Forget the NFL; college football is where the stars are born, as seen with Lamar Jackson and Caleb Williams in recent years. With a new season starting, now is a good time to get familiar with the rising stars in college football. This ranking highlights the top 15 college football players shaping the game’s future with their energetic drive and exceptional talent.
Rank #1: James Pearce Jr., DE (Tennessee)
Touted as the best pass rusher in the country, Pearce Jr. gathered 16.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over two seasons. Pearce’s exceptional performance playing as a defensive end in both seasons would likely earn him a first-round pick in the NFL draft.
Rank #2: Travis Hunter, WR/CB (Colorado)
Highly considered the most talented two-way player of his generation—Hunter has become a college football fan’s favorite. In 2022, he was the top-ranked recruit and has since moved on to appear on the cover of EA Sports as a part of “College Football 25”.
Rank #3: Mason Graham, DT (Michigan)
With 7.5 tackles for loss, he was a huge part of the Michigan defense that led the nation on defensive EPA last season. After their championship triumph, Michigan lost several key players to the NFL draft, so Graham will be relied on to lead the team this season.
Rank #4: Will Johnson, CB (Michigan)
Johnson is a big part of Michigan’s national title victory after recording 20 solo and four interceptions. Considering he’s an “All-Big Ten” performer, he’ll likely dominate the college football scene this season. He’ll remain a shining light for Michigan after their post-CFP hangover.
Rank #5: Luther Burden III, WR, (Missouri)
Named a second-team All-American in 2023, Burden had 86 catches for 1,212 receiving yards to finish second in the SEC. He achieved an incredible feat by reaching the 100-yard receiving mark in the regular season, thanks to his electric pace on the pitch.
Rank #6: Will Campbell, OL (LSU)
Campbell will be returning for his third season with one thing on his mind—To beat his record of not allowing any sacks in 13 games. This 6’6, 320-pound giant will remain the starter at left tackle. Also, he’ll aim to retain his place in the first-team All-SEC selection.
Rank #7: Carson Beck, QB (Georgia)
Beck completed 72.4% of his passes for 3,941 yards, with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. This made him rank 1st in the SEC for passing yards and third nationally. He’ll have his eyes set on getting drafted into the NFL in 2025.
Rank #8: Ollie Gordon, RB (Oklahoma State)
With a new season upon us, who else can lead the Cowboys to their first CFP appearance if not Ollie Gordon? Gordon became the top running back in the country for rushing over 1,700 yards. As a unanimous All-American, he’s one to watch this season.
Rank #9: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL (Texas)
As a freshman, Kelvin Banks earned a starting spot in the offensive line at Texas. Over that time, he started 27 consecutive games without breaking. He only allowed two sacks in over 500 pass-blocking attempts. That’s just exceptional for his age.
Rank #10: Malaki Starks, S (Georgia)
He’s one of Georgia’s key players who made a mark in the team since his first year. Just a year ago, he was a consensus All-American and was one of the five finalists to contest for the Bronko Nagurski Award. Starks is one of the best defenders this season.
Rank #11: Caleb Downs, S (Ohio State)
As the reigning SEC freshman of the year, Downs led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles to an SEC title. Downs is a tremendous talent to have in Ohio’s already stacked defense. With his performance this season, he’s a huge asset that will help the state of Ohio college football.
Rank #12: Benjamin Morrison, CB (Notre Dame)
Morrison can be an All-American, as he once emerged as a shutdown cornerback when he was a freshman. As a sophomore, he had ten pass breakups last season. During the offseason, he had surgery on his shoulder, but he’s fully fit now.
Rank #13: Tetairoa McMillan, WR (Arizona)
As one of the nation’s best receivers, McMillan might be among the lot picked first for the next NFL drafts in 2025. He had a great sophomore season last year, and he’s raring to go again this season. T-man is destined for greatness this football season as he leads Arizona’s offensive line.
Rank #14: Harold Peckins Jr., LB (LSU)
In 27 career games, he made 13 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. His coach trusts him as he can slide outside on passing downs. Harold is one of the top college football players right now, as he keeps holding onto his end of the bargain despite LSU’s weak defense.
Rank #15: Barrett Carter, LB (Clemson)
Carter made the top 15 for his junior year performance last season after making six pass breakups, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He’s one of the top college football players looking to dominate the 2024 season. And he’s sure to do it in style for Clemson.
Top 15 College Football Players in 2024