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.
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Ryan S. Clark
DALLAS — Imagine having a career that’s so strong that you’re not even aware that your next goal further enhances your Hall of Fame résumé.
That’s Corey Perry at the moment — and here’s why. His five goals during the 2025 playoffs have placed him in a tie for the second-most goals among the Edmonton Oilers. It further reinforces the narrative that the Oilers might be the deepest of the four remaining teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
It does something else too. Although each of his five goals has come with its own sense of significance, Perry’s next playoff goal will be even more special, because he’ll be tied with the legendary Jean Béliveau for the most postseason goals by a player in their age-39 season, according to QuantHockey.
“I think it’s just a love for the game. That’s why I want to play the game for as long as I can,” Perry said. “Once this game passes you by, it’s over, it’s done. There’s no coming back and I’ll move onto something else. That’s why what I want to do is play hockey, have fun and just be part of something.”
Postseasons create champions, challengers — and those who wish they could be either one. They create nostalgia for those who have won a title and are seeking another, and yearning for those who have yet to lift a Stanley Cup.
This particular postseason has provided Perry with the opportunity to grab one more before he eventually calls it a career. He is one of just 30 players that is part of the Triple Gold Club: winning a Stanley Cup, an Olympic Gold medal and the IIHF Men’s World Championship.
While this is still technically his age-39 season, he did turn 40 back on May 16. That makes him the second-oldest player still remaining in the playoffs, behind Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns.
Perry made his NHL debut on Oct. 5, 2005. He scored his first career goal five days later against the Oilers. He has since gone on to score 447 more, register more than 900 points and added a Hart Trophy as regular-season MVP, in a career that is either the same age or older than current young NHL stars such as Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
The notion that Perry’s career is now old enough to play in the NHL adds to the discussion about how and why he is able to perform at such a high level at a time in which more teams are trying to get younger.
“He’s been around so long that he understands that you need to find a role,” Oilers defenseman Troy Stecher said. “He won a Hart Trophy when he was in Anaheim, and he was the best player in the league then. Anyone coming here understands that [Connor McDavid] and [Leon Draisaitl] are probably going to get the majority of power-play time and offensive draws.
“I think with being the player he is and being around for so long, he’s done such a good job of finding a role and excelling in that role. Not just accepting it, but thriving in it.”
OPTIONS ARE EVERYTHING in the postseason. Possessing as many of them as possible enhances a team’s chances of winning.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch explained that the veteran winger provides the team with additional line combinations because of his versatility. He can be used on the fourth line or the top line, which is a prime example of how the Oilers have tapped into their depth to reach consecutive conference finals.
That’s when something else becomes clear: Playing Perry alongside Draisaitl and McDavid gives the Oilers three Hart Trophy winners on a single line.
It’s a distinction that no other active lineup in the NHL can claim.
“Throughout the playoffs, we’ve moved him around the lineup with Leon and Connor or just with Leon or with [Mattias] Janmark,” Knoblauch said. “Whatever position he’s been in, whether it’s the first or fourth line, he’s been able to give us quality minutes.”
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Corey Perry gives Oilers 2-0 lead with his second goal
Corey Perry scores his second goal of the first period to give the Oilers a 2-0 lead over the Golden Knights.
A player doesn’t get to be an eight-time 30-goal scorer without talent for finishing scoring chances. At 30 years old, he had 34 goals in 82 games in the 2015-16 season, but he scored a combined 36 goals in the next two seasons — which signaled that he might need to reconfigure how he gets those goals going forward.
Perry started to operate more in a bottom-six role in which he was asked to provide more secondary and tertiary goals than that of a primary scorer. A sign that he was gaining comfort in that new role was when he reached double figures twice with the Tampa Bay Lightning (2021-22 and 2022-23).
It’s why the Oilers acquired him last season as they sought to add more depth in their eventual run to the Stanley Cup final with the idea he could return in 2024-25.
QuantHockey’s data shows that there have been 136 players who have had an age-39 season in NHL history. Perry’s 19 goals this season is the same amount that Jaromir Jagr scored in his age-39 campaign in 2011-12. Perry played 81 games this season, which ties him for 10th place with Brett Hull (2003-04).
Of the 27 players who have scored more goals in their age-39 season than Perry, 12 scored more than nine power-play goals. In Perry’s case, he did the majority of his work away from the power play, with 13 of them coming in 5-on-5 play. Perry is tied with Patrick Marleau and Gary Roberts, as they all had four goals with the extra-skater advantage.
“He’s reliable because he’s smart. He can read the play,” Knoblauch said. “Obviously, the speed isn’t there like other players. But he thinks at it so much better than others. One [thing] Corey is really good at is scoring goals. This year being pretty much in a fourth-line role to score 19 goals. I’m not sure how many he had on the power play in the regular season, but it was very low. For him to do that in his role says a lot.”
STARTING HIS CAREER with the Anaheim Ducks gave Perry the platform to become one of the best players of his generation, win a Stanley Cup and become someone whom Oilers teammate Evander Kane said is a future Hall of Famer.
It also gave him a front-row seat to study how future Hall of Famers such as Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger and Teemu Selanne prolonged their careers.
Niedermayer played until he was 36. Pronger made it to 37, whereas Selanne became one of 12 players in NHL history to play until he was 43.
“When you’re 22 years old, you’re sitting back and just watching. You don’t really do any of it but you might do some of it,” Perry said. “But when you see them do it everyday and continue to do it and when you get to a certain age, you’ve got to put in the work. If you don’t, these young guys coming in are bigger, faster and stronger, and you’ve got to keep up and do it at a high level.”
Every generation of players has its life cycle. Perry was part of the famed 2003 NHL draft class that gave the league future stars such as Patrice Bergeron, Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter, Marc-Andre Fleury, Ryan Getzlaf, Joe Pavelski, Zach Parise, Brent Seabrook, Eric Staal, Ryan Suter and Burns.
At one point, each of those aforementioned players were franchise cornerstones, and many won Stanley Cups. For the reverence they earned, they also understood what came with aging in a way previous generations didn’t quite encounter in the same way.
The group entered the NHL at a time in which younger players didn’t receive the most minutes, nor were they paid the most money. It’s a complete contrast to the contemporary landscape in which teams place a premium on younger players being trusted in key roles early, which then translates to signing bigger contracts.
A byproduct of that shift was that it heightened the expectations for players of a certain age to meet a physical threshold by placing a premium on body maintenance. It’s why many of them were able to play beyond age 35 by taking on various roles on their respective teams — and not necessarily on the top line or pairing.
Even then, there are limits. Parise and Pavelski retired at the end of last season not having won a Stanley Cup. Fleury, who won three Cups, announced his retirement this season. Burns, Perry and Suter are still active. So what’s the secret?
“It’s the off-ice work. It’s dietary. It’s everything,” Perry said. “It’s just about doing those different things that you can to keep your body in the best shape.”
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Corey Perry tips in power-play goal for the Oilers
Corey Perry gets the Oilers on the board with a power-play goal in the second period.
Kane, who turns 34 in August, said that as someone on the back half of his career, he’s starting to understand that age is just a number. But, there are advantages to having older players in a dressing room because of their range of experiences.
Over the past two years, the Oilers have been the oldest team in the NHL. Elite Prospects lists them as having an average age of 30, while last season’s team averaged 29.2 years. Possessing that much experience has fed into a blueprint in which 11 of the players that the Oilers dressed in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals have more than 70 games of playoff experience.
Four Oilers — Darnell Nurse, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Draisaitl and McDavid — have combined to appear in 342 playoff games. Perry has 227 games of postseason experience.
Another detail that the 6-foot-3 and 205-pound Perry provides to the Oilers is size. The Oilers are the fifth-tallest and fifth-heaviest team in the NHL. The team that was tallest and heaviest this season was the Vegas Golden Knights — a club that the Oilers beat in five games in order to advance to the Western Conference finals.
“With Pears, he’s been really good and really good in front of the net,” Kane said. “He’s been scoring some big, key goals at key moments for us which is obviously huge. He’s a guy that’s going to be in the Hall of Fame someday, right? He’s been a superstar player in the league for some time.
“When you have that type of pedigree and you’ve been in the league that long, you understand how to play the game and when you have different skill sets, not just one, you’re able to contribute in different ways and he’s able to do that.”
We’ve got a series, folks! The Edmonton Oilers rallied back from a 6-3 loss in Game 1 in dominant fashion, winning Game 2 over the Dallas Stars 3-0.
That sets up a pivotal Game 3 in the Western Conference finals Sunday (3 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+), as both teams look to gain an edge.
Here are notes on the matchup from ESPN Research, as well as betting intel from ESPN BET:
More from Game 2: Recap | Grades
Matchup notes
Dallas Stars at Edmonton Oilers
Game 3 | 3 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN+
With the series tied 1-1, the series winner odds on ESPN BET have flipped: The Oilers are now -140 favorites (previously +160), and the Stars are +120 (previously -190). The Oilers’ Cup winner odds are now +200 (+350 after Game 1), while the Stars’ are now +325 (+200 after Game 1). Connor McDavid (+300) has the second-shortest odds to win the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP. Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky tops that table at +250.
The Oilers are 9-2 in their past 11 games this postseason after beginning the playoffs 0-2 and have run their record to 3-2 in Games 2 of a conference finals/Stanley Cup semifinals after losing the series opener. The other wins were in 1987 and 1991.
The Stars were shut out for the fourth time this postseason. No team has ever been shut out four times prior to reaching the Stanley Cup Final. The most was three, done by the 1950 Detroit Red Wings, 1997 Red Wings, 2012 New Jersey Devils … and 2020 Stars.
By blanking the Stars in Game 2, Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner recorded a shutout in his first three wins of a postseason, the ninth goaltender to pull off that feat. The previous eight: Marty Turco in (2007, Stars), Nikolai Khabibulin (2004, Tampa Bay Lightning), Ed Belfour (2004, Toronto Maple Leafs), Patrick Lalime (2002, Ottawa Senators), Brent Johnson (2002, St. Louis Blues), Martin Brodeur (1995, Devils), Turk Broda (1950, Maple Leafs), Dave Kerr (1940, New York Rangers)
Leon Draisaitl and McDavid are the fourth set of teammates in the past 25 years with 20 points in consecutive postseasons, joining Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins, 2008-09), Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel (Penguins, 2017-18) as well as Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point (Lightning, 2020-2021). The Penguins won the Cup in two of those seasons (2009, 2017), while the Lightning won in both 2020 and 2021.
Edmonton defenseman Evan Bouchard registered his 23rd career multipoint playoff game, all in the last four seasons. This is the most in a four-postseason span by a defenseman in Stanley Cup playoffs history — the old record was 22, by current Oilers assistant coach Paul Coffey.
Stars winger Mikko Rantanen failed to score a goal for the fifth consecutive game after scoring nine in a previous six-game span this postseason. The five-game goalless drought is Rantanen’s second-longest streak in his tenure with Dallas, behind a seven-game streak from March 14-26. Rantanen has one goal in seven games vs. the Oilers this season (two with Colorado, one with Carolina, four with Dallas).
Heading into Game 3, Miro Heiskanen has 13 career multipoint games in the playoffs, tied with Sergei Zubov for the most by a defenseman in North Stars/Stars franchise history.
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger is climbing the leaderboard for playoff wins by a U.S.-born netminder. His 32 are tied for fourth with Jon Casey and Frank Brimsek, behind Tom Barrasso (61), Jonathan Quick (49) and Mike Richter (41).
Scoring leaders
GP: 13 | G: 6 | A: 14
GP: 15 | G: 9 | A: 11
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Jorge Castillo
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Jorge Castillo
ESPN Staff Writer
- ESPN baseball reporter. Covered the Washington Wizards from 2014 to 2016 and the Washington Nationals from 2016 to 2018 for The Washington Post before covering the Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB for the Los Angeles Times from 2018 to 2024.
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Alden Gonzalez
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Alden Gonzalez
ESPN Staff Writer
- ESPN baseball reporter. Covered the L.A. Rams for ESPN from 2016 to 2018 and the L.A. Angels for MLB.com from 2012 to 2016.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are about to see a whole lot of each other.
The defending World Series champions and the team they beat to win the National League pennant last fall play three games this weekend at Citi Field and four games at Dodger Stadium starting June 2. For those of you scoring at home, that’s seven matchups in a span of 14 days.
Both teams enter Friday’s opener in back-and-forth battles for first place in their respective divisions. How will their head-to-head play dictate the state of the NL East and West? Will they clash again come October? And who has the edge — both for now and if/when they cross paths in the playoffs?
ESPN MLB writers Jorge Castillo (based in New York) and Alden Gonzalez (based in Los Angeles) answer a few key questions about the Mets and Dodgers.
What has stood out most to you about each team’s strong start to the season?
Castillo: The starting rotation was identified as the Mets’ weakness before the season, especially after Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas sustained injuries during spring training. That has not been the case so far. Instead, the Mets own the best rotation ERA in the majors with a quintet of Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning toeing the rubber. The group has stumbled recently, and its innings total ranks in the bottom half of the majors. But the collective performance has allowed the Mets to overcome slow starts from various position players — most notably, Juan Soto.
Gonzalez: The emergence of three young players in particular: Dalton Rushing, Hyeseong Kim and Andy Pages. Rushing, the team’s most promising prospect outside of Roki Sasaki, torched Triple-A and prompted the Dodgers to cut ties with their longtime backup catcher, Austin Barnes. Kim, signed out of South Korea last offseason, did the same, then performed so well in the majors the Dodgers swallowed the remaining $13 million or so in Chris Taylor’s contract. Pages, meanwhile, went from being uncertain if he’d crack the Opening Day roster to establishing himself as an everyday player.
Their success underscores what has made the Dodgers the Dodgers: No matter how bloated their payroll, how poor their draft position or how often they trade prospects for veterans, they always seem to have that next wave coming.
Despite all the positives so far, what is your biggest concern about each team?
Castillo: Regression seems inevitable for the Mets’ starting rotation (unless it’s going to maintain an ERA under 3 all season). Add that to the recent bullpen injuries — namely losing A.J. Minter for the season — and the defense’s troubles, and run prevention could become a bigger issue for the Mets as the season progresses. Defensive lapses were apparent during last weekend’s Subway Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, when Mark Vientos made two errors that cost runs and Pete Alonso’s errant throw allowed the go-ahead run to score in the finale. Francisco Lindor, a perennial Gold Glove contender, hasn’t been himself at shortstop, and the corner outfield spots are below average. It’s a recipe that would call for more offense.
Gonzalez: When the Dodgers concluded their fourth homestand of the season earlier this week, 14 pitchers resided on their injured list — seven in the rotation, seven in the bullpen. Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Sasaki are all nursing shoulder injuries with nebulous timetables, severely compromising the rotation and forcing the bullpen to lead the majors in innings. That bullpen, meanwhile, is without four critical high-leverage options in Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen and Kirby Yates, leaving Dodgers manager Dave Roberts with few, if any, trusted right-handed options to hold leads late. Dodgers pitchers continue to get hurt at an alarming rate. And not even this team can overcome that rate of injury.
Who is one x-factor who could make or break each team’s season?
Castillo: Soto, by most standards, is not having a bad season at the plate. Many players would gladly take an OPS over .800. But he signed a $765 million contract to be one of the best hitters in the sport, and he’s been far from one of those. If Soto can unlock his usual form, and there’s nothing in his track record to suggest he won’t, the Mets’ lineup becomes a different animal. Soto, at his best, makes hitters around him better. He works pitchers. He shuffles and he swaggers. The Mets haven’t seen that version yet. The body language isn’t quite right and the production isn’t there. That’ll need to change for them to become legitimate pennant contenders in a loaded National League.
Gonzalez: Shohei Ohtani has been just as much an offensive force as he was last year, when he became the first full-time designated hitter to collect an MVP Award. But there’s a whole other half waiting to be unlocked. Ohtani is going through his pitching progression slowly. At this point it doesn’t seem as if he’ll join the rotation until sometime in July at the earliest — 22 months after his second UCL repair. The Dodgers backed him off his progression ahead of the season opener, they say, in hopes of not wearing him out and providing him with the best chance of being a factor in October. If he looks anything like he did on the mound from 2021 to 2023, he will be.
Who has tougher competition to win their division: The Mets in the NL East or the Dodgers in the NL West?
Castillo: The NL West has more playoff contenders (four to three), but the quality of competition in the NL East is better. The Philadelphia Phillies, the defending division champs, arguably have the best starting rotation in the majors with an experienced lineup that has been through it all. And the Atlanta Braves are back on track, reaching .500 after their ugly 0-7 start to the season, without much contribution from their two best players. Spencer Strider, activated from the injured list this week, has made only two starts. Ronald Acuna Jr. hasn’t played in a game yet. All three teams are real October threats.
Gonzalez: It’s the NL West, because that fourth legitimate playoff contender could end up making a big difference in a tight race. The Mets still have a combined 16 games remaining against the rebuilding Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins. The Dodgers can only beat up on the Colorado Rockies, who they’ll face 10 more times. And while the Phillies are great and the Braves are more dangerous than their record indicates, one can make a case for the San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants all being just as good, if not better. Of even more relevance is what the Dodgers will face in the ensuing weeks — 26 straight games against teams with a winning record, with the last 10 coming against division rivals.
These teams play seven times in the next 14 days. Give us your prediction for the series and the stars.
Castillo: This is shaping up to be a battle between a struggling pitching staff (Dodgers) and a struggling offense (Mets). Let’s go with Dodgers 4, Mets 3, because the Dodgers have one more home game. The Dodgers’ big three of Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman will power them to a season series victory.
Gonzalez: Betts got off to a slow start offensively, but he recently unlocked something in his swing and has started to round back into form of late. He’ll put his imprint on these matchups, but the Mets will win most of the games for a simple reason: On days when Yoshinobu Yamamoto does not pitch, the Dodgers don’t really know what they’ll get from their starting pitchers.
Which pitching rotation will be better come October: The Dodgers’ star-studded but oft-injured group or the Mets’ currently producing but lesser-known starters?
Castillo: It’s not even Memorial Day. These rotations could look completely different come October. But, for now, I’ll take the Dodgers. They’re bound to have at least a few of those star pitchers healthy for the postseason. If not, something went terribly, terribly wrong.
Gonzalez: The Dodgers’ priority this offseason wasn’t Soto. It was Snell. They chased him early and lavished him with $182 million because they knew pairing Snell with Glasnow and Yamamoto would give them a devastating trio for October. If those three are available then, I’m taking the Dodgers. But there’s no telling if that will be the case.
If these teams earn a rematch of the 2024 NLCS this October, who are you taking and why?
Castillo: Assuming health, the Dodgers because they’re better in every department.
Gonzalez: The Mets played the Dodgers tough last year, then signed the new Ted Williams. The Dodgers beat them despite a shorthanded rotation, then added arguably the two most coveted starting pitchers in Snell and Sasaki. Now the Mets and Dodgers are separated by one game, with near-identical run differentials. More than four months of the regular season remain. I plead the Fifth.
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