These games and matchups this year are going to be very memorable and lots of surprises have come about. Unfortunately, this will be the last year of the true original college football as we know it. With the 12-team playoff, the Pac-12 falling apart, Big-12 revival, and the Big-10 reign, all of those local, hard-fought rivalries and conference games will soon cease to exist. With that being said, let’s see who ESPN chooses to place the top players of the last true season.
QB – Michael Penix Jr (Washington)
Currently the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, Penix leads the CFB with 383.5 passing yards and 20/3 TD/INT ratio. With a big win over Oregon earlier this year, Penix looks to lead his team to the top this year.
RB – Jonathan Brooks (Texas)
Brooks leads the Power 5 in rushing yards per game with 121 yards. He is gaining 6.72 yards per carry and tied fifth nationally with five runs or longer and ranks third nationally in yards after contact.
RB – Austin Estime (Notre Dame)
Estime may be a bigger back, but he’s still speedy. He’s tied for sixth among Power 5 players with eight runs of 20+ yards. He’s rushed for over 80 yards in six of his eight games, averaging 6.2 yards per rush and scoring nine touchdowns. He leads all Power 5 backs with 532 yards after contact.
WR – Malik Nabers (LSU)
Nabers and his teammate Brian Thomas Jr. are benefiting from Jayden Daniels’ best season yet. Nabers is killing it, leading the nation with 122.9 receiving yards per game and ranking third among Power 5 players with 52 catches. This 6-foot, 200-pound junior is a beast, leading all FBS players with 19 catches of 20 yards or longer
WR – Luther Burden lll (Missouri)
The Tigers scored big by keeping Burden on their team. He’s living up to all the hype and more. The sophomore leads all Power 5 players with 56 catches and is just as electrifying after the catch as he is making plays down the field. According to Pro Football Focus, he tops Power 5 receivers with 489 yards after the catch and leads all FBS players in yards per route run.
TE- Brock Bowers (Georgia)
Bowers is hands-down one of the top players in college football. He’s a true all-rounder, excelling in any position he lines up in. Currently, he’s leading Georgia with 41 catches for 567 yards and has scored five touchdowns (four receptions and one rush). Hopefully Bowers injury doesn’t keep him out for too much longer.
OT – Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Penn St.)
Fashanu, the 6-6, 317-pound senior, has been a great left tackle for the Nittany Lions. He’s been amazing, not allowing any sacks or pressure in pass protection and dominating as a run-blocker. Penn State is ecstatic to have him back for another season. He’s a key player in an offense that’s tied for fifth in the nation in scoring, averaging 44.3 points per game and scoring at least 30 points in all six games.
OG – Cooper Beebe (Kansas St.)
Beebe has been one of the best and most consistent linemen in college football for the past two seasons. With 41 career starts (38 in a row), he’s helping the Kansas State offense at left guard tremendously. This 6-4, 335-pound senior is definitely going to be an early round draft pick in the NFL. Beebe hasn’t given up a sack since the 2020 season. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s the highest-graded Power 5 guard.
C – Sedrick Van Pran (Georgia)
Georgia is very lucky to have Van Pran back. He’s been very solid at center, starting every game during their national championship seasons. At 6-4, 310 pounds, he’s a force to be reckoned with. He’s the centerpiece of an offensive line that’s helped Georgia rank ninth in scoring, averaging 40.1 points per game. According to Pro Football Focus, Van Pran has the second-highest grade among centers.
OG – Zack Zinter (Michigan)
Michigan’s offensive line is one of the best this season and Zinter, the 6-6, 322-pound senior, is a beast at right guard. He’s been the full-time starter for three seasons and has made 36 career starts. In 360 snaps this season, he hasn’t allowed a single sack and just one hurry.
OT -Taliese Fuga (Oregon St.)
Oregon State’s right side of the offensive line is very overpowered. Fuaga, the 6-6, 334-pound tackle, is a beast at run-blocking. He and guard Tanner Miller team up to build a wall for the Beavers. In his second season as a full-time starter, Fuaga has transformed into one of the most imposing linemen in the country.
