Ohio State won the national championship.

Ohio State had the most talented roster in the country.

The first is a fact. The second is, technically, an opinion — one shared by everyone on ESPN’s committee selecting the top 100 players of the 2024-25 season — but it’d be tough to come up with a compelling argument for someone else.

(ESPN’s selection committee included Bill Connelly, David Hale, Chris Low, Max Olson, Adam Rittenberg and Paolo Uggetti.)

Indeed, 10% of our top 100 list is Buckeyes, and that is probably too conservative a judgement of Ohio State’s roster. Our list doesn’t include Quinshon Judkins, despite his 121 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns in the national title game. It doesn’t include Cody Simon or Sonny Styles, who both had more than 100 tackles this season, or Denzel Burke, who was one of the better DBs in the country, and it includes just one member of an offensive line that owned the postseason.

But ranking the top 100 players is no easy task, and frankly, we had to make some room for the rest of the country.

So Ohio State carved out a huge chunk of real estate, with Jeremiah Smith, Will Howard and Jack Sawyer among the players who used the playoff to climb the list, but the 90 other slots included a plethora of big names (17 quarterbacks) and lesser-known players who had impressive seasons (11 Group of 5 players). We prioritized players who proved their greatness over the full season, which meant some tough injury-related cuts such as Will Johnson and Benjamin Morrison, as well as shunning some clear-cut NFL prospects, such as Luther Burden III and Mykel Williams, who just didn’t put up the numbers in 2024 to warrant inclusion.

The result is a celebration of some of the most exciting players (Cam Ward and Travis Hunter), up-and-coming stars (Smith, Colin Simmons) and under-the-radar talents (Shaun Dolac, Desmond Reid). Read on and remember that if someone deserving didn’t make the cut, it’s Ohio State’s fault.

— David Hale

Jump to: 100-76 | 75-51 | 50-26 | 25-1

LB, Clemson, Senior
Stats: 42 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10.5 TFLs
Preseason ranking: 15

Carter was Clemson’s most versatile defender and defensive leader in 2024. He finished with 82 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss and 8 QB hurries. Carter excelled as a pass rusher (13 pressures), a run defender (11 tackles for a loss or no gain on runs) and in pass defense, breaking up nine passes on 388 snaps in coverage. He finished his four-year stint at Clemson as one of the school’s most prolific defenders, racking up 231 career tackles. — Hale

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WR, Ole Miss, Senior
Stats: 60 receptions, 1,030 yards, 7 TDs
Preseason ranking: 38

Harris was limited by a lingering groin injury this season, but when healthy, he was one of the most dynamic receivers in college football. The 6-3, 210-pound senior played in just eight games but still managed to lead Ole Miss with 60 catches and 1,030 receiving yards. Harris became just the sixth Ole Miss receiver in history to have 1,000 receiving yards in a season. — Chris Low

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OG, North Carolina, Senior
Stats: Allowed 3 pressures in 816 snaps, 4 blown run blocks
Preseason ranking: NR

The winner of the ACC’s top blocking award, Lampkin hardly looks the part of a star in the trenches, but he plays like a giant. Lampkin — 5-11, 290 pounds — arrived at UNC as a transfer from Coastal Carolina, and former head coach Mack Brown even admitted he doubted Lampkin could hold up against the bigger, stronger competition in the ACC. Not only did Lampkin hold his own, he thrived. Over 816 snaps at right guard, Lampkin allowed just three pressures and had just four blown run blocks, paving the way for a UNC offense that rushed for 182 yards per game and helped Omarion Hampton to become a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. — Hale

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OT, Minnesota, Senior
Stats: 2% pressure percentage, 5th best among Big Ten OTs, min. 400 snaps
Preseason ranking: 59

There’s a reason Ersery is projected to be a potential first-round draft pick. Though there wasn’t much flashy about him or Minnesota this season, the Gophers’ offensive tackle was a reliable force all season long. At 6-6 and 330 pounds, Ersery’s mobility and ability to eliminate defenders, made him an easy All-Big Ten first team choice. — Paolo Uggetti

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WR, Louisville, Senior
Stats: 61 receptions, 1,013 yards, 9 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Brooks arrived as a transfer from Alabama and immediately became Louisville’s most dangerous player in the passing game. He caught at least four passes for at least 70 yards in nine of his first 10 games, and he finished the year with 61 catches for 1,013 yards despite missing the bulk of the Cards’ final three contests. He was a big-play threat, with nine catches on throws 20 yards or more downfield, but also a physical runner who racked up the 11th-most yards after contact of any receiver in the country. — Hale

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RB, Auburn, Senior
Stats: 187 carries, 1,201 yards, 8 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Hunter finished his career fourth all time among Auburn’s rushing leaders with 3,371 yards. The 5-10, 209-pound senior had a career-best 1,201 yards this season, which ranked second among all SEC players. Hunter rushed for 278 yards, the most by any FBS player on the season, in a 24-10 win over Kentucky on Oct. 27. He had 214 of those yards in the second half, which was a school record. — Low

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RB, Pitt, Junior
Stats: 184 carries, 966 yards, 5 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

At 5-7, Reid was often dwarfed by the defenders tasked with bringing him down, but more often than not, he made them look foolish trying. Few players were as elusive in 2024, and few made a bigger all-around impact. Reid finished with 966 rushing yards, 579 receiving yards and 159 punt return yards, notching 10 total touchdowns — including at least one each rushing, receiving and on returns. How unlikely is that stat line? In the past 20 years, former Clemson great C.J. Spiller is the only other FBS player with a 900/500/150 yardage split and a touchdown in each category in the same season. — Hale

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S, Texas, Senior
Stats: 41 solo tackles, 1 FF, 5 INTs, 6 PDs
Preseason ranking: NR

A Clemson transfer who helped Texas improve from 116th in pass defense in 2023 to first in the regular season this year, he was a physical player whose big hits stopped runners cold. His interception in the second overtime against Arizona State clinched a CFP quarterfinal win for the Longhorns. He had career highs in every major category this year despite missing a game with injury, with 69 tackles, 11 passes defensed and 5 interceptions, which tied teammate Jahdae Barron for the SEC lead. — Dave Wilson

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C, Florida, Junior
Stats: Played 800 snaps, pass-block grade of 83.9
Preseason ranking: NR

Florida’s offensive line improved steadily toward the latter part of the 2024 season when the Gators won their past four games, and Slaughter’s play in the interior of that line was a big reason why. A redshirt junior, Slaughter announced that he would return for the 2025 season after allowing just one sack and one quarterback hit this past season, according to Pro Football Focus. — Low

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QB, Texas, Junior
Stats: 3,472 yards, 31 TDs, 12 INTs
Preseason ranking: 23

Ewers threw for 3,472 yards and 32 touchdowns to 12 interceptions this year, and he was the only quarterback in the country to lead his team to the CFP for the second straight year. He completed 65.8% of his passes. He averaged 241 passing yards per game, but 291 over the Longhorns’ four postseason games, including 358 against Georgia in the SEC championship game. — Wilson

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RB, Texas Tech, Junior
Stats: 286 carries, 1,505 yards, 17 TDs
Preseason ranking: 37

Brooks became Texas Tech’s all-time leading rusher (4,557) this season and was the only Power 4 running back to top 100 yards in every game he played in this year, finishing with 1,505 yards in 11 games. He was second in the Big 12 in rushing to UCF’s RJ Harvey and fifth in the FBS. Brooks scored 17 touchdowns, including three scores in three different games, including the regular-season finale against West Virginia when he had 188 rushing yards. His 23 career 100-yard games are the most in school history and fourth in Big 12 history behind Cedric Benson, Darren Sproles and Ricky Williams. — Wilson

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WR, Arizona State, Sophomore
Stats: 75 receptions, 1,101 yards, 10 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

After an injury sidelined him for most of the 2023 season, Tyson returned to earn third-team AP All-America honors for the Sun Devils. He caught 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he was unavailable for ASU’s CFP quarterfinal game against Texas. — Kyle Bonagura

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DT, Michigan, Junior
Stats: 18 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 5 PDs
Preseason ranking: 75

Grant teamed up with All-American Mason Graham to give Michigan the top defensive tackle combination in college football. He led Michigan with two fumble recoveries and ranked second on the team with five pass breakups, while adding 3 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss and 3 quarterback hurries. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and third-team AP All-America honors, and he had four tackles and a tackle for loss in Michigan’s 13-10 upset win over rival Ohio State on Nov. 30. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. lists Grant as the No. 19 overall prospect for the upcoming draft and the No. 4 draft-eligible defensive tackle prospect. — Jake Trotter

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RB, Jacksonville State, Senior
Stats: 279 carries, 1,639 yards, 25 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Stewart thrived in Rich Rodriguez’s offense this season, totaling 1,638 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground. He’s just the ninth player in the playoff era to top 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns rushing in a season, joining the likes of Derrick Henry, James Conner and Melvin Gordon. Stewart had eight multi-touchdown games, eclipsed 200 yards on the ground three times and finished with the seventh-most rushing attempts in the country, despite getting just eight carries in the first two games of the season. — Hale

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LB, Pitt, Sophomore
Stats: 45 solo tackles, 7 sacks, 1 FF, 4 PDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Arguably the most versatile linebacker in the country in 2024, Louis did it all for Pitt. Louis racked up 105 tackles, picked off four passes, forced a fumble, and had 15.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 27 pressures and 9 QB hurries. Louis and Utah’s Devin Lloyd, a 2021 consensus All-American, are the only two defenders in the past 10 years to rack up 100 tackles, 4 interceptions and 7 sacks in the same season. — Hale

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WR, Maryland, Senior
Stats: 96 receptions, 1,124 yards, 9 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

On a team with mediocre QB play, Felton still managed to become one of the most reliable receivers in the country. He finished the season with 1,124 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns and 96 catches, tying Travis Hunter for the fourth most in college football. Felton had five 100-yard games and six games with at least nine catches. Felton racked up the fourth-most yards-after-catch in the country among wide receivers, and his 56 catches for a first down ranked third among wideouts. — Hale

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QB, Navy, Junior
Stats: 1,353 yards, 13 TDs, 4 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

The centerpiece to Navy’s offense in 2024, Horvath was a revelation. He was typically great in the option offense, rushing for 1,246 yards and 17 touchdowns, but he excelled as a passer, too, throwing for 1,353 yards and 13 scores with just four interceptions. — Hale

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RB, Ohio State, Senior
Stats: 144 carries, 1,016 yards, 10 TDs
Preseason ranking: 35

Despite splitting carries with Quinshon Judkins, Henderson had a huge senior season. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry, which leads all Power 4 running backs. Henderson also saved one of the best stretches of his career for Ohio State’s playoff run, totaling five touchdowns. He rushed for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns. Has also added 284 receiving yards on 27 receptions and another touchdown. — Trotter

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C, Ohio State, Senior
Stats: 0.90% blown-block rate
Preseason ranking: NR

Though he missed Ohio State’s last two regular-season games with a ruptured Achilles tendon, McLaughlin was named a consensus All-American and won the Rimington Trophy, given to the most outstanding center in college football. McLaughlin, who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama, became the fourth Ohio State center to win the Rimington. He anchored an offense up front that ranked second in the Big Ten with 37.2 points per game. — Trotter

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DE, Oregon, Sophomore
Stats: 24 solo tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 FFs, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: NR

The flashes that Uiagalelei showed in his freshman season turned into him filling a major role on the Ducks’ defense during this year. The sophomore from California made his presence felt nearly every time he saw the field, wreaking havoc on quarterbacks, forcing turnovers and helping Oregon’s defense hold its own in the Big Ten. — Uggetti

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RB, Penn State, Senior
Stats: 172 carries, 1,099 yards, 12 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Alongside Kaytron Allen, Singleton powered one of the top running back duos in college football. He ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 3.69 yards per carry after contact. He led the league among running backs with 375 receiving yards on 41 receptions. Though Penn State came up short in the Capital One Orange Bowl playoff semifinal, Singleton ended the year with 84 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to Notre Dame. In total, he rushed for 1,099 yards with 12 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. — Trotter

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WR, Iowa State, Senior
Stats: 87 receptions, 1,183 yards, 9 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Higgins was a third-team AP All-American after his performance for the Cyclones this season. He had 87 catches for 1,183 receiving yards, fourth most in the nation this season, along with nine touchdowns. He and teammate Jaylin Noel were the only pair nationally to each top 1,000 yards receiving. He had nine catches for 155 yards and a TD against Utah, one of his five 100-yard games this year. — Wilson

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WR, Ohio State, Senior
Stats: 81 receptions, 1,011 yards, 10 TDs
Preseason ranking: 28

Though often overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith, Egbuka has delivered a terrific final season in Columbus. A team captain, he posted a career-best 81 receptions to go along with 1,011 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. In the playoffs, he led the Buckeyes with 21 receptions, catching at least five passes in each of Ohio State’s four playoff wins to win the national championship. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Egbuka as the No. 4 receiver prospect in the upcoming NFL draft. — Trotter

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WR, Washington State, Senior
Stats: 70 receptions, 1,189 yards, 14 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Williams turned in a monster final season for Washington State, catching 70 passes for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns. It was the most prolific of his five-year career in which he finished with 248 catches with 3,608 yards and 29 touchdowns. — Bonagura

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QB, Notre Dame, Senior
Stats: 2,861 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs
Preseason ranking: 82

After three offseason surgeries, Leonard started slowly in his 2024 campaign; three games into the season, he still hadn’t thrown a touchdown pass. But when things clicked for Leonard, it changed everything for Notre Dame. Leonard sparked the passing game, ran with an edge that few other QBs could rival, and Notre Dame began blowing out most opponents en route to a national title game appearance. Leonard’s true impact, however, is hard to capture with just numbers. His desire to win showed up routinely in big runs through defenders or must-have throws when the game was on the line, and that helped Notre Dame to its best season in more than 30 years. — Hale

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LB, UNLV, Senior
Stats: 69 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

Woodard raised his game this fall, earning All-America honors and leading his team in solo tackles, assisted tackles, tackles against the run, tackles for loss, run stops, fumble recoveries and even pass breakups. Nationally, he ranked fourth in tackles (135) and tied for ninth in tackles for loss (17, behind only Shaun Dolac among linebackers). He also improved his tackle success rate from 85% to 92% this fall. — Bill Connelly

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WR, Texas, Junior
Stats: 58 receptions, 987 yards, 9 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Golden transferred to Texas after Dana Holgorsen was fired at Houston, and he became Texas’ most important receiver this season, including grabbing eight catches for 162 yards in the SEC championship game loss to Georgia. On the season, he finished with 58 catches for 982 yards and nine TDs, including a 28-yard touchdown on 4th-and-13 against Arizona State in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl to force a second overtime. — Wilson

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LB, Indiana, Junior
Stats: 49 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 PDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Fisher played a key role in Indiana’s remarkable turnaround. Fisher earned first-team All-Big Ten honors for the Hoosiers, as Indiana ranked second in the league in defensive EPA (expected points added), trailing only Ohio State. He had 14 tackles in Indiana’s 20-15 win over Michigan on Nov. 9, as the Hoosiers reached 10 wins for the first time in school history. He ranked third in the Big Ten with 118 tackles. — Trotter

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DE, Texas A&M, Junior
Stats: 27 solo tackles, 5 sacks, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: 29

In his one season at Texas A&M after transferring from Purdue, Scourton led the Aggies with 14 tackles for loss and five quarterback sacks. He had 10 of his tackles for loss against SEC opponents, which ranked second in the league. The 6-4, 280-pound Scourton was a second-team Walter Camp All-America selection and finalist for the Lott IMPACT Award. — Low

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WR, Alabama, Freshman
Stats: 48 receptions, 865 yards, 8 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Williams had an electrifying start to his true freshman season with six of his 10 touchdowns (eight receiving and two rushing) coming in his first five games, including the game winner against Georgia on a highlight-reel 75-yard play. The 6-foot, 175-pound Williams was a second-team All-American by the AFCA and unanimous Freshman All-American. He averaged 18 yards per catch. — Low

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RB, UCF, Senior
Stats: 232 carries, 1,577 yards, 22 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Harvey wrapped up a brilliant UCF career with 1,577 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns in 2024. He finished his career with 3,792 yards rushing, 720 yards receiving and 47 touchdowns, to leave as one of the best players in school history. — Bonagura

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QB, Vanderbilt, Senior
Stats: 2,293 yards, 20 TDs, 4 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

One of the SEC’s most entertaining and impactful newcomers, Pavia helped guide Vanderbilt to its first winning season in 11 years. He energized Vanderbilt’s entire team after playing two seasons at New Mexico State and earned second-team All-SEC honors from the AP in his first season in the league. The 6-foot, 207-pound senior was granted an injunction by a judge after starting his career in junior college, which will allow him to return for the 2025 season. — Low

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LB, Notre Dame, Senior
Stats: 55 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 5 FFs
Preseason ranking: NR

Notre Dame’s all-time leader in games played and a longtime special teams standout, Kiser finally became a full-time starter in 2024 and thrived, leading the team in tackles, tackles against the run and forced fumbles. He lines up at ILB and OLB and sometimes in the slot, and he raised his coverage game in 2024 as well. His 90 tackles and 55 solo tackles were both career highs. — Connelly

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DE, Boise State, Senior
Stats: 28 solo tackles, 9.5 sacks
Preseason ranking: NR

Though Jeanty gathered plenty of the shine for the Broncos this season, what Hassanein did on the defensive side of the ball should not go unnoticed. The senior built upon his breakout junior season and was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line alongside Jayden Virgin-Morgan. — Uggetti

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S, South Carolina, Junior
Stats: 57 solo tackles, 4 INTs, 2 PDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Emmanwori was the leader in total tackles (88) on a South Carolina defense that finished 14th nationally in yards per play allowed (4.84). The 6-3, 227-pound junior was named a first-team All-American by the AP and Sporting News and was a three-year starter for the Gamecocks. He was a unanimous first-team All-SEC selection and declared for the NFL draft after the Gamecocks’ bowl loss to Illinois. — Low

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QB, South Carolina, Freshman
Stats: 2,534 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

Sellers capped a stellar first year as South Carolina’s starting quarterback with a sensational performance in a 17-14 road win over rival Clemson in the regular-season finale. His 20-yard touchdown run with 1:08 to play won it for the Gamecocks. The 6-3, 242-pound redshirt freshman finished with 3,208 yards in total offense and accounted for 25 touchdowns (18 passing and seven rushing). — Low

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LB, Iowa, Senior
Stats: 53 solo tackles, 1 sack, 2 FFs, 4 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

Higgins earned unanimous All-American honors and was named the Big Ten’s Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year. He finished second in the league with 120 tackles and four interceptions — no player in college football had more than 100 tackles with four picks. He topped the Big Ten with 120 tackles and a tackling rate of 92.3%. He also led the Hawkeyes with four interceptions and two forced fumbles. — Trotter

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QB, Penn State, Junior
Stats: 3,327 yards, 24 TDs, 8 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

Allar took a big step in his second season as Penn State’s starter and first under coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, who opened up the downfield passing game. The junior had 51 completions of 20 yards or more, up from 28 in 2023, and maintained his accuracy, completing 71.6% of his passes during the regular season and reaching 65% in all but two games. Allar’s 62.9 career completion percentage is first all time at Penn State, and he had multiple touchdown passes in seven games this past season. He must take the next step against elite Power 4 competition but will enter 2025 as one of the nation’s more accomplished QBs. His 3,327 passing yards rank third in Penn State single-season history. — Adam Rittenberg

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DT, Notre Dame, Senior
Stats: 19 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks
Preseason ranking: NR

A five-year contributor from Lake Forest, Ill., Mills has been a steady star for three seasons. He helped to see the Fighting Irish through a run of injuries in 2024 and might have been the best player on the field in their first-round win over Indiana before suffering a season-ending injury of his own. More than a quarter of his tackles were at or behind the line in 2024. He had a team-best 7.5 sacks and 24 pressures this season (both career highs) despite lining up almost exclusively as a defensive tackle. — Connelly

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OT, Oregon, Junior
Stats: 1.5% pressure pct., best among Big Ten OTs, min. 400 snaps
Preseason ranking: NR

Oregon’s offensive line got off to a rocky start this season, but once it found the right combination of players, the unit turned into one of the best in the country with the way it protected Dillon Gabriel, and it was anchored by Conerly. The left tackle from Seattle will surely be playing on Sundays in the near future. — Uggetti

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S, Ohio State, Junior
Stats: 46 solo tackles, 3 FFs, 1 INT, 2 PDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Despite being overshadowed by fellow safety Caleb Downs, Ransom earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. He also had one of the biggest plays in Ohio State’s semifinal win over Texas. On second-and-goal from the Ohio State 1-yard line, he dropped Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner for a 7-yard loss. That set the table for Jack Sawyer’s game-clinching forced fumble he returned for a touchdown. Ransom ranks fourth on the Buckeyes with 72 tackles to go along with a sack, an interception and two pass deflections. — Trotter

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WR, UNLV, Senior
Stats: 79 receptions, 1,041 yards, 11 TDs
Preseason ranking: 79

After a slow start following his All-American campaign in 2023, White showed out once again, recording five 100-yard games and spearheading UNLV’s second straight MWC championship game appearance. He recorded his second straight 1,000-yard season, thanks in part to a three-week binge of 400 yards and five touchdowns against Fresno State, Syracuse and Utah State. And his 2,524 combined receiving yards in 2023-24 rank second to only Tetairoa McMillan. — Connelly

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QB, Arizona State, Freshman
Stats: 2,885 yards, 24 TDs, 6 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

The Michigan State transfer was a revelation in Tempe, where — with his arm and his legs — he helped guide the Sun Devils to the Big 12 title. With Leavitt in the lineup, ASU won 11 of its first 12 games before a double-overtime loss to Texas in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. He threw 24 touchdown passes and scored five on the ground. — Bonagura

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QB, Ohio State, Senior
Stats: 4,010 yards, 35 TDs, 10 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

Howard saved the best stretch of his career for Ohio State’s playoff run. He has posted a QBR of 96.4 in the Buckeyes’ four playoff games, easily the best mark of any playoff passer. Howard has also brought an edge to the Buckeyes, with teammate Jack Sawyer calling him the “most resilient guy” he has ever met. Howard ranks second with a QBR of 89.6, trailing only Heisman finalist and potential No. 1 NFL draft pick, Cam Ward of Miami. Howard passed for 4,010 passing yards, 35 TDs with 10 INTs while completing 73.1% of his passes. He has also rushed for seven touchdowns. — Trotter

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TE, Michigan, Junior
Stats: 56 receptions, 582 yards, 5 TDs
Preseason ranking: 26

Loveland sat out Michigan’s thrilling victories over USC and later Ohio State with injuries, but he still had a productive final season in Ann Arbor. Loveland ranked sixth among FBS tight ends with 58.2 receiving yards per game and led the Wolverines with 56 receptions for 582 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. lists Loveland as the No. 2 draft-eligible tight end and No. 21 overall player for the upcoming draft. — Trotter

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DE, Indiana, Junior
Stats: 19 solo tackles, 10 sacks, 2 FFs
Preseason ranking: NR

Kamara’s success in Bloomington didn’t come as a huge surprise. A second-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2023, Kamara showed he not only could perform but also excel in the Big Ten, earning first-team all-league honors and becoming Indiana’s first AP All-America selection in a decade. His 10 sacks marked Indiana’s most since 2008, and he ranked in the top 15 nationally in both sacks and tackles for loss (15), while also recording team highs in quarterback hurries (6) and fumbles recovered (3). — Rittenberg

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LB, Oklahoma, Senior
Stats: 44 solo tackles, 1 sack, 8 PDs
Preseason ranking: 32

Stutsman was the leader of an Oklahoma defense that was much improved this past season, climbing from 79th in total defense (389.4 yards) in the FBS in 2023 to 19th (318.2). The senior from Windermere, Florida, ranked fourth in the SEC with 9.1 tackles per game and sixth with 110 stops overall. In three seasons, Stutsman had 376 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 8 sacks and 3 interceptions. In 2024, Stutsman had 16 stops in a 35-9 loss to South Carolina and a career-high 19 tackles in a 30-23 loss at Missouri. — Mark Schlabach

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QB, Clemson, Junior
Stats: 3,639 yards, 36 TDs, 6 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

After an uneven first two seasons at Clemson, Klubnik finally put it all together in 2024 and emerged as one of the best QBs in the country. Klubnik topped 4,000 yards of total offense and racked up 43 touchdowns while throwing just six interceptions all season. His finish to 2024, however, might be the biggest reason for optimism moving forward. In his last three games, all vs. top-15 teams, he completed 62% of his throws for 878 yards with nine touchdowns. Klubnik likely enters 2025 as one of the favorites for the Heisman trophy. — Hale

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OT, West Virginia, Senior
Stats: 0 QB hurries allowed, 0 sacks allowed in 34 of last 36 games
Preseason ranking: NR

Milum was named to multiple first-team All-America teams to become the 14th consensus All-American in West Virginia history. He did not allow a sack in 34 of his last 36 games, according to the school, and did not a allow a quarterback hurry in 2024. — Bonagura

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CB, Indiana, Senior
Stats: 35 solo tackles, 3 INTs, 9 PDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Ponds was among the James Madison transfers who joined coach Curt Cignetti at Indiana, and he made an immediate impact there. He helped the Hoosiers rank No. 6 nationally in points allowed and No. 12 in pass efficiency defense, while earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. His 67-yard pick-six against Washington, with ESPN’s “College GameDay” in town, was among the more memorable plays of Indiana’s season. Ponds led the team in pass breakups (9) and finished second on the team in interceptions (3). He also blocked a punt at Michigan State that led to a Hoosiers safety. — Rittenberg

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WR, Miami, Senior
Stats: 69 rec, 1,127 yards, 11 TDs
Preseason ranking: 66

At a school that has produced the likes of Michael Irvin, Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson, holding the all-time record for receiving yards is an impressive feat. That’s exactly what Restrepo accomplished in 2924, adding 1,127 yards to his career tally to finish with 2,573 — most in program history. Restrepo was the go-to target for Cam Ward, and he finished with 69 catches and 11 touchdowns — one of just three Power 4 receivers to tally a 60/1,100/11 line alongside Travis Hunter and Jeremiah Smith. — Hale

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RB, SMU, Senior
Stats: 235 carries, 1,332 yards, 14 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

An underused receiver at Miami, Smith hit the transfer portal after 2023 in search of a fresh start. He found it with his former offensive coordinator — and current SMU head coach — Rhett Lashlee, who envisioned Smith as a tailback. The transition proved a stroke of brilliance, and Smith blossomed in the role, becoming one of the most explosive runners in the country. He had 10 games in 2024 in which he racked up at least 96 yards from scrimmage, and for the year, his 1,332 rushing yards ranked 15th nationally, his 1,659 scrimmage yards was ninth and his 18 scrimmage touchdowns ranked 13th. — Hale

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LB, Alabama, Junior
Stats: 55 solo tackles, 5 sacks, 2 FFs, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: NR

At 21 years old, Campbell is still developing as an off-the-ball linebacker. He made quite an impact for the Crimson Tide this past season, leading the team with 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. He also added 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. Campbell was at his best in the Tide’s 42-13 victory at LSU on Nov. 9, piling up 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. — Schlabach

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OG, Alabama, Junior
Stats: 87 knockdown blocks, 0 sacks allowed
Preseason ranking: 31

Alabama fans couldn’t blame Booker for the Crimson Tide’s struggles on offense this past season. He recorded a team-high 87 knockdown blocks and didn’t allow a sack in 715 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he surrendered only seven hurries and nine pressures. Booker, from New Haven, Connecticut, didn’t grade out below 89 this past season, per Alabama’s coaching staff. The physical run blocker gave up only one sack and nine pressures in his three seasons in Tuscaloosa. — Schlabach

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DE, Clemson, Sophomore
Stats: 34 solo tackles, 11 sacks, 6 FFs
Preseason ranking: NR

As good as any defender in the country over the second half of the season, Parker utterly dominated Clemson’s last six games on the D-line, in which he racked up 6 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles. For the season, Parker ranked third in the ACC in sacks (11), second in TFLs (19.5) and second nationally in forced fumbles with six. He did all of that despite Clemson’s defensive line turning in its worst season overall in more than a decade. Expect even bigger things in 2025 as the Tigers reload upfront, building around Parker and fellow D-lineman Peter Woods. — Hale

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CB, Tennessee, Sophomore
Stats: 26 solo tackles, 4 INTs, 7 PDs
Preseason ranking: NR

McCoy was a welcome addition for Tennessee’s defense after playing at Oregon State as a freshman in 2023. With McCoy locking down his side of the field, the Volunteers improved from 64th in the FBS in pass defense (221.5 yards) in 2023 to 29th (189.3) this past season. McCoy’s 13 passes defended were the most by a Vols defensive back since 2021, and his SEC-leading four interceptions were the most since 2019. Three of his four picks came inside the Tennessee 3-yard line. According to PFF, his 90.3 coverage grade ranked second in the SEC and fifth among FBS cornerbacks. — Schlabach

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DE, Virginia Tech, Senior
Stats: 29 solo tackles, 16 sacks, 3 FFs
Preseason ranking: NR

Powell-Ryland finished just a half-sack shy of Donovan Ezeiruaku’s Power 4 lead, but when he was on his game, there might not have been a better pass rusher in the country. Powell-Ryland had three different games with at least three sacks each — vs. Old Dominion, Boston College and Virginia — something no power conference defender had done since Missouri’s Michael Sam in 2013. Powell-Ryland’s 15.1% pressure rate ranked in the top 10 among Power 4 defenders, and he added three forced fumbles and a blocked punt for good measure. — Hale

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CB, Cal, Senior
Stats: 33 solo tackles, 1 FF, 7 INTs, 8 PDs
Preseason ranking: NR

The nation’s leader in interceptions with seven, Williams was the star of a Cal defense that was among the most underrated units in the country in 2024. Williams allowed completions on just 42.6% of his targets, and he posted an opponent QBR of just 27.5. His first half of the season was otherworldly, with interceptions in five of his first six games, and though he cooled in the second half as QBs shied away from him, his 16 passes defended led all Power 4 players. — Hale

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LB, Buffalo, Senior
Stats: 81 solo tackles, 6 sacks, 5 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

After ranking second nationally in tackles in 2022 (147), Dolac returned from a 2023 injury to top himself. He led all of FBS with 168 tackles. Buffalo’s entire defense was designed to leverage ball carriers toward its linebackers, and Dolac vacuumed up nearly every tackle opportunity available. Dolac wasn’t just a tackling machine — he also ranked tied for sixth nationally with 18.5 TFLs. No linebacker had more. He’s a ball hawk, too! Dolac tied for fourth nationally with five interceptions. — Connelly

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DE, Tennessee, Junior
Stats: 23 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: 1

Pearce was one of the SEC’s most dominant pass rushers the past two seasons, helping the Volunteers reach the CFP in 2024. His 18.7% pressure rate was second-best among all defenders in the FBS this past season, leading to 7.5 sacks and 43 quarterback hurries. The former five-star prospect from Charlotte, North Carolina, had 71 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks and three forced fumbles the past three seasons combined. He’s a projected first-round pick in the NFL draft. — Schlabach

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OL, Georgia, Senior
Stats: 1 sack allowed, 500 snaps in 10 games
Preseason ranking: 17

It was probably no coincidence that Georgia’s offense found its footing once Ratledge returned to the lineup late in the season. He missed four games in 2024 after undergoing “tightrope” surgery for a high left ankle sprain. Easily recognized by his moustache and mullet, Ratledge was a mainstay up front for the Bulldogs. According to PFF, Ratledge allowed one sack in 500 snaps in 10 games in 2024. He had a PFF pass-blocking grade of at least 80.0 in each of the past three seasons and surrendered only 13 pressures in 1,016 pass-blocking snaps since 2021. — Schlabach

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QB, Army, Senior
Stats: 41 total TDs, 2,666 total yards, 4 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

Army won the AAC in its first attempt, leaping from six wins to 12 in the process, and Daily’s presence in a redesigned, retro-fied offense was the driving force. He rushed for at least 110 yards 11 times and threw for 1,000 yards despite throwing fewer than eight passes per game. Despite changes in blocking rules that particularly limited option attacks, Army’s option ruled in 2024 because of Daily. He ranked fourth nationally in rushing yards (1,659) and led the nation in rushing touchdowns (32) as a quarterback. — Connelly

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QB, Washington State, Sophomore
Stats: 3,139 yards, 29 TDs, 7 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

Perhaps the best dual-threat quarterback in the country, Mateer did it all in his only season as Washington State’s starting quarterback. He threw for 3,139 yards with 29 touchdown passes and ran for another 826 with 15 touchdowns. He was among the most coveted players in the transfer portal before transferring to Oklahoma. — Bonagura

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QB, Syracuse, Senior
Stats: 4,779 yards, 34 TDs, 12 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

Perhaps no one took advantage of his transfer move more last season than McCord, who left Ohio State for Syracuse and had the best season of his college career. In the Orange’s offense, McCord was able to not just throw the ball a lot (592 pass attempts!), but he was also able to show off his efficiency and arm talent. He threw for nearly 5,000 yards on his way to leading Syracuse to a 10-win season. — Uggetti

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QB, Ole Miss, Senior
Stats: 4,279 yards, 29 TDs, 6 INTs
Preseason ranking: 41

Overshadowed by Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Georgia’s Carson Beck before the 2024 season, Dart proved to be the SEC’s most consistent quarterback this past season. Dart led the SEC and was third in the FBS with 329.2 passing yards per game. He completed 69.3% of his attempts and averaged an SEC-best 10.8 yards per attempt to go with 29 touchdowns and six interceptions. This past season, Dart set Ole Miss single-season records in total offense (4,774), passing yards (4,279) and passing efficiency (180.7), among others. — Schlabach

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DE, Ohio State, Senior
Stats: 35 solo tackles, 12.5 sacks, 2 FFs
Preseason ranking: NR

A former top-five recruit with an incredible skill set, Tuimoloau had confounded many around Ohio State, because of inconsistent performances. But he saved his best for last, becoming one of the nation’s most disruptive pass rushers, especially during Ohio State’s CFP run. He recorded 5.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss in wins against Tennessee, Oregon and Texas, and recorded 21.5 tackles for loss, third-most in all of college football. Tuimoloau earned All-Big Ten honors and has recorded half of his career sacks total this season (12.5). — Rittenberg

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DE, Marshall, Sophomore
Stats: 38 solo tackles, 17 sacks, 3 FFs
Preseason ranking: NR

A Virginia transfer, Green lit up in his redshirt freshman season — in the last five games of 2023, he produced 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks — and maintained that level through all of 2024. He had at least one tackle for loss in 11 games and at least two in six, and he earned Sun Belt Player of the Year honors while leading a surprise conference title run. His 22.5 TFLs rank second in FBS, and it took Abdul Carter (23.5) 16 games to top what he did in 13. — Connelly

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WR, Oregon, Senior
Stats: 83 rec, 898 yards, 10 TDs
Preseason ranking: 18

Despite missing two full games and dealing with an injury, Johnson had a proper follow-up to his 1,000-plus-yard season in 2023. The chemistry that Johnson had with Bo Nix is well-chronicled, but Johnson’s ability to step into the role of the Ducks’ No. 1 wideout and create an essential connection with Dillon Gabriel made him an integral part of Oregon’s potent offense. — Uggetti

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OT, Ohio State, Senior
Stats: 1 of 5 players in FBS with at least 250 snaps at both LT and LG
Preseason ranking: 57

Ohio State’s offensive line had a bumpy situation because of injuries, but things could have been significantly worse without Jackson’s versatility and talent. After earning All-Big Ten honors at guard in 2022 and 2023, Jackson shifted to left tackle midway through the season, as starter Josh Simmons and backup Zen Michalski both went down with injuries. Jackson went on to earn All-Big Ten honors again, consistently preventing sacks on quarterback Will Howard and helping the offense hit its stride for its national title run. — Rittenberg

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DT, Oregon, Senior
Stats: 27 solo tackles, 5 sacks, 2 FFs
Preseason ranking: NR

All season long, Harmon’s presence on the defensive side of the ball was something opposing teams had to worry about. Even if his numbers don’t necessarily pop like others, Harmon’s ability to disrupt at and through the line of scrimmage was an invaluable part of Oregon’s defensive strength. — Uggetti

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LB, Texas, Sophomore
Stats: 59 solo tackles, 8 sacks, 4 FFs, 1 INT
Preseason ranking: 64

Hill led Texas in tackles for loss with 16.5, and he recorded 116 tackles and eight sacks. At 6-3 and 235 pounds, he played sideline to sideline, and most notable against Oklahoma, he had 11 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry. Along with Collin Simmons, he will be the face of the Texas defense next season. — Wilson

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S, Georgia, Junior
Stats: 77 tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 INT, 3 PBUs
Preseason ranking: 10

Starks was the quarterback of Georgia’s secondary, and his versatility allowed his coaches to move him around a lot during the 2024 season. He led the Bulldogs with 77 tackles with one interception and three pass breakups this past season. Starks started 14 of 15 games as a freshman in 2022, when the Bulldogs won the second of their back-to-back national titles, and was a consensus All-American as a sophomore. — Schlabach

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WR, Arizona, Junior
Stats: 84 rec, 1,319 yards, 8 TDs
Preseason ranking: 13

A finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver, T-Mac was a bright spot on an otherwise disappointing season for Arizona. He caught 84 passes for 1,319 yards with eight touchdowns and was perhaps the most dangerous deep threat in the country. He turned in one of the best single-game performances of the season — regardless of position — when he caught 10 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns in the first game of the season. — Bonagura

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RB, Notre Dame, Sophomore
Stats: 163 carries, 1,125 yards, 17 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

College football was loaded with incredible running backs in 2024, but Love might have been the flashiest. Give him a reason to hurdle someone, and he’ll do it. He might do it for no reason. Notre Dame’s offense was at its most dangerous when he was at his healthiest, but even with a bum knee, he made maybe the two most exciting plays in the CFP semifinals — a rugged short touchdown and a glorious, hurdle-aided two-yard gain. His 98-yard touchdown run against Indiana was the longest run of the CFP era and tied for the longest run in Notre Dame’s storied history. — Connelly

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DT, Ole Miss, Junior
Stats: 26 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks
Preseason ranking: NR

A change of scenery was exactly what the former five-star prospect needed, as Nolen blossomed in his first season at Ole Miss in 2024. After barely scratching the surface of his talent in two seasons at Texas A&M, Nolen was the anchor of the No. 2 run defense (80.5 yards) in the FBS in his only season with the Rebels. He tied for the team lead with 14 tackles for loss and was fourth with 6.5 sacks. He is one of only 14 consensus All-Americans in school history. — Schlabach

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QB, Indiana, Senior
Stats: 3,042 yards, 29 TDs, 5 INTs
Preseason ranking: NR

The Canadian who transferred from Ohio was a perfect fit to lead the offense and help Indiana to a historic season, culminating with a College Football Playoff appearance. Rourke had eight games with multiple touchdown passes, finishing with a single-season team record 29. He had only one multi-interception performance and set a team record for completion percentage (69.4), eclipsing 65% in seven consecutive games. Rourke also battled through a thumb injury on his throwing hand that required surgery and, as revealed after the season, a torn ACL in his right knee. — Rittenberg

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WR, San José State, Senior
Stats: 104 receptions, 1,382 yards, 16 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

An SJSU lifer, Nash threw for 1,317 yards before moving to receiver in 2022. Then the damnedest thing happened: He became one of the better wideouts in the Mountain West in 2023, then became maybe the best receiver in the country in 2024. He won a triple crown of sorts, leading FBS wideouts in receptions (104), yards (1,382) and receiving touchdowns (16). He did most of his damage out of the slot, catching 84 balls for 1,165 yards. (Those numbers were also first in FBS.) — Connelly

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OT, LSU, Junior
Stats: Allowed 2 sacks, 5 QB hits, 11 pressures in 866 snaps
Preseason ranking: 6

The 6-6, 323-pound left tackle was a mainstay on LSU’s offensive line from the day he stepped foot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He started each of the 38 games in which he played, logging a total of 2,554 offensive snaps during his career. This past season, Campbell played every offensive snap in 11 of the Tigers’ 12 games. He surrendered two sacks and five quarterback hits all season, according to Pro Football Focus. — Schlabach

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DE, Ohio State, Senior
Stats: 25 solo tackles, 9 sacks, 3 FFs, 1 INTs
Preseason ranking: 33

Sawyer delivered one of the iconic defensive plays in Ohio State history in the Buckeyes’ 28-14 victory over Texas in the playoff semifinal. The senior sacked quarterback Quinn Ewers, forcing a fumble that he then returned 83 yards for the game-clinching touchdown — the longest fumble return in Cotton Bowl and CFP history. Sawyer is a major reason the Buckeyes won their first national championship since 2014. He also became the first FBS player in a decade to record a sack with multiple pass breakups in three straight games, according to ESPN Research, all coming during Ohio State’s playoff run. — Trotter

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RB, North Carolina, Junior
Stats: 281 carries, 1,660 yards, 15 TDs
Preseason ranking: 27

In any year that didn’t include Ashton Jeanty, Hampton’s production would’ve been considered a triumph. Despite North Carolina’s offense being in tatters for much of the season — including starting three different QBs — he was a star from the outset. After rushing for 1,500 yards in 2023, Hampton somehow improved on that tally without Drake Maye in the backfield with him in 2024. He finished the season with 1,660 rushing yards, the third most nationally, and was one of just three players in the country to finish with more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage.

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QB, Colorado, Senior
Stats: 4,134 yards, 37 TDs, 10 INTs
Preseason ranking: 24

A possible No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, Sanders ranked fourth in the nation with 4,134 yards passing for an improved Colorado team that missed out on the Big 12 title game because of a tiebreaker. His 37 touchdowns passes ranked second — behind only Cam Ward — all of which came despite a porous offensive line that allowed him to be sacked more times than any quarterback in the country (42). — Bonagura

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DE, Boston College, Senior
Stats: 37 solo tackles, 16.5 sacks, 3 FFs
Preseason ranking: NR

Ezeiruaku entered 2023 with ample hype, and he was at times excellent, but the pressures rarely turned into sacks, as he finished with just two all season. In 2024, however, he got home as often as anyone. Ezeiruaku finished the season with a Power 4-best 16.5 sacks, adding 20.5 tackles for loss and 15 QB hurries. He had multiple sacks in six of his 12 games, including 3.5 in his BC finale against Pitt. — Hale

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S, Ohio State, Sophomore
Stats: 48 solo tackles, 2 INTs, 6 PDs
Preseason ranking: 11

Downs was arguably the most significant transfer addition for Ohio State, which picked up a safety who started throughout his true freshman year for former Alabama coach Nick Saban. He became a consensus All-America selection in his first year as a Buckeye, while also earning the Big Ten’s defensive back of the year award. Downs delivered highlights almost every week, displaying advanced knowledge of the game for a younger player, as well as superior talent. He helped not only in pass coverage but as an effective run stopper, and his 79-yard punt return touchdown against Indiana created separation in an eventual blowout. He ranked third on the team with 81 total tackles. — Rittenberg

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RB, Iowa, Junior
Stats: 240 carries, 1,537 yards, 21 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Johnson didn’t enter the season as Iowa’s starter, but he soon emerged as one of the nation’s best backs. He had 685 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in the first four games, averaged 5.6 yards per carry or better in the first nine games and reached the end zone at least once in the first 11 contests. Johnson was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award and a second-team AP All-America selection. He set single-season team records for points (138), total touchdowns (23) and rushing touchdowns (21). — Rittenberg

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RB, Tennessee, Junior
Stats: 258 carries, 1,491 yards, 22 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Sampson brought balance to Tennessee’s high-flying offense in 2024, setting school single-season records with 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. He was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year and helped lead the Volunteers to a spot in the College Football Playoff. Sampson, 5-11 and 201 pounds, ran for 2,492 yards with 35 touchdowns in three seasons. He was one of UT’s fastest players and was clocked at 22-23 mph on the Catapult system. — Schlabach

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LB, Georgia, Junior
Stats: 38 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks
Preseason ranking: 67

Walker had to wait three seasons to crack Georgia’s starting lineup, but it was worth the wait for the inside linebacker. He captured the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in the FBS after leading the Bulldogs with 10.5 tackles for loss and tying for the team lead with 6.5 sacks. He was a one-man wrecking crew in a 30-15 win at Texas on Oct. 19 with three sacks in the first half. — Schlabach

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CB, Texas, Senior
Stats: 46 solo tackles, 5 INTs, 11 PDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Barron, a versatile corner who often moved around to match up with the opponents’ best receiver, won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back. Barron tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions and helped limit Ohio State phenom Jeremiah Smith to one catch for 3 yards in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. He recorded 67 tackles and 11 passes broken up. — Wilson

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CB, Notre Dame, Senior
Stats: 53 solo tackles, 1 FF, 6 INTs, 9 PDs
Preseason ranking: 52

A unanimous All-American in 2023 and a consensus All-American in 2024, Watts is the most decorated player for a gritty Notre Dame team that reached its first national title game since 1988. He lines up at safety, slot corner and linebacker, he’s a brilliant ball hawk, he’s good in coverage, and he might be even better in run support. Whatever Notre Dame needed, Watts delivered. — Connelly

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TE, Bowling Green, Junior
Stats: 117 receptions, 1,555 yards, 10 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

Few players obliterate record books as much as Fannin did in 2024. He set the FBS record for receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) in a season, topped 100 yards in a game eight times and seemingly saved his best performances for the biggest moments: He caught a combined 19 balls for 282 yards against Penn State and Texas A&M, and in his final game, the 68 Ventures Bowl, he caught 17 passes for 213 yards. Absurd numbers for a tight end. — Connelly

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DT, Michigan, Junior
Stats: 24 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, 7 TFLs
Preseason ranking: 2

After propelling Michigan to its first national title in 26 years, Graham produced a final season that cemented his legacy as one of the best and most beloved interior linemen in team history. He started all 12 regular-season games and had multiple tackles in all of them, including a career-high seven in Michigan’s upset of Ohio State, which marked its fourth consecutive win over its archrival. The 320-pound Graham headlined one of the nation’s stingiest run defenses and created nightmares for centers and guards trying to block him. — Rittenberg

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DE, South Carolina, Senior
Stats: 20 solo tackles, 11.5 sacks, 3 FFs
Preseason ranking: NR

Kennard had quite an impact in his only season at South Carolina, leading the SEC in tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (11.5) with three forced fumbles. His single-season sack total ranks second in school history behind Jadeveon Clowney’s 13 in 2012. The Georgia Tech transfer won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the top defensive player in the FBS, and he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the coaches and the AP. — Schlabach

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QB, Oregon, Senior
Stats: 3,857 yards, 30 TDs, 6 INTs
Preseason ranking: 16

Though the end to his long college career was not what Gabriel might have wanted, he once again changed teams and seamlessly fit in and helped author a high-powered offense. At Oregon, Gabriel arguably found the best version of himself, a combination of experience, production and winning while putting together his most efficient passing campaign of his career. It wasn’t a storybook finale, but it was a fitting way to cap off a unique career. — Uggetti

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DE, Penn State, Junior
Stats: 43 solo tackles, 12 sacks, 2 FFs
Preseason ranking: 20

Carter wore the famed No. 11 jersey at Penn State and upheld its tradition of excellence. After playing linebacker for previous coordinator Manny Diaz, he shifted to defensive end under Tom Allen and became a dominant pass rusher with four multisack games and eight with at least one sack, and his 23.5 tackles for loss rank third in Penn State history. He was a consensus All-America selection and won the Big Ten’s awards for top defensive player and top defensive lineman. Carter returned from a shoulder injury to cause havoc against Notre Dame in the CFP semifinal. — Rittenberg

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OT, Texas, Junior
Stats: 0.80% pressure pct., tied for third best among FBS OTs
Preseason ranking: 9

He is the first player in Texas history to win the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award in the same season. He started 42 games, including 39 straight, at Texas after plugging in as a starter at left tackle as soon as he arrived on campus, and he was a leader on two CFP semifinal teams at left tackle. He allowed only one sack in 935 snaps in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. — Wilson

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TE, Penn State, Junior
Stats: 104 receptions, 1,233 yards, 8 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

He not only delivered the best season for a Penn State tight end — and one of the best in CFB history — but expanded the imagination of what can be done at the position. He was the team’s most featured target in the passing game with 104 receptions and 1,233 receiving yards — the most ever by a tight end at Penn State and the Big Ten. He also added 218 rushing yards and four touchdowns. His performance at USC — 17 receptions, 224 yards, one touchdown — won’t soon be forgotten. Warren’s 104 catches more than tripled his total from the 2023 season (34). — Rittenberg

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WR, Ohio State, Freshman
Stats: 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, 15 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

As Ohio State became the nation’s preeminent wide receiver program, no freshman entered his first season with as much buzz as Smith. His practice exploits were legendary, and Buckeyes fans and opposing teams found out why. Smith broke all of Cris Carter’s Ohio State freshman receiving records, and his 15 touchdowns and 1,315 receiving yards both rank in the top five for the school’s single-season rankings. He won Big Ten awards for top freshman and top receiver and Rose Bowl MVP honors with 187 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon, which marked only the fifth time a player has had 175 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a CFP game. — Rittenberg

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RB, Arizona State, Senior
Stats: 293 carries, 1,1711 yards, 21 TDs
Preseason ranking: NR

The former Sacramento State running back just missed out on a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony by finishing fifth in the voting. A do-it-all back, Skattebo carried 293 yards for 1,711 yards with 21 touchdowns. He also caught 45 passes out of the backfield for 605 yards and three more scores. His play was the catalyst for ASU’s run to the Big 12 title and College Football Playoff, where it narrowly lost to Texas in the quarterfinals. — Bonagura

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QB, Miami, Senior
Stats: 4,313 yards, 39 TDs, 7 INTs
Preseason ranking: 56

That Miami didn’t reach its ultimate aspirations is no fault of Ward’s. He was everything Hurricanes fans could’ve hoped for — and then some. Ward led the country in Total QBR (88.7), passing touchdowns (39) and completions of 20 yards or more (74). He had 11 touchdown throws that gave Miami a lead, but his defense couldn’t get off the field enough late in the season to give him the chances he needed to lead the Canes to the promised land. Nevertheless, Ward turned in one of the great QB seasons in recent memory. — Hale

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RB, Boise State, Junior
Stats: 374 carries, 2,601 yards, 29 TDs
Preseason ranking: 25

The best running back season since Barry Sanders’ 1988 campaign belonged to Jeanty, who not only put up ridiculous numbers but took a simple run play and turned it into must-watch TV over and over again. Jeanty was, simply put, unstoppable, and his play carried Boise State to a playoff berth and one of the program’s best seasons in recent history. In any other year, he would have been the Heisman winner. — Uggetti

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WR/CB, Colorado, Junior
Stats: 96 receptions, 1,258 yards, 15 TDs, 4 INTs
Preseason ranking: 3

A once-in-a-generation player, Hunter won the Heisman Trophy after playing full-time both ways — as a receiver and corner — for the Buffaloes as they won nine games. On offense, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns and was honored with the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver. On defense — the side on which he began his career — he was arguably the best cover corner in college football. It is an incredible combination that likely won’t be replicated for decades. — Bonagura

Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. It’s a remarkable achievement to survive the gauntlet of baseball writers to get elected to Cooperstown: After all, the Baseball Hall of Fame remains the toughest to gain entry to, especially via the BBWAA path of election.

This trio stands out for their disparate backgrounds. Suzuki — let’s just call him Ichiro — grew up in Japan, of course, and was a star in the Japan Pacific League at 20 years old before becoming the first Japanese position player to play in the majors when he signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2001 at 27. A California native, Sabathia was a high school baseball and basketball star in the Bay Area, growing to a towering 6-foot-6 and throwing 95 mph. Cleveland drafted him in the first round, and he was in the majors at 20 years old. Wagner grew up in rural Virginia and played at Division III Ferrum College. He wasn’t big, but his fastball was. The Houston Astros drafted Wagner in the first round, and he debuted at age 24 before turning into one of the most dominant relief pitchers of all time.

All three are now Hall of Famers. Let’s look at three reasons each player got there.

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Why Ichiro Suzuki is a Hall of Famer

Ichiro was just one vote shy of becoming the second unanimous selection (Mariano Rivera did it in 2019). In one sense, maybe it’s a little surprising he had that many votes — you could argue Ichiro is perhaps a little overrated. After all, he had 60.0 career WAR in the majors; Bobby Abreu, by comparison, was on this ballot with 60.2 career WAR and received just 26% of the vote. Ichiro’s career 107 OPS+ is now the third lowest for any Hall of Fame outfielder, ahead of only Lloyd Waner and 19th-century speedster Tommy McCarthy. So why Ichiro?

1. 3,000 career hits

OK, Ichiro was mostly a singles hitter, not hitting for much power with a career high of 15 home runs in a season, but he turned beating out infield singles and grounding base hits up the middle into an art form. He reached 200 hits his first 10 seasons with the Mariners, leading the league in seven of those years. Over the past 10 seasons, all major leaguers have combined for just 17 200-hit seasons — and the best of those was Ronald Acuna Jr.’s 217 hits in 2023, a total Ichiro exceeded five times, including a record 262 in 2004, a season he hit .372 (nobody has hit for as high an average since).

Considering he didn’t debut with the Mariners until his age-27 season, it remains remarkable that Ichiro is one of just 33 players with 3,000 hits. The other 32 averaged 994 hits through their age-26 season, with Wade Boggs’ 531 hits the lowest in the group. Of those to debut after 1930, all who are eligible for the Hall of Fame and not tainted by a betting or PED scandal were voted in on the first ballot except Craig Biggio (who took three tries to get elected). Getting to 3,000 hits made Ichiro an automatic selection.

Two keys to Ichiro’s hit total: his remarkable durability and the fact that he didn’t walk much (which is why he had a .400 OBP just once in his career). He averaged a remarkable 159 games played through his first 12 seasons, suffering just one minor stint on the injured list over that span. The sight of Ichiro constantly stretching between pitches and in the outfield is as much a part of his lasting image as him sprinting down the first-base line or racing into the corner to make another spectacular catch.

2. He was an inner-circle Hall of Fame talent

The earlier comparison to Abreu might suggest that Ichiro is a borderline Hall of Fame player. That belief, however, underestimates how transcendent Ichiro was at his peak — and that seven of his peak seasons came in Japan before he signed with the Mariners. While voters are voting on Ichiro’s accomplishments in only the major leagues, it seems fair to at least recognize that we witnessed only a portion of his greatness.

Consider this: In his first four seasons in the majors, from 2001 to 2004, Ichiro hit .339 and averaged 6.5 WAR per season. In Japan, Ichiro was a sensation right away, hitting .385 in his first full season, as good at age 20 as his final season in Japan, when he hit .387. We can thus assume he would have produced similar results in MLB from ages 20 to 26 as he did from 27 to 30. That adds up to an additional 45 WAR — on top of the 60 that Baseball-Reference credits him during his time in the majors.

How impressive would 105 career WAR be? Since the expansion era in 1961, only six position players have reached 100 career WAR: Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Rickey Henderson, Mike Schmidt, Albert Pujols and Joe Morgan. This suggests Ichiro belongs on that level of inner-circle appreciation.

Much of his value came from his all-around brilliance on the bases and as a right fielder (he won 10 Gold Gloves). Baseball-Reference credits him with plus-62 runs as a baserunner (18th all time) and plus-121 runs on defense (18th among outfielders). He had two of the most efficient base-stealing seasons of all time, going 45-for-47 in 2006 and 43-for-47 in 2008, plus he led the league with 56 steals in his MVP/Rookie of the Year season of 2001. As a right fielder, Ichiro combined impeccable instincts with a strong and accurate arm. He excelled at charging the ball quickly and preventing runners from advancing, and he never seemed to make a mistake in the field — indeed, he was charged with only 38 errors in 19 seasons.

So, yes, Ichiro was overrated as a hitter. But his all-around skills and peak performance correctly put him in a class among the elite of the elite.

3. Come on, he was Ichiro — an icon

In the end, sometimes “Hall of Famer” doesn’t need an argument; it’s just a description to explain the obvious: Ichiro is a Hall of Famer, no matter what the numbers do or don’t say. Who was cooler than Ichiro wearing his shades, pointing his bat at the pitcher in his pre-pitch ritual and then tugging at his right sleeve. Early in his first month in the majors, Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus made an instant legend of Ichiro with his description of his famous throw to nail Terrence Long at third base: “I’m here to tell you that Ichiro threw something out of Star Wars down there at third base!” Ichiro was a throwback to a different era of hitting. He was a trailblazer. An absolute one of a kind. Unanimous? He certainly should have been.

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Why CC Sabathia is a Hall of Famer

Sabathia finished 251-161 with a 3.74 ERA, 61.8 WAR and a Cy Young Award with Cleveland in 2007. None of those numbers necessarily scream first-ballot Hall of Famer and, indeed, only Sandy Koufax has a lower career WAR among starting pitchers elected on their first ballot. Here’s how Sabathia made it.

1. A high peak level of performance

Sabathia had a five-year run from 2007 through 2011 in which he went 95-40 with a 3.09 ERA and 30.4 WAR while averaging 240 innings per season, which now seems like a Herculean workload. He won the one Cy Young Award and finished in the top five of the voting in the other four seasons. During those seasons, only Roy Halladay had a higher WAR among pitchers — and there was a big gap from Sabathia to Cliff Lee, the No. 3 guy who had 25.0 WAR — and nobody won more games.

Along the way, Sabathia famously carried the Milwaukee Brewers into the playoffs in 2008 — their first playoff appearance at the time since 1982 — starting on three days’ rest for his final three starts, including tossing a playoff-clinching complete game on the final day of the season. The next year, he signed with the New York Yankees and led them to a World Series title, going 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA in the postseason.

Sabathia fits into more of an old-school definition of a Hall of Famer: Was he the best at his position for an extended period of time? His 251 wins are the same as Bob Gibson and more than quality Hall of Famers such as Juan Marichal, Whitey Ford, Pedro Martinez or Don Drysdale. Those guys all felt like Hall of Famers, as did Sabathia. And he did enough around that peak — six other seasons with at least 3 WAR and appearing in 10 different postseasons — to merit selection.

2. The best of a generation

Indeed, Sabathia stands out along with Halladay (who was elected posthumously in 2019) as the bridge between the Martinez/Randy Johnson/Greg Maddux/Tom Glavine/John Smoltz group to the still-active trio of Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw, who came along a few years after Sabathia. Verlander has 262 wins, but Scherzer has 216 and is petering out. Kershaw has 212 and is coming off a two-win 2024 season. Zack Greinke finished with 225 wins. Even Halladay finished with just 203 wins.

Other than Andy Pettitte, who debuted six years before Sabathia and won 256 games, and Sabathia’s former teammate Bartolo Colon, who won 247, other pitchers from Sabathia’s generation didn’t last long enough for Hall consideration: Johan Santana had an amazing peak but won just 139 games; Felix Hernandez was on the ballot for the first time and received enough votes to stay on, but his last good season came at age 29; and Cliff Lee won 143 games and got injured. There are some other 200-game winners — Tim Hudson (off the ballot) and Mark Buehrle (still on) — but Sabathia was the rarity of his generation, combining both peak value and longevity.

3. Timing is everything

Sabathia’s vote total was, no doubt, helped by the general weakness of this ballot, where only Ichiro was a slam-dunk candidate. Voters want to vote players in, so in a sense, candidates are compared as much to the other players on the ballot as to Hall of Fame standards. If Sabathia was on the ballot in 2015 — a ballot that included Johnson, Martinez, Smoltz, Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens and Mike Mussina — he doesn’t get in. But his “competition” on this ballot was the aforementioned Pettitte, Buehrle and Hernandez (the only other starting pitchers even on the ballot). This isn’t to knock Sabathia’s accomplishments, but it’s a truth of Hall of Fame voting results: The ballot itself matters. It took Mussina, with 270 wins and 82.8 career WAR, six times to get elected because he faced a lot of crowded ballots. This ballot was not crowded.

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Why Billy Wagner is a Hall of Famer

On his 10th and final appearance on the BBWAA ballot, Wagner finally made it in after falling five votes short last year. He debuted with just 10.5% of the vote in 2016, so why now?

1. Once again … timing is everything

As with Sabathia, a lot of it came down to timing. Wagner’s first ballot in 2016 included 11 other players who are now Hall of Famers — plus Clemens, Schilling, Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent and Gary Sheffield. Voters can vote for a maximum of 10 players, so in many cases, there simply wasn’t enough room to vote for Wagner. He was fortunate to receive more than the 5% of the vote needed just to remain on the ballot.

As the ballot logjam slowly thinned out through the years, Wagner’s vote totals increased. Rivera was elected in 2019, so it’s no surprise Wagner saw his percentage increase from 16.7% in 2019 to 31.7% in 2020, which started his momentum toward eventual election. As Wagner got closer in 2023 and then last year, the final-ballot push that players often receive — see Tim Raines and Edgar Martinez as two others who got elected on their 10th ballot — pushed him over the 75% threshold.

2. He was one of the most dominant closers of all time

Look, Rivera is on his own mountain among relievers, but Wagner has a strong case for No. 2. Yes, Wagner is now just eighth in career saves — Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel have passed him, and non-Hall of Famers Francisco Rodriguez and John Franco also have more — but only Rivera can match Wagner’s dominance.

Compare Wagner to Trevor Hoffman, who is second with 601 career saves to Wagner’s 422:

Hoffman: 2.87 ERA, 141 ERA+, 9.4 SO/9, .609 OPS allowed
Wagner: 2.31 ERA, 187 ERA+, 11.9 SO/9, .558 OPS allowed

No, Wagner didn’t rack up as many saves, but he also retired at the top of his game: In his final season, he had a 1.43 ERA, 37 saves and 104 strikeouts in 69 innings. He still had plenty of zip left in that fastball.

To put Wagner’s career numbers in perspective, among pitchers with at least 900 innings since the live-ball era began in 1920, he ranks:

• Second in ERA behind only Rivera’s 2.21

• First in strikeouts per nine innings

• First in lowest batting average allowed (.187)

• Second in lowest OPS allowed to Rivera’s .555

That’s Wagner: arguably the hardest pitcher to hit in MLB history.

3. Voters have been kind to closers

It didn’t hurt Wagner that closers have become the easiest position in which to get elected to the Hall of Fame. Starting with the first modern Hall of Fame relievers from the 1970s, Rollie Fingers and Goose Gossage, there are now eight closers in the Hall of Fame (counting Dennis Eckersley as a reliever, although he split his career between starting and relieving).

Among players who produced most of their value in the 1970s or later, the positional breakdown goes like this (leaving aside starting pitchers):

Reliever: 8 (Fingers, Eckersley, Bruce Sutter, Gossage, Hoffman, Lee Smith, Rivera, Wagner)

Catcher: 7 (Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, Gary Carter, Mike Piazza, Ivan Rodriguez, Ted Simmons, Joe Mauer)

Right field: 7 (Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, Tony Gwynn, Vladimir Guerrero, Larry Walker, Dave Parker, Ichiro Suzuki)

First base: 6 (Tony Perez, Eddie Murray, Jeff Bagwell, Jim Thome, Fred McGriff, Todd Helton)

Third base: 6 (Mike Schmidt, George Brett, Wade Boggs, Chipper Jones, Scott Rolen, Adrian Beltre)

Shortstop: 6 (Robin Yount, Ozzie Smith, Cal Ripken, Barry Larkin, Alan Trammell, Derek Jeter)

Second base: 5 (Joe Morgan, Rod Carew, Ryne Sandberg, Roberto Alomar, Craig Biggio)

DH: 5 (Paul Molitor, Frank Thomas, Edgar Martinez, Harold Baines, David Ortiz)

Left field: 4 (Willie Stargell, Jim Rice, Rickey Henderson, Tim Raines)

Center field: 3 (Kirby Puckett, Andre Dawson, Ken Griffey Jr.)

Hmm. There does seem to be a lesson here that you can interpret either way: There are perhaps too many relievers — or not enough players at the other positions.

ATLANTA — Ohio State’s high-powered offense proved to be too much for Notre Dame in the Buckeyes’ 34-23 victory in Monday’s national title game.

The Buckeyes captured their first national title in 10 years and first under coach Ryan Day. It was the school’s seventh national championship overall.

Even with Ohio State having a boatload of players who are expected to move on and be chosen in April’s NFL draft, the Buckeyes are No. 1 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2025.

The Buckeyes will still have star players, such as receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs, and they’ll plug holes with another top recruiting class and group of transfers.

Ohio State will be looking for a new quarterback as well, but it won’t be alone among the potential CFP contenders. Notre Dame, Texas, Georgia, Oregon and others will be developing new signal-callers, too.

Here’s the 2025 ESPN Way-Too-Early Top 25:

2024 record: 14-2, 7-2 Big Ten

Key returning players: WR Jeremiah Smith, WR Carnell Tate, S Caleb Downs

Key losses: RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Emeka Egbuka, QB Will Howard, G Donovan Jackson, LB Cody Simon, S Lathan Ransom, DE Jack Sawyer, DE JT Tuimoloau, CB Denzel Burke

2025 outlook: After winning the program’s third national championship since 2002, the Buckeyes are going to undergo a bit of a makeover — but so are most of the other Big Ten contenders. The core group of seniors who came back in 2024 — led by Sawyer, Henderson, Egbuka and others — will be missed. Julian Sayin, a five-star prospect who transferred from Alabama, will probably be QB1 after Devin Brown and Air Noland entered the transfer portal. Sayin will have the luxury of throwing to Smith, the best receiver in the FBS, and the Buckeyes picked up tailback CJ Donaldson (West Virginia) and tight end Max Klare (Purdue) from the portal. Ohio State’s offense will be even better if RB Quinshon Judkins decides to come back. Some younger players will have to step up on the defensive line and in the secondary, but at least Downs is coming back.

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2024 record: 13-3, 7-1 SEC

Key returning players: QB Arch Manning, RB Quintrevion Wisner, LB Anthony Hill Jr., DE Colin Simmons, DE Trey Moore, S Michael Taaffe

Key losses: QB Quinn Ewers, WR Matthew Golden, OT Kelvin Banks Jr., OT Cameron Williams, S Andrew Mukuba, CB Jahdae Barron, TE Gunnar Helm

2025 outlook: In their first season in the SEC, the Longhorns more than proved they were good enough to compete, reaching the SEC title game and CFP semifinals. With Ewers moving on, the highly anticipated Manning era will kick off in 2025. The Longhorns will have to rebuild their offensive line and replace some key receivers, including Golden and Isaiah Bond. There are big losses up front, with Banks, Williams, center Jake Majors and guard Hayden Conner departing. There’s a good nucleus returning on defense, led by linebackers Hill and Simmons, but three of the top four defensive backs are leaving. The Longhorns added linebacker Brad Spence (Arkansas) and defensive linemen Cole Brevard (Purdue) and Travis Shaw (North Carolina) from the portal. Texas opens the season Aug. 30 at Ohio State, a big early test for Manning.

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2024 record: 13-3, 8-1 Big Ten

Key returning players: QB Drew Allar, RB Kaytron Allen, RB Nicholas Singleton, C Nick Dawkins, DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, S Zakee Wheatley, CB A.J. Harris

Key losses: DE Abdul Carter, TE Tyler Warren, S Jaylen Reed, G Sal Wormley, DT Dvon J-Thomas, LB Kobe King

2025 outlook: With Allar, Allen and Singleton returning, the Nittany Lions might get a senior boost like Ohio State did in 2024. Penn State came up short against Notre Dame in a CFP semifinal game at the Orange Bowl, but it was coach James Franklin’s best season. If Allar can take another step as a passer, and Franklin can find him some capable receivers, the Nittany Lions might be even better on offense in 2025. Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans, the team’s two top receivers in 2024, entered the transfer portal. Penn State added Troy’s Devonte Ross, who caught 76 passes for 1,034 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2024, and USC’s Kyron Hudson. Carter and King are big losses on defense, and so is former coordinator Tom Allen, who left for Clemson. The Nittany Lions host Oregon and Indiana in Happy Valley and play at Ohio State on Nov. 1.

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2024 record: 14-2

Key returning players: RB Jeremiyah Love, RB Jadarian Price, WR Jordan Faison, WR Jaden Greathouse, LB Drayk Bowen, S Adon Shuler

Key losses: QB Riley Leonard, TE Mitchell Evans, DT Rylie Mills, S Xavier Watts, CB Benjamin Morrison, LB Jack Kiser, DT Howard Cross III

2025 outlook: With two solid coordinators and vastly improved recruiting, the Fighting Irish seem to be only scratching the surface under dynamic head coach Marcus Freeman. The Irish recovered from a shocking early loss to Northern Illinois at home to reach the CFP National Championship game. They’ll miss Leonard’s leadership, but the coaching staff is excited about freshman CJ Carr, the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, who was rated the No. 2 pocket passer in the 2024 recruiting class by ESPN. He battled an elbow injury on his throwing arm this past season. Backup Steve Angeli will compete with Carr for the job. There’s plenty of depth coming back on the offensive line, along with Love and tailback Jadarian Price. The Irish could use more game-changing receivers — they added Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin) from the portal. A few key players will have to be replaced on defense, and tackles Jared Dawson (Louisville) and Elijah Hughes (USC) and safeties DeVonta Smith (Alabama) and Jalen Stroman (Virginia Tech) should help fill some holes.

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2024 record: 11-3, 6-2 SEC

Key returning players: QB Gunner Stockton, RB Nate Frazier, TE Oscar Delp, TE Lawson Luckie, LB CJ Allen, LB Raylen Wilson, S KJ Bolden, CB Daylen Everette

Key losses: QB Carson Beck, G Tate Ratledge, RB Trevor Etienne, LB Jalon Walker, S Malaki Starks, S Dan Jackson, LB Smael Mondon Jr., DE Mykel Williams

2025 outlook: The Bulldogs seemed a bit disjointed throughout much of the 2024 season, but they still won an SEC championship and reached the CFP for the fourth time in the past eight seasons. Stockton played well in his first start, a 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in the CFP quarterfinals. He will go into the offseason as the front-runner to replace Beck, who left for Miami. Georgia has to do a better job of blocking up front, catching the football and tackling on defense. It’s time for Kirby Smart to get back to the basics. The Bulldogs added former Texas A&M receiver Noah Thomas and USC receiver/kick returner Zachariah Branch from the portal. Safeties Jaden Harris (Miami) and Adrian Maddox (UAB) were important pickups with Starks and Jackson leaving. Georgia’s schedule won’t be quite as hard as it was in 2024, but the team still plays Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas at home and Tennessee, Auburn, Florida (in Jacksonville, Florida) and Georgia Tech on the road.

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2024 record: 13-1, 9-0 Big Ten

Key returning players: WR Evan Stewart, LB Devon Jackson, LB Teitum Tuioti, LB Matayo Uiagalelei, RB Noah Whittington, C Iapani Laloulu

Key losses: QB Dillon Gabriel, WR Tez Johnson, WR Traeshon Holden, RB Jordan James, OT Josh Conerly Jr., OT Ajani Cornelius, DE Jordan Burch, DT Derrick Harmon, CB Jabbar Muhammad

2025 outlook: The Ducks went 13-0 and captured a Big Ten title in their first season in the league. But their dream season came to a crashing halt with an ugly 41-21 loss to Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals. Now, Oregon coach Dan Lanning faces a massive rebuilding job on both sides of the ball. But with a No. 1 recruiting class and a few transfer portal pickups on the way, there’s reason to believe the Ducks won’t fall too far. Former five-star prospect Dante Moore, who redshirted in 2024 after transferring to UCLA, is the favorite to replace Gabriel. Stewart’s return is a boost, and receiver Dakorien Moore of Duncanville, Texas, was the jewel of Oregon’s recruiting class. The Ducks are going to need plenty of young players to step up on defense, with only a few starters returning.

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2024 record: 10-4, 7-1 ACC

Key returning players: QB Cade Klubnik, WR Antonio Williams, WR Bryant Wesco Jr., LB Sammy Brown, LB Wade Woodaz, DL T.J. Parker, DL Peter Woods, OT Blake Miller

Key losses: RB Phil Mafah, LB Barrett Carter, S R.J. Mickens, TE Jake Briningstool, G Marcus Tate, DL Payton Page

2025 outlook: Maybe Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is doing it the right way, and we were all wrong. Swinney caught plenty of flak for not utilizing the transfer portal after his team’s ugly 34-3 loss to Georgia in the opener. However, the Tigers rebounded to win another ACC title and reach the CFP. They’ll undoubtedly be the team to beat in the league in 2025, with Klubnik, Williams, Woodaz, Parker, Woods and Miller all electing to return for another season. With Williams, Wesco and T.J. Moore coming back, Clemson’s passing game might be even better. Finding a No. 1 tailback, after Mafah’s eligibility ended and Jay Haynes tore his ACL in the ACC championship game, will be a priority in the spring. The defense will have a new leader after Swinney fired coordinator Wes Goodwin and replaced him with Penn State’s Tom Allen. And guess what? Clemson signed three players from the portal: edge rushers Jeremiah Alexander (Alabama) and Will Heldt (Purdue) and receiver Tristan Smith (Southeast Missouri State).

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2024 record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: QB Garrett Nussmeier, RB Caden Durham, WR Aaron Anderson, LB Whit Weeks, CB Ashton Stamps, LB Harold Perkins Jr., S Jardin Gilbert

Key losses: WR Kyren Lacy, WR CJ Daniels, OT Will Campbell, OT Emery Jones Jr., TE Mason Taylor, G Garrett Dellinger, G Miles Frazier, LB Greg Penn III, DE Bradyn Swinson

2025 outlook: After the Tigers lost at least three games for the third straight season under Brian Kelly, they seem to be all-in heading into 2025. LSU added more than a dozen players from the transfer portal, including defensive ends Patrick Payton (Florida State) and Jack Pyburn (Florida), receivers Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (Kentucky), offensive linemen Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech) and Josh Thompson (Northwestern) and cornerback Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech). Nussmeier threw for 4,043 yards with 29 touchdowns this past season, and his return might give LSU an edge over other SEC contenders. Rebuilding the offensive line and shoring up a defense that surrendered 24.3 points per game will be areas of focus in the offseason. It has to be better in 2025, right?

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2024 record: 11-2, 7-2 Big 12

Key returning players: QB Jake Retzlaff, RB LJ Martin, WR Chase Roberts, WR/KR Keelan Marion, LB Harrison Taggart, LB Isaiah Glasker, LB Jack Kelly, S Tanner Wall

Key losses: CB Jakob Robinson, DE Tyler Batty, DE Isaiah Bagnah, CB Marque Collins, S Crew Wakley, OT Brayden Keim, C Connor Pay

2025 outlook: If the 2024 season was any indication, you could probably pick any of four teams (or more) to win a Big 12 title. Arizona State, BYU and Colorado were unlikely contenders this past season, and the Cougars are bringing back top playmakers Retzlaff, Martin, Roberts and Marion. There are a couple of starters who will have to be replaced on the offensive line, but reinforcements from the transfer portal should help. On defense, four of the top five tacklers should return, although BYU will have to reload up front. Kalani Sitake has built a solid program that should contend in the Big 12 each season. The Cougars won’t play Arizona State or Kansas State during the regular season, and road games at Iowa State and Colorado might be tricky.

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2024 record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: QB LaNorris Sellers, WR Mazeo Bennett Jr., LT Josiah Thompson, S Jalon Kilgore, DE Dylan Stewart, DE Bryan Thomas Jr., S DQ Smith

Key losses: S Nick Emmanwori, DT T.J. Sanders, DE Kyle Kennard, LB Debo Williams, LB Demetrius Knight Jr., G Kamaar Bell, C Vershon Lee, G Torricelli Simpkins III, RB Raheim Sanders

2025 outlook: After a bounce-back campaign in which the Gamecocks won four more games than in 2023 — including victories over Texas A&M, Missouri and Clemson — they’ll have to replace the heart and soul of their defense this offseason. There are big personnel losses at all three levels, including Sanders and Kennard up front and Emmanwori on the back end. Three additions from the portal — defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (Texas A&M), LB Shawn Murphy (Florida State) and end Jaylen Brown (Missouri) — might be able to help. Sellers will be working under new offensive coordinator Mike Shula, and improving his pocket presence and consistency will be a priority. Rahsul Faison, who ran for 1,109 yards with eight touchdowns at Utah State in 2024, will get a chance to replace leading rusher Sanders. If Sellers improves, the Gamecocks might be an even bigger surprise in 2025.

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2024 record: 11-3, 7-2 Big 12

Key returning players: QB Rocco Becht, RB Carson Hansen, RB Abu Sama III, LB Kooper Ebel, S Jeremiah Cooper, CB Jontez Williams, DL Domonique Orange, LB Caleb Bacon, TE Benjamin Brahmer

Key losses: WR Jaylin Noel, WR Jayden Higgins, C Jarrod Hufford, OT Jalen Travis, S Beau Freyler, DE Joey Petersen, DT J.R. Singleton, CB Myles Purchase, S Malik Verdon, CB Darien Porter

2025 outlook: After one of the best seasons in program history (the Cyclones had never won 10 games or more), there’s one goal left for Matt Campbell to achieve — win the program’s first conference title in 113 years. With Becht and two good tailbacks returning, Iowa State has some firepower returning on offense. But it will greatly miss Noel and Higgins, who each caught at least 80 passes with more than 1,100 yards in 2024. Iowa State is bringing in transfer receivers Xavier Townsend (UCF) and Chase Sowell (East Carolina). A few key contributors are leaving on defense, but much of one of the better secondaries in the FBS is coming back. The Cyclones play Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, to open the season and will host BYU and Arizona State at home.

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2024 record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: RB Jam Miller, WR Ryan Williams, WR Germie Bernard, C Parker Brailsford, OT Kadyn Proctor, DE LT Overton, LB Justin Jefferson, CB Zabien Brown

Key losses: QB Jalen Milroe, LB Jihaad Campbell, G Tyler Booker, S Malachi Moore, LB Que Robinson, DT Tim Smith

2025 outlook: The Crimson Tide’s first season under coach Kalen DeBoer was frustrating for Alabama fans, who had grown accustomed to Nick Saban’s consistency over the previous 16 seasons. The Tide lost more than three games in a season for the first time since Saban’s first campaign in 2007. Given DeBoer’s track record of success, expect a second-year leap in the SEC — but maybe not back into CFP title contention quite yet. Replacing Milroe will be a focus in the spring; Ty Simpson, onetime Washington transfer Austin Mack and five-star prospect Keelon Russell will battle for the job. The offensive line has a couple of holes to plug, but the receiver corps should be great with Williams and Bernard returning.

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2024 record: 10-3, 6-3 Big Ten

Key returning players: QB Luke Altmyer, RB Aidan Laughery, OT J.C. Davis, C Josh Kreutz, CB Xavier Scott, LB Gabe Jacas, LB Dylan Rosiek, SS Matthew Bailey, FS Miles Scott, RB Josh McCray

Key losses: WR Pat Bryant, WR Zakhari Franklin, NT TeRah Edwards, DE Dennis Briggs Jr., LB Seth Coleman

2025 outlook: The Illini are coming off a breakthrough year under coach Bret Bielema, producing the program’s first 10-win season since the 2001 squad went 10-2 and played in the Sugar Bowl. Now, the challenge is putting together back-to-back successful seasons — Illinois hasn’t had consecutive winning campaigns since going 7-6 in 2010 and 2011. All of the pieces are there for the Illini to run it back in 2025, especially after Davis, Scott and others decided to return. Bryant and Franklin will be missed on the perimeter. Bielema added West Virginia’s leading receiver, Hudson Clement, and Ball State’s Justin Bowick from the portal. All five starters are coming back on the offensive line. The Illini surrendered 21.7 points per game in 2024, but they should be better with so many starters returning. Illinois plays three difficult road games at Indiana, Washington and Wisconsin, and hosts USC and Ohio State at home.

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2024 record: 11-3, 7-2 Big 12

Key returning players: QB Sam Leavitt, WR Jordyn Tyson, RB Kyson Brown, S Myles Rowser, S Xavion Alford, LB Keyshaun Elliott, LB Jordan Crook, CB Javan Robinson, DE Clayton Smith

Key losses: RB Cam Skattebo, WR Xavier Guillory, LB Caleb McCullough, S Shamari Simmons, C Leif Fautanu

2025 outlook: There’s no question the Sun Devils are going to face an uphill climb in replacing Skattebo’s production on offense. Not only did the All-America running back pile up 1,711 yards with 21 touchdowns on the ground, but he had 605 receiving yards and even threw for a score. Kanye Udoh, who ran for 1,117 yards with 10 touchdowns at Army last season, should be first in line to replace Skattebo. ASU brings back some key players in Leavitt and Tyson, who were outstanding in their first seasons in the desert. Cornerbacks Nyland Green (Purdue) and Adrian Wilson (Washington State) might help shore up a secondary that ranked 81st against the pass (226.7 yards) in 2024.

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2024 record: 11-3, 8-0 ACC

Key returning players: QB Kevin Jennings, S Isaiah Nwokobia, G Logan Parr, OT Savion Byrd, OT PJ Williams, S Ahmaad Moses, CB Jaelyn Davis-Robinson

Key losses: RB Brashard Smith, DL Jared Harrison-Hunte, C Jakai Clark, DE Elijah Roberts, LB Kobe Wilson, WR Key’Shawn Smith

2025 outlook: After reaching the ACC title game and the CFP in their first season in the league, the Mustangs will have plenty of work to do in the offseason to get back into contention. The good news is that quarterback Jennings, despite a rough performance in a 38-10 loss to Penn State in a CFP first-round game, is returning. The bad news: There are plenty of playmakers on both sides of the ball departing. Leading rusher Brashard Smith, leading receivers Roderick Daniels Jr. and Key’Shawn Smith, and top defensive linemen Roberts and Harrison-Hunte are all departing. SMU coach Rhett Lashlee is bringing in at least a dozen new players through the portal — quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (Wisconsin), center Addison Nichols (Arkansas) and defensive end DJ Warner (Kansas) are among the most notable.

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2024 record: 9-4, 5-4 Big 12

Key returning players: QB Avery Johnson, RB Dylan Edwards, WR Jayce Brown, TE Garrett Oakley, C Sam Hecht, LB Austin Romaine, S VJ Payne, LB Desmond Purnell

Key losses: RB DJ Giddens, WR Keagan Johnson, OT Easton Kilty, DE Brendan Mott, LB Austin Moore, S Marques Sigle, CB Jacob Parrish

2025 outlook: The Wildcats won at least nine games for the third straight season in 2024, and their record would have been better if not for dropping three of their last four regular-season games. Johnson is back after piling up 3,317 yards of offense with 32 scores. Replacing Giddens won’t be easy, but onetime Colorado player Edwards ran for 546 yards last season. Brown’s decision to return bolsters the receiver corps, which added Jerand Bradley (Boston College), Jaron Tibbs (Purdue) and Caleb Medford (New Mexico). Mott, Moore and Sigle were key players on defense. Cornerback Amarion Fortenberry (South Alabama), safety Gunner Maldonado (Arizona) and edge player Jayshawn Ross (Alabama) were intriguing pickups from the portal. Kansas State opens the season against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, and plays Army at home.

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2024 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big Ten

Key returning players: WR Elijah Sarratt, WR Omar Cooper Jr., OT Carter Smith, G Drew Evans, LB Aiden Fisher, CB D’Angelo Ponds, S Amare Ferrell, DE Mikail Kamara

Key losses: QB Kurtis Rourke, RB Justice Ellison, TE Zach Horton, C Mike Katic, LB Jailin Walker, S Shawn Asbury II, NT CJ West, DT James Carpenter

2025 outlook: Fresh off the greatest season in the 126-year history of the Indiana program, in which the Hoosiers won more than nine games for the first time and reached the CFP, coach Curt Cignetti is trying to reload through the transfer portal again. The Hoosiers are bringing in nearly 20 transfers, led by former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who threw for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2024. Tailback Lee Beebe Jr. (UAB), receiver Makai Jackson (Appalachian State) and tight end Holden Staes (Tennessee) were important additions on offense as well. Defensively, the Hoosiers have good production returning at linebacker and cornerback. Kamara’s return gives them a pass-rushing threat, and defensive tackles Hosea Wheeler (Western Kentucky) and Dominique Ratcliff (Texas State) could fill holes in the interior line. Indiana’s nonconference schedule is soft (Old Dominion, Kennesaw State and FCS program Indiana State at home), and it’ll play Big Ten road games at Iowa, Oregon and Penn State.

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2024 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC

Key returning players: C Jake Slaughter, LT Austin Barber, QB DJ Lagway, RB Jadan Baugh, RB Ja’Kobi Jackson, WR Eugene Wilson III, TE Hayden Hansen DE Tyreak Sapp, DE George Gumbs Jr.

Key losses: LB Shemar James, WR Elijhah Badger, WR Chimere Dike. RB Montrell Johnson Jr.. DT Cam Jackson, QB Graham Mertz. P Jeremy Crawshaw, CB Jason Marshall Jr.

2025 outlook: Florida coach Billy Napier likes to say that momentum matters in college football, and his Gators are carrying plenty into the offseason after closing 2024 with a four-game winning streak. End-of-the-season and bowl results can be fool’s gold as well, so it might be a bit premature to get carried away about the Gators. More than anything, Florida fans should have hope after Lagway looked like a star in the making during the streak. The Gators will also bring back Baugh, another impressive freshman in 2024, and Slaughter, their All-America center. J.Michael Sturdivant (UCLA) transferred in to help a depleted receiver corps. Napier also signed two four-star wideout recruits, Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III. The biggest concern: Florida will again play one of the most difficult schedules in the FBS. The Gators have home games against Texas, Georgia (Jacksonville) and Tennessee and road contests at LSU, Miami, Texas A&M and Ole Miss.

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2024 record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC

Key returning players: QB Nico Iamaleava, WR Mike Matthews, RB Peyton Lewis, LB Arion Carter, CB Jermod McCoy, CB Rickey Gibson III, LB Jeremiah Telander

Key losses: RB Dylan Sampson, DE James Pearce Jr., WR Squirrel White, WR Bru McCoy, WR Dont’e Thornton Jr., C Cooper Mays, OT John Campbell Jr., G Javontez Spraggins

2025 outlook: After winning nine games or more for the third straight season and reaching the CFP, Josh Heupel has some work to do this offseason, especially on offense. It wouldn’t be surprising to see UT take a step back in 2025. The Volunteers are losing Sampson, the SEC’s leading rusher with 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns, and their top three receivers (McCoy and Thornton exhausted their eligibility, and White entered the transfer portal). Three starting offensive linemen will also have to be replaced. The Vols added former Arizona guard Wendell Moe Jr. and five-star tackle prospect David Sanders. There’s a solid nucleus coming back on defense, but Tennessee will miss Pearce’s production on the edge. The Volunteers will open the season against Syracuse in Atlanta, and they’ll play Georgia at home and Alabama and Florida on the road.

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2024 record: 9-4, 5-3 ACC

Key returning players: WR Chris Bell, RB Isaac Brown, LB TJ Quinn, LB Stanquan Clark, C Pete Nygra, RB Duke Watson, S D’Angelo Hutchinson, OT Trevonte Sylvester

Key losses: QB Tyler Shough, WR Ja’Corey Brooks, DE Ashton Gillotte, DE Ramon Puryear, CB Quincy Riley, S M.J. Griffin, S Tamarion McDonald, G Michael Gonzalez

2025 outlook: The Cardinals lost four games for the second straight season under Jeff Brohm, but there’s no question the 2024 campaign could have been much better. Louisville dropped three games by seven points — against Notre Dame, SMU and Miami — then somehow lost at Stanford 38-35 on Nov. 16. Brohm landed former USC quarterback Miller Moss to lead the offense, and Brown is a blossoming star after breaking Lamar Jackson’s freshman rushing record with 1,173 yards to go with 11 touchdowns. The offensive line should be a strength, even after left tackle Monroe Mills transferred to Virginia. The Cardinals have added 20 players from the portal to shore up both sides of the ball, including top defensive end Clev Lubin (Coastal Carolina), linebacker Darius Thomas (Western Kentucky) and cornerback Jabari Mack (Jacksonville State).

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2024 record: 8-5, 5-4 Big Ten

Key returning players: LB Ernest Hausmann, LB Jaishawn Barham, DE TJ Guy, DE Derrick Moore, DL Rayshaun Benny, S Rod Moore, C Greg Crippen, G Giovanni El-Hadi, K Dominic Zvada, TE Marlin Klein

Key losses: DT Mason Graham, DT Kenneth Grant, CB Will Johnson, S Makari Paige, DE Josaiah Stewart, TE Colston Loveland, RB Kalel Mullings, RB Donovan Edwards, OT Myles Hinton

2025 outlook: The Wolverines salvaged coach Sherrone Moore’s first season by stunning rival Ohio State 13-10 and knocking off Alabama 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. If Michigan is going to build on that momentum, it will have to get better quarterback play from freshman Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300, or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene. Moore fired offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell and replaced him with Chip Lindsey, who called plays at North Carolina the previous two seasons. Lindsey will try to revamp an offense that failed to produce a 40-yard passing play in 2024. The Wolverines are losing two potential first-round picks in Graham and Grant. They added former Alabama five-star recruit Damon Payne Jr. to help fill one of the holes. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons, so it’s unclear if he’ll remain in college football in 2025.

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2024 record: 8-5, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: QB Marcel Reed, RB Le’Veon Moss, RB Rueben Owens, OT Trey Zuhn III, LB Taurean York, CB Will Lee III, S Dalton Brooks, LB Scooby Williams

Key losses: DE Nic Scourton, DT Shemar Turner, DE Shemar Stewart, DB Jaydon Hill, CB BJ Mayes, WR Noah Thomas, WR Jabre Barber

2025 outlook: Mike Elko’s first season at Texas A&M turned south when the Aggies dropped four of their last five games after a 7-1 start. The good news is Reed is returning, along with Moss and Owens, who suffered season-ending leg injuries in 2024. The Aggies hit the portal hard to beef up their receiver corps, adding NC State’s Kevin Concepcion, Mississippi State’s Mario Craver and Texas Tech’s Micah Hudson (although his future with the team is reportedly unclear). Even better, every offensive starter is expected to return. There are massive holes on the defensive front, and a couple of key players will have to be replaced in the secondary. Texas A&M plays road games at Notre Dame, LSU, Missouri and Texas.

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2024 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACC

Top returning players: RB Mark Fletcher Jr., RB Jordan Lyle, OT Markel Bell, G Matthew McCoy, DE Rueben Bain Jr., CB OJ Frederique Jr., OT Francis Mauigoa

Key losses: QB Cam Ward, OT Jalen Rivers, WR Xavier Restrepo, WR Jacolby George, WR Isaiah Horton, RB Damien Martinez, TE Elijah Arroyo, LB Francisco Mauigoa, DE Tyler Baron, DL Simeon Barrow Jr., DB Mishael Powell

2025 outlook: The Hurricanes will have to replace much of the core that looked loaded for bear in 2024 but came up short again with a late-season loss at Syracuse. Ward, a Heisman Trophy finalist, won’t be easily replaced. Miami is banking on former Georgia starter Carson Beck fully recovering from surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing elbow. He isn’t expected to resume throwing until sometime this spring. The Hurricanes will have to restock their receiver room after the top six pass catchers from 2024 left, but they did get CJ Daniels (LSU), one of the top wideouts in the portal. The Hurricanes have also brought in cornerbacks Charles Brantley (Michigan State), Emmanuel Karnley (Arizona) and Ethan O’Connor (Washington State) and safety Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State) to improve a porous secondary. Miami coach Mario Cristobal fired defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and replaced him with Minnesota’s Corey Hetherman.

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2024 record: 12-2, 7-0 Mountain West

Key returning players: QB Maddux Madsen, TE Matt Lauter, OT Kage Casey, DT Braxton Fely, DE Jayden Virgin-Morgan, LB Marco Notarainni, S Ty Benefield, S Zion Washington

Key losses: RB Ashton Jeanty, G Ben Dooley, WR Prince Strachan, DE Ahmed Hassanein, S Seyi Oladipo

2025 outlook: The Broncos claimed a second straight Mountain West Conference title and reached the CFP. Now they’ll begin life after Jeanty, who ran for an FBS-high 2,601 yards (890 more than Skattebo, the next-closest player) with 29 touchdowns in 2024. Obviously, it won’t be easy. Sire Gaines and Jambres Dubar will probably share carries, and the Broncos added former Fresno State tailback Malik Sherrod from the portal. The good news is that four starting offensive linemen are returning, including All-MWC tackle Casey on the left side. The defense brings back a plethora of experienced and productive players, starting with leading tackler Benefield and top sack man Virgin-Morgan. The Broncos play at Notre Dame on Oct. 4.

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2024 record: 10-3, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: QB Austin Simmons, WR, Cayden Lee, TE Dae’Quan Wright, LB TJ Dottery, LB Suntarine Perkins, DT Zxavian Harris

Key losses: QB Jaxson Dart, WR Jordan Watkins, WR Tre Harris, WR Antwane Wells Jr., LB Chris Paul Jr., CB Trey Amos, DT Walter Nolen, S Trey Washington, S John Saunders Jr., DE Jared Ivey, DE Princely Umanmielen

2025 outlook: The Rebels invested heavily in the transfer portal to make a run at an SEC championship this past season, but came up short and missed the CFP after a late loss at Florida. Ole Miss will undergo a big face-lift in 2025, with Dart and most of his top receivers leaving, as well as much of the offensive line. Pregame might not be as much fun in the Grove this fall. The defensive line will have a new look, with Umanmielen, Ivey, Nolen and JJ Pegues all departing. There are big losses in the secondary, too. Simmons, a left-handed passer, looked good in limited action in 2024. Kiffin is bringing in De’Zhaun Stribling (Oklahoma State), Deuce Alexander (Wake Forest) and Caleb Odom (Alabama) to replenish the receiver room. Pass rushers Princewill Umanmielen (Nebraska) and Da’Shawn Womack (LSU) were important pickups on defense.

Teams also considered: Auburn, Texas Tech, Missouri, Georgia Tech, Baylor, Duke, Washington, Nebraska, Iowa, Army, Colorado