Top 128 College Football Players

Top 128 College Football Players – Sports On Earth

For two months, Sports on Earth has been counting down the best returning college football players position by position in preparation for the 2016 season. With media days beginning and preseason camp almost here, it’s time to put all these lists together to figure out the best overall players.

Need a way to catch up on college football after a long offseason? These players will be the main characters in the 2016 season.

In August, we’ll rank all 128 teams. But first, we ranked and broke down the 128 best FBS players, with 53 teams represented on the list. The following rankings are based on what players have accomplished and what kind of impact they are capable of making at the college level, not necessarily NFL draft projections. They are adapted from the seven-part position rankings series, linked below. Most of the overall rankings stay true to the position articles, with a few slight tweaks for some players who have all-purpose value.

128. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma. A massive 6-foot-8, 357-pound left tackle, Brown started all 13 games as a redshirt freshman for Oklahoma’s playoff team, quickly becoming a pivotal player for one of the best and most balanced offenses in the country,

127. Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame. Nelson is a rising star for Notre Dame’s excellent offensive line. The 6-foot-4, 325-pound left guard started 11 games as a redshirt freshman, proving to be a tough, aggressive and effective blocker for an offense that ran the ball well and consistently moved the chains, regardless of who was playing quarterback.

126. Shawun Lurry, CB, Northern Illinois. A 5-foot-8 ball hawk, Lurry led the nation with nine interceptions as a sophomore first-year starter. He returned those picks for 273 yards and a TD, and he also broke up 15 passes, making him a playmaking machine for the MAC West powerhouse Huskies.

125. Sean Welsh, G, Iowa. Welsh is a valuable player for Iowa regardless of where he lines up. He has played left guard, right guard and right tackle, and it’s possible he’ll play center this year. Regardless of where he ends up, the 6-foot-3, 288-pound junior is one of three returning starters for a program that builds its offenses around strong offensive lines.

124. Fred Ross, WR, Mississippi State. The Bulldogs must overhaul their passing game without QB Dak Prescott and WR De’Runnya Wilson, but Ross provides some needed stability, returning for his senior year after catching 88 passes for 1,007 yards and five TDs. The 6-foot-2 Ross has been on an impressive upward trajectory throughout his career, and he was a machine down the stretch in 2015 with 41 catches for 500 yards in the last four SEC games.

123. Chris Wormley, DL, Michigan. The Wolverines finished fifth in yards per play allowed last year, and their defense will continue to be excellent with Wormley teaming with Ryan Glasgow, Taco Charlton, Maurice Hurst and top recruit Rashan Gary to form a dominant line. A 303-pound senior, Wormley had 14 ½ tackles for loss last season, as a versatile player who can line up anywhere up front.

122. Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M. This spot could also go to Aggies safety/nickel back/all-around playmaker Donovan Wilson, but we’ll highlight Watts, who led the team with 126 tackles last season, playing well in run support and finishing with six tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

121. Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky. Taylor will have to play 2016 without his prolific 5,000-yard passer Brandon Doughty, but he’s still in line for a big season, regardless of who starts at quarterback for the Hilltoppers. Taylor averaged 17.1 yards per catch last year, hauling in 86 receptions for 1,467 yards and 17 TDs, making him one of the most productive returning players in college football.

120. Deatrich Wise, DE, Arkansas. The Razorbacks struggled to get to the QB on defense for much of last season, but Wise livened the pass rush late in the year, with seven sacks in the last four SEC games to finish with eight total for the season. The 280-pound senior has suddenly become the leader of the Hogs’ defense, looking to carry over that November success into a full-season of All-SEC production.

119. Josh Carraway, DE, TCU. Carraway is the only Horned Frogs defender on this list, but several more could be, especially as this season progresses. Injuries dismantled the unit last year, but now it will be deeper, with a chance to be the Big 12’s best. The most proven player is Carraway, a first-team All-Big 12 pick who had 47 tackles, nine sacks and a fumble return for a TD as a junior.

118. Jordan Leggett, TE, Clemson. Leggett totaled 26 catches over his first two seasons, then broke out as a consistent playmaker and a key weapon in a diverse Clemson offense. A 6-foot-5, 255-pound senior, Leggett caught 40 passes for 525 yards and eight TDs, averaging 13.1 yards per catch, with strong performances in big games against Florida State and Alabama.

117. Connor Williams, OT, Texas. Williams immediately helped what has been a struggling offensive line since Charlie Strong arrived. He started all 12 games at left tackle as a freshman, settling nicely into a key role for an offense that may finally start turning the corner, at least in the ground game.

116. Dominick Sanders, S, Georgia. Sanders has started 25 games in two seasons, with a second-team All-SEC performance in 2015 in which he had 48 tackles and six interceptions, which he returned for 205 yards and a TD. Georgia’s pass defense has become a strength the past couple years, and Sanders is a big reason for that.

115. Arden Key, DE/LB, LSU. An undersized but explosive rush end, Key is poised for a 2016 breakout as a sophomore under the guidance of new coordinator Dave Aranda. The 6-foot-6, 231-pound Key still has room to grow into a more complete player, but he’s a dangerous pass rusher sure to improve on the five sacks he had as a freshman starter.

114. Ahmad Thomas, S, Oklahoma. The Sooners have one of the nation’s top safety duos, also featuring Steven Parker, with Thomas leading the way after earning second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2016. A 6-foot, 215-pound senior, Thomas has had two excellent seasons as starter, with 75 tackles both years and three picks last year.

113. Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State. Even when losing Joey Bosa, Ohio State’s pass rush will have little problem reloading, with players like Sam Hubbard and Joey’s brother, Nick Bosa, stepping up. Lewis is the most proven of the bunch, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior who actually led the team with eight sacks last year and is poised to make a bigger name for himself on a new-look defense.

112. Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB, Alabama. Fitzpatrick thrived as a slot corner in his true freshman season. The 6-foot-1 five-star recruit had 45 tackles, 11 pass breakups, three tackles for loss and two pick-sixes, and as a sophomore he’ll move into an even larger role as one of the starting cornerbacks for the nation’s best defense.

111. Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin. Breakout season, Take 2. Clement rushed for nearly 1,000 yards as the backup in Melvin Gordon’s 2,587-yard season in 2014, only to play in only four games last season because of injuries and a suspension. Now, Clement will try to live up to his enormous potential, in a run-oriented offense that should feature a better line than a year ago.

110. Kyle Fuller, C, Baylor. The lone returning starter to what was a great Baylor offensive line, Fuller will play a huge role in keeping the run game rolling and QB Seth Russell healthy. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound senior has started 39 games for some of the nation’s best offenses, and he gives the Bears a powerful, smart, steady presence in the middle of their line.

109. Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo. The 2015 season didn’t quite go as planned for Hunt, as he missed three games and shared the backfield with Terry Swanson. Still, in his career he has rushed for 3,470 yards, including 1,631 yards in 10 games (eight yards per carry) in 2014. He finished the regular season strong last year and is a game-breaker when healthy.

108. Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson. Clemson’s offense took flight en route to an ACC championship and playoff bid despite missing its best receiver and starting a true freshman at left tackle. A five-star recruit, Hyatt shined in his debut, earning third-team All-ACC honors. He’s now a key link in an excellent offense, with first-round NFL potential in a couple years.

107. Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State. McNichols didn’t get quite as many touches as his workhorse predecessor, Jay Ajayi, but as a sophomore, he became a stellar playmaker for the Broncos, who spent much of the year breaking in a freshman QB in Brett Rypien. McNichols ran for 1,337 yards and 20 TDs and caught 51 passes for 460 yards and six TDs, ranking second nationally in individual points per game.

106. Mason Cole, C, Michigan. Offensive line was a weakness of the Wolverines under Brady Hoke, but not surprisingly Jim Harbaugh quickly turned things around. A veteran line should be one of the nation’s best this season, and Cole is at the forefront. A standout as a freshman, Cole has started all 25 games in his career, and now he’ll shift from left tackle to center to help power Michigan’s ground attack.

105. Jehu Chesson, WR, Michigan. The 6-foot-3 Chesson caught fire down the stretch last season, with 207 yards and four TDs against Indiana, plus over 100 yards against both Ohio State and Florida. A first-team All-Big Ten selection, Chesson finished with 50 catches for 764 yards and nine TDs as a junior, with high hopes for even more in the second year of Harbaugh’s system.

104. Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State. Godwin has not gotten enough credit in becoming only the third Penn State player to ever have a thousand-yard receiving season, in a year in which the Nittany Lions offense faced intense scrutiny. Godwin finished second in the Big Ten in receiving yards, catching 69 passes for 1,101 yards and five TDs, with an average of 16 yards per catch. The 6-foot-1 junior had over 100 yards in five of his last seven games.

103. Mike Warren, RB, Iowa State. New Iowa State coach Matt Campbell has a lot of work ahead of him, but he inherits a foundation player in Warren, the Big 12’s offensive freshman of the year. Warren got only nine carries in his first two games, and yet he still ran 227 times for 1,339 yards and five TDs, including 245 yards vs. Texas Tech and 195 vs. Kansas State. Campbell built strong running games at Toledo, which bodes well for Warren’s future success.

102. Adam Bisnowaty, OT, Pittsburgh. Former coach Paul Chryst helped make offensive line a strength of the Panthers, and it will again be that in Pat Narduzzi’s second year. Four starters are back, led by senior guard Dorian Johnson and Bisnowaty, a first-team All-ACC left tackle who returned for his senior season with 30 career starts under his belt.

101. Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech. Hodges teams with wideout Isaiah Ford to give the Hokies a pair of All-ACC caliber matchup nightmares, sparking what should be an improved offense under new coach Justin Fuente. The 6-foot-7 Hodges has shined in two seasons, totaling 85 catches for 1,056 yards and 13 TDs thus far in his career, despite the fact that he was a dual-threat quarterback recruit out of high school.

Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware took home defensive MVP honors at the Orange Bowl. (Getty Images)

100. Ben Boulware, LB, Clemson. Boulware was a highly regarded recruit who played well as a reserve for two years, then became a star of the Clemson defense with 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two picks as a full-time starter as a junior. Boulware was defensive MVP of the Orange Bowl and returns as a crucial leader of a new-look defense that returns only two other starters.

99. Myles Gaskin, RB, Washington. Gaskin starred in Washington’s all-freshman backfield last year, starting only six games but emerging as the workhorse. He became the first Washington freshman to crack the thousand-yard mark, rushing 227 times for 1,302 yards and 14 TDs, with impressive change-of-direction skills and a tough running style despite a 5-foot-10, 193-pound frame.

98. Matt Breida, RB, Georgia Southern. An explosive talent in Georgia Southern’s high-powered option running attack, Breida has averaged 8.3 yards per carry over the Eagles’ two FBS seasons, with 1,485 yards and 17 TDs as a sophomore and 1,609 yards and 17 TDs as a junior. The dynamic 5-foot-10 tailback is a two-time first-team All-Sun Belt pick, and he had a national-best nine runs of 40-plus yards last year, according to cfbstats.com.

97. Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State. One of several standouts on an excellent Aztecs defense, Kazee was named Mountain West defensive player of the year as a junior, with eight interceptions, seven pass breakups, five tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. After almost declaring for the draft, Kazee decided to return and help give San Diego State a good chance of winning back-to-back conference titles.

96. Quin Blanding, S, Virginia. Blanding has been a tackling machine in the Cavaliers’ secondary since the moment he arrived. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior already has 238 career tackles, with four INTs and nine pass breakups. He’s finished second in the ACC in tackles per game in back-to-back seasons, living up to his five-star recruiting hype.

95. Larry Rose III, RB, New Mexico State. A huge bright spot for a team that has struggled to generate positive attention — eight wins in four years, no bowl since 1960 — Rose is attempting to carry New Mexico State back toward that long-awaited bowl eligibility. While only 5-foot-11, 184 pounds, the Sun Belt offensive player of the year carried the ball 240 times for 1,651 yards and 14 TDs last year, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

94. Kendell Beckwith, LB, LSU. Beckwith became an integral part of the LSU defense by the midway point of his sophomore season in 2014, and he built on that momentum with strong full season of starts as a junior with 84 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. At 252 pounds, Beckwith is a physical run-stuffer who will fit perfectly in coordinator Dave Aranda’s new-look defense.

93. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama. Relatively speaking, Alabama had a couple years in which the secondary was the weakest link of the defense. Maybe it still is because of how dominant the front seven is, but that doesn’t mean this unit isn’t one of the best in the country. It has a new star in Humphrey, a five-star recruit who redshirted in 2014, then started all 15 games in 2015, finishing with 45 tackles, three picks, eight pass breakups and two force fumbles.

92. Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois. While Jihad Ward was a second-round pick, the most production on the Fighting Illini defensive line came from Smoot, who had 40 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three forced fumbles in a breakout junior season, setting the stage for an All-Big Ten senior campaign in which he should start garnering significant draft hype himself.

91. Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt. Don’t let Vandy’s record fool you: The Commodores played stellar defense last season, and the biggest reason was Cunningham, who had 103 tackles, 16 ½ tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and three pass breakups. Cunningham has this defense in position to be an upset threat this season, with a chance to return to bowl eligibility.

C.J. Beathard provided a newfound spark to the Iowa offense as quarterback last year. (Getty Images)

90. C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa. Beathard usurped Jake Rudock for Iowa’s starting job, then proceeded to lead the Hawkeyes to an undefeated regular season, just short of a playoff bid, despite playing through a sports hernia injury for much of the year. He completed 61.6 percent for 2,809 yards, 17 TDs and five INTs and ran for 237 yards and six TDs, proving to be an excellent fit for Iowa’s style of play while expanding the offense because of his arm strength and mobility.

89. Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh. Coach Pat Narduzzi built exceptional defensive backfields as coordinator at Michigan State, and he has the perfect building block to do the same at Pitt. Whitehead led the team in tackles with 109 as a freshman, earning second-team All-ACC honors. If that responsibility wasn’t enough, he showed off his athleticism by rushing for 122 yards and two TDs on offense.

88. Brian Allen, C, Michigan State. The Spartans are developing a reputation for strong offensive lines, and they have a steep challenge in replacing Jack Conklin, Jack Allen and Donavon Clark from last year’s playoff team. There are reasons for optimism, though, starting with Brian Allen sliding from left guard — where he was a second-team All-Big Ten pick as a sophomore — to center to replace his All-American older brother.

87. Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss. At 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, Engram is essentially a supersized wide receiver for the Rebels. Regardless of what he’s labeled, he’s a matchup nightmare for defenses, because he’s a phenomenal athlete with speed and leaping ability. With Laquon Treadwell gone, it’s not hard to see Engram emerging as a bigger weapon for QB Chad Kelly after catching 38 passes for 464 yards as a junior.

86. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame. McGlinchey became an impact player in his first year as starter as a redshirt sophomore, lining up at right tackle for one of the nation’s top offensive lines. The 6-foot-7, 310-pound junior will slide to left tackle to replace first-round pick Ronnie Stanley, and while losing Stanley is a tough blow for the line, the transition to McGlinchey on that side will be seamless.

85. Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson. Clemson’s defense has experienced a ton of turnover the last two years. This year, Tankersley is the one known quantity in the secondary with Mackensie Alexander, T.J. Green and Jayron Kearse all leaving early for the NFL. Despite getting attention because offenses mostly avoided throwing near Alexander, Tankersley impressed as a junior in his first year as starter, with 48 tackles, five interceptions and nine pass breakups. His stats might dip in 2015, but that’s because offenses are going to start throwing away from him now.

84. Shock Linwood, RB, Baylor. An injured Linwood didn’t get to play in Baylor’s 645-rushing-yards romp against North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl, and Johnny Jefferson — who ran for 299 yards in that game — could certainly be on this list too. Before then, Linwood ran 196 times for 1,329 yards and 10 TDs, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Much of that damage came against the worst defenses on Baylor’s schedule, but he’s a talented back who’s been a steady, underrated presence in the Bears backfield.

83. Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee. There’s no doubt that Dobbs had a stellar first full season as a starter after starting nine games over his first two years. He limited mistakes with only five interceptions, and he ran for 671 yards and 11 TDs, making him a smart passer and a dangerous dual-threat. With high expectations for the Vols this year, now we see if he can help push his team to another level, ideally with more big plays after he averaged 6.7 yards per pass attempt.

82. Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah. While Hunter Dimick missed seven games with an injury last season, the Utes still had a disruptive defensive line, thanks to Lowell Lotulelei clogging the middle and Fitts’ work off the edge. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound UCLA transfer raised his game to another level in 11 starts, recording 41 tackles, seven sacks and 10 pass breakups.

81. Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn. Five-star recruits who play as much as Adams usually end up leaving early, but he’ll return for his senior season with 23 career starts as he strives for consistency to achieve his high All-SEC — and perhaps All-America — potential. The 309-pound Adams had 44 tackles and two forced fumbles last year, with the athleticism to get penetration and disrupt opposing offenses.

ward Quarterback Greg Ward Jr. rushed for over 1,000 yards to lead Houston to the Peach Bowl. (Getty Images)

80. Greg Ward Jr., QB, Houston. Tom Herman stepped into a great situation as a first-year head coach, at a top-tier Group of Five program with a quarterback who fit his system. Ward may be undersized at just 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, but the mobile senior took his game to new heights in Herman’s spread scheme, running for 1,108 yards and 21 TDs while completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 2,828 yards and 17 TDs in leading the Cougars to the Peach Bowl. Houston returns only 11 starters, but Ward is a big reason why it is favored to get back to a New Year’s Six bowl game.

79. Jake Browning, QB, Washington. A big reason for the hype around Washington this year is the optimism that Browning will continue to progress as a sophomore. Thrown into the fire as a true freshman, Browning was shaky at times, but overall the results were promising for a young QB. A record-setter in high school, Browning completed 63.3 percent fro 2,956 yards with 16 TDs and 10 INTs. Predictably, he looked lost at times, but expect a more confident Browning this fall with a more seasoned supporting cast.

78. Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida. The Gators are loaded on defense again despite losing several stars, and that’s because they have rising stars waiting in the wings. On the line, that applies to end CeCe Jefferson, and it also applies to Brantley. He started 10 games at tackle last year and had 29 tackles and 6 ½ tackles for loss, and he was likely just scratching the surface, with an All-SEC performance a good bet in his junior season.

77. Tony Conner, S, Ole Miss. Conner unfortunately missed most of last season because of knee problems, but the 2013 five-star recruit should bounce back into a prominent role in the Rebels’ 4-2-5 defense as a box safety who brings some linebacker-like qualities to the table. The 6-foot, 225 pounds Conner had 69 tackles, nine tackles for loss and an interception in 2014, but he played in only five games last season.

76. Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State. A touted recruit, Rudolph was thrust into the starting lineup earlier than expected thanks to injuries in 2014, as he burned his redshirt and started the last three games. He kept the job as a sophomore — although he shared some snaps with change-up running by J.W. Walsh — and helped lead the Cowboys to a 10-3 record by throwing for 3,770 yards and 21 TDs in an offense that had plenty of success throwing downfield. With Walsh gone, the offense belongs solely to Rudolph, who is poised for big things with receivers James Washington and Marcell Ateman back.

75. KD Cannon, WR, Baylor. One of the biggest recruits in Baylor history, Cannon was a five-star prospect who immediately became a go-to deep threat in the Bears’ high-powered offense. Now, he’ll be counted on heavily as Baylor tries to keep its offense on track without coach Art Briles, plus the losses of four starting offensive linemen and Biletnikoff-winning wideout Corey Coleman. Cannon averages 17.6 yards per catch, with nine career catches of 50-plus yards, according to cfbstats.com.

74. Zach Banner, OT, USC. One of the biggest players in football, the 6-foot-9, 360-pound Banner — who also played some basketball — is a mammoth right tackle with a high ceiling. He’s still working to become more refined, but he’s capable of overpowering opponents and has developed into a first-team All-Pac-12 pick with first-round NFL potential.

73. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville. Expectations are skyrocketing for Jackson to become college football’s next breakout superstar quarterback. While only a three-star recruit, Jackson ultimately won a long quarterback competition thanks to his spectacular playmaking ability with his feet. He completed only 54.7 percent of his passes, but despite starting only seven games he ran for a team-high 960 yards and 11 TDs — ending the season with 186 rushing yards vs. Kentucky and 226 vs. Texas A&M. It’ll be hard for Louisville to crack the top two in the ACC Atlantic, thanks to Florida State and Clemson, but Jackson gives the Cardinals a dangerous centerpiece capable of making them an upset threat.

72. James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh. Conner is gearing up for the best comeback story in college football. After rushing for 1,765 yards and 26 TDs in 2014, Conner suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1 in 2015, then was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in November. Conner underwent several months of treatments and was declared cancer-free on May 23, putting the powerful and tough runner on track to return to the Panthers’ backfield this fall.

71. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State. One of the best big-play receivers in the nation, Washington built on a stellar true freshman season with a breakout sophomore campaign in which he was named second-team All-Big 12 with 53 catches for 1,087 yards and 10 TDs. He joined Notre Dame’s Will Fuller as the only two players to average more than 20 yards per catch on 50-plus catches, and he had eight catches of 40 ore more yards, according to cfbstats.com, thanks to his deep speed and ball skills.

Donnel Pumphrey is poised to break Marshall Faulk’s San Diego State career rushing record. (Getty Images)

70. Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State. A 5-foot-9, 180-pound workhorse, Pumphrey has racked up 710 carries for 4,272 yards and 45 TDs and 72 catches for 808 yards and two TDs in his accomplished Aztecs career. He fell to 5.3 yards per rush last year, but he’s one of the country’s most proven tailbacks and the foundation of the San Diego State offense in a ground-and-pound philosophy that saw the Aztecs win the Mountain West last year.

69. Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah. The younger brother of former Utah nose tackle Star Lotulelei — the No. 14 pick in the 2013 draft — Lowell has forged his own path through 18 starts over his first two seasons. The 310-pound junior is the anchor of one of the nation’s best defensive lines, and while he had only 26 tackles last year, he does the dirty work to open things up for the Utes’ talented ends, a job that earned him a first-team All-Pac-12 spot.

68. Gabe Marks, WR, Washington State. Mike Leach offenses are built for ultra-productive receivers, and Marks is the latest to emerge as a statistical machine. He has become a go-to reliable target for Luke Falk, who attempts over 50 passes per game. As a junior, Marks finished fourth in the nation in catches with 104 and fourth in touchdown receptions with 15. He doesn’t make many big plays, but this offense is predicated on getting into a rhythm with quick-hitting throws. Marks is a machine who keeps the chains moving.

67. Jalen Hurd, RB, Tennessee. Hurd is a freakish athlete with near-tight end size at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds. After a solid freshman season, he had 277 carries for 1,288 yards and caught 22 passes as a sophomore. A big back like Hurd is unlikely to rank near the nation’s best in yards per carry, but he continues to have enormous potential and forms one of the nation’s best one-two punches with Alvin Kamara.

66. DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire, QBs, Notre Dame. There’s no separating them, which is what makes coach Brian Kelly’s decision so difficult. The speedy, strong-armed Zaire was supposed to be the breakout star last year after displacing Everett Golson, but a broken ankle in Week 2 ruined those plans and opened the door for Kizer, who threw for 2,884 yards and 21 TDs and ran for 520 yards and 10 TDs as a redshirt freshman. These are two very good quarterbacks, both of whom are capable of leading the Fighting Irish back to a major bowl game.

65. Conor McDermott, OT, UCLA. The Bruins’ offensive line has made solid strides, becoming a relative strength last season, and McDermott may be the biggest reason. A second-team All-Pac-12 pick, the 6-foot-9, 310-pound senior broke into the lineup at left tackle the second half of his sophomore year, then starred last season in protecting QB Josh Rosen, with the offense as a whole moving from 113^th to 10^th in sacks allowed.

64. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB, Tennessee. A terror on the weak side, Reeves-Maybin isn’t the biggest linebacker at 6-foot, 230 pounds, but he excels in space, attacking offenses with speed and explosiveness. He’s had over 100 tackles in back-to-back seasons, racking up 105 tackles (35 more than anyone else on the Vols), 14 tackles for loss, six sacks and two forced fumbles as a junior.

63. Josey Jewell, LB, Iowa. Jewell emerged as the best player in Iowa’s front seven over the course of last season, earning second-team All-Big Ten recognition as a junior with 126 tackles, 7 ½ tackles for loss, six pass breakups and four interceptions. He had double-digit tackles in five Big Ten games, becoming a relentless and dependable force in Iowa’s run to the Rose Bowl.

62. Marquis Haynes, DE, Ole Miss. More than anything, Ole Miss’ 4-2-5 defense values speed, players who attack the opposing offense and can make plays in space. Haynes may be only 222 pounds, but he’s a perfect fit for the Rebels’ Landshark identity, an explosive playmaker off the edge who has 17 ½ sacks, 25 ½ tackles for loss and six forced fumbles total over his first two seasons as a Rebel.

61. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech. Kliff Kingsbury shuffled quarterbacks his first two years as head coach, but he’s settled on a good one now in Mahomes, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior who brings an enticing combination of arm strength and mobility to the Red Raiders’ Air Raid offense. The son of former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes, the Texas Tech signal caller threw for 4,653 yards and 36 TDs and ran for 456 yards and 10 TDs last year, making him one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country.

hood Elijah Hood averaged 6.7 yards per carry for UNC’s explosive offense last season. (Getty Images)

60. Elijah Hood, RB, North Carolina. Hood played an integral role in the Tar Heels leading the nation in yards per play last season, as he averaged 6.7 yards per carry, rushing 219 times for 1,463 yards and 17 TDs in a season that probably didn’t get enough national praise. The 6-foot, 220-pound junior was a highly regarded recruit, and he teamed with QB Marquise Williams to form a potent one-two punch in the running game. Williams is gone, but the Tar Heels’ ground attack will continue to thrive with Hood teaming with new QB Mitch Trubisky.

59. Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA. The Bruins’ run defense fell apart last season because of injuries, including Vanderdoes’ torn ACL in Week 1. A five-star recruit in 2013, the 305-pound Vanderdoes is a powerful player in the middle who had 50 tackles and 5 ½ tackles for loss in 2014 and was poised to become an All-Pac-12 performer last season before the injury.

58. Charles Walker, DL, Oklahoma. Able to play anywhere on Oklahoma’s line, the 304-pound Walker has never actually started a game, but he was a second-team All-Big 12 pick anyway last season, with 10 tackles for loss, six sacks and a forced fumble. His role is set to expand with Charles Tapper gone, and his value was shown by how much Oklahoma missed him when he sat out the loss to Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

57. Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson. Gallman emerged as a perfect complement to Deshaun Watson in Clemson’s loaded backfield. While the Tigers spread the wealth on offense, Gallman averaged 20 carries per game, racking up 1,527 yards and 13 TDs in 14 games. Clemson attacks defenses in a variety of ways, and Gallman brings a hard-running style to the table at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, consistently helping to move the chains and keep the offense on schedule with his ability between the tackles.

56. Seth Russell, QB, Baylor. Russell led the nation in passer rating over the first two months of last season before a season-ending neck injury, just as Baylor reached the heart of a backloaded schedule. With Jarrett Stidham transferring, there is no debate that Russell is the clear-cut starter again entering 2016, as he has been cleared to return. In the first seven games of his junior year, he completed 59.5 percent for 2,104 yards, 29 TDs and six picks and ran 49 times for 402 yards and six TDs, proving to be a dangerous dual-threat with deep-passing and running ability.

55. Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas. One of the biggest recruits in the class of 2015, Jefferson didn’t need much time to show his star potential. The Big 12’s defensive freshman of the year, Jefferson had 61 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three pass breakups and a fumble return for a TD in 11 games. He’s quickly become the face of the Texas defense, with superb range.

54. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama. For three years, everyone had been waiting for Howard’s breakout. He’s 6-foot-6, a former five-star recruit with rare speed for a tight end, and yet his involvement in the passing game was never consistent. And then he torched Clemson for 208 yards and two TDs in the national title game, and Nick Saban admitted that they need to use him more often. The Crimson Tide are loaded with receiving talent, but with Howard returning for his senior season, it’s a strong bet that Saban and Kiffin will be directing their new quarterback to look Howard’s way more often.

53. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M. Kevin Sumlin has loaded the Aggies with blue-chip receiving talent the last few years, and Kirk instantly jumped to the top of the line as a true freshman, catching 80 passes for 1,009 yards and returning two punts for touchdowns. A dynamic playmaker in space, Kirk gives the Aggies a dangerous target who will make the transition much easier for Oklahoma transfer QB Trevor Knight.

52. DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State. Walker made the leap from solid starter as a sophomore to impact All-ACC player as a junior. He racked up 10 ½ sacks, 15 ½ tackles for loss, 58 tackles, five pass breakups, four forced fumbles and an interception, emerging as an impact player against both the run and the pass. He’ll team with sophomore Josh Sweat to form one of the nation’s top defensive ends units.

51. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson. Yes, somehow Clemson’s offense is getting even more dangerous. The Tigers dominated much of the competition last year without their best pure wide receiver, as Williams injured his neck in Week 1 and missed the rest of the year. Now back in the lineup, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Williams gives Deshaun Watson a potential first-round pick out wide, one who averaged 18 yards per catch as a sophomore in 2014, catching 57 passes for 1,030 yards and six TDs.

sutton Cameron Sutton stars at cornerback and also led the nation in punt return average. (Getty Images)

50. Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee. A fixture in the Vols’ defensive backfield for three years, Sutton has started 38 games in his career. He had only one pick last year, but he’s reliable in coverage for a team that allowed only a 50-percent completion rate. Sutton is also a dangerous punt returner, returning two for TDs and leading the nation with an average of 18.7 yards per return.

49. Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech. Despite Virginia Tech’s issues on offense in recent years, Ford was the only ACC receiver to crack the 1,000-yard mark last year — and, in fact, he’s the only player in school history to do it. The first-team all-conference pick caught 75 passes for 1,1164 yards and 11 TDs as a sophomore, and he could be poised for even bigger things now that Justin Fuente’s offense has arrived.

48. Jake Butt, TE, Michigan. Jim Harbaugh loves utilizing tight ends, and Butt has proven to be a dangerous, well-rounded weapon. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound senior showed flashes of potential for two years, then broke out with a first-team All-Big Ten season, catching 51 passes for 654 yards and two TDs. He’s a terrific safety valve for another new QB to confidently lean on.

47. Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami. Impressive as a freshman and solid as a sophomore, Kaaya is hoping for a big step forward as a junior under new coach Mark Richt. He treaded water a bit last year, but he has established himself as a legitimate pro prospect, potentially one of the top players in the 2016 draft. A pure pocket passer, Kaaya has limited his mistakes the last season and a half, throwing only five picks in 2015, and his talent gives Miami hope that it can finally ascend to the top of the ACC Coastal.

46. Luke Falk, QB, Washington State. Still only a junior with 15 starts under his belt, Falk has already attempted 887 passes in his career, going from walk-on to perfect fit for Mike Leach. Falk averaged 53.7 attempts per game in 12 starts last year, completing 69.4 percent for 4,561 yards with 38 TDs and only eight picks. He’ll take a run at 5,000 yards this season, especially if he gets a little bit more of a downfield passing game going.

45. Ethan Pocic, C, LSU. The most important non-Fournette player on LSU’s offense, Pocic was a second-team All-SEC pick as a junior, his second season as a starter. According to LSU, Pocic had LSU’s most knockdown blocks since 2010, and he played an integral role in Fournette’s success and can do it again as the standout tailback makes a run at the Heisman.

44. Sidney Jones, CB, Washington. One of the leaders of the Pac-12’s best defense, Jones broke out as a sophomore, showcasing instincts and quickness for a Huskies team that allowed only nine passing touchdowns in nine Pac-12 games. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 recognition, recording four interceptions, four forced fumbles, 10 pass breakups and 3 ½ tackles for loss. Jones is an underappreciated player nationally, an All-America candidate with first-round draft talent.

43. Charles Harris, DE, Missouri. Missouri has produced five All-SEC defensive ends the last three years, with Harris the latest in a one of the nation’s most productive position groups. The 255-pound junior broke out as a replacement for Shane Ray and Markus Golden, racking up 18 ½ tackles for loss with seven sacks and two forced fumbles.

42. Marcus Maye, S, Florida. The Gators lost Vernon Hargreaves and Keanu Neal from a loaded secondary, but they still get back Jalen Tabor at cornerback and Maye at safety, meaning this will remain one of the nation’s top units. A 6-foot, 207-pound senior, Maye has been on a steady upward trajectory throughout his career, becoming a complete defender who finished 2015 with 82 tackles, six pass breakups, five forced fumbles and two picks.

41. Dan Feeney, G, Indiana. The tenacious Feeney has paved the way for fantastic rushing performances by Indiana the last few years, including Tevin Coleman’s 2,000-yard season in 2014. The backs are talented, but they’ve been aided by the line, which has become a big strength under coach Kevin Wilson. A senior, Feeney has 37 career starts, and in addition to being stellar in the run game, he has allowed only one sack in his career.

baker Speedy safety Budda Baker has helped Washington’s defense to the top of the Pac-12. (Getty Images)

40. Budda Baker, S, Washington. A terrific all-around athlete who could also be used on offense, Baker displays phenomenal range as the Huskies’ free safety. One of the top safety recruits in 2014, Baker has started 26 in two seasons, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors last fall with 49 tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions. While only 5-foot-10, Baker has elite closing speed, making him one of the game’s best centerfielders.

39. Tim Williams, LB, Alabama. The Crimson Tide are loaded with unfair depth, so much so that a player like Williams can play a highly specialized pass-rush role and produce at such a high level within that rotational role that more than half of his tackles were sacks. Williams had only 1 ½ sacks his first two seasons, then broke out with 10 ½ sacks as a junior despite having only 19 total tackles 15 games. That role will expand, as Williams returned for a final season to show off his elite explosiveness that makes him a potential game-changer off the edge for a defense that may be the nation’s best yet again.

38. Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama. Surprise, surprise, another star inside linebacker with high NFL aspirations for Nick Saban. A five-star recruit, Foster was mostly known for his special teams work his first two seasons, but he slid into the starting lineup and became a pivotal part of the nation’s most dominant run defense as a fearsome hitter, while also having the athleticism to make plays in coverage.

37. Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson. The Tigers continue to churn out top-notch defensive linemen under Brent Venables, and now Watkins is easily the most proven, and the only returning starter, with Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd and D.J. Reader gone. A second-team All-ACC pick in his first season as starter, the 300-pound Watkins clogged the middle, with 7 ½ tackles for loss, plus three pass breakups and even a pick-six.

36. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan. The Broncos have a terrific offense that may make them the MAC favorite this year, and Davis is their biggest asset, a 6-foot-3, 213-pound senior who has 3,778 career receiving yards — including 89 catches for 1,429 yards and 12 TDs last year. He’s a well-rounded receiver who opened last year with 154 yards against Michigan State, then finished with seven straight 100-yard games.

35. Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn. Could this be the year the bad luck ends? One of the top overall recruits in 2013, Lawson showed potential in Auburn’s run to the national title game, then tore his ACL in 2014 and missed half of last season with a hip injury. When healthy, Lawson is so fast and physical off the edge, a top-tier pass rusher who commands extra attention from opposing offenses. The senior has only five career sacks, but he has All-America potential to end his college career.

34. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State. Barkley was a freshman revelation for an offense going through a frustrating couple of season. Defenses began loading the box against him later in the year, but despite some injury issues and limited playing time at the very beginning of the season, Barkley ran for 1,076 yards on 182 carries. The 5-foot-11, 222-pound sophomore dazzled with some power to go with NFL-caliber lateral quickness, as he possesses the ability to burst through small holes and bounce off tacklers.

33. Adoree’ Jackson, CB, USC. Jackson came up short of Rio in the Olympic long-jump trials, but the fact that he was participating at all shows how great of an athlete he is. A cornerback, receiver and return man, Jackson is also a Pac-12 champion long jumper, making him one of the best all-around athletes in college sports. Jackson finished second on the Trojans with 414 receiving yards and had two punt return TDs last season, but he’s primarily a cornerback, a first-team All-Pac-12 selection who had 35 tackles, eight pass breakups and a pick-six.

32. Jabrill Peppers, LB, Michigan. One of the nation’s most versatile players, Peppers was a star running back in high school and went to Michigan as a jack-of-all-trades defensive back. After using a medical redshirt in 2014, he starred last fall as a safety/nickel back, showcasing his athleticism with 45 tackles and 10 pass breakups, in addition to a pair of rushing TDs on offense. This year, he’ll move to a hybrid outside linebacker role in new coordinator Don Brown’s defense, and it should be an excellent fit, with Michigan using Peppers to attack offenses and make plays in space.

31. Devonte Fields, LB, Louisville. The Big 12’s defensive player of the year as a freshman, Fields got kicked off the team at TCU and landed at Louisville after a year of juco ball. He slid into the lineup as an outside linebacker in Todd Grantham’s 3-4 scheme, and he re-emerged as an impact pass rusher, posting 11 sacks, 22 ½ tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He particularly came on strong late in the season, with 7 ½ sacks in the Cardinals’ final three games.

kelly Chad Kelly accounted for 41 total touchdowns in his debut season at Ole Miss. (Getty Images)

30. Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss. Kelly’s journey from standout recruit to Clemson to junior college to an arrest to starting quarterback at Ole Miss now has him as the best returning QB in the SEC. The nephew of Jim Kelly, he passed for 4,042 yards and 31 TDs and ran for 500 yards and 10 TDs in a relatively underappreciated season in leading the Rebels to a win over Alabama and the Sugar Bowl. He loses top target Laquon Treadwell and OT Laremy Tunsil, but he still has a stellar supporting cast and is poised to repeat his 2015 success.

29. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA. The freshman phenom is poised to continue his ascent, the far-too-early favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL draft. A polished product out of high school, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound sophomore not surprisingly showed flashes of huge potential in his Bruins debut. His results were up-and-down, but he had a few big games and finished with 3,668 yards, 23 TDs and 11 INTs.

28. Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State. McMillan has suddenly become the leader of a new-look Ohio State defense. A five-star recruit who made an instant impact in a rotational role as a freshman, McMillan stepped into the full-time middle linebacker job last season and shined, averaging 9.2 tackles per game and finishing with four tackles for loss and four pass breakups. He’s a 6-foot-2, 240-pound terror against the run, with closing speed and reliable tackling to make him a possible first-round pick.

27. Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama. Jackson’s move from cornerback to strong safety paid off for him individually and Alabama as a whole in 2015. The Crimson Tide pass defense was improved, and Jackson turned in an All-America campaign with six interceptions (returned 230 yards, with two TDs) and 46 tackles. Given his breakout season for a national champion as a junior, it would not have been surprising to see him turn pro, but instead he returns as the leader of one of the nation’s best defensive backfields.

26. Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida. Davis was left off the All-SEC teams last season in a competitive race, but that’s not going to happen again. Antonio Morrison is gone from the Gators’ linebacking corps, leaving Davis, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound senior, as the returning star and an All-America candidate. In his first season as starter, Davis had 98 tackles and 11 tackles for loss for one of the nation’s best defenses, breaking out with an explosive style of play that makes him a game-changer in pursuit.

25. Jamal Adams, S, LSU. A second-team All-SEC pick last year, Adams continues to rise toward first-round NFL consideration. He was a five-star recruit who played well in a rotational role as a freshman, then started every game as a sophomore and continued to be an impressive playmaker all over the field, with range, instincts and intensity. He had 67 tackles, five tackles for loss and four picks, and he’ll be a cornerstone of a loaded defense.

24. Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State. Johnson broke into the Florida State starting lineup as a blue-chip freshman late in the season for an otherwise experienced 2014 team and performed admirably. The next year, he was almost a veteran, the leader of a revamped unit in 2015, continuing his high level of play with first-team All-ACC recognition. Now, he’s primed for an All-America season, a 6-foot-7, 307-pound junior left tackle on track to be an early draft pick.

23. Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern. After showing big potential in the second half of the 2014 season, Walker emerged as a first-team All-Big Ten star in his sophomore season. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound middle linebacker was the leader of an excellent Northwestern defense, filling up the stat sheet with 120 tackles, 20 ½ tackles for loss, four sacks, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception. Fast and instinctive, Walker is a sure tackler with range and playmaking ability behind the line of scrimmage.

22. Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma. Perine is one of college football’s most punishing runners, a 235-pound junior who runs hard and runs over defenders. He did that on his way to an FBS-record 427 yards vs. Kansas in his freshman season, when he finished with 1,713 yards. His numbers dipped slightly last year, but he still ran for 1,349 yards and 16 TDs despite sharing a backfield with a Heisman candidate QB, Baker Mayfield, and an emerging weapon in Joe Mixon, in a new offensive scheme.

21. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State. Ohio State experienced a bizarre 2015 season in which it was the most talented team in the country but struggled to find a cohesive identity on offense with two quarterbacks with different styles and a new play-caller. But this is Barrett’s show now. In 2014, as the unexpected redshirt freshman starter, Barrett finished fifth in the Heisman race and second in passer rating, completing 64.6 percent for 2,834 yards with 34 TDs and 10 INTs, while rushing for 938 yards. Last year, he still ran for 682 yards and 11 TDs despite sharing the QB job and not being as sharp as a passer. As the full-time, clear leader of this offense, Barrett will allow Ohio State to build a fast-paced offense that finds more of a consistent rhythm.

tabor Florida cornerback Jalen Tabor led the SEC with 14 pass breakups in 2015. (Getty Images)

20. Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida. Overshadowed by Vernon Hargreaves no more, Tabor is well on his way to following his former teammate into the top 10 of the NFL draft. A blue-chip recruit, Tabor has been an impact player since Day 1 for the Gators, despite technically starting only 14 games over two seasons. He joined Hargreaves as a first-team All-SEC pick as a sophomore, with four interceptions (two returned for TDs) and 14 pass breakups, plus four tackles for loss.

19. Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU. White returned for his senior season to help make LSU’s defensive backfield arguably the best in the country. He enters his fourth year as a starter as a second-team All-SEC pick who didn’t have an interception last year but is a potential first-round pick with exceptional coverage skills and tackling ability, in addition to performing well as the Tigers’ punt returner.

18. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama. There was no replacing Amari Cooper’s 2014 production, but this being Alabama, Nick Saban quickly found a star with All-America talent. A five-star recruit, Ridley started 11 games as a true freshman and broke Cooper’s school freshman receiving record, catching 89 passes for 1,045 yards and seven TDs. One of the most explosive receivers in the nation, Ridley is a constant big-play threat and a smart route-runner with great hands.

17. Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon. Freeman doesn’t quite get the same publicity as the other star running backs nationally, but he’s an All-America candidate, a 230-pound powerful runner serving as the foundation of Oregon’s up-tempo spread scheme. A tough runner with quick feet and good vision, Freeman finished just behind Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey in rushing yards per game and averaged more yards per carry than both, with 283 attempts for 1,836 yards and 17 TDs as a sophomore.

16. Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State. One of only three returning starters on Ohio State’s offense, Elflein is a two-time first-team All-Big Ten pick at guard. This year, he’ll slide over to center and immediately become a top candidate for the Rimington Trophy. Elflein is quick for a 300-pound lineman, able to block with physicality and while on the move, and his return is huge for helping to provide some sort of stability for a revamped Ohio State offense.

15. Desmond King, CB, Iowa. King won the Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back last year. A three-year starter, he broke out as an All-American, intercepting eight passes and finishing with 72 tackles and 13 pass breakups, in addition to returning both kicks and punts. King is complete player, with a nose for the ball in coverage in addition to playmaking ability against the run.

14. Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan. Michigan led the nation in defensive passer rating, and Lewis deserves more credit than anyone else on a loaded defense. While only 5-foot-10, Lewis — a talented athlete who can also return kicks — had 52 tackles and 20 pass breakups with two picks, showcasing his fantastic closing speed and reaction skills to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks and receivers.

13. Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama. The Crimson Tide lost A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed from the nation’s best defensive line, but they’re still loaded, the biggest reason being the return of Allen for his senior season. A two-time first-team All-SEC pick, the 6-foot-3, 293-pound Allen finished 2015 with 36 tackles, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles, giving him the highest single-season sack total for an Alabama player since Nick Saban arrived. Predictably, he’s also an asset against the run, making him one of the best all-around defenders in college football.

12. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC. The physically imposing Smith-Schuster is an NFL-ready receiver who’s the newest Trojans great out wide. A 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior, Smith-Schuster racked up 89 catches for 1,454 yards and 10 TDs last year, averaging 16.3 yards per catch. He’s a dangerous downfield threat who is also tough to bring down after the catch because of his physicality, which Utah’s Dominique Hatfield knows all too well.

11. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee. A well-rounded, explosive player off the edge, Barnett has been a force who requires extra attention from offenses since early in his freshman season. He has 33 tackles for loss and 20 sacks total in two seasons, proving to be one of the nation’s most dangerous pass rushers while also being strong against the run. New Tennessee defensive coordinator Bob Shoop coached the national sack leader, Carl Nassib, at Penn State last year, and Barnett has a chance to do the same for him in Knoxville.

After transferring from Texas Tech, Baker Mayfield led Oklahoma to a playoff bid. (Getty Images)

10. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma. The ex-walk-on starter at Texas Tech took the Big 12 by storm last year, teaming with new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley to fuel Oklahoma’s run to the playoff. Mayfield finished fourth in the Heisman vote, throwing for 3,700 yards and 36 TDs and rushing for 405 yards and seven TDs. He’s mobile and capable of making something out of nothing, effectively going off script when needed.

9. Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama. Robinson is not being prosecuted after an arrest in May, and it appears unlikely that he’ll miss any playing time, which means Alabama should have arguably its best player when it opens the season against USC. The 6-foot-6, 327-pound junior is a potential top-five NFL prospect who has started since Day 1 at left tackle for the Crimson Tide, helping to pave the way for Derrick Henry’s Heisman season. A five-star recruit, Robinson has already started 29 career games, bringing physicality and impressive athleticism to the Alabama line as a prototypical left tackle.

8. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia. Chubb’s health may be the most important question of the preseason, especially with Sony Michel’ breaking his forearm in early July. Chubb is in the conversation for best player in college football, at any position, when he’s healthy, but it’s still a mystery whether he’ll be ready to go for Georgia’s opener after he suffered a serious knee injury on the first drive of the Bulldogs’ sixth game at Tennessee last fall. Chubb has made 14 starts over two seasons, replacing the suspended/injured Todd Gurley in the second half of 2014 as a freshman, then playing like a Heisman candidate early last season. Before the Tennessee game, he rushed for 100 yards in 12 straight games, and in his career the 5-foot-10, 220-pounder averages 7.4 yards per carry, with power and vision to go with his quick feet and balance.

7. Derwin James, S, Florida State. A five-star recruit, the 6-foot-3, 213-pound James started eight games as a freshman and instantly lived up to the hype, with 91 tackles, 9 ½ tackles for loss, 4 ½ sacks and two forced fumbles. He’s much more than a traditional safety, as the Seminoles can use him as a Swiss Army knife, lining up as an edge rusher, a linebacker or in the slot. He’s physical enough to overpower blockers and fast enough to be excellent in downfield coverage. James is the total package at safety, the best player on what will be a top-10 defense nationally.

6. Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State. McDowell showed a lot of potential as a five-star freshman in 2014, then embraced his starting role and emerged as a star in 2015. A second-team All-Big Ten pick, he’ll be an All-American this season. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound junior is a disruptive force on the interior of the Spartans’ defensive line, although he’s versatile enough to line up anywhere up front. McDowell had 41 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 4 ½ sacks, two forced fumbles and a pick-six last year, and he’ll be counted on to live up to top-10 NFL draft hype as the lone returning starter on Michigan State’s line.

5. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State. A threat to change a game at any moment, Cook is one of the best big-play running backs in years, an electric playmaker who averaged 7.4 yards per carry as a sophomore despite being bothered by injuries for part of the season. He ran 229 times for 1,691 yards and 19 TDs and caught 24 passes for 244 yards and a TD, and according to cfbstats.com, he had a national-best 22 runs of 20 or more yards. Cook had huge performances in Florida State’s three biggest regular-season games last year (222 yards vs. Miami, 194 vs. Clemson, 183 vs. Florida), and if he’s healthier, it wouldn’t be a stretch for him to join the 2,000-yard club.

4. Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M. The most valuable defensive player in college football, Garrett is a game-changing athlete at a premium position. Rated the No. 2 overall recruit in 2014, Garrett made an instant impact and has been a dominant pass rusher since he stepped onto the field. A 6-foot-5, 262-pound junior who will be in the No. 1 overall draft pick conversation, Garrett has 24 career sacks, with 59 tackles, 19 ½ tackles for loss, 12 ½ sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception in an All-America 2015 season. He’s a phenomenal athlete with an explosive first step that can make him nearly impossible to handle one-on-one off the edge.

3. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU. One of three players that received consideration for No. 1 on this list, Fournette is a monster, a freakish 230-pound athlete who led the nation in rushing yards per game as a sophomore, with 1,953 yards, 22 TDs and an average of 6.5 yards per carry in 12 games. A star recruit, Fournette turned a stellar freshman season into a Heisman campaign last year, and while his candidacy fizzled in November after the Alabama loss, he picked things up down the stretch and enters what will undoubtedly be his final college season as one of the best NFL running back prospects in years. Fournette is faster than just about any back of his size, with rare burst and agility, and he’ll also run over defenders. Give him any sort of lane, and he’s unstoppable.

2. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford. McCaffrey could easily be placed at No. 1. As a sophomore, he broke Barry Sanders’ FBS single-season all-purpose yards record — 2,019 rushing, 645 receiving, 1,070 kick return, 130 punt return — and should have won the Heisman but finished second. McCaffrey kept getting better and better, dazzling with 312 yards from scrimmage (rushing/receiving) in the Pac-12 title game and 277 in the Rose Bowl. Our top 40 running backs article placed Fournette at the top ahead of McCaffrey, but McCaffrey leaps over Fournette here because of how many ways he makes an impact. He’s one of the nation’s most dangerous big-play threats, an elite running back, the best receiver out of the backfield and one of the best return men. He’s a nightmare for all opposing coaches on multiple levels.

1. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson. It takes a special player to get invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony, then improve his reputation in a loss. But that’s what Watson did in throwing for 405 yards and four TDs and rushing for 73 yards against an otherwise immovable Alabama defense with the national title on the line. There is no more valuable player in football than a great quarterback, and Watson enters the 2016 season head and shoulders above the pack at the position. Despite starting only five games and tearing his ACL as a freshman, Watson bounced back quickly and pushed Clemson to a 14-1 record, completing 67.8 percent for 4,104 yards, 35 TDs and 13 INTs while rushing for 1,105 yards and 12 TDs. He did that with a new-look offensive line and a new play-caller, and he did it without his best receiver after Mike Williams got hurt in Week 1. Now, Watson is 100 percent healthy, the line’s in good shape and Williams is back, and he’s poised to lead what could be one of the best offenses in recent history, before going on to be the possible No. 1 pick in the draft. If you were picking any player to start a college football team for the 2016 season, you would pick Watson.

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