Top 50 College Football Players for 2018

College football is creeping closer. But you could smell that in the air. The crisp fall Saturdays are coming, friends. I have crunched the numbers and collected 50 of the finest talents in one place.

And sure, every outlet has its own preseason watch lists and impossible-to-be-truly-accurate rankings. As always, remember that mine — and mine alone — serve as the answer key.

1. Ed Oliver, Houston defensive end

A 6-foot-3, 290 pound playmaker who has already announced his intentions to wreck the NFL next year, Oliver is averaging 1.6 tackles for loss/game during his career. He notched 5.5 sacks last season despite being the focal point for opposing offensive lines content to let anyone else beat them. Oliver may follow the Charles Woodson route to Heisman Trophy glory by also playing offense. That’s going to be fun for everyone except the team lining up on the other side of the field.

2. Bryce Love, Stanford running back

Love gained 8.1 yards/carry in 2017 and flirted with many Pac-12 records. The crazy thing is that he could do better this fall, and potentially win college football’s prize, even if he skipped media days. When a hole presents itself, he capitalizes without hesitation thanks to elite vision. Look for him to become more of a factor in the passing game, making him an even more unstoppable force.

3. Nick Bosa, Ohio State defensive end

Every bit as good as his brother, the younger Bosa racked up 16 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks in 2017. He loves to pin his ears back and get after the quarterback with a terrific blend of burst and power. Put one guy on him, two guys on him, three guys on him, it doesn’t matter. He’ll get where he needs to go. Calling a shot here: he’ll be the first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

4. Christian Wilkins, Clemson defensive tackle

When he’s not doing the splits or performing stripteases, the 6-foot-4, 310 pound wrecking ball bulldozes his way through offensive lineman and disrupts the best-laid plans of opposing offenses. He does a bit of everything — deflect passes, drop back into coverage, get involved in fake punts. You can’t box this guy in. You can only hope to contain him.

5. Rashan Gary, Michigan defensive tackle

He’s 6-foot-5, 280 pounds. He’s agile and mobile and nubile. The Wolverines’ athletic freak. When he’s done starring in Ann Arbor this year, he’ll absolutely dominate the NFL Combine, especially in the drills measuring quickness and speed. Jim Harbaugh wouldn’t mind if Gary helped him win a few big games before that, though.

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45. Greg Little, Ole Miss offensive tackle

Playing tackle in the SEC is no fun, what with the incredible pass rushers. But Little’s long arms and balance leave him up to the task.

46. Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State defensive end

Returned to Columbus after declaring, and should help the Buckeyes overcome the NFL losses.

47. Justin Herbert, Oregon quarterback

An injury cut his 2017 short. His mobility and big arm could make Oregon’s offense great again. May be more impactful as an NFL quarterback than a college one.

48. Joe Bachie, Michigan State linebacker

Mark Dantonio’s stat-sheet stuffer, Bachie flies around the field making tackles, picking off passes, and forcing and recovering fumbles. He’s realized unseen potential while serving as the Spartans’ heart and soul, personifying the tough nature the program believes in.

49. Sutton Smith, Northern Illinois, defensive end

One of the nation’s most unheralded talents wrecked people in the MAC. He led the nation in tackles for loss (28) and was second in sacks (14). Shades of Khalil Mack, Smith has saved some of his best performances for the biggest games.

50. Matt Gay, Utah Kicker

Kickers are people, too. The reigning Lou Groza Award winner booted 30 of 34 field goal attempts through the uprights last year and made a game-winning 57-yarder in the Utes spring game. No one else you’d want to have out there with the game on the line.

6. Khalil Tate, Arizona quarterback

Like a gazelle in the open field, the surprise of last year will surprise no one. Will he be able to put up 300-plus-yard rushing games? Will he come back to earth? Tate will be one of the most fascinating players to watch this season. He got his wish not to play in a triple-option system. Ball’s in his court now.

7. Jaquan Johnson, Miami safety

He led the Hurricanes in tackles and had a nose for the football like none other. Four interceptions and two fumble recoveries meant the vaunted turnover chain was practically fused to his body. Strongly considered the draft before coming back to Miami to finish unfinished business.

8. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin running back

Rushed for nearly 2,000 yards in his freshman year and should improve on it this fall. The Badgers love to run the ball, have a sturdy offensive line, and Taylor is bigger (seven more pounds of muscle) and better headed into the season. If he can improve his ball security, he could become the best running back in the country. This year and the next.

9. Dexter Lawrence, Clemson defensive tackle

6-foot-4, 340 pounds. In absolute awe at the size of this lad. Some scouts think he’s too big and would be more effective as a pass rusher if he was a bit more svelte. Good luck to the brave soul who tells him that.

10. Greedy Williams, LSU cornerback

All he did as a freshman was lead the SEC in interceptions and make people think he’s the next great shutdown man. He’ll be constantly challenged but his nose for the ball is impressive. Not for nothing, he also has the perfect name for a defensive back.

11. Trace McSorley, Penn State quarterback

The Nittany Lions signal-caller has never met a big-play chance he didn’t like. He has moxie and poise. He does not, however, have Saquon Barkley anymore. That could mean to increased production and more home run swings.

12. Deebo Samuel, South Carolina wide receiver

The 6-footer was simply unstoppable before an injury cut his 2017 short. He’s a weapon in the passing game, rushing game, and perhaps most dangerous as a return man. Excited to see what he can do for a full slate.

13. Clelin Ferrell, Clemson defensive end

Are you starting to see just how fearsome Clemson’s defense is going to be? Ferrell was the Tigers’ most prolific sack man and racked up 18 tackles for a loss in 2017.

14. Will Grier, West Virginia quarterback

The former Florida Gator found greener pastures in Morgantown and threw for 34 touchdowns despite missing the final two games last year. At 6-foot-2, he’s a bit undersized, but that hasn’t been a problem at all. He found wide receiver David Sills in the end zone an eye-popping 18 times in 2017 and the duo remains in tact. Should the Mountaineers surprise and win the Big 12, Grier could find himself in New York City come December.

15. Cameron Smith, USC linebacker

He’s 100 tackles shy of becoming the Trojans’ all-time tackle leader and that program has seen some defenders come through. At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, the senior is a plug in the running game and really lets his hair down when asked to rush the passer.

16. Devin Bush, Michigan linebacker

Especially adept in pass coverage, Bush made 95 tackles, including 10 for a loss, last year. He’s overshadowed a bit by Gary, but may be the Big Ten’s best linebacker. He’s especially important to Don Brown’s defense and his quickness in the open field is a sight to behold.

17. Jonah Williams, Alabama offensive tackle

Williams has been nothing but solid since stepping on campus. He’ll likely be the first offensive lineman off the board in next year’s NFL Draft. Forced out of the national title game, he’d love nothing more than to make another one.

18. Shaq Quarterman, Miami linebacker

The most talented of a very talented Miami linebacking unit, Quarterman is a nightmare for quarterbacks. And running backs. And wide receivers. Basically anyone who comes within his reach. He totaled 84 tackles last year and could flirt with triple digits as the Hurricanes hope to contend once again.

19. A.J. Dillon, Boston College running back

He established himself as a strong-backed workhorse during a stunning freshman campaign, rushing for 1,589 yards on 300 attempts. Something tells me we’ll look back at this list at the end of the year and wonder why Dillon was way down at 19.

20. McKenzie Milton, UCF quarterback

He’d love to become another Heisman winner with Hawaiian roots, a la Marcus Mariota, but it could be hard playing for the, uh, national champion Knights. Milton was top five nationally last year in total offense, touchdown passes, pass efficiency, and yards per attempt. A relatively soft schedule could mean more gaudy numbers.

21. Mack Wilson, Alabama linebacker

Wilson led an aggressive and fearsome Crimson Tide defense with four interceptions in 2017, despite playing through a nagging foot injury. He regained form and health in time to make a major impact in the national title game.

22. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State running back

Averaged a healthy 7.2 yards/carry during a standout freshman campaign. Will likely get more of the load with youth under center for the Buckeyes, who once again feature a stacked offensive line. Dobbins excels at getting through the defense’s second level with great burst. By the time you know he’s loose, he’s gone.

23. Levonta Taylor, Florida State cornerback

Taylor’s rather pedestrian numbers are not an indictment. They are an indication of  just how feared he is, how unwilling teams are to test him. For the bottom line guys: the lockdown coverage man did not allow a touchdown all of last season.

24. Noah Fant, Iowa tight end

Kirk Ferentz loves his tight ends and has a special talent in Fant, a 6-foot-5 walking matchup problem. He hauled in 11 touchdown passes last season and could improve on that total with more red zone touches.

25. Jarrett Stidham, Auburn quarterback

It took a while for the transfer to find his groove in the SEC, but look for a major jump as the Tigers attempt to replicate last year’s regular-season success. If it’s possible to have a quiet 3,158 passing yards, that’s what happened. Expect louder noises this year as Stidham aims to improve his draft stock.

26. Devin White, LSU linebacker

Racked up a ridiculous 133 tackles with incredible lateral ability. He has one speed and it’s breakneck. Just a joy to watch on each and every play.

27. Drew Lock, Missouri quarterback

Lock amassed 44 touchdowns in a pass-happy offense and showed his prowess by doing it with big-chunk plays. His 9.5 yards/attempt was good for fourth in the country. Enjoy the show this year before the pundits pick apart his accuracy issues pre-draft.

28. Raekwon Davis, Alabama defensive tackle

Just take a look at that picture. That’s a 6-foot-7, 305 pound man going up and intercepting a pass in the biggest game of his life. The guy is like a power forward with impressive wingspan and a high motor. Look for him to step out of Da’Ron Payne’s immense shadow.

29. A.J. Brown, Ole Miss wide receiver

Brown hauled in 72 passes for 1,252 yards. Though not a towering figure, he is tough and mean after the catch and has a knack for gaining those extra yards. He has that Antonio Brown “chip on the shoulder” quality that’s impossible to teach.

30. David Sills V, West Virginia wide receiver

Eighteen of his 60 receptions went for touchdowns. With one of the best quarterbacks at his disposal, Sills could get 20, or, dare we say, 25 this season. Not bad for a former quarterback who never realized that potential.

31. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama quarterback

OK, it was one half of football. But it was quite a half and some overtime. The unflappable southpaw has been to the mountaintop. We’re all waiting to see what that Alabama team can look like with a play-making quarterback. Deep down maybe Nick Saban is excited as well.

32. Cam Akers, Florida State running back

Only a sophomore, the 5-foot-11, 213 pound back is expected to improve on a 1,000-plus year on a new-look Seminoles team. Willie Taggart could force-feed Akers to the point he becomes a Dalvin Cook facsimile. You know, best-case scenario.

33. Trey Adams, Washington offensive tackle

The 6-foot-8, 331 pound tower of power is coming off an ACL injury. He was the first true freshman to start on the offensive line for Chris Peterson.

34. David Edwards, Wisconsin offensive tackle

Since arriving in Madison as a 240-pound tight end, Edwards has packed on 80 pounds. He’s the Badgers beef representative on this list, narrowly edging out Michael Deiter and Beau Benzschawel.

35. Deandre Baker, Georgia cornerback

Baker was a clutch performer for the Bulldogs last season, breaking up nine passes, intercepting three, and making 44 tackles. He is steady and proven capable of taking a high-level WR out of the equation.

36. Te’Von Coney, Notre Dame linebacker

Coney notched 116 tackles in a somewhat restricted role last year, including 17 against LSU in the bowl game. Especially effective against the run, Coney has dedicated the offseason to honing his pass-coverage skills. Complete player alert.

37. N’Keal Harry, Arizona State wide receiver

At 6-foot-4, he’s a reliable target for Manny Wilkins. Harry brought in 82 catches last season and has an NFL-ready body. He has a great chance to shine on the big stage early on against Michigan State.

38. Dalton Risner, Kansas State center

A three-year starter and coach on the field, Risner will likely be the first at his position taken in the draft.

39. Justice Hill, Oklahoma State running back

Led the Big 12 in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, rushing yards per game, and carries. Did it on a team more known for slinging the rock around the yard. Mason Rudolph’s departure puts even more of the load on Hill’s wide shoulders. He’ll be up for the task.

40. Tony Pollard, Memphis all purpose

Perhaps the best return man in all of college football, Pollard has six special teams touchdowns to his name. Two more will make him the FBS career leader. Always a threat to get the ball in space though the passing and rushing game and break a big one.

41. Chase Winovich, Michigan defensive end

Doesn’t get quite the clippings of Rashan Gary, but every bit as fearsome. Racked up 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Great head of hair that deserves a moment of appreciation.

42. Rodney Anderson, Oklahoma running back

The Sooners offense may not miss a beat in the wake of Baker Mayfield’s departure. Anderson, who averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored 13 touchdowns, is also a weapon out of the backfield. Kyler Murray would be well-served to share the load.

43. Derrick Brown,  Auburn defensive tackle

An interior disruption, Brown is 6-foot-5, 315 pounds of ferocity. He’s speedy enough to get to the quarterback and long enough to hassle throws over the middle.

44. Damien  Harris, Alabama running back

Harris has posted two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and averaged over seven yard/carry in each. If he could get 175 carries, he’ll be a fringe Heisman candidate.