CFB Player Rank: Top 100 players of the 2023 season
The best player in college football is always an arbitrary choice. Is it the guy who won the Heisman Trophy? Jayden Daniels is surely deserving. Is it the player who’s carried his team to the highest point? Michael Penix Jr.’s performance in the Allstate Sugar Bowl was legendary. Or is it the player who’ll likely go first in the NFL draft? Caleb Williams was awesome in 2023 — even if his defense was not. The answer is always up for debate, but ESPN’s staff of college football writers weighed in to come up with not just the nation’s best player — but a ranking of the top 100 players of the 2023 season. It’s a list guaranteed to have you nodding in agreement with each flawless pick. –David Hale
Methodology: Voters were presented with a series of one-on-one votes. For example, “Who should be ranked higher following the 2023 season: Jayden Daniels or Michael Penix Jr.?” Think of it as an Oklahoma drill of statistical reasoning. More than 10,000 votes later, these are the results.
Jump to: 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50
51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-100
QB, LSU, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 3,812 yards, 40 TD, 4 INT, 10 rushing TD
Preseason ranking: 15
On his way to winning the Heisman Trophy, Daniels led the country with 4,946 yards in total offense (nearly 600 yards more than the next-closest player) and accounted for 50 touchdowns (40 passing and 10 rushing). Daniels joined Johnny Manziel as the only two players in SEC history to pass for 3,500 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.
QB, Washington, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 4,648 yards, 35 TD, 9 INT
Preseason ranking: 6
In his second year with Washington, Penix had one of the greatest seasons in program history, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting and leading the Huskies to a 13-0 record and the Pac-12 title, and he also won the Maxwell Award, presented to the best player in college football.
WR, Ohio State, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 67 rec, 1,211 yards, 14 TD
Preseason ranking: 3
Harrison, the Biletnikoff Award winner, became the first receiver in Ohio State history to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He caught 67 passes for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Big Ten’s best offense (425.0 total YPG). Harrison is No. 2 on Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board.
QB, Oregon, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 4,508 yards, 45 TD, 3 INT
Preseason ranking: 14
Nix was sensational for the Ducks, especially in Pac-12 play, as he earned him first-team All-Pac-12 and was named the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year. The Auburn transfer ranked second in QBR (91.2) behind only Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, and threw 45 touchdown passes to just three interceptions while being sacked just five times.
TE, Georgia, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 56 rec, 714 yards, 6 TD
Preseason ranking: 2
The first two-time winner of the Mackey Award as the sport’s best tight end, Bowers proved this past season that he not only runs faster and blocks better than others — he also heals faster. After TightRope surgery to repair a high ankle sprain, Bowers returned to action 26 days later. He had 56 catches for 714 yards with six touchdowns in 10 games.
WR, LSU, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 89 rec, 1,569 yards, 14 TD
Preseason ranking: 37
Nabers, who became LSU’s career leader in receptions, tied for third this season among Power 5 players with 89 catches. He led the country with an average of 120.7 receiving yards per game and tied for third with 14 touchdown catches while finishing second to Marvin Harrison Jr. for the Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in college football.
WR, Washington, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 1,553 yards, 13 TD
Preseason ranking: 20
The Washington wideout may not have been the winner of the Biletnikoff Award, but he had a season worthy of such recognition. Odunze was arguably the best player for the Huskies all season long, tallying 1,553 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging more than 17 yards a catch through the CFP semifinal. Whenever quarterback Michael Penix Jr. needed to make a key throw in a crucial moment, you could bet the ball was going to be headed Odunze’s way.
OLB, Alabama, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 10 sacks, 28 solo tackles
Preseason ranking: 28
Turner was named the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year by the league’s coaches. The 6-4, 252-pound junior leads Alabama with 14.5 tackles for loss and also recorded 10 sacks. Turner became the 41st player under Nick Saban at Alabama to earn consensus All-America honors.
OL, Notre Dame, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: allowed 3 pressures, 1 sack while missing 3 run blocks
Preseason ranking: 11
A year ago, Alt was Pro Football Focus’ top-graded offensive tackle. So, what did he do for a follow-up in 2023? He was, once again, the top-graded offensive tackle. Alt helped protect Sam Hartman and open run lanes for Audric Estime, and for the season, Alt allowed just three pressures and one sack while missing three run blocks total.
QB, USC, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 3,633 yards, 30 TD, 5 INT
Preseason ranking: 1
It was disappointing season overall for the Trojans, but that came despite another standout year for Williams, who remains the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. Williams threw for 3,633 yards with 30 touchdown passes to just five interceptions. He added 11 rushing touchdowns.
RB, Oklahoma State, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 285 car, 1,732 yards, 21 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
Gordon broke out this year, becoming a unanimous All-American, the Doak Walker Award winner and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year after running for 1,732 yards and 21 TDs in the season. He had more than 250 scrimmage yards against Kansas, West Virginia and Cincinnati, the only FBS player in the past 10 years to do so in three straight games.
QB, Florida State, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 2,756 yards, 20 TD, 2 INT
Preseason ranking: 8
The numbers tell a convincing story of Travis’ 2023 season: 27 total touchdowns, just shy of 3,000 yards and only two turnovers all season on an undefeated team. But much as FSU fans might hate it, the ultimate compliment came from the CFP committee, which essentially said Travis was irreplaceable. It wasn’t wrong. No player had more of an impact on dragging FSU from the brink of the abyss in 2020 to the brink of perfection in 2023 than Travis.
LB, NC State, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 6 sacks, 3 INT, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: 81
Wilson was, quite possibly, the best all-around defender in college football in 2023. He finished the regular season with 138 tackles (tops in the ACC, second in Power 5), six sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10 QB hurries, six pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions (including one returned for a TD). Basically if there’s a category on the defensive stat sheet, Wilson filled it this season.
DL, UCLA, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 13 sacks, 2 FF, 2 INT
Preseason ranking: 49
Latu won the Lombardi Award after leading the nation in tackles for loss per game (1.8) and ranked third win 13 sacks. He was part of a defense that ranked No. 16 nationally in scoring defense (18.4) and No. 12 in total defense (301.5 yards per game) in the regular season.
WR, Missouri, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 86 rec, 1,212 yards, 9 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
The former five-star prospect blossomed as a sophomore and put together the best season for a Mizzou receiver since 2009: 83 catches, 1,197 yards and nine touchdowns. His five straight 100-yard receiving games drove Mizzou’s early unbeaten start, and he was instrumental in the Tigers’ first major bowl bid since 2013.
RB, Missouri, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 276 car, 1,627 yards, 14 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
Schrader walked on at Mizzou after rushing for 2,000 yards at Division II’s Truman State, and after a solid 2022 campaign, he became one of the nation’s best backs in 2023. He rushed for 1,499 yards and 13 touchdowns and averaged 196.4 yards from scrimmage over Mizzou’s final five regular-season games.
DL, Texas, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 45 total tackles, 2 sacks
Preseason ranking: NR
The 6-4, 362-pound intimidator brought home the first Outland Trophy for Texas in 46 seasons, leading a defense that allowed just 80.9 rushing yards per game, fourth-best nationally. Despite facing double-teams all year, Sweat did it all, finishing with 45 tackles and two sacks. He also blocked a kick and caught a TD pass in the Big 12 championship game.
QB, Alabama, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 2,834 yards, 23 TD, 6 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
One of the most improved players in the country, Milroe threw for 23 touchdowns, ran for another 12 and turned the ball over just six times this season as he lead the Tide to a 27-24 win over Georgia in the SEC championship game. Milroe ended the year with an 80.3 QBR.
CB, Iowa, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 26 solo tackles, 2 INT, 5 PD
Preseason ranking: 46
A vital piece of an Iowa defense that does a lot of things right, DeJean, No. 13 on Kiper’s Big Board, was the linchpin. DeJean, a unanimous All-American, recorded 41 tackles (26 solo), two interceptions and five passes defended for the country’s fifth-best defense (274.8 YPG).
OL, Penn State, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: No sacks allowed in 382 pass-block snaps
Preseason ranking: 16
Fashanu bypassed a chance to be a potential first-round selection in 2023 to come back to Penn State for one more season. Led by Fashanu, eighth overall on Kiper’s Big Board, the Nittany Lions’ offensive line helped the team average 186.7 rushing yards — tops in the Big Ten.
DB, Michigan, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 2 FF, 5 INT, 6 PD
Preseason ranking: NR
Sainristil made the transition from wide receiver to defensive back look easy for one of the best defenses in the country. He was a first-team All-Big Ten after recording 36 tackles (20 solo) with four tackles for loss, five interceptions and six passes defended.
QB, Georgia, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 3,941 yards, 24 TD, 6 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Beck had the unenviable position of replacing former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, who led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. All Beck did in his first season was complete 72.4% of his passes for 3,941 yards with 24 touchdowns and six picks. Georgia went 13-1 after a 63-3 win in the Capital One Orange Bowl.
ILB, Texas A&M, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 8 sacks, 2 FF, 83 total tackles
Preseason ranking: NR
One of the few bright spots in another disappointing Texas A&M season, Cooper was Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated FBS linebacker with a 91.7 grade. He was the only linebacker to grade higher than 85 in run defense, coverage and rushing the quarterback. He had 83 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles.
CB, Alabama, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 24 solo tackles, 7 PD
Preseason ranking: 12
McKinstry has been an integral part of Alabama’s secondary since his freshman season. One of the top coverage cornerbacks in the country, the 6-1, 195-pound junior recorded 24 solo tackles this season and broke up seven passes. He’s No. 22 on Kiper’s Big Board.
S, Notre Dame, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 30 solo tackles, 1 FF, 7 INT, 4 PD
Preseason ranking: NR
Sometimes interceptions don’t tell an accurate story of a defender’s impact, but in Watts’ case, his FBS-best seven picks only underscore just how exceptional he was throughout 2023. He recorded 52 total tackles (30 solo) and had four passes defensed.
WR, Oregon, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 81 rec, 1,383 yards, 14 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
The explosive receiver ranked third in FBS with 14 touchdown receptions during a season in which he finished with 81 catches for 1,383 yards (No. 6 in the country in total yards). He was particularly good in Pac-12 play, with six 100-yard receiving games in six conference games. He had at least four catches in all but one game this season with the exception being a two-catch game in USC with 147 yards.
DL, Illinois, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 26 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: 35
Newton, the 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, recorded 52 tackles (26 solo) with 8.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks for Illinois this season. Newton, who was a Nagurski Trophy finalist, is 16th overall on Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board for 2024.
QB, Oklahoma, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 3,660 yards, 30 TD, 6 INT
Preseason ranking: 60
Gabriel has already moved on to Oregon, but he cemented his place as an Oklahoma legend when he became the first OU QB with at least 250 passing yards and 100 rushing yards against Texas, driving the Sooners 75 yards in 1:02 and threw a 3-yard TD pass to Nic Anderson with 15 seconds left in a 34-30 win. He passed for 3,660 yards, 30 TDs and 6 INTs and ran for 373 yards and 12 touchdowns.
DE, Florida State, Junior
Notable 2023 stats:
Preseason ranking: 9
Verse’s two years at FSU were remarkable by any measure, but it was his final two games after the Jordan Travis injury that solidified his status as a Noles legend. Against Florida and Louisville, he had 58 pass rushes, 13 pressures, 4.5 sacks, 20 tackles (11 at/behind the line), three QB hurries and one forced fumble, while opponents averaged just 2.7 yards per play (1.7 on the ground) when Verse was on the field.
WR, LSU, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 1,177 yards, 17 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
Thomas and Malik Nabers teamed to form one of the most prolific pass-catching tandem in the country. Thomas’ 17 touchdown catches leads all FBS players, and he averaged 17.3 yards per catch. Thomas also had eight catches of 40 yards or longer.
QB, Arizona, Freshman
Notable 2023 stats: 2,869 yards, 25 TD, 6 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Had Fifita began the season as the Wildcats starter, he might have wound up as a serious Heisman Trophy candidate. That’s how good he was over the final two months of the season, leading Arizona to wins in its final six games of the year. He finished the year with 25 touchdowns and recorded a 83.7 QBR, placing him in the top 10 in the country in that stat.
CB, Alabama, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 40 solo tackles, 1 FF, 5 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Arnold was one of Alabama’s most versatile defenders this season and lined up at a couple of different spots in the secondary when other players were injured. He leads the Crimson Tide with five interceptions and also had 6.5 tackles for loss to lead all Alabama defensive backs.
Michigan QB, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 2,851 yards, 22 TD, 4 INT
Preseason ranking: 39
McCarthy, a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, was the point person for a Michigan offense that helped the team return to the College Football Playoff. McCarthy has thrown for 2,851 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions and has a QBR of 89.5.
QB, North Carolina, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 3,608 yards, 24 TD, 9 INT
Preseason ranking: 5
Despite a new offensive coordinator and playbook, plus a more balanced split with his ground game, Maye remained exceptional in 2023, accounting for 33 touchdowns and more than 4,000 yards of total offense. Maye wrapped his UNC career an 81.0 Total QBR, 79 touchdowns and more than 9,500 yards — enough to be in the conversation for the top spot in the 2024 NFL draft.
CB, Colorado, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 3 INT on defense, 5 TD on offense
Preseason ranking: 70
A true two-way threat, Hunter was a key player for the Buffaloes at receiver and corner, playing a majority of the team’s snap on both sides. In nine games, he finished with 57 catches for 721 yards receiving and five touchdowns, with three interceptions.
OL, Kansas State, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 1 sack allowed in 456 pass-block snaps
Preseason ranking: 27
Kansas State’s first Outland Trophy finalist, Beebe started 48 games for the Wildcats, allowing just one sack since 2021. This year, playing mostly left guard, he helped power a run game that averaged 204 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry.
RB, Texas, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 1,139 yards, 10 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
Brooks stepped into big shoes, replacing Bijan Robinson as Texas’ starter, and despite tearing his ACL late in the season against TCU, ran for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games, which ranked sixth in the FBS in rushing yards and seventh in rushing yards per game (113.9 YPG). He had eight straight games with at least 98 rushing yards, including 218 against Kansas on Sept. 30. In the Big 12 Championship win over Oklahoma State, coach Steve Sarkisian sent him out to get the ball on the last play of the game to commemorate his role in getting there.
LB, Clemson, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 5.5 sacks, 2 FF, 2 INT
Preseason ranking: 21
Trotter was the physical and emotional leader of a Clemson defense that ranked second in efficiency in 2023. He led the Tigers with 88 tackles and 15 tackles for loss, along with 5.5 sacks, two INTs, two forced fumbles, 10 QB hurries and five pass breakups. It’s enough to ensure he’ll be among the first linebackers off the board in the 2024 NFL draft.
S, Alabama, Freshman
Notable 2023 stats: 70 solo tackles, 1 FF, 2 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
A starter from the outset of the season, Downs lived up to his billing as one of the top recruits in the country and played well beyond his years as a true freshman. He led the Crimson Tide with 107 total tackles, forced a fumble and also has two interceptions and a punt return for a touchdown.
OL, Oregon State, Junior
Notable 2023 stat: OSU offense averaged 426.9 total yards (180.8 YPG rushing) in regular season
Preseason ranking: NR
A first-team All-Pac-12 selection on the offensive line, Fuaga received several All-American nods after guiding one of the country’s best position groups. The Beavers’ line allowed just 15 sacks and, as a run-blocker, Fuaga earned the country’s best grade from Pro Football Focus.
OL, Michigan, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 4 blown blocks, not whistled for any penalties
Preseason ranking: 19
Zinter was named a unanimous first-team All-American this season after being the go-to guy on Michigan’s well-regarded offensive line, making sure things ran smoothly for J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum and crew. The Wolverines’ offense averaged 161.8 rushing yards a game, which finished sixth in the Big Ten.
UL, Oregon, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 0 sacks allowed in 469 pass block attempts
Preseason ranking: NR
There’s a reason Powers Johnson is headed to the NFL draft. The Ducks’ center was an anchor for their offense as he guarded quarterback Bo Nix and the helped fuel the team’s running to perfection. His work was aptly recognized this season as Powers-Johnson was awarded the 2023 Rimington Trophy, which recognizes the most outstanding center in college football.
C, Georgia, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 0.9 pressure pct allowed
Preseason ranking: 41
One of the best centers in the FBS, Van Pran was a steadying force on a Georgia offensive line that dealt with myriad injuries. Perhaps the greatest attestment to Van Pran’s importance was that he started 43 straight games. The Bulldogs went 41-2 in those games. He won the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy and was a finalist for the Rimington Award, given to the top center in the FBS.
RB, Notre Dame, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 1,341 yards, 18 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
One of the most physical runners in the country, Estime racked up 1,341 yards on the ground (12th nationally) and scored 18 times. His 12.6% broken-tackle rate was among the best in the Power 5, which helped him to rack up 799 yards after contact this season, the eighth most nationally and fourth best among Power 5 backs.
LB, Ohio State, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 40 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: 47
Eichenberg recorded 80 tackles (40 solo), leading the team while playing in only 10 games this season for the Buckeyes. In three games (Western Kentucky, Maryland and Rutgers), he tallied double-digit tackles — with his 13 against Maryland a season high. The Buckeyes had the third-best defense in the FBS (259.9 YPG).
RB, Michigan, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 1,111 yards, 25 TD
Preseason ranking: 7
Corum led all running backs with 25 touchdowns, finding the end zone at least twice in nine different games for Michigan. The two-time Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year recipient averaged 4.7 yards per carry.
RB, Boise State, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 1,347 yards, 14 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
Arguably no non-quarterback did more for an FBS offense than Jeanty, who was thrust into action after an early-season injury to George Holani. He finished with 1,347 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, and added 569 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 43 receptions. Jeanty led the FBS in average yards from scrimmage (159.7 YPG). The best news for Boise State? He will be back in 2024.
CB, Missouri, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 38 solo tackles, 1 FF, 4 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
A stalwart for a physical Mizzou defense, Abrams-Draine allowed only a 37% completion rate and a 28.4 QBR as primary coverage guy. He picked off four passes, broke up 11 more, and proved his physicality with 2.5 tackles for loss, a run stuff and a pair of pressures on six pass rushes.
MLB, Alabama, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 32 solo tackles, 3 sacks
Preseason ranking: NR
Lawson was sidelined for three games with injuries, but he was able to fight his way back into the lineup and become a key part of Alabama’s defense from his inside linebacker spot. He finished the season with 67 total tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
DT, Alabama, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 29 solo tackles, 7 sacks
Preseason ranking: NR
After suffering a spinal/neck injury after four games in 2022, Eboigbe wasn’t sure if he’d ever get to play football again. He not only worked his way back, but he was one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the FBS. He finished with 63 tackles, 11½ tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2023.
RB, Oregon, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 1,180 yards, 11 TD
Preseason ranking: 77
Irving was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection for the Ducks and rushed for 1,180 yards with 11 touchdowns. He rushed for 100-plus yards in back-to-back games against Washington and Washington State in the middle of the seasons and is a vital cog in one of the most explosive scoring offenses in the country.
QB, Washington State, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 3,735 yards, 25 TD, 7 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Ward became one of the top transfer targets in college football after passing for 3,735 yards, ranking No. 7 in FBS. The former Incarnate Word quarterback was at his best against Oregon State early in the season, when he threw for 404 yards and four touchdowns in what was a top-25 matchup at the time.
WR, Ole Miss, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 985 yards, 8 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
The former Louisiana Tech transfer had an immediate impact at Ole Miss, leading the Rebels with 851 receiving yards on 47 catches with eight scores. Harris made the biggest impact in two of Ole Miss’ biggest wins with 153 receiving yards on eight catches in a 55-49 victory against LSU and 11-for-213 in a 38-35 win against Texas A&M.
WR, Florida State, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 50 rec, 658 yards, 11 TD
Preseason ranking: 86
Coleman could be frustratingly inconsistent at times in 2023, but when he was clicking, he was borderline unstoppable. His 9 catches, 122 yards and 3 touchdown receptions in the opener against LSU set the tone for Florida State’s season, and he was nearly as impactful in wins over Clemson and Virginia Tech. For the year, he finished with 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 scores, adding another 300 yards as a punt returner.
WR, Virginia, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 110 rec, 1,426 yards, 9 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
Among the most impactful transfers in the country, Washington used his one season at Virginia to demolish ACC defensive backs. He led the country with 110 catches in the regular season, finished third in receiving yards (1,426) and added nine touchdowns, despite Virginia using three different QBs throughout 2023.
WR, Texas, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 1,014 yards, 5 TD
Preseason ranking: 59
Worthy led the team in receiving yards with 1,014 yards on 75 catches, adding five touchdowns. His presence allowed transfer Adonai Mitchell to add another 845 yards and 11 TDs opposite him, with Mitchell saying it’s wild how much attention the speedy Worthy draws. Worthy was also a catalyst on special teams, with 371 yards on punt returns this season, including a 74-yard return TD against BYU.
S, Georgia, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 31 solo tackles, 3 INT, 7 PD
Preseason ranking: 40
It takes a pretty special freshman to start 14 games on Georgia’s defense, and that’s what Starks did in 2022. He was just as good this past season with 52 total tackles, 7 passes defended and 3 interceptions. He was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the sport’s top defender.
CB, Clemson, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 2 INT, 2 FF
Preseason ranking: NR
Wiggins earned first-team All-ACC honors after emerging as one of the best cornerbacks in the country, with a team-high 9 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 25 total tackles. His best game might have come against North Carolina, when he had eight tackles, forced a fumble on the goal line to prevent a touchdown and had a game-sealing interception on Drake Maye. Wiggins has already declared for the NFL draft. Kiper currently lists Wiggins as the No. 2 cornerback available.
DB, Georgia, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 46 solo tackles, 4 INT, 2 sacks
Preseason ranking: NR
Foot and knee injuries prevented Smith from making a big impact at Georgia after he transferred from West Virginia in 2021. The senior safety saved his best for last, as he piled up 70 total tackles, 8½ tackles for loss, 4 interceptions and 2 sacks this past season. Smith’s versatility was invaluable for the UGA defense.
LB, Old Dominion, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 167 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: NR
The prolific tackler who led the FBS with 189 tackles in 2022 continued to pile up stops for ODU. Henderson was second in the nation with 167 tackles, and he earned second-team AP All-America honors after receiving a host of All-America accolades last season. His career tackles-per-game average of 12.1 ranks third in FBS history, trailing only Boston College’s Luke Kuechly and Maryland’s E.J. Henderson.
RB, Florida State, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 905 yards, 14 TD
Preseason ranking: 69
Benson rushed for 905 yards and 14 touchdowns this past season, earning second-team All-ACC honors. With Jordan Travis out for the season, Benson saved his best for the final two games. In a 24-15 win at Florida, Benson ran for 95 yards — including three rushing touchdowns. Then in the ACC championship game against Louisville, Benson had 67 yards rushing to take pressure off third-string quarterback Brock Glenn. Benson is the only ACC player with two games with three rushing TDs in 2023.
RB, Texas Tech, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 1,541 yards, 10 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
After an 0-2 start, Tech rebounded to win seven games by handing the ball to Brooks. Over the final 11 games, Brooks averaged 24.6 carries and 130.2 yards. He finished with 1,541 yards, and the Red Raiders won six of his eight 100-yard games. The best news? He’s returning in 2024.
LB, Florida State, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 33 solo tackles, 7 sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
A first-team All-ACC selection, DeLoach took a star turn his senior season for the Seminoles — with 68 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. He had the most important defensive play of the season against Clemson, when he sacked Cade Klubnik, forced a fumble, recovered it and returned it for a touchdown to tie the game in the third quarter. Florida State eventually won in overtime and finished the regular season undefeated.
RB, North Carolina, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 253 car, 1,504 yards, 15 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
A finalist for the Doak Walker Award, Hampton earned first-team All-ACC honors after a breakout sophomore season. Among FBS running backs, Hampton ranks fifth in rushing yards (1,504). In all, Hampton had seven 100-yard rushing games this season as he recorded 15 rushing touchdowns.
WR, South Carolina, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 71 rec, 1,255 yards, 7 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
Legette played quarterback in high school, and it took him a while to get comfortable at receiver at South Carolina. After catching 42 passes in his first four seasons combined, Legette exploded as a fifth-year senior in 2023. He was second in the SEC with 1,255 receiving yards and third with 71 catches to go with seven scores.
LB, Iowa, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 79 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Higgins, a Butkus Award semifinalist, was a first-team All-Big Ten selection for a stingy Iowa defense that spearheaded a 10-win regular season. His 171 tackles (79 solo) this season led the Big Ten, ranked second nationally and was the most by a player from a Power 5 conference.
LB, North Carolina, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 121 total tackles, 5 sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: 64
The first-team All-ACC selection continued his dominance in 2023, with 121 total tackles — second most in the ACC and ranked in the top 20 nationally. In addition, he has 11 tackles for loss, 7 quarterback pressures, 4 pass breakups, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception. Gray has declared for the NFL draft and opted out of the bowl game. Kiper has him ranked as the No. 6 off-ball linebacker available.
QB, Tulane, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 2,406 yards, 22 TD, 5 INT
Preseason ranking: 99
Few Group of 5 quarterbacks perform as well — or remain at the level — as long as Pratt did at Tulane, which nearly repeated as AAC champion and as a New Year’s Six bowl participant. Pratt eclipsed 2,300 passing yards and 20 touchdowns for the third consecutive season and posted a career-best completion percentage of 65.4. He became Tulane’s career passing leader with 9,603 yards and earned AAC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
QB, Colorado, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 3,230 yards, 27 TD, 3 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Sanders — and really, the entire Colorado team in general — experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows this season. Behind an offensive line that gave him less and less protection as the year went on, Sanders threw for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns. In what was a noisy rebuilding year for the Buffs, Sanders stood out in singular moments but also showed that both he and Colorado have a ways to go.
RB, Washington, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 222 car, 1,162 yards, 16 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
While plenty of deserved noise surrounded Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze all year, Johnson’s back half of the season ensured that he would be mentioned among his teammates when discussing the Huskies’ potent offense. The running back from Mississippi has 1,162 yards on the ground and 16 touchdowns as Washington is heading to the CFP National Championship game, and his biggest performances came in statement fashion: 256 yards and four touchdowns against USC late in the year and 152 yards and two touchdowns in Washington’s Pac-12 title game victory over Oregon.
QB, Kansas State, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 2,643 yards, 24 TD, 10 INT
Preseason ranking: 87
In his first full season as K-State’s starter, Howard threw for 2,643 yards, rushed for 455 more (not including sacks) and produced 33 combined TDs. He produced a QBR of 82 or higher in half his games, and the Wildcats went 6-0 and averaged 43 points per game when he did so.
DE, Utah Utes, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 23 solo tackles, 12 sacks, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: NR
What was an uncharacteristic down year for the Utes this past season was not at all that for Eliss, who made his presence known nationally with 12 sacks on the year (seventh in the nation) as well as 37 tackles and one forced fumble. In a year without Cameron Rising, Elliss was the Utes’ best player.
DE, James Madison, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 15.5 sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
He finished the season second in the nation in sacks (15.5) and second in tackles for loss (20) before a knee injury cut his exceptional season short in November. Green needed just five sacks to break Elvis Dumervil’s single-season FBS record. He added 7 quarterback hurries, a pick-six and 2 forced fumbles for a ferocious JMU defensive front. Despite missing the final month, Green earned first-team AP All-America honors.
LB, Mississippi State, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 10 sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Watson ranked ninth nationally in tackles (137) and also had 10 sacks to add. He had five games with double-digit tackles, and among the nation’s top 20 tacklers, his five missed tackles were easily the fewest. He did his best to carry a flawed Bulldogs squad.
RB, Kentucky, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 199 car, 1,452 total yards, 21 total TD
Preseason ranking: NR
The Vanderbilt transfer made one of the season’s biggest early statements, rushing for 280 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-14 blowout of Florida in September, and he finished his year in Lexington with 1,452 total yards (1,129 receiving) and 21 touchdowns (14 receiving).
OT, Missouri, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 2.1 pressure allowed pct.
Preseason ranking: NR
The Missouri offensive line took a huge step forward in 2023, and Foster’s nearly flawless play at left tackle was a huge reason why. He allowed just nine pressures, with three holding penalties and only seven blown run blocks, in 13 games. He’s in Mel Kiper’s top 10 for 2024 tackle draft prospects.
QB, New Mexico State, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 2,973 yards, 26 TD, 9 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Along with coach Jerry Kill, Pavia became the face of New Mexico State’s renaissance, which led to consecutive bowl appearances and 18 wins, including a historic road upset of Auburn on Nov. 18. Pavia more than doubled his passing output from last season to finish with 2,973 yards, and doubled his touchdown passes total to 26. He also led the team in rushing touchdowns (7) and was NMSU’s leading rusher in seven games.
DE, Louisville, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 23 solo tackles, 11 sacks, 3 FF
Preseason ranking: NR
Gillotte had 11 sacks this season — ranking No. 9 in the nation — and the most at Louisville since Devonte Fields had 11 in 2015. Gillotte picked up first team All-ACC honors after also notching a career-high 45 tackles, a team-high 14.5 tackles for loss and 3 forced fumbles. Gillotte has already announced he will return to Louisville for his senior season.
LB, Texas, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 47 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: 88
Texas’ leading tackler the past two seasons, Ford had 101 total tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss, adding one sack and two interceptions. Ford, a vocal leader at linebacker for the Longhorns, was a first-team All-Big 12 selection and a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
CB, Virginia Tech, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 25 tackles, 3 INT, 8 PD
Preseason ranking: NR
Strong emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the ACC this past season, with eight pass breakups and three interceptions. Strong led the nation in lowest completion percentage allowed, and was second in yards per target. He has announced he will return to the Hokies for next season.
Edge, North Carolina, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 34 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: NR
Rucker had his best season for the Tar Heels, ranking third in the ACC with 8.5 sacks and had a team-high 61 total tackles. He also forced and recovered a fumble against Clemson, but UNC ended up losing that game. Though the North Carolina defense faltered in the final month of the season, Rucker remained one of the key standouts.
LB, Oklahoma State, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 45 solo tackles, 6 sacks, 4 FF
Preseason ranking: 75
After 11.5 sacks as a freshman in 2021, Oliver moved from the defensive line to linebacker in OSU’s new 3-3-5 defense this year, becoming an every-down player with 73 tackles, 6 sacks, 5 passes defensed and 4 forced fumbles, including 4 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a 39-32 win over Kansas on Oct. 14. He was named to the All-Big 12 second team.
WR, USC, Freshman
Notable 2023 stats: 1,164 all-purpose yards, 5 total TD
Preseason ranking: NR
Branch’s inaugural season struck the college football world like a lightning bolt when he debuted with 232 all-purpose yards, a 96-yard kickoff return for a score and one receiving touchdown on nine touches in his first game. Even if he — and USC — tapered off as the season progressed, Branch still had a handful of electric moments on his way to 1,164 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns in his freshman year.
LB, Michigan, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 40 solo tackles
Preseason ranking: 56
Colson was a Lott IMPACT Trophy finalist and a second-team All-Big Ten selection. He led Michigan in tackles for a second consecutive season after recording 89 tackles (40 solo) as part of the nation’s second-best defense (239.7 YPG).
RB, Texas State, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 1,331 yards, 10 TD
Preseason ranking: NR
The 5-9 transfer from Houston Christian sparked Texas State’s offense in coach G.J. Kinne’s first season. Mahdi was a threat every time he touched the ball, not only averaging 6.0 yards per rush but also 25.6 yards on kickoff returns, with a 100-yard touchdown against Southern Miss. He earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors as an all-purpose star and made several All-America teams as well.
RB, Kansas, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 1,280 yards, 16 TD
Preseason ranking: 79
In 11 starts this year, Neal ran for 1,280 yards, fourth most in Kansas single-season history, and 16 TDs, second most in a season. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry and had six 100-yard games on the season. Against UCF, he had a 75-yard TD run. The 5-11, 215-pounder has started 31 career games for the Jayhawks.
S, USC, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 42 solo tackles, 2 INT, 7 PD
Preseason ranking: 63
It was not exactly a banner year for USC’s defense, but Bullock — who was an All-American last season — remained a strong presence in the Trojans’ secondary. Bullock finished the year with 61 tackles, 7 pass deflections and 2 interceptions, which was a regression from his stellar 2022 season.
S, Utah, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 60 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Utah’s defense continues to recruit, develop and show off its incredible defensive identity under Kyle Whittingham through guys such as Bishop. As the Utes’ calling card had to be their defense this season, the junior safety did a little bit of everything, racking up 60 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble.
LB, Oklahoma, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 51 solo tackles, 3, sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: 52
Stutsman, the Sooners’ leader on defense, led OU in tackles for the second straight year, with 104 total stops, adding 3 sacks, an interception and 2 forced fumbles despite missing half of the Kansas game and all of the Oklahoma State game, both OU losses. He was named a third-team AP All-American and is bypassing the NFL draft and returning to Oklahoma next season, big news for the Sooners.
QB, Texas, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 3,479 yards, 22 TD, 6 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Ewers made a big leap this season, throwing for 3,479 yards and 22 TDs to six INTs, completing 69% of his throws. He led Texas to a huge win in Tuscaloosa, going 24-of-38 for 349 yards and three TDs in a 34-24 win over then-No. 3 Alabama in a game that went a long way toward getting the Longhorns into the College Football Playoff. But those 452 yards and four TDs in the Big 12 title game against Oklahoma State didn’t hurt, either.
QB, Liberty, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 2,876 yards 32 TD, 6 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
After starting four games in 2022, Salter blossomed under first-year coach Jamey Chadwell, helping Liberty to its first undefeated regular season, a Conference USA title and its first New Year’s Six bowl berth. He earned Conference USA MVP honors after recording 11 games with multiple touchdown passes, four games with multiple rushing touchdowns and seven games with at least 225 passing yards. A Maxwell Award semifinalist, Salter led Conference USA in passing efficiency and passing touchdowns, and ranked second in rushing touchdowns.
RB, Oregon State, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 1,185 yards, 9 TD
Preseason ranking: 95
Martinez nearly helped pull off a late-season upset of title-game participant Washington when he rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns in a 22-20 Huskies win. After rushing for 982 yards in 2022, he went over the 1,000-yard mark this year and has 2,167 yards and 16 scores in his two seasons in Corvallis.
RB, Ohio State, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 156 car, 926 yards, 11 TD
Preseason ranking: 33
Even though Henderson missed three games because of injury, he still led Ohio State in rushing with 926 yards and 11 touchdowns. He scored multiple touchdowns in three games (Youngstown State, Western Kentucky and Minnesota) and found pay dirt in eight of the nine games he played for the Buckeyes.
DE, Miami, Freshman
Notable 2023 stats: 7.5 sacks, 3 FF
Preseason ranking: NR
The ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year made an immediate impact as a true freshman, wreaking havoc from the edge. Bain started the final 10 games of the season, finishing with 44 tackles — the most among Miami defensive linemen. In addition, he was tied for first on the team with 7.5 sacks.
DE, Colorado State, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 13 sacks, 2 FF, 56 total tackles
Preseason ranking: NR
The Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year was among the nation’s most consistently disruptive pass-rushers in 2023, leading the league in both sacks (13) and tackles for loss (17), and ranking in the top 10 nationally in averages for both categories. He recorded sacks in each of CSU’s first five games, punctuating the stretch with three against Utah State. Kamara finished his career with 30.5 sacks and 45.5 tackles for loss.
RB, Wisconsin, Junior
Notable 2023 stats: 984 yards, 12 TD
Preseason ranking: 31
Allen was third in the Big Ten in rushing (984 yards) and second in touchdowns (12) for Wisconsin. Allen went over the 100-yard mark five times this season, led by a 165-yard effort in a win over Minnesota. He was a second-team All-Big Ten honoree.
CB, Kentucky, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 53 solo tackles, 1 FF, 5 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
A sure tackler and a ball hawk, Hairston picked off five passes, broke up six more and nearly scored as many touchdowns (two from pick-sixes) as he allowed (3). His 89% tackle success rate is about as good as you’ll see from a cornerback in space, too.
LB, UTSA, Sophomore
Notable 2023 stats: 14 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: NR
After setting a team record for tackles for loss as a redshirt freshman (18), Moore set his sights on another milestone. He piled up 14 sacks, a UTSA record and a half-sack shy of the AAC record, in the Roadrunners’ first season in the league. Moore earned AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors and finished with 45 tackles, including 17.5 for loss, before entering the transfer portal.
QB, Notre Dame, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 2,689 yards, 26 TD, 8 INT
Preseason ranking: 25
Hartman transferred to the Irish from Wake Forest for his final season, and it was not without its share of ups and downs. Hartman finished with 2,689 yards passing, 24 touchdowns and 8 interceptions on the season and some big performances in key wins — including on the road at Duke. But Hartman also struggled in losses to Louisville and Clemson, throwing a combined five interceptions.
OLB, Alabama, Senior
Notable 2023 stats: 8 sacks, 3 FF, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: NR
Dallas Turner wasn’t the only edge defender on Alabama’s team that wreaked havoc this season. Braswell, a 6-3, 255-pound senior, was second to Turner with eight sacks. His three forced fumbles led the Tide, and he also had a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown against Mississippi State.
-
Greg Wyshynski
-
Rachel Kryshak
Close
Rachel Kryshak
ESPN
- Rachel Kryshak is a professional data consultant specializing in data communication and modelling. She’s worked in the NHL and consulted for professional teams across North American and Europe. She hosts the Staff & Graph Podcast and discusses sports from a data-driven perspective.
USA vs. Canada isn’t only hockey’s greatest rivalry, but one of the most competitive and nastiest in all of sports.
It’s a rivalry that permeates down into the world junior level and bubbles up to the NHL like lava. Please recall the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, where the first meeting between the nations started with three fights in nine seconds and the second meeting ended with a dramatic overtime win for Canada to claim the championship.
The next battle could come at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The Americans and Canadians are in different groups, but as the reigning hockey superpowers in the tournament it’s not too farfetched that the path to gold will run through that rivalry.
Canada has had the better of the Olympics matchups since the NHL started sending its players in 1998, holding a 4-1 series lead. That includes two wins in gold medal games, in 2002 and 2010.
As 4 Nations showed, the gap between these teams has closed. The Americans’ talent pool has deepened with elite skill players and especially goaltending. Selecting the right roster for the 2026 could be the difference between a medal ceremony or elimination.
In the spirit of this storied rivalry, we had a Canadian — ESPN writer Rachel Kryshak — select her ideal Team Canada roster, and get roasted by an American, ESPN senior writer Greg Wyshynski. Then, Wyshynski selected his ideal Team USA roster, which Kryshak sliced apart.
Team Canada
Greg Wyshynski: A few changes I’d make to this roster immediately. Obviously, Sidney Crosby should be kept home, due to his advanced age. I have to imagine that Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and especially Connor McDavid would like to have some additional time to rest before the Stanley Cup playoffs — the real prize in 2026, obviously, given the diminished prestige in winning Olympic gold due to lack of Russian participation.
Rachel Kryshak: You know, I can definitely see where you are coming from. On that note, given the lack of playoff success, I would have to believe that Auston Matthews would love some additional rest, and Quinn Hughes will likely need all his energy to carry the Canucks to the playoffs.
GW: We already tried that whole “beat Canada without Quinn Hughes and 70% of Auston Matthews” thing. It sucked.
Anyway, if Canada does in fact have the full complement of players you’ve listed here, I’m intrigued by a couple of the alternations you’ve made to the roster from that 4 Nations win. Specifically, leaving Mark Stone and Brad Marchand off the Olympic roster. Do you hate Selke Trophy-worthy wingers, or is this just straight-up ageism?
RK: Well, it’s not that I dislike Selke wingers; Mitch Marner and all his clutch play have made the roster. It is more related to the fact that Stone’s speed concerns me, as does his injury history. As for Marchand, he’s likely to be a middle-six player on Florida. Canada has “pesty” players that can play both special teams, and it isn’t lacking in the leadership qualities that those two bring.
By the time February rolls around, I believe Celebrini will have surpassed both of them. Suzuki and Jarvis are both elite, two-way play drivers that are already in the same category, if not better.
GW: I want to get to the literal children you’ve decided are worthy of the Canadian national team, but wanted to pause on Suzuki. The Canadiens center seems like he’s now ascended to the throne of “is this person elite or nah?” debates. Why him over other candidates?
RK: The Nick Suzuki debates pretty much power the entire province of Quebec with the amount of energy expended on them. Canada has a habit of taking “role players” instead of the best players. It has paid dearly for it at junior levels. I opted for Suzuki over Cirelli because Suzuki is the better offensive player with elite penalty-killing abilities. If Canada is going to win gold, it is going to need more than its nuclear weapons to score, and Suzuki is a reliable option to play that role.
Cirelli was my last cut from the forward group, although I think it is likely he makes the team. As for Marchand, Stone and Travis Konecny, I will always opt for the center over the wingers because of the versatility and faceoff factor.
GW: Speaking of divisive centers, you have 20-year-old Connor Bedard on the roster — with the caveat that you’ll swap in Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues if Bedard stumbles in Year 3. Macklin Celebrini, 19, I can understand, as he’s been knighted by Sidney Crosby as a potential Team Canada teammate. What is it about Bedard, at this point, that would make him Olympic-worthy, or what would you need to see from him?
RK: Bedard is the only player to whom I have afforded this latitude, because given the rareness of his talents, I had to allow for the distinct possibility that he pops in his third NHL season. But in order to get the nod, Bedard would have to be a point-per-game (or better) player against difficult matchups to start the season, and consistently drive offense.
His shot is world-class. Given the strength of the goaltending in the Olympics, having a guy with a laser beam in your back pocket could be very useful. The thing with Bedard is that he must play in the top six if he’s going to make the team. Unless it takes him as a spare, which I could see because of his game-breaking ability.
If Bedard doesn’t pop, Robert Thomas’ ability to distribute the puck, create off the rush and cycle and read defensive coverage are deserving of a spot. If we’re being blunt, I think it is conceivable that Canada takes neither of them and that spot goes to someone like Cirelli or Stone — similar to how I can see the USA leaving Clayton Keller or Tage Thompson off for a more “reliable” player.
GW: I appreciate you adding Evan Bouchard to your defense corps, in case the Americans need a giveaway or defensive lapse to help them in a critical time against Canada.
RK: Believe me, I hemmed and hawed about that selection more than most given his “controller unplugged” moments at critical junctures. The conclusion I came to was this: When Canada lost Cale Makar at 4 Nations, it really would have benefited from having Bouchard to step in. I think this is a scenario where he is the spare who steps in if Doughty falters. The veteran’s age and fall-off deeply concern me, but it is a near foregone conclusion that he will make the team.
The reality is, Bouchard makes fewer mistakes than Doughty, Weegar and Colton Parayko, but his mistakes are the ones that often end up on the highlight reels. You need difference-makers, and he is the second-best puck mover, shooter and offensive creator that Canada has on the blue line. Very much like taking Adam Fox despite his warts; the good far outweighs the bad.
GW: I’ll be honest. I was really looking forward to having this debate in the months leading up to 4 Nations because I was literally going to pop champagne bottles when we turned our attention to Canada’s goaltending. Not just because the Americans have an advantage here both in high-end talent and overall depth, but because I really believed Canada didn’t have a championship solution between the pipes, the end result of a yearslong evaporation of the nation’s prospect pool that’s led to a national crisis of conscience.
So, like he did to the rest of the Americans in the 4 Nations final, Jordan Binnington has ruined my party. His tournament was classic Binner: Unimpressive traditional stats, much better underlying numbers like high-danger save percentage, and in the end he played like a goaltending god when it mattered most.
Do you think he replicates that in Italy, or is there a chance goaltending is still Canada’s only true vulnerability (besides the complacency that comes from a decades-long world hockey domination)?
RK: Good news for you, my friend! We are most certainly going to be having Canadian goaltending debates. The three goaltenders based on performance should be Binnington (he could have an .870 save percentage and the team would take him), Thompson and Blackwood. There is no scenario where Adin Hill or Samuel Montembeault are ahead of either of the latter two when they are at their best.
It is hard to ignore Binnington’s record in winner-take-all games. However, goaltending is still a vulnerability for Canada because the reality is, you don’t know which version is playing that night. Is it “4 Nations OT” Binnington, or is it “the dude squirting water at Nazem Kadri” Binnington?
Regardless, Canada doesn’t have a single goalie better than the four best American goalies, so it would do well to simply take the players who are performing the best. If that is Hill or Darcy Kuemper or whomever else, Canada needs to take the goaltenders who are performing the best and hope that carries over in Milan.
GW: On a scale of one to 10, how confident are you that Canada can win its fourth gold medal in men’s hockey when NHL players have participated? Keeping in mind that the Americans have been building toward this moment for 46 years and to paraphrase the great Herb Brooks, “Your time? Your time is done.”
RK: Probably a seven. Certainly, it’s the lowest it has been in a very long time.
The reality is, many nations have caught and perhaps surpassed Canada in their grassroots development of players, which has led to an influx of truly elite talent. Canada’s elite are better than everyone else’s elite (McDavid, Mackinnon, Crosby, Makar), but the skill depth gap has closed. The goaltending is going to be the deciding factor, because everyone has elite skating talent, but can they get the timely save.
Regardless, I’d rather have those four on my team than face them, because the prospect of that is terrifying.
Team USA
RK: Now, on to the Americans, who I believe are Canada’s biggest threat to its hockey supremacy.
GW: I’m rolling my eyes, but also, thank you.
RK: They have elite talent up front and on the back end, but most importantly, a level of goaltending that is only rivaled by Russia, which is ineligible for this competition. Given the 4 Nations, I see you have made some changes to the roster. What do you think guys like Keller and Thompson will bring to the roster that had been lacking?
GW: While the U.S. had a great showing at 4 Nations — the ultimate result notwithstanding — I think the roster’s flaws were pretty apparent at the forward position. It’s been a long-standing USA Hockey tradition to overlook players with incredible offensive skill because their overall games aren’t as well-rounded as some more experienced players who may no longer be able to hit their offensive heights.
In the case of 4 Nations, that was clearly Chris Kreider and Brock Nelson, whom I’ve dropped from the Olympic roster. Tage Thompson is not going to make anyone forget Patrice Bergeron defensively, but leaving his size and skill off this roster was a self-defeating decision for the Americans. I’m a huge Keller fan, especially as he’s aged into his prime. I realize he’s a replacement-level player defensively, but I love the totality of his game and skill set.
RK: I love both of those additions. But the one I really liked was Matthew Knies. He isn’t as pesky as a Tkachuk brother, but he’s big, physical and he’s got more scoring than Brady. If selected, what are you hoping he provides in a middle-six player, assuming he doesn’t play with his usual linemate in Auston Matthews?
GW: Thank you for the Knies love. I’ve seen some projecting Alex Tuch to make this team, and I’m thinking Knies is a better version of that kind of winger. Like you said, ultimately his best place in the lineup is next to Matthews, much like how you’ve added Zach Hyman to team Canada as the modern day Chris Kunitz to McDavid’s Crosby.
Ultimately I’d like him there, but it’s hard not to have Boldy as RW1 considering how he tore up 4 Nations. So I see Knies as a “break glass in case Matthews needs a boost” option for now.
RK: Speaking of where he plays … Jack Hughes. He struggled in 4 Nations. How do you see him being used to mask some of his defensive deficiencies while taking advantage of his offensive brilliance? Could a move to the wing be what’s best? He’s the one player I have concerns about as it pertains to being bounced off the puck in certain areas of the ice.
GW: Look, the way Jack Hughes played at 4 Nations presents a real conundrum for the Americans. You could argue that Hughes and Adam Fox — whom I’m sure we’ll get to — were the two most disappointing players on that team. Hughes looked completely overmatched in that tournament, but I’d argue it’s because they asked him to shift to the wing — so on top of playing in his first best-on-best tournament, they had him playing out of position where I think his talents were wasted.
Yes, he’s undersized, but his playmaking and underrated defensive acumen are designed for the middle. So I’m hoping that having him in between J.T. Miller and Thompson is like putting delicately sliced gourmet meats in between two blocks of sourdough.
RK: I think there are dangers to that line simply because when Miller is on, he is a fantastic defensive player. But similar to Bouchard, there are plenty of “controller unplugged” moments, which you cannot have next to Hughes. From a size perspective, flanking Hughes with those two makes sense because it will open space for him.
Speaking of dangers, it is time to talk about Adam Fox! I am not nearly as down on him as others were, but he obviously needs to be much better in the Olympics. Pairing him with Jaccob Slavin makes a lot of sense to me. He won’t get top power-play minutes, so what is the best way to get the most out of him?
GW: I legitimately wonder if Fox would even be in the conversation for this team if Mike Sullivan weren’t his coach and Chris Drury weren’t his GM, given their roles with Team USA and the Rangers. That’s how bad the vibes were for Fox after 4 Nations and specifically the championship game — internally on Team USA, he was given the majority of the blame on McDavid’s OT goal.
RK: He took a ton of heat for the championship goal, but Jack Hughes was in a bad spot and Matthews got caught in no-man’s-land. Similar to Bouchard with Makar, I think USA has to take him as a Quinn Hughes insurance policy, as well as his ability to drive play.
GW: Like you indicated, Fox offers a lot at 5-on-5 in both ends of the ice that I’m willing to run it back with him in the hopes that that Slavin can paper over any defensive lapses he might have, and that he has a better handle on the pace of best-on-best play after getting a taste of best-on-best play.
RK: I noticed the lack of John Carlson on the roster. What put the others above him and what would have to happen for him to make the team?
GW: What, are you going to ask where Ryan Suter is next? Carlson had a very solid season for the Capitals, but he turns 36 next January and I just think there are younger, better, fresher options on the back end than Carlson. USA Hockey would seem to agree, as Carlson wasn’t even invited to its Olympic development camp. (Maybe he and Lane Hutson have a text chain about that.)
With a healthy Quinn Hughes back on the blue line, I think this D-corps is pretty cemented. The only change I made was swapping out Noah Hanifin for Seth Jones, because playing a prominent secondary role for the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers team made it safe to call Seth Jones good at hockey again.
RK: Oh, I am so happy you brought up Lane Hutson! The entire province of Quebec is doing a lot of yelling — and given the historic season Hutson just had, it’s hard to blame them. I think there is a legitimate possibility he plays his way onto the team, especially if injuries crop up. What would you need to see out of him to make you say, “That guy needs to be on the team,” even if it is as a spare?
GW: I realize it’s the height of hypocrisy to say “young, better, fresher options” and then be like “except for you, reigning NHL rookie of the year.”
But like I said, given the way the defense played at 4 Nations while gaining experience in a best-on-best tournament, I’m comfortable with this top eight. Where I’ll agree with my French-Canadian friends is that Hutson should have absolutely been invited to Olympic orientation camp with an eye towards the 2030 team. It’s hard to imagine, given his trajectory, that he won’t be a part of it.
RK: Fair enough, but I think that, similar to Bedard, we should leave the door open that Hutson plays himself onto the team.
The real strength of the American team is the goaltending. Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger feel like foregone conclusions, and for good reason. Hellebuyck has faltered in big moments for Winnipeg and for the USA — the anti-Binnington, as one X user put it. That’s slightly unfair, in my opinion, but at what point should Oettinger get a serious look for the crunch time starts?
GW: I’d push back on Hellebuyck having faltered in the 4 Nations tournament for the U.S. But I’ll concede that the guy considered the best in the world has failed to level up in the Stanley Cup playoffs or at 4 Nations in the same way that someone like Binnington has. Which is to say that I am a little concerned about whatever malfunction Hellebuyck has in big tournament moments.
The U.S. goaltending depth does afford it the luxury to consider other options. What’s interesting about Oettinger is that he’s sort of dined out on his reputation as a “win the series on his own” goalie based on his first couple of postseasons, but doesn’t always fulfill that promise.
RK: Hellebuyck was good in 4 Nations, but he has failed to outplay his opponent in the biggest moments, something you sort of expect out of a perennial Vezina Trophy contender. Oettinger has the aura of elevating his play in the playoffs, as does Thatcher Demko — who is noticeably absent from the roster.
Swayman was poor last season and Demko was injured. Is there a scenario where Demko makes it ahead of Swayman if he can stay healthy and play to his standard? He was the lone reason Vancouver went on their bubble playoff run, and that type of lightning in a bottle could be the difference between gold and silver.
GW: I’ll evoke the Mark Stone Protocol for Demko: Great player, dodgy health, and hence an unreliable option on a chart this deep. When it comes to Swayman, there’s no doubt his contract squabble with the Bruins knocked his 2024-25 season off its axis.
And if we’re going to ding Hellebuyck for his lack of execution in high-stress situations, then we need to acknowledge that Swayman pitched a 24-save shutout in the IIHF world championships to win the U.S. its first gold medal in that tournament since 1960 — with the Olympic management team watching keenly.
RK: The Stone Protocol it shall be. Swayman’s performance to win the Worlds for the first time in nearly a century had to earn him some significant brownie points with the USA brass.
GW: I will say that my choice for third-string goalie was Dustin Wolf of the Calgary Flames for the longest time, if only for experience ahead of 2030. But I couldn’t ignore Swayman being a bit more battle-tested.
RK: How are you feeling about the USA heading into Milan? The biggest difference will be the IIHF officiating standard, meaning the Tkachuk and Bennett nonsense will not fly.
GW: Wait, what do you mean? The Tkachuks can’t just go around beating up Canadians?
RK: Contrary to what we’ve seen in the NHL playoffs: No, they cannot! Just like Sam Bennett can’t elbow opponents in the head. That sort of behavior is generally frowned upon by the IIHF.
GW: Rachel, that’s like 90% of our game plan. What if the Canadian they’re targeting has an incredibly punchable face? Is there a carve-out for that in the IIHF rules?
RK: If that’s the case, I’m putting Tom Wilson on my team, because clearly we’re going to need in-game policemen. I guess the other question is: Which American is Binnington going to fight?
GW: Whoever he wants if it means he’s out of the gold medal game.
I’m glad you brought up Matthew Tkachuk, though. As confident as I am that the American men are going to win their first gold medal since the Miracle on Ice — and make no mistake, I am quite confident about this — the 4 Nations Face-Off revealed there are some foundations this team can’t afford to have cracked.
What does that 4 Nations championship game look like if a broken Matthew Tkachuk, an absent Quinn Hughes and a diminished Auston Matthews were all healthy and contributing? I’ve been saying for years that the Americans finally have the elite talent to equal that of Canada, but it doesn’t really matter if that talent is at like 30% effectiveness, you know?
RK: I think it likely looks different in terms of game play. Hughes is the most obvious addition, considering his impact on the game. But Tkachuk’s health is one question mark, and his effectiveness will be another. Both he and Brady are at their peak when they are “pesty,” and the IIHF does not tolerate that, so I think that will limit their play style. Matthews and Hughes are major components who could tip the scales.
The Americans have the elite talent to compete with Canada, but Canada’s best players are still slightly better. I’m curious to see how both teams adjust to the stricter standard and which game breakers make the difference. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see another overtime thriller.
GW: I was there in Vancouver in 2010 and in Boston in 2025. As confident as I am, I’m not sure my body can take another overtime championship game against Canada.
Sports
From Cy Young winners to a Florida tech salesman: Pitchers share what it’s really like facing Aaron Judge
Since Aaron Judge entered the majors near the end of the 2016 season, there has not been a more prolific — and fear-inducing — slugger than the New York Yankees superstar.
Listed at 6-foot-7, 282 pounds, Judge’s mix of size, power and patience makes him every pitcher’s nightmare. Nobody has hit more home runs than Judge’s 359 since his major league debut and nothing else can get an entire stadium to perk up in anticipation quite like when No. 99 steps to the plate.
Though a midseason right elbow injury slowed the pace a bit on what could have been his best work yet, Judge is putting the finishing touches on his fourth season with at least 40 home runs and his fourth straight with an OPS over 1.000 while, yet again, entering the final weeks with the American League MVP award within his reach.
We asked those who have faced Judge throughout his major league career — and some who first got their first taste of his power before the reigning AL MVP was a household name — to share their best Aaron Judge stories.
“Maybe I should start an Aaron Judge he’s-hit-a-home-run-off-me support group”
For better or worse, every pitcher who faces Judge today goes into the matchup knowing what he is up against. But there was a time when he had the element of surprise on his side as he rose through the ranks at Fresno State.
During the 2012 season, Mark Appel was the talk of college baseball. On March 2, the ace of No. 1-ranked Stanford baseball took the mound for a nonconference matchup against Judge’s Bulldogs unaware of what awaited him.
“We had very limited scouting. Video scouting was not really a widespread thing,” Appel recalled earlier this month. “So, we knew just based off of the numbers, but it was so early in the season. I don’t think he had a prolific freshman year. He was relatively unknown to us.
“I remember we went to Fresno, and they already had some fans — probably just some of his fellow classmates — that would go to the games, and they had this little chant for him whenever he came up, I can’t even remember what it was, but it’s like, ‘Here comes the Judge.'”
Judge entered that day with no home runs nine games into his sophomore season — after hitting just two his freshman year — but took Stanford’s ace deep twice in a stunning 7-4 upset.
And the legend of Judge was born.
Appel: We kind of walked in there — I think we were No. 1 in the country — like we’re just gonna kind of steamroll these guys, you know? And we did not. We did not.
We were so dumbfounded. We were like, ‘What is going on right now?’ I think I had just come off of a game [against Texas] where I threw seven innings, 10 punches, one run maybe. I was just dominant, you know? And then we go to this, a .500 Fresno State team, and they put up a seven spot on me.
Pretty sure that year I only gave up three home runs, and two of ’em were in that game to Aaron.
Erick Fedde, Milwaukee Brewers (UNLV, 2012-14): Back then, he obviously still had that presence of a big human. I guess I didn’t have that expectation of a perennial All-Star, best hitter, MVP caliber player, but you obviously knew he had power.
Appel: I had a big fastball, especially for college. So, I think Fresno State’s game plan against me was like, ‘Hey, look for the fastball, get on it early and just try to put a barrel on it.’ I left one just kind of middle-in, right in Aaron’s sweet spot, and he just — I mean, it was one of the hardest hit balls I’ve seen. It got out in a hurry.
Matthew Boyd, Chicago Cubs (Oregon State, 2011-13): The first year of the BBCOR bats … I just remember we were taking BP, and we were complaining because we thought the Nike BBCOR bats just stunk. And then when we go watch Fresno State, they’re swinging Easton bats, and this one freshman was just peppering the scoreboard. Just hearing this metal bang on the scoreboard every time and it’s like, ‘Oh, we’re complaining [to Nike] about the bats.’ And then come to realize it’s not the bats. That was Aaron Judge as a freshman.”
Fedde: I saw him hit some home runs off [my UNLV] teammates that were some of the farthest balls I’ve ever seen hit.
Appel: A year later, he gets drafted in the first round … my teammates are like, ‘He’s got you to thank for that. You’re the one that put him on the map.’ And now, in hindsight, I’m like, ‘OK, guys. Turns out this guy’s a generational kind of player. I think he’s proven that he was way better than me.’
When I got called up in 2022, every day it was the Aaron Judge Home Run Tracker. We are watching history here, and so I was like, ‘Man, this is cool.’ In some ways, I felt connected to him just because I was maybe part of the origin story of Aaron Judge.
Maybe I should start an Aaron Judge he’s-hit-a-home-run-off-me support group. Maybe that’s how I get to hang out with some cool dudes.
“He just turned on it, hit it — I mean it had to be 500 feet”
After jumping on the national radar with his feats against Appel at Fresno State, Judge firmly planted himself on MLB draft boards with his performance in the prestigious Cape Cod League the following summer.
The nature of the showcase league had Judge going up against future major league aces and other collegiate pitchers nearing the end of their careers.
Frederick Shepard now manages hedge funds in San Francisco and Anthony Montefusco is a tech salesman in Orlando, Florida. Neither has pitched in a decade, but both can still quickly recall their stories of pitching to Judge that summer.
Montefusco was coming off his sophomore year at George Mason and came out of the bullpen for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox to face Judge in the eighth inning on June 28, 2012. Montefusco attempted to run a fastball inside, caught too much of the strike zone and watched his pitch sail over the left-center-field fence never to be seen again.
“He just turned on it, hit it — I mean it had to be 500 feet, to the tops of the trees in their place at that point,” Montefusco recalled earlier this month.
Shepard, who pitched at Division III Amherst College, was a starting pitcher for the Wareham Gatemen that summer. On July 8, they visited Brewster, and his then-girlfriend Kristina Ballard was able to ride her bicycle to watch Shepard pitch from where she was working on the Cape.
That afternoon, she saw Aaron Judge turn on a pitch from her future husband and hit a home run that cleared the enormous trees that sat beyond the center-field fence, leaving an entire ballpark in awe.
Shepard: [Kristina] tells this story to this day — to anyone who will listen. She thinks it was so cool.
Montefusco has heard about his moment just as frequently because he grew up in New Jersey among a family of diehard Yankees fans. His mom’s favorite player? Aaron Judge.
Montefusco: I’m like, ‘How can you be after that home run?’ But it’s also hard not to be an Aaron Judge fan.
I remember getting him to two strikes. [Coach] called fastball inside, which … a physical specimen in the box, it’s always, ‘Get this ball in,’ but you don’t want to hit him. And I threw a decent pitch; he fouled it off.
Coach called fastball in again, and I was like, ‘Make sure you get it in,’ and left it kind of middle-middle, middle-third … Yeah, missed my spot, but he didn’t miss it.
Sean Manaea, New York Mets (Hyannis, 2012): I saw Aaron in the Cape, too, so I’ve really seen him all over the place.
The first thing is the size. It’s very hard to not notice that. He’s a very large human being. If I’m looking up to you, you’re a very big person because I’m a pretty big person. I remember shaking his hand and I was like, ‘Wow, that’s a pretty large hand.’ And obviously the baseball skills have been there for as long as I can remember.
Shepard: There’s nothing like standing there on the pitcher’s mound and Aaron Judge stepping to the plate, being all the way back in the box, all the way out, and you can’t pitch him anywhere. His bat reached the other batter’s box, and you couldn’t pitch him in because he was already off the plate as much as he could be. It was impossible.
Manaea: Funny story: I was throwing a no-hitter. I think into the seventh, eighth or ninth, something like that. And I hear a, one of their teammates in the dugout, is like, ‘Hey, let’s break up the no-hitter here!” And I’m like, ‘What?’ And then Judge was up, and he broke up the no-hitter.
Montefusco: It was one of those home runs that you give up and you’re not even that mad at, because of how far it was. I turned and watched it, and then my teammate from George Mason, he was on the team. I looked at him and he was laughing with his jaw on the floor.
“He’s definitely the focal point, right? His name stands out”
The challenge of facing Judge comes in two parts.
There’s the pitcher vs. slugger showdown that fans see on the field: A locked-in Judge standing 60 feet, six inches away, waiting to turn the slightest mistake into a souvenir for a fan seated 400-plus feet away in the outfield bleachers.
The mental battle begins long before that, starting in the pregame preparation when a pitcher realizes his task includes navigating a lineup with the sport’s premier long ball threat looming in the middle of it.
Max Fried, New York Yankees: I mean, he’s definitely the focal point, right? When you look at the lineup, you look at it and say, ‘You don’t want this guy to beat you.’
His name stands out so it’s definitely something you’re paying attention to and you know when he’s starting to come up or when his spot in the order is coming up.
Ryne Stanek, New York Mets: People pitch him scared and then have to come back, as opposed to being super aggressive. And I think that happens to a lot of other really good hitters. People are always super cautious and then have to go back at ’em and then they’re in such an advantage and it doesn’t work, especially when you’re facing really good hitters.
Manaea: From just the outside looking in, it’s not like he’s trying to hit home runs. It’s like he’s just trying to be a great hitter, which he is. And you could see that in the way he covers the fastball. He recognizes spin. He doesn’t strike out like a whole crazy amount.
Stanek: He doesn’t wildly chase, and he knows where he’s trying to hit the ball … he knows he doesn’t have to overswing to do damage, and he’s just got to put barrel on the ball.
Martin Perez, Chicago White Sox: We’re always talking about ‘Why you throw me this pitch’ but you have to be careful because he’s a powerful hitter. Anything he touches with the bat, it could be a homer.
Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: “I haven’t quite figured out (how to prepare for him). If I had it figured out, his numbers wouldn’t be what they are.”
Stanek: I think guys that know they have enough juice to get it out of anywhere and they don’t overswing, it minimizes holes. I think that’s one thing that he’s done a really good job of over the course of his career. He knows who he is, and he knows what he’s trying to do.
Fried: You know if you leave a ball over the plate, it’s going to go a long way.
“I mean 6-foot-8, the visual’s already like, ‘Oh s—‘”
Once the plan of attack is in place, the only thing left for a pitcher to do is step on the mound and execute — which is easier said than done.
Few players have more experience toeing the rubber against Judge than two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. The two arrived in the majors at the same time in the same division and immediately became stars on contenders. They have also developed a close friendship over the years.
That tight bond has led to some unique interactions around their matchups — but Snell is far from the only one who recognizes the unique challenge in facing the game’s tallest slugger.
Snell: I’m either going to strike him out or walk him. So, when he swings, that’s when he gets into trouble — because it’s not going to be in the zone. And I tell him that. He thinks I’m messing with him. He’s the only person I talk to like that.
I’ve told him since even before the big leagues: ‘Don’t swing.’ I mean 6-foot-8, the visual’s already like, ‘Oh s—t.’ He connects with it; he can hit something hard back at you.
Manaea: The intimidation of just how big he is and when he steps into the box, you really feel that … Just based off the fact of him stepping into the box and his presence … I feel like he leans into that, which he should.
Aaron Civale, Chicago Cubs: He’s a lot taller than the average hitter. The area you can throw the ball in the strike zone is a lot bigger, but he has a lot of coverage. There seems to be a lot of space to throw to, but he covers in and out of the zone.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves: It looks like the zone is huge, but it’s still hard to throw him a strike. I’d say that’s the different visual, given how tall he is … It seems like you have all the space to work with but that’s the misleading aspect of it. He can cover all of it.
Matt Strahm, Philadelphia Phillies: I try to [block] out [the hitter] and throw whatever pitch the catcher calls. But I’m not going to lie, you can feel when someone 6-foot-6 gets in the box.
Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies: You face hitters all around the league, but when you face Judge, it looks weird, because he’s bigger than everything around him.
Robbie Ray, San Francisco Giants: The zone kinda changes with him. The fastball up has to be on. A fastball up to a Cody Bellinger or a Paul Goldschmidt, isn’t as high as it is for an Aaron Judge. The fastball up has to be up. Almost to eye level of somebody else.
Strahm: It’s almost like he casts a shadow over your target. I don’t want to say intimidating, but his presence is just known.
Charlie Morton, Detroit Tigers: As an opposing player or opposing pitcher, it’s like, ‘Man, here comes Aaron Judge.’ He’s one of the best in the league. But I also just really appreciate what he’s done for baseball. How he carries himself. How he goes about his business is great.
Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins: He’s the captain and everything. It’s real. I never met Jeter, but it feels like they recreated Jeter in a lab or something for the modern era. He’s a beast out there.
“I could’ve sworn that ball was 60 rows deep”
No matter the plan going into the at-bat, giving up long home runs is an occupational hazard those who face Judge have come to accept — and those mammoth blasts stay with a pitcher forever.
Perhaps no pitcher has a more remarkable story to tell of Judge’s prestigious power than reliever Jason Adam‘s lasting memory of a time he was sure he had surrendered a tying home run at the crack of the bat.
The then-Rays closer immediately bent over on the mound with his hands on his knees, not even bothering to look to see where the ball landed. When Adam did finally turn his head, he was pleasantly surprised by the sight of outfielder Jose Siri catching the towering fly ball at the warning track. Big sigh of relief. Game over.
Adam: I could’ve sworn that ball was 60 rows deep. And I was like, ‘No way.’ I mean, he smacked it. But it was high.
That was a hilarious moment because I was like, ‘I just blew the game.’ And then I look up and I see Siri camping. I was like, ‘No way.’ And then I looked at him and he was laughing. So, yeah, that was a fun moment.
Other pitchers haven’t been quite so fortunate.
Chris Sale, Boston Red Sox: He got me at Fenway, dead center, like 2017 or 2018, it was pretty early on. Pretty sure it was a fastball. It was one of those off the bat, forget about it. It was a solo home run, and we were winning by a lot, so it didn’t bother all that much. But right off the bat, it was like ‘I’m getting a new ball.’
Boyd: He had raw power at all times. I remember he hit a homer off me in High-A Tampa, and it was one of those ones where I felt like I tried to flinch for a line drive, and it went out over the center-field wall. It was that hard.
Kyle Freeland, Colorado Rockies: You got to respect it. The one in Colorado earlier this year, we kind of had a pretty decent battle in his first at-bat. And I want to say we were up around eight, nine pitches in the at-bat, threw a well-located fastball down and away, and he put a really good swing on it, went backside into our bullpen.
The other one was in New York last year. Again, I want to say it was a pretty decent battle of an at-bat, and we went hard fastball in off the plate, and he was able to keep his hands in and put the barrel and hit it.
Shane Baz, Tampa Bay Rays: It was the third pitch. I threw a cutter right down the middle and he hit it out. It stayed right over the heart of the plate. … He’s just very talented. He stays back well.
Skubal: He’s got power to all fields so it doesn’t really matter where it’s going. If he’s hitting it hard, it has a chance to leave the yard. The one last year was a sinker to right field so it was — that’s what I’m saying, he’s got power to all yards.
Boyd: One year in Scranton, Buck Farmer and I and the wives were out to dinner. We were pitching Game 1 and 2 of the series and we were at dinner and Aaron saw us and picked up our check. That meant a ton.
We weren’t making much money back then and even got dessert. I was like, ‘Oh, that was really cool.’ He said hi on the way in and didn’t even tell us. Just picked it up and left.
And the next day Buck started, he hit two homers off Buck and the next day after I started, he hit a homer off me. … He did something nice for us and still hit a homer off me.”
Freeland: Getting to face guys like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman — those big-name superstars in our game. Those are guys you want to be facing. You want to match up against those guys. You remember those. You remember when you punch their ticket, and you remember when they get a big hit off you for a home run.
Skubal: He’s the game’s best. That’s the beautiful part about this game. You get to compete at the highest level and you tip your cap when they do things like that because that’s special. You gotta be a special player to be able to do stuff like that and he’s one of those guys.
“He’s not seeing this. Keep throwing him this pitch”
Baseball is a game of failure for even the best sluggers and many pitchers have their own tales to tell of the times they’ve gotten the best of Judge.
Having sustained success against him is rare though, and Chris Sale has had as much as anyone over the years — having struck out Judge 17 times in 27 at-bats while limiting him to a .185 batting average.
“You have to be locked in, that’s for sure,” Sale said. “The back of his baseball card speaks for itself. You know that any mistake can be costly, especially if there are runners on.”
Some pitchers are eager to share their tales of glory — while others prefer to keep their tricks tucked away for the next time they need them.
Ryan: I’ve made some good pitches, kept him off-balance, maybe kept him guessing a little bit. Those are the main things.
[Former Twins teammate] Nick Gordon was breaking it down after I faced him. ‘He’s not seeing this. Keep throwing him this pitch.’ I kept doing it. It worked a little bit.
Fried: I remember the ones from last year. I threw a fastball that kind of beat him at the top of the zone, and I threw a 2-2 curveball.
Genesis Cabrera, Minnesota Twins: I attacked the zone. I threw a couple curves really well, that’s why he missed it.
Adam: You know his weaknesses; you know his strengths. He knows what I throw him. So, there’s an element of just trying to maintain unpredictability.
He’s the best in the world, but good pitches will still typically get him out, so you just try to make good pitches and trust the odds are still in your favor.
Perez: I can’t tell you the spot to get him out. I might be facing him [again]. For me it’s location. It’s not about velocity.
Of course, against Judge, success is measured a little differently.
Fried: You just have to really be careful of making the pitches and I think there’s also an element of ‘If you walk him, it’s not the end of the world.’
Snell: The rest of the team I’m going to challenge and all that. But him? I’m not going to let him be the one to get me.”
-
Andrea Adelson
TAMPA, Fla. — USF coach Alex Golesh repeated the same thing after both of his team’s first two wins — a stunning blowout in the season opener against Boise State, and another shocker last weekend against Florida — “This ain’t the same ol’ South Florida, my brother!”
The 2-0 Bulls are ranked for the first time since 2018, notched the first win in school history over the Gators and are an early favorite to win the Group of 5 automatic berth into the College Football Playoff.
But there is more meaning behind those words, more than just a statement about big nonconference wins. Those nine words are a nod to one of Golesh’s close friends.
On the side of his headset, Golesh has the initials AAR, for the late USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.
Golesh and Abdur-Rahim were hired within three months of each other, similar coaches with similar beliefs, tasked with the same goal: Get USF to shed its underachiever status. Abdur-Rahim had done it at his previous stop at Kennesaw State, developing the Owls from being a one-win team to reaching the NCAA tournament.
Golesh had inherited a one-win football program and looked to Abdur-Rahim for advice. A few days after Abdur-Rahim was hired, Golesh went to see him in his office.
“They had literally just done at Kennesaw what we were trying to do, build it the right way,” Golesh said.
The two hit it off immediately. Their kids went to the same schools. Their wives became friends. That first spring they were together, in 2023, Abdur-Rahim would come out to practice and quickly became a fixture around the football program.
He would text Golesh after games that first season and offered his thoughts on a four-year plan for success. Golesh and his son, Barrett, would go to basketball games as Abdur-Rahim led USF to its best season ever in 2023-24, winning its first conference title and a school-record 25 games. It was during that run that Abdur-Rahim went viral for saying, “This ain’t the same ol’ South Florida, my brother!”
As the Bulls finished off their 34-7 win over Boise State on Aug. 28, Golesh felt a presence around him. He thought back to what Abdur-Rahim told him from the very beginning: Year 3 is when the players stop hoping they can win. Now, they start believing they can win.
“Amir used to always say, ‘They ain’t gonna believe until they see it,” Golesh told ESPN. “I felt like, ‘All right. They believe.'”
That belief is why USF is 2-0. The question is: How did Golesh get them to believe?
When Golesh met with then-USF athletic director Michael Kelly to discuss the open head coaching job in December 2022, he had questions. USF had moments of success in its short football history — including back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2016 and 2017 — but its more recent record was abysmal. The Bulls finished 2022 with a 1-11 record and four total victories over a three-year span. And the program had never won a conference title.
Golesh wanted to know right away — Would USF provide the resources required to win? Would they give him time to turn the program around? The answer to both was a resounding yes.
“His experience at other places showed what he felt he needed,” Kelly told ESPN. “I never felt it was unreasonable. It was just, ‘This is the way it is if we’re going to win this league.'”
Kelly said the staff size increased, and an additional $1.5 million was added to the assistant coach salary pool. The recruiting budget increased. Golesh also had the entire nutrition, strength and conditioning program and athletic training staff revamped.
Under the previous staff, for example, players got breakfast and lunch but no dinner at the facility. But now, they get three meals a day and have access to a nutrition bar in the weight room. Plus, there are fully stocked mini-fridges and snack baskets in every team meeting room.
There was no bigger sign of commitment to football than the approval of an on-campus $349 million football stadium, set to open in 2027, an idea that had been decades in the making. Most days, USF players practice to the sound of steel pillars going into the ground, just beyond the practice fields.
“It just goes together with what we’re doing on the football field, building a foundation,” quarterback Byrum Brown says. “We put the dirt down. We’re putting up poles. We’re seeing what this program can really be for years to come.”
Resources are one thing. Buy-in and belief are another. Center Cole Best remembers a meeting Golesh had with returning players during his second day on the job.
“He said, ‘I just need a little blind faith,'” Best said. “And I said, ‘I’m going to give it to him, and I’m going to buy into whatever this is. It was difficult at times, but I knew within his first couple of days here that, ‘This is the guy.'”
Sixth-year linebacker Mac Harris, who was on those three USF teams that won four total games before Golesh arrived, said those teams often found ways to cut corners, or avoided doing what was hard and uncomfortable.
Golesh’s Bulls don’t take the easy way out.
“AG says it all the time, leave no rock unturned. Check every detail, go through every obstacle you have to go through the right way,” Harris says. “Some people call them cliches, but they mean something, and they hold weight. I think doing that each and every day, and holding your teammates accountable to it, and them holding you accountable to it, created an expectation to win.”
In his first season as head coach, USF went 7-6, the second-best win improvement among all FBS programs in 2023. Then last season, USF showed glimpses of its potential, playing Alabama close for three quarters before losing, and then playing Miami close for a half before losing. Brown missed the final seven games of the season with a lower leg injury and USF still finished 7-6 and made it to another bowl game.
With a healthy Brown and 15 other starters back, Golesh and his team felt optimistic about the possibilities for this season.
Yes, the start to the 2025 season came up during his job interview, as Golesh was looking at future schedules with Kelly. He looked down and saw a three-game nonconference doozy: Boise State, at Florida, at Miami. There was initial skepticism. Not because Golesh wanted to shy away from playing those teams. But playing all three in a row, in the same season, seemed, well, “kinda crazy.”
“The initial conversation was, ‘We’ll handle that as we get there, but it won’t look like that,” Golesh said. “We got to last January, and it still looked like that, and I’m like, ‘You know what? Let’s go play them.”
Last June, when Kelly was getting ready to leave USF to take the athletic director job at Navy, Golesh told him, “We’re going to go win those games, and you’re going to tell me, ‘I told you so.'”
If the win over Boise State had people across the country take notice, the win over Florida legitimized USF in a bigger way. For decades, there has been the “Big Three” in the state of Florida: Miami, Florida State and Florida. UCF made it into a Power 4 conference when it joined the Big 12, leaving USF fighting for national relevance in the Group of 5.
That helps explain why Golesh had 500 text messages waiting for him after the 18-16 come-from-behind win over the Gators.
Best said he had eight former teammates call him after that win to congratulate him. “It brings tears to my eyes,” Best says. “I took a step back and let it all soak in. It hasn’t been easy. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, and to see it pay off, it just means the world.”
The process is the process, so there was no time this week for USF to celebrate a 2-0 start. Not with a trip to No. 5 Miami on deck. Golesh came into the office last Sunday and says he “ripped apart” the game tape with his staff.
“We haven’t arrived,” Golesh says. “We have two really good wins. We have another really good game, and then we’ve been really average in this conference for the last two years. We have so much left to do.
“As Amir used to say, ‘Headphones on. Hear nothing.”
There is a sadness in his voice as he recalls those conversations with Abdur-Rahim. They were supposed to be doing this together, celebrating each other’s wins as if they were their own. After Abdur-Rahim got sick last fall, he stopped coming around to practice but refused to tell Golesh what was wrong.
Then Golesh got a long text from Abdur-Rahim. He still has it saved in his phone. Abdur-Rahim wrote, in part, he was ready to fight what was ailing him, but seemed unsure whether doctors had any answers.
Abdur-Rahim died Oct. 24, 2024, at age 43, from complications that arose during a medical procedure related to his undisclosed illness. The loss was felt across the entire USF community, including the football team. As a lasting tribute to his friend, Golesh had a picture of Abdur-Rahim speaking to the team one day at practice enlarged and placed in the hallway of the football facility.
“Coach Golesh giving us a reminder of what a great human being he was, and what a great coach he was, and the lessons and advice that he instilled in us, it means a lot,” Brown says.
Golesh may not have responded to every single one of the hundreds of text messages he has received over the past two weeks. But there are two that he will never forget. Arianne Abdur-Rahim, Amir’s widow, texted Golesh after the Boise State win and again after the Florida win.
“Amir is looking out for you.”
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports2 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment11 months agoHere are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in October 2024