In 2021, the bosses at CBS Sports approached me with the idea of creating rankings similar to ours. Pete Prisco’s Better Than TeamI focused on college football players that I like more than the average analyst or fan before the season begins. We came up with a list of 20 players. After all, I wore number 20 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Beyond the notable players on preseason All-America teams and early NFL Draft boards, we’re also highlighting players to watch.
Then we got caught up in the busyness of training camps and touring life and took a few years off. But looking back, some of the hits on that list were: Watching Michael Pennis become a first-round NFL draft pick and Trent McDuffie emerge remind us of how much fun this project has been. Inspired by these successes, we decided to get back together and do it again, this time with 247Sports scoop guru Matt Zenitz to help us find players. Zenitz has already named some underrated draft prospects on both sides of the ball (Violation here, The defense there).
The rules are simple: Only select draft-eligible players (so you can see what they’ve done next spring) who aren’t projected to be first-round picks. Travis Hunter definitely doesn’t make this list..
After calling coaches and officials across the country and watching more footage than my eyes could handle, I’ve narrowed it down to the 20 players you need to know heading into the upcoming college football season. I’ve also ranked these players in order of how good I think they are. Check them out below.
Donovan Smith, QB, Houston
CJ Stroud isn’t Houston’s only big-time quarterback. Give Donovan Smith a seat at the table, too. He’s a dual-threat guy with a strong arm and pinpoint passing accuracy, and he’s third in the Big 12 in passing completion percentage in 2023. Week 2 sees Donovan versus Oklahoma, a great opportunity for him to show off his potential as a pro.
Byram Brown, QB, South Florida
Byram is only a junior, but he is already drawing the interest of NFL scouts. The 2023 season was an appetizer for Byram, but this year he is ready to serve the main dish. Byram sees the field well and has really improved his anticipatory throws. In his final five games of 2023, he threw 14 touchdowns. Brown could turn pro after this season, stay at USF and join the booming Bulls, or become one of the most attractive transfer candidates in all of college football.
Jaden Ott, RB, University of California
When I was in the league, UC was known for its running backs: JJ Arrington, Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett, Javid Best, etc. Now Berkeley has another great player. Jaden’s nickname should be “Patient.” He waits for the running lane to unfold before hitting the “X” button. He’s a one-cut runner with the field vision that has kept him in the pros for 10 years. Brace yourselves, ACC, he rushed for over 1,200 yards in the Pac-12 last season.
Jadon Blue, RB, Texas
Jadon is one of the fastest players on the roster and is the Chris Johnson of the Longhorns offense. Texas fans will remember CJ2K running wild next to fellow Tennessee Titans player Vince Young. With the unfortunate injury to CJ Baxter, Jadon will get more opportunities, which means opposing defenses better gear up in their track spikes.
Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has several draft candidates this year, but Jaylin is one of the top picks. What stands out about Jaylin’s game is his speed and agility. He’s a sure-handling catcher and has the ability to gain yards after the catch, similar to former Hokie great Eddie Royal.
Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
Jalen is one of the smoothest wide receivers in college football. His cruise control is the fastest speed for most defensive backs, which allows Jalen to always get behind them in coverage. Jalen doesn’t just thrive between the 20 yard line. His 15 touchdown receptions in 2023 show he knows how to get the ball into the end zone.
Dillon Bell, WR, Georgia
Dillon hasn’t put up big numbers, but 2024 is his year. Arguably the fastest wide receiver in Athens with his slick route-running ability, Dillon is poised to put up video-game-like numbers this year. Carson Beck, keep your arms warm.
Torrey Horton, WR, Colorado State University
At 6’1″ and 185 pounds, Torrey plays much bigger than his measurements suggest. He’s getting better every year. He tracks the ball well and knows how to move his body to space defenders. Week 3 against Colorado will be a must-watch TV matchup between Torrey and Travis Hunter. With the season opener against Texas, it’s a safe bet that NFL scouts will be familiar with Horton’s game by October.
Tyler Warren, TE, Pennsylvania State University
“Tyler, Penn State’s newest NFL-like tight end, will not disappoint. He has great size, soft hands, and a high football IQ. I love Tyler’s ability to get into the end zone. Happy Valley is excited to watch Tyler this year.”
Ayronte Arcery, OL, Minnesota
Every time you watch tape of Airontay you see him play like crazy. He prides himself on protecting his quarterback and has only allowed two sacks in over 1,600 snaps over the past two seasons. College football fans across the country need to know his name.
Jaden Roberts, OL, Alabama
I don’t know if there is an offensive lineman who has improved more since last season than Jaden. He has really risen to be one of the top players on the line this year. Trying to decide which part of Jaden’s game I like the most (run or pass blocking) is like trying to decide which kid I like the most; I can’t pick one.
Jah Joyner, DE, Minnesota
Minnesota does a great job of developing pro players and Jah is next. Jah has great motor and effort. He has natural movement to dodge tackles and a quick first step that gets him off the ball quickly. If Jah plays a solid year he will be a very rich guy.
Darrell Jackson, DL, Florida State University
Darrell may be the most athletic defensive tackle in college football. At 6’5″ and 330 pounds, he has the quickness of a defensive back and plays with hard hands. He could be FSU’s next great defensive tackle. Darrell’s play reminds me of Albert Haynesworth.
Yahya Black, DL, Iowa
Yahya might not wow you with gaudy numbers, but when you watch him play, he stands out because he makes everyone else’s job easier. He does a great job of stopping linemen from getting to the second level, and his hands might be the strongest of any interior lineman in college football.
Lander Burton, LB, Utah
Former two-sport star Launder Burton is one of the most athletic linebackers in the country. He has the size of an edge rusher and the quickness of an undersized player, a rare combination. I look for him to have a Jack Campbell-like impact on Utah’s defense this year.
Shavon Level, CB, East Carolina
The first thing that stands out about Chavon is his arm length, which is important when playing press techniques. He is tenacious at the line of scrimmage and does a good job of mimicking wide receivers in coverage. He plays what I call “mother in law” defense, which is relentless for opposing receivers. Revell reportedly turned down a six-figure offer to remain at East Carolina, and I admire his loyalty.
Quincy Riley, DB, Louisville
Louisville’s defense has been really high on Quincy this year, and it’s easy to see why. He has the ideal build for a cornerback, with “typewriter” legs that are always in motion and smooth hips. He was in the shadow of Jarvis Brownlee last year, but 2024 will be Quincy’s show. Get the popcorn ready.
Azalayeh Thomas, CB, Florida State University
A prototypical cornerback, Atherley has outstanding feet. He’s very long, has elite speed and loves to get in run support. He’s changed his number to 8 in 2024. Last I checked, the last few cornerbacks who wore number 8 at Florida State were all drafted.
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Kevin Winston Jr., DB, Pennsylvania State University
KJ Winston, where do I begin? When I watch KJ on tape there is a lot to like about his game. He is a great tackler, has great instincts and the explosiveness to go from 0 to 60 in an instant. KJ reminds me of a taller Bob Sanders.
Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
Billy’s best friend has to be Wilson, because football always finds him. Over the past two seasons, he has eight interceptions and three touchdowns. But not only is he a turnover machine, he also loves to get muddy in run support. He’s the Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Oklahoma defense.
