanty the ball, and he makes things happen. He leads all FBS running backs with 598 yards after contact and is fourth in the country with 430 yards after the catch.
Honorable mention: Travis Hunter, Colorado
DEFENSE
With Will Anderson Jr. off to the NFL, Turner has stepped up as Alabama’s top defender and is playing at an elite level. He’s been both consistent and productive in key situations. The 6-4, 242-pound junior is the team leader in sacks (seven), tackles for loss (9.5), quarterback hurries (10) and forced fumbles (two) on a defense ranked in the top 15 nationally in both scoring and total defense.
Honorable mention: Jonah Elliss, Utah
When he showed up on Ohio State’s campus, Williams weighed more than 350 pounds. He’s now in the best shape of his career and playing his best football. The 6-2, 290-pound junior is fifth on the Buckeyes in total tackles (27) and leads the team in tackles for loss (six), while ranking second in pass breakups (four). In other words, he’s a menace in the middle of an Ohio State defense that has given up just seven touchdowns in six games.
Honorable mention: Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
Cross is making the most of his first full season as a starter. He leads Notre Dame in both total tackles (42) and tackles for loss (five), and has forced two fumbles. His 26 pressures rank second among all interior defenders, while his 21 run stops on defense are tied for second, according to Pro Football Focus. Cross had a career-high 13 tackles in the Irish’s win over Duke.
Honorable mention: T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
It’s hard to believe Latu had to medically retire from football after missing the 2020 and 2021 seasons with a neck injury while at Washington. But getting clearance from doctors to play again has paid dividends for both him and UCLA. In his second season with the Bruins, Latu is again one of the more disruptive defenders in the country with 9 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
Honorable mention: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
It hasn’t been a great season for the Wolfpack, but Wilson has been a tackling machine. He ranks second among Power 5 defenders with 81 total tackles. The sixth-year senior is a sure tackler in space from his outside linebacker spot, and he has great instincts. One of those guys who just seems to find the football, Wilson has four sacks to go along with an interception and two fumble recoveries.
Honorable mention: Jason Henderson, Old Dominion
The 6-3, 230-pound Cooper is in his fourth year in the program and was having a breakout season until he was injured last week in the first half against Tennessee and was unable to return. Few inside linebackers have been better, as Cooper leads all FBS players with 13.5 tackles for loss. He has the perfect blend of size and speed to make life miserable for both quarterbacks and running backs.
Honorable mention: Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
A year ago, Stutsman led the Big 12 in total tackles, and he’s taken his game to another level this season on an Oklahoma defense that has given up more than 20 points only once. Stutsman leads the Sooners with 10.5 tackles for loss. Most notably, he’s grown more comfortable in pass coverage and took an interception back 30 yards for a touchdown earlier this season.
Honorable mention: Cedric Gray, North Carolina
Since the beginning of last season, DeJean has seven interceptions, including two this season. Nobody else in the FBS ranks has more during that span. The 6-1, 207-pound junior is also strong against the run and ranks fourth on the team with 33 total tackles. DeJean has played 309 snaps this season in coverage without giving up a touchdown, and he returned a punt for a touchdown against Michigan State.
Honorable mention: Mike Sainristil, Michigan
Coming into the season, Kool-Aid McKinstry was the Alabama cornerback getting most of the publicity, but Arnold has emerged as one of the Tide’s best and most versatile defenders. He moved over to the hybrid “star” position last week against Arkansas with Malachi Moore out with an injury. A basketball star in high school, Arnold leads Alabama with four pass breakups and has four tackles for loss.
Honorable mention: Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
Starks was one of the best true freshmen in college football last season and has only gotten better as a sophomore. He’s third on the team with 25 total tackles to go along with two interceptions and four pass breakups. The 6-1, 205-pound Starks is the only safety in the country to rank in the top 15 for both coverage grade and run defense grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
Honorable mention: Cole Bishop, Utah
Formerly a cornerback, Simpson has blossomed as a safety in Ron Roberts’ defense. The 6-1, 178-pound senior is second nationally among safeties with four interceptions and is fifth on Auburn with 20 total tackles. Simpson’s 90.3 coverage grade leads all safeties, according to Pro Football Focus, and he hasn’t allowed a touchdown in 160 coverage snaps.
Honorable mention: Caleb Downs, Alabama
SPECIAL TEAMS
The SEC’s all-time leader for career points with 486, Reichard is perfect on kicks this season. He’s made all 13 of his field-goal attempts, including six from 40-plus yards (with a long of 51 yards), and has also made all 21 of his extra-point attempts. Nick Saban said Reichard has probably been as good a player at his position as anybody Saban has coached at Alabama.
Honorable mention: Graham Nicholson, Miami (Ohio)
The Hawkeyes are sitting atop the Big Ten West standings, and Taylor may be the MVP on a team that has struggled offensively. The 26-year-old Aussie is tied for the FBS lead with 45 punts. Only one of those has gone for a touchback, and he’s fourth nationally with a 48.3-yard average, with 17 punts downed inside the 20. He punted 10 times in the Hawkeyes’ 15-6 win over Wisconsin and kept the Badgers in bad field position all game.
Honorable mention: Matthew Hayball, Vanderbilt
After missing two games with an injury, Branch returned to the lineup for USC’s 48-20 loss at Notre Dame. In his first four games, the true freshman receiver returned both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns. He’s averaging more than 24 yards a return on both punts and kickoffs. Branch, who also has two receiving touchdowns this season, didn’t score against Notre Dame, but did have a 60-yard punt return.
Honorable mention: Matthew Golden, Houston
The Miami Marlins have designated two-time All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson for assignment, the Miami Herald reported Tuesday.
Anderson, 31, signed a one-year, $5 million deal with Miami in February, hoping for a bounce-back season that did not materialize.
Through 65 games, Anderson is batting .214 with no homers and 9 RBIs. He has struck out 68 times and drawn only 7 walks.
Anderson won the American League batting title with a .335 average for the Chicago White Sox in 2019 and made the AL All-Star teams in 2021 and 2022.
He batted .282 with 98 homers, 338 RBIs and 117 stolen bases in 895 games over eight seasons with the White Sox from 2016 to 2023.
The 2024 NHL offseason is off to a wild start. Just four days after the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup, an epic 2024 NHL draft took place at Sphere in Las Vegas, including several big trades along with 225 prospects finding new homes.
Now it’s time for the league’s 32 front offices to add to their rosters via free agency.
Here is our continuously updated tracker, featuring a list of every player signed, along with analysis of the biggest deals and buzz on what could happen next.
Note that the newest deals are on top, denoted by date.
More: Grades
Player rankings
Team guides
Draft recap: Team grades
Winners, losers
July 2
The Sabres have added to their goaltending depth, signing veteran James Reimer to a one-year, $1 million contract.
July 1
The goalie carousel continues to spin in Vegas. After trading Logan Thompson to the Caps and adding Akira Schmid in a deal with the Devils, they are adding Ilya Samsonov via a one-year, $1.8 million contract.
After finishing out the 2023-24 season with the Maple Leafs, 34-year-old defenseman T.J. Brodie joined the parade of veterans signing with the Blackhawks, via a two-year, $7.5 million deal.
The Oilers added a proven scorer by inking Jeff Skinner to a one-year, $3 million deal following his buyout by the Sabres. They also re-signed playoff hero Mattias Janmark to a three-year, $4.35 million deal, and trade deadline acquisition Adam Henrique to a two-year, $6 million contract.
Lots of turnover in the Carolina back end this offseason, but it added a good one in 29-year-old Sean Walker, agreeing to a five-year, $18 million deal.
The Sharks continue to make wise veteran additions to their young roster, inking a two-year, $10 million deal with center Alex Wennberg.
Dallas continues its spending spree on veteran defenseman, re-signing Nils Lundkvist for one year, $1.25 million.
The NHL playing career will continue for Corey Perry, as the veteran is re-signing with the Oilers for one year, $1.4 million.
The Kings have added some size and snarl to their defense corps, inking veteran Joel Edmundson to a four-year, $15.4 million deal.
The Avalanche add to their depth on the blue line, agreeing to terms with veteran defenseman Calvin de Haan on a one-year, $800,000 deal.
Forward Anthony Beauvillier has been well-traveled the past few seasons, and he’s off to a new team again for 2024-25, inking a one-year, $1.25 million deal with the Penguins.
Goaltender Jack Campbell‘s massive deal with the Oilers didn’t work out so well, and he has moved on to the Red Wings, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 contract.
The Capitals continue adding to their roster, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1 million deal with forward Taylor Raddysh.
Another veteran defenseman has landed in Dallas: Ilya Lyubushkin is signing a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Stars.
The Islanders have finally entered the chat! Defenseman Mike Reilly is coming back on a one-year contract, while forward Anthony Duclair is heading back to the Metropolitan Division by way of a four-year, $14 million deal.
The Red Wings add to their blue-line group with former Rangers defenseman Erik Gustafsson, agreeing to a two-year, $4 million deal.
After finishing the 2023-24 season with the Lightning, veteran defenseman Matt Dumba is headed to the Stars by way of a two-year, $7.5 million deal. And after skating for the Devils this past season, fellow blueliner Brendan Smith is also headed to Dallas, by way of a one-year, $1 million deal.
Sam Steel is returning to the Stars, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.2 million contract with Dallas.
Veteran agitator Garnet Hathaway will stick with the Flyers by way of a two-year, $4.8 million extension.
Another Stanley Cup champ is leaving the Panthers, as Ryan Lomberg is signing a two-year, $4 million deal with the Flames.
Former Golden Knight forward Chandler Stephenson is heading up to Seattle, inking a seven-year, $43.75 million contract with the Kraken.
It’s a move that won’t get as much attention as signing Stamkos, Marchessault and Skjei, but the Predators made an addition to their goaltending group, signing Scott Wedgewood to a two-year, $3 million deal.
The Stars have found their backup for Jake Oettinger, agreeing to terms with Casey DeSmith on a one-year, $3 million contract.
After a run to the Stanley Cup Final with the Oilers, forward Warren Foegele is heading to L.A., inking a three-year, $10.5 million deal with the Kings.
Veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk will not be patrolling the blue line for the Bruins; instead, he’s signing a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Penguins.
After plying his trade for the Hurricanes in recent seasons, Stefan Noesen is headed back to the Devils, agreeing to a three-year, $8.25 million deal.
The Stars are staying in the Matt Duchene business, inking a one-year, $3 million extension with the veteran forward.
A key depth forward for the Golden Knights the past two seasons, Michael Amadio is joining the Senators by way of a three-year, $7.8 million contract.
Jonathan Drouin experienced a renaissance with the Avalanche in 2023-24, and he’ll keep it going for at least one more season, inking a one-year, $2.5 million deal.
Yet another former Bruin heading to Vancouver, as Danton Heinen is joining the Canucks via a two-year, $4.5 million contract.
Veteran goaltender Matt Murray will be back with the Maple Leafs for 2024-25, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $875,000 pact.
It was a tale of two seasons for Cam Talbot in 2023-24, as a great start gave way to a rough finish. He’ll hope for a consistently strong campaign with the Red Wings, after agreeing to a two-year, $5 million deal.
Former Bruin Jake DeBrusk has landed in Vancouver, inking a seven-year, $38.5 million deal with the Canucks.
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In need of some veteran help down the middle, the Blue Jackets are signing Sean Monahan to a five-year, $27.5 million deal.
The Capitals continue to build around the edges, inking Brandon Duhaime to a two-year, $3.7 million contract.
After winning the Stanley Cup with the Panthers, forward Kevin Stenlund is headed to the Hockey Club via a two-year, $4 million deal.
Defenseman William Carrier is signing with the Hurricanes, agreeing to terms on a six-year, $12 million contract.
Veteran forward Kiefer Sherwood is headed to Vancouver, coming to terms on a two-year, $3 million deal with the Canucks.
The Hurricanes lost some defensemen in free agency, but they’re keeping a pretty important one for the foreseeable future, agreeing to an eight-year, $51.69 million extension for Jaccob Slavin.
After re-signing Joseph Woll this offseason, the Maple Leafs added a veteran option in Anthony Stolarz via a two-year, $5 million pact.
The Minnesota Wild are on the board, inking forward Yakov Trenin to a four-year, $14 million contract.
Veteran defenseman Nikita Zadorov has landed in Boston by way of a six-year, $30 million contract with the Bruins.
The Oilers have boosted their forward depth for the next two seasons, inking Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year, $8 million deal.
The Sabres add a veteran scoring winger in Jason Zucker, agreeing to a one-year, $5 million pact.
Another veteran defenseman is joining the Devils, as Brenden Dillon has agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract with New Jersey.
The Flames have brought back one of their own — Yegor Sharangovich for five years, $28.75 million — and an external free agent as well, in Anthony Mantha (one year, $3.5 million).
Former Stanley Cup champion David Perron will continue his NHL career with the Senators, agreeing to a two-year, $4 million contract.
Yet another veteran defenseman is headed to Utah, as Ian Cole is signing a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Hockey Club.
The Bruins added a major boost to the center position, inking Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract.
The Predators have entered the chat, inking deals with three of the top free agents on the market:
Veteran scoring winger Tyler Toffoli is headed back to California, signing a four-year, $24 million deal with the Sharks.
Fresh off winning the Stanley Cup, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has signed a four-year, $14 million contract with the Maple Leafs.
Veteran netminder Eric Comrie is back with the Jets, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $825,000 contract.
The Blackhawks are focused on surrounding Connor Bedard with some veteran help, adding Tyler Bertuzzi (four years, $22 million), Teuvo Teravainen (three-years, $16.2 million), Pat Maroon (one-year, $1.3 million), Alec Martinez (one year, $4 million) and Craig Smith (one-year, $1 million).
After trading for Jakob Chychrun, the Capitals continued adding to their blue line, signing Matt Roy to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract.
The Kraken have landed one of the top free agents on the market, inking a seven-year, $50 million deal with defenseman Brandon Montour.
Forward Sam Lafferty, 29, is headed to Buffalo, inking a two-year, $4 million contract with the Sabres.
Rugged forward Jordan Martinook will not be leaving Carolina, signing a three-year, $9.15 million deal with the Hurricanes.
The Devils have added a critical player to their blue-line group, signing former Hurricanes blueliner Brett Pesce to a six-year, $33 million contract.
Veteran forward Kasperi Kapanen is re-signing with the Blues, inking a one-year, $1 million deal to stay in St. Louis.
Restricted free agent forward Connor McMichael has extended his business relationship with the Capitals, inking a two-year, $4.20 million pact.
Erik Johnson played 67 games for the Flyers in 2023-24, and he’ll play some more in 2024-25, given his new one-year, $1 million deal with the club.
The Maple Leafs traded for an exclusive negotiating window with veteran defenseman Chris Tanev, and consummated that relationship on Monday via a six-year, $27 million contract. The team also finally confirmed the new deal for RFA netminder Joseph Woll (three years, $10.98 million).
The Panthers agreed to terms on an eight-year, $69 million deal with forward Sam Reinhart.
After trading a 2025 third-round draft pick for Jake Guentzel‘s negotiating rights, the Lightning have sealed the deal with the forward on a seven-year, $63 million contract.
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June 30
Veteran forward Patrick Kane is back with the Red Wings, inking a one-year, $4 million contract.
Restricted free agent center Isac Lundestrom has re-signed with the Ducks, inking a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
The Utah Hockey Club continues to work on its blue line, re-signing RFA Sean Durzi to a four-year, $24 million contract.
In need of a boost on the blue line this summer, the Maple Leafs will start with one of their own, re-signing RFA Timothy Liljegren to a two-year, $6 million contract.
Veteran forward Max Domi will not be exploring the market, as he returns to the Maple Leafs via a four-year, $15 million deal.
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