We made it! The 2024 college football season is finally upon, with Week 0's slate kicking off Saturday with No. 10 Florida State vs. Georgia Tech in Ireland. In the springtime, I ranked my top 101 players in college football and then the next cut of second-tier stars. Now I've combined them into a full top 151. My list does not include freshmen, but we'll have you covered on that front this week.
Before we get to the list, here's a quick primer of new entries, who moved up, who moved down and who dropped out because of injury.
New:
- No. 98 Clemson DT Demonte Capehart
- No. 103 Oklahoma State OL Joe Michalski
- No. 149 Pitt TE Gavin Barholomew
Moved up:
- No. 31 Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams (was 118)
- No. 68 Oklahoma WR Deion Burks (was 102)
- No. 76 Clemson DT Peter Woods (was 131)
- No. 77 Ohio State QB Will Howard (was 128)
- No. 88 Georgia OL Earnest Greene II (was 103)
Moved down:
- No. 102 UCF QB KJ Jefferson (was 68)
- No. 104 SMU EDGE Elijah Roberts (was 88)
- No. 118 Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell (was 31)
- No. 128 Colorado EDGE BJ Green II (was 77)
- No. 131 Miami OT Francis Mauigoa (was 98)
Dropped out because of injury:
- No. 76 Texas RB CJ Baxter
- No. 146 Cincinnati DT Dontay Corleone
Top 151 college football players entering 2024 season
1. Colorado CB Travis Hunter
Former No. 1 overall recruit Travis Hunter leads my list as the top overall player in the country entering the 2024 season. He is a generational player and, if he took fewer snaps offensively at wide receiver, would be even more effective for Colorado's defense. Hunter missed a handful of games after taking a cheap shot in the Colorado State game and still notched 1,044 snaps. He had seven games with more than 100 snaps, doing so as a two-way player. That is more than two seasons worth of reps for the typical defender.
A silky-smooth corner, Hunter is excellent in press coverage. In a Cover 2 scheme, he has the ability to undercut routes and make plays on the ball. Hunter has excellent hands and will sacrifice his body to make plays. He has fluid hips that allow him to trail his primary receiver, adjust to a ball thrown in his area and get involved for a PBU. Hunter shows an excellent ability to understand and match offensive patterns, as well as the make-up speed to catch up and make plays on a ball where he is slightly beaten. How will his two-way timeshare look this fall? And could it possibly continue in the NFL?
2. Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.
Pearce led the SEC in sacks with 10 for his second season at Tennessee, adding 53 pressures. There are makings of a dominant pass-rusher here and Pearce has the ability to be a top-10 pick. His film is a blast. Pearce routinely abuses offensive tackles with a mixture of speed, power and nice inside moves. There are so many instances where Pearce reverse-pancakes offensive tackles into the quarterback, and a handful of them are for sacks. That is every offensive lineman's worst nightmare and the ultimate embarrassment for a highlight reel. Stay tuned for a huge season in Knoxville.
3. Michigan DT Mason Graham
Graham was a disruptive presence in 2023, especially when it counted against the toughest competition. I fell in love with his game during Michigan's home stretch and have him ranked as my DT1 in the 2025 NFL Draft. He finished the year with 30 generated pressures and had 7.5 TFLs. Graham excels at penetration and disruption and is at his best when he's moving and stunting. He has a great feel for recognizing offensive blocking schemes and can slip a block with some wiggle as well. Graham was a key portal retention player for Michigan's new-ish coaching staff.
4. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
Sanders is my current pick to go first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He's also, in my opinion, the best quarterback in college football entering the 2024 season. Sanders has an excellent arm to make all the throws necessary and is an extremely accurate passer both in the pocket and on the move. Sanders does a great job keeping his eyes downfield to go through his progressions and make the high percentage completion despite the constant pressure he was under all season. Sanders threw for almost 300 yards a game and only had three interceptions in 430 attempts completing 69% of his passes while suffering 21 drops by his receivers. Sanders is an excellent post-snap processor as well and extends the plays to give his guys an extra second or two to find green grass.
5. Missouri WR Luther Burden III
Burden's a dynamic playmaker and a blast to watch because Missouri makes a point of force-feeding him to get multiple touches per game. Burden of course is a playmaker as a traditional wideout and Missouri will travel him all over the field to try to create space and matchups. Burden is a physical receiver and is tough to tackle in the open field. He can also beat you for a contested catch and get to top speed after the catch quickly. There's some Deebo Samuel here. Burden is tracking to be top-10 pick in 2025.
6. LSU OT Will Campbell
The top offensive tackle in the country, Campbell has excellent technique as a pass protector and does a nice job getting to the proper spot in protection with square shoulders. Campbell is generally a two-hand puncher, which can lead to problems if done exclusively, but generally stones his opponents and has excellent feet to recover if he slightly gets beat. He has strong hands and grip strength and if he's able to get them on defenders, it's over.
7. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe
Milroe resurrected his career and Alabama's title hopes last season with some incredible performances in his first season as a starter. Milroe only threw three interceptions after a rough showing vs. Texas game, amassing over 2,700 yards passing and 23 touchdown passes with 468 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Milroe is expected to be a weapon in Kalen DeBoer's wide-open offense and would no doubt love to lead the country in passing like Michael Penix Jr. did under DeBoer.
8. Georgia QB Carson Beck
Beck was deadly-accurate in his first year as a starter, passer hitting over 74% of his passes for over 3,700 yards and 22 touchdowns. Beck sees the field and delivers the ball with anticipation really well on the short and intermediate routes but can improve on his deep ball accuracy. Beck is not known for being a runner but can move the chains when needed in order to move the chains. Don't be surprised if the year ends with Beck winning the Heisman Trophy and a loaded Georgia again playing for the national championship.
9. Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II
Gordon gets my nod as the top returning back after an incredible 2023 season where he almost single-handedly carried the Cowboys to a Big 12 Championship Game appearance. Gordon is a complete back with power, speed, and vision. Gordon had 46 explosive runs last year and averaged 3.8 yards per carry after contact.
10. Texas OT Kelvin Banks
Banks has had a solid sophomore year and is still on pace to be one of the better tackles in the country but showed a few cracks with added responsibility and a target on him after an incredible freshman year. Still, Banks allowed only one sack and 14 total pressures in 2023 and has what it takes to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. He's tracking to be a first-round pick; Texas has not had an offensive lineman selected in that round since 2002.
11. Michigan CB Will Johnson
Big-time No. 1 type of cornerback with range and the ability to match up vs. a No. 1 receiver. Johnson was a force last season in the playoffs when it mattered the most and will be a top draft pick after the season. Johnson has excelled in both zone and press coverage and has not only fluid hips but the ability to play the ball in the air as well as anyone in the country.
12. Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins
Judkins was Ole Miss's most critical piece of an explosive offense and figures to be the bell cow for another loaded offense in Columbus. Sources I've talked to say he is turning heads early and often as he is not only a nice blend of speed and power but is also being used in the passing game.
13. Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan
The 6-foot-5, 205-pounder was a nightmare matchup out West as McMillian torched defenders for 93 catches for over 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. McMillian excelled in contested catches and had 63 grabs go for a first down or longer and only two drops. McMillian has the ability to win vs. press and the speed to separate and box out with his huge catch radius. He should expect a ton of attention this season as he should be one of the first receivers off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.
14. Texas WR Isaiah Bond
Texas landed one of the best wide receivers in the country after losing big time playmakers Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy. Bond is a playmaker — an excellent route runner with the track speed ability to take the top off a defense. In many ways, he's a fusion of Mitchell and Worthy. Bond led Alabama and was at his best in the clutch. He'll be WR1 for Quinn Ewers and they'll depart for the NFL together in 2025.
15. Texas QB Quinn Ewers
Ewers took his game to another level in 2023. There are no excuses, with a loaded offense around him, to not have one of the best seasons in the country in 2024. Ewers has all the traits you want as a quarterback as a pure drop back passer with a cannon for an arm and the ability to make the off-platform throws. I'd like to see him more consistently hit the tight windows. Could be the most important player in college football with all eyes on him as Texas enters the SEC.
16. LSU EDGE Harold Perkins Jr.
Perkins is one of the nation's most dynamic players. LSU misused him most of last season and it cost the defensive staff their jobs. It was a wasted year playing in the box for somebody who should be wreaking havoc on the edge. This is a contract year for somebody who draws Micah Parsons comps.
17. Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter
Can I go with back-to-back Micah Parsons comps? Abdul Carter fits the bill, too, down to the No. 11 uniform. Carter had a great start to his career with excellent production in his first two seasons at Happy Valley and is making the switch to the edge this season. Carter is a dynamic, twitched-up force who is likely to have a lot of success making the move. James Franklin has called Carter "freakishly strong, " so you can expect he will have the ability to rush speed to power. He should have a great season in Tom Allen's attacking defensive scheme.
18. Georgia DB Malaki Starks
A unique talent in the secondary because of his ability to not only play center field but match up in man coverage, Starks is routinely glued to his opponent and does a nice job of playing the receiver's hands when they touch the ball to dislodge it. The ball has to be thrown perfectly in order for it to be caught.
As a true center fielder in Georgia's two-high look, Starks is a menace. He's my top safety in the 2025 NFL Draft.
19. Ohio State S Caleb Downs
Alabama's loss is Ohio State's gain. Downs was a rare true freshman starter from the day he stepped on campus for the Crimson Tide and is already considered one of the best players in college football. Downs is not only an excellent all-around player both in coverage and in the box in run support, but plays with a ultra high intelligence. Downs will make an instant impact on a loaded Ohio State defense and figures to make an even bigger jump after a year of starting.
20. Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel
The talented delivered in a huge way in 2023, getting the Sooners back to their winning ways before departing to Eugene. Gabriel is an excellent deep-ball thrower that uses his legs when needed to move the chains. Gabriel threw for over 3,600 yards and 30 touchdowns this season and rushed for 373 and 12 touchdowns. Big pickup for the Ducks; they have weapons for Gabriel to throw to and he has a vast amount of experience and game reps to pick apart secondaries.
21. Iowa LB Jay Higgins
Higgins is an extremely productive player who has a nose for the ball and seems to be involved on almost every tackle. He led the country last season with 171 tackles in his first season as a true starter, including 18 against Penn State.
A good athlete who seems to always be in the right spot and is a sure tackler, Higgins only missed seven attempts on the season. He is solid in coverage as well. My hunch is the NFL takes notice in 2025.
22. Oregon WR Evan Stewart
Evan Stewart is an exceptional athlete with a ridiculous ceiling. He needs a lot more targets than what he received his first two seasons at Texas A&M, which is why he found his way to Eugene this offseason. The stats won't blow you away, but the tape shows Stewart's ceiling as a homerun hitter and excellent route runner. Expect a drama-free contract year from Stewart.
23. Ole Miss WR Tre Harris
Harris was one of the best receivers in the country in his first year, racking up 54 catches for 985 yards and eight touchdowns. Harris is a bigger body at receiver that is an excellent route runner and has the ability to make the dynamic plays both on the outside and in the slot. Harris plays like a veteran and has the speed to separate on an Ole Miss offense that looks like it will be dynamic and a title contender in 2024.
24. Clemson LB Barrett Carter
A versatile three-down 'backer who likes to play in the opponent's backfield, Barrett is an explosive and high-ceiling talent who has enormous potential and upside as a former 5-star recruit. A converted high school safety prospect, Carter has the ability to match up vs. tight ends and backs in coverage and did not allow a touchdown last season. He missed too many tackles, 12, last season in the box and can do a better job of finishing in the run game. Cleaning that up is likely a big reason he returned for his senior season. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is gone, now it's Carter's turn to be the star of Clemon's defense.
25. Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison
Morrison is one of the best returning corners in the country. He's great in zone but excels in press coverage. Why? Morrison is not only excellent in matching routes and playing the ball in the air but does a nice job using the sideline as an extra defender. The three touchdowns he gave up last year were all in the lower red zone on scrambles where the play got extended.
26. Michigan TE Colston Loveland
Loveland is a true height, weight, speed tight end who shows an excellent awareness to be able to find green grass and read the defensive's leverage on the short to intermediate route. Loveland tracks the ball well and despite dropping a handful of catchable balls, shows the ability to routinely catch the ball away from his body and high-point contested balls in traffic. Loveland is a fluid runner with the ball in his hands and has adequate speed to make the explosive plays.
27. Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen
Ole Miss got one of the most coveted defensive prospects available at a position of need, beefing up the interior of their defense. A former top recruit, Nolen is a special player when he puts it all together and has shown flashes of dominance, especially against the run. Expect him to be one of the first defensive linemen off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft if he stays healthy.
28. Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman
Stutsman flirted with going to the NFL but will be back and looking to improve even further on a very productive season: 100 tackles, 16 TFLs, three sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. He's perfect for Brent Venables. Stutsman is an excellent box backer who has the ability to roam sideline to sideline and is solid in coverage, only allowing 21 catches for 242 yards. Oklahoma is glad to have him ahead of a brutal SEC schedule.
29. Alabama OG Tyler Booker
Booker is a powerful and explosive run blocker who plays with great leverage and hand placement. When Booker is able to get in his run fits with his hands clamped on defenders, it's over. Booker is a good pass blocker as well but that's an area he can definitely improve on.
30. Miami QB Cameron Ward
Ward is an intriguing prospect who will have a chance to shine on a bigger platform. And for Miami, it's another chance to really get right at the quarterback spot after the D'Eriq King and Tyler Van Dyke eras fizzled out. Ward flourished in Wazzu's spread as a dual-threat throwing for over 3,700 yards and 25 touchdown passes while running for another eight touchdowns. Ward needs to protect the football better but will have the best supporting cast around him he's had in his career.
31. Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Another Buckeye here -- Williams is an impactful interior presence who has the ability to take over inside with suddenness and an exceptional get-off. Williams is a bit undersized in the interior but plays with great technique and is excellent in movement and games on a stacked Buckeye front.
32. Oregon CB Jabbar Muhammad
Muhammad capitalized on a big season at Washington and will take over Kyree Jackson's spot at rival Oregon for his last season. Muhammad only allowed two touchdowns and added two interceptions last season and fills a position of need in Oregon's title hopes in 2024. Muhammad excels in zone coverage but has the ability to play man and does a nice job locating the ball in the air and swiping it away when his receiver extends. Get your popcorn ready for when the Ducks host Ohio State.
33. Miami DL Rueben Bain Jr.
Hurricane Bain lived up to the hype we saw last spring and had a fantastic freshman campaign. Bain had 12.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and was one of the most productive freshmen in the country. Bain is a powerful rusher that rarely wins on his first move but plays with a relentless effort.
34. USC WR/KR Zachariah Branch
Branch is a difference-maker for the Trojans and someone who could take it to the house at any moment. I'm excited to see how he develops in Year 2, but he'll miss Caleb Williams and he also is hoping for a better bill of health than a year ago. Branch made the most noise as a freshman as a return specialist, earning All-American honors, and taking almost 800 yards of returns and two touchdowns. Branch figures to be a bigger part offensively in 2024; his 31 receptions for 320 yards and two touchdowns don't feel indicative of his impact.
35. Florida State EDGE Patrick Payton
There was a bit of drama, but Payton is staying in Tallahassee, where he will see much more attention on the edge with Jarred Verse off to the NFL. Payton has excellent length and get-off and does a nice job not only getting to the quarterback but recognizing blocks. Payton can bend around the edge and can go speed to power with a nice long-arm as well. FSU is definitely glad to have one of the best edge-rushers on its roster this season.
36. Arizona QB Noah Fifita
The 5-11 Fifita burst onto the national scene in a big way in 2023. Thrust into action because of an injury to established starter Jayden de laura, Fifita made the job his. Fiftia throws his receivers open on the short/intermediate game as well as anyone. He throws the ball on the move well and can use his feet to scramble when needed, but he is generally not looking to run. Will that feature come in time?
37. Oregon DT Jamaree Caldwell
Caldwell is going to be a huge piece for Oregon this season as not only a physical presence at the point but also as a dynamic rusher from the interior. Caldwell has more twitch than given credit for and plays extremely hard for a big man. Excellent hands that can shock and shed offensive linemen. This is the type of midway monster Dan Lanning coached at Georgia.
38. Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer
Sawyer had his best season as a pass rusher in 2023, racking up eight sacks and 38 pressures, but is better against the run. Sawyer has great play recognition and excellent motor; you rarely see him take a play off. He's a real difference-maker in the run game and Ohio State is thrilled the former 5-star stayed true to his word and returned to school, even after a three-sack performance in the Cotton Bowl.
39. Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
This guy would be WR1 on 99.9% of teams but OSU keeps bringing in the top talent in the country that takes away some of his touches. We figured Egbuka would finally get to be WR1 this fall, but the early returns on No. 1 recruit Jeremiah Smith have been so terrific that perhaps he'll nab this spot by fall camp. Anyway, back to Egbuka: He's versatile enough to play anywhere on the field, is an excellent route-runner and causes damage in the open field, despite lacking elite speed.
40. Kentucky DT Deone Walker
The All-SEC defensive tackle is a presence in the middle and has tons of game experience, starting 25 of the last 26 for the Wildcats. Walker is surprisingly quick and athletic in condensed spaces and has a knack for finding the football while he's being double teamed. His road to 7.5 sacks last season was paved by power first, counters and hand-swipes second. Opponents want nothing to do with him, I promise you that. There are some T'Vondre Sweat vibes here.
41. Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai
I'm not sleeping on Rutgers and you shouldn't, either. Especially when it comes to running backs. Monangai is the next big-time ball-carrier out of Piscataway. He led the Big Ten in rushing last season, averaged over five yards a carry last season and scored eight touchdowns. He's a receiving threat, too. The 5-9 Monangai is certainly not a big back but runs with power and is quite explosive.
42. Wisconsin CB Ricardo Hallman
Hallman was a ballhawk for the Badgers last year, picking off seven balls (and dropping another two). Hallman is excellent at matching routes in zone and undercutting a ball thrown late. He plays almost like a free safety and can read the quarterback's eyes as well as anyone. Hallman has excellent speed and can take it to the house if he has some green grass ahead of him.
43. Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
Scourton was a force at Purdue last year and now he's off to Aggieland to help new coach Mike Elko recreate the Wrecking Crew. Scourton abuses offensive tackles with one of the best spin moves in the nation and plays with an excellent motor. He is sudden on the edge and stunts well inside. And he can demolish zone-reads. Scourton should flourish with the noisy home field advantage at Kyle Field but needs to elevate his pass-rush moves beyond a spin.
44. Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty
Jeanty is a powerhouse back for the Broncos, averaging six-plus yards a carry and rushing for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Jeanty is also excellent in the screen and quick game as a receiver. Jeanty has great patience in tight spaces and can jump-cut it back the other way for big gainers. He also has the power to break arm tackles and can stiff arm you in space. His size and his ability to hold up in protection is really his only knock at the next level.
45. Notre Dame DB Xavier Watts
Watts took home the Nagurski Award as the nation's best defender, leading the country with seven interceptions. His biggest plays (47 tackles, 11 PBUs) tended to come in the clutch, too. Watts is one of two Notre Dame defensive backs in my top 50 rankings.
46. Kentucky WR Barion Brown
Brown an explosive playmaker in multiple phases for the Wildcats. Brown doubles as a returner and has the ability to take it to the house any time he touches the ball, scoring three touchdowns on returns last year. Brown's only knock is he suffered six drops last year and lost two fumbles. Has the ability to be one of the top receivers in the country but needs the ball more.
47. Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen
Part of Ole Miss' No. 1 portal haul, Umanmielen is one of the more interesting players to keep an eye on this offseason. His position coach, Randall Joyner, is one of the best developers in the game. Umanmielen is already a talented pass rusher who had seven sacks and generated 50 pressures last season at Florida. Princely has an elite get-off and bend and could be a difference maker in Ole Miss's loaded defense. His biggest areas of improvement are more consistency in his run defense and a better motor. Expect him to have a huge season and if he puts it all together could be a first-rounder in 2025.
48. LSU TE Mason Taylor
Taylor had a disappointing sophomore campaign after lighting it up his freshman season and beating Alabama at the buzzer. My excuse? Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. gobbled up Taylor's opportunities. I bet we see a big bounceback campaign. Taylor has soft hands, understands where the sticks are and has a nice field awareness.
49. Utah QB Cameron Rising
Rising is entering his 10th 7th season of college football. After taking 2023 off to rehab his knee, I hope you didn't forget about Rising, who will be 25-years-old when the season starts. The Utes might be my preseason pick to win the Big 12 and make the playoff and that's thanks to Rising's winning pedigree and playmaking ability. Rising excels on the intermediate routes and places the ball with precision both in the pocket and on the move. He's a wizard with his feet.
50. Missouri QB Brady Cook
Cook shows elite command of Eli Drinkwitz's offense, always checking into the right play. From there, he makes the right reads, throws the ball on time, layers it into tight spots — and can get it to any spot on the field. The veteran has come a long way.
51. Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson
When healthy, he's a problem for opposing defenses. TreVeyon Henderson is a fluid back with great vision and amazing speed that makes him a home-run hitter as both a runner and a receiver. We never thought he'd be somebody's RB2 in college football, but the timeshare with portal addition Quinshon Judkins should do wonders for his durability. This will be one of the best thunder-and-lightning combinations we've seen in recent memory.
52. Kansas RB Devin Neal
Neal is a silky-smooth back who excels in Kansas's wide variety of ways to create space. Neal is the total package of speed, quickness, and power and has excellent vision. When he sticks his foot in the ground, he'll make you look silly. A future NFL stud.
53. TCU WR Savion Williams
Williams is criminally underrated. It may be because he's underused. The jumbo receiver has a ton of talent but only caught 41 passes last season. way under the radar receiver that is vastly underused for his ability despite hauling in 41 balls. I think Williams is a first-round talent: He has the speed, great length and is not scared to make contested catches in the middle of the field.
54. Michigan DT Kenneth Grant
Grant is a force in the middle of Michigan defense. The big man plays with fanatical effort, holding offensive linemen at the point of attack and disrupting the backfield (five TFL, 3.5 sacks in 2023). Grant and Mason Graham will be a nightmare in the trenches.
55. Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks
Brooks is on track to break the all-time rushing record at Texas Tech this season. He's been a workhorse for the Red Raiders, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Over 1,000 of those yards came after contact. Brooks is a poised runner that lets his blocks set up and then makes an enormous amount of tacklers bounce off his powerful lower half. He's pretty explosive, too. Brooks will be a force at the next level as a cold-weather back.
56. Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart
Dart's numbers don't tell the entire story, even though they are still pretty good, as he is the lifeblood of the Ole Miss offense. Dart threw for over 3,300 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding another 389 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. Dart shows excellent intangibles, leadership and command of Lane Kiffin's offense.
57. NC State WR Kevin Concepcion
The rising sophomore is an all-around talent who can beat you in a bunch of ways, but mainly as a receiver. Concepcion rushed for over 300 yards at 7.8 per carry and caught 71 balls and 10 touchdowns for the season. The true freshman lit up the ACC and did most of his damage on the intermediate part of the field but has the speed to make the explosive catches as well. In his second year of college football, I'm positioning Concepcion as a top-10 receiver in the country.
58. Ole Miss TE Caden Prieskorn
A transfer from Memphis, Prieskorn came on in the second half of the season and became a favorite target of Jaxson Dart. Prieskorn has soft hands and is a great red zone threat and a chain-mover in the short and intermediate parts of the field. He'll be in the conversation for TE1 come the 2025 NFL Draft.
59. North Carolina EDGE Kaimon Rucker
Rucker is somewhat undersized but doesn't let that keep him from the quarterback (8.5 sacks, 15 TFL in 2023). He plays with a demonic edge and is a great team leader. North Carolina has plenty of raw talent on defense, but Rucker is one of the few who has put it all together.
60. Texas A&M DL Shemar Turner
Turner has primarily played the edge but has the versatility to kick inside and projects there as a pro. One of a handful of Aggies on this list, Turner has excellent power and can also turn the edge to get home. He plays the run well with violent hands and physicality.
61. LSU OT Emery Jones
Jones is a prototype right tackle and along with Will Campbell forms one of the best tackle combos in the country. Jones is thick and explosive. He has excellent feet — he gets to his spot in pass protection — and also has excellent power, which is an asset in the run game. He could have a dominant season.
62. Miami WR Xavier Restrepo
Restrepo is a dependable and reliable slot receiver who owns the intermediate part of the field and is a hands catcher. Restrepo lacks game-breaking speed but seems to always be open and can make plays with the ball in his hands. He'll be a favorite target of new Miami quarterback Cameron Ward.
63. Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor
Height, weight, speed receiver who torched most of the the Pac-12's best corners last year including my No. 1 player in the country, Travis Hunter. Ayomanor has excellent hands and can beat you in any area of the field and has the ability to take it to the house after the catch. Excellent at the contested catches as well.
64. North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton
Hampton led the ACC with almost six yards a touch en route to a 1,500-yard, 15-touchdowns season. The bruising back added another 30 catches for 232 yards and a touchdown. Hampton had 36 explosive runs and excels in the zone scheme where he can cut back at the lineman's heels. Excellent feet and tough to arm tackle. An area for improvement? He had three fumbles last season.
65. Georgia OG Tate Ratledge
Ratledge was excellent in both phases last year and kept Carson Beck clean all season, not allowing a sack and very few pressures. He's a mauler who finishes off blocks in the run game.
66. Kansas QB Jalon Daniels
Daniels has been a part of KU's climb to respectability under coach Lance Leipold. A breakout season in 2022 earned him preseason all-conference honors, but most of 2023 was ruined by a back injury. The dual-threat playmaker rebuffed portal poachers and is ready to remind everybody he's among the best in the business.
67. Oregon WR Tez Johnson
Washington had a big season in Eugene, racking up 86 catches for almost 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. The explosive slot is an excellent route runner and a problem with the ball in his hand after the catch. He had 28 explosive catches last season.
68. Oklahoma WR Deion Burks
The explosive slot receiver turned a ton of heads this spring after transferring from Purdue. His spring breakout comes as no surprise if you're a Purdue fan. Burks is a weapon with excellent speed and the ability to create space and hit the home run.
69. Iowa TE Luke Lachey
Lachey is one of the better in-line tight ends in the game, we just haven't seen much of it as he's coming off a shortened season where an injury held him to three contests. Lachey is a plus-blocker who can hold his own in the zone and gap schemes and is a large target to work the middle of the field in the passing game. Tight End U needs Lachey healthy. If he is, he will be a huge part of Iowa's success.
70. Louisville EDGE Tyler Baron
A portal snag from Tennessee, Baron was one of the best "gets" of the offseason. He mostly played out of position at Tennessee as a 4i but should flourish on the edge opposite Ashton Gillette. Baron is extremely physical vs. the run and can win quickly with a twitchy first step.
71. Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
Conerly, a former 5-star prospect, was excellent in his first season as a full-time starter, yielding one sack and 17 pressures playing the blindside and protecting Bo Nix. Conerly has excellent feet and does a nice job mixing up his hands when he punches. Despite lacking the ideal length for tackle, Conerly will have a shot at getting drafted high after the season and could be a candidate to kick inside to guard in the NFL.
72. Minnesota RB Darius Taylor
Taylor was one of the best backs in the country last year but missed six games due to injury and only got one carry in the opener. He still racked up 800 yards and five touchdowns and had four games where he rushed for over 100 yards. Not a burner but a patient and methodical back who will body-blow you and wait for his opportunity for an explosive run.
73. Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
Georgia's most gifted pass-rusher generated 27 pressures and 4.5 sacks last year. Don't focus on the numbers, as UGA loves to rotate its defensive linemen and the former 5-star recruit has natural pass rush ability and some length off the edge. Williams hits tackles with an excellent long-arm and can win inside as a defensive tackle in some of UGA's third-down packages, too.
74. Alabama S Malachi Moore
A Tuscaloosa mainstay at this point, Moore is a leader and high-IQ player who's mostly played nickel at Alabama but is expected to move to strong safety this season. That's a nice fit for him. He's excellent in run support and routinely blows up blockers on bubble screens. Moore is solid in coverage as well and does a nice job of playing the ball in the air on contested catches.
75. Georgia TE/WR Dillon Bell
Bell is a swiss-army knife of a player and exactly what the NFL is looking for as a hybrid tight end. Bell threw for a touchdown pass, rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns, and caught 29 passes for 355 and two touchdowns. Bell can beat you a ton of different ways from the screen game to the short to intermediate zones.
76. Clemson DT Peter Woods
Did a nice job his freshman season getting his feet wet but is expected to make the jump with Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro off to the league. Woods is excellent in both phases and plays with excellent hand placement with the ability to shock and shed opponents and take on doubles.
77. Ohio State QB Will Howard
Howard can hurt you with his legs if things break down but grew into an excellent dual-threat quarterback at Kansas State. Perhaps I have him lower than I might have after he turned in a so-so spring. Expect him to get the first crack at leading a loaded Buckeye offense, but the role probably won't just be handed to him Day 1 of fall camp.
78. Clemson DL T.J. Parker
A top-50 recruit, Parker flashed on film as a freshman and delivered in the stat sheet, generating 5.5 sacks and 37 pressures. Parker wins with an explosive first step and has the power to work through tackles and finish at the quarterback. He's solid against the run, too.
79. Penn State EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton
A powerful edge rusher with a variety of moves and the versatility to play inside as well. Dennis-Sutton has a nice motor and works the offensive linemen's edges well and can convert with power. Nice length and get-off; a nasty tandem lined up opposite Adbul Carter. I'm high on Penn State's defensive front.
80. Alabama OG Jaeden Roberts
This guy is an amazing story. Roberts went from third string at Alabama to one of the top three guards in the country in just half a season. Roberts is freaky strong and can manhandle defensive tackles. He got better as the year progressed and has the ability to be a special player with more experience and game reps.
81. Ohio State CB Denzel Burke
I'm not sure if Denzel Burke is a superstar, which is where he looked to be headed after his freshman campaign, but he put together a bounce-back junior season. He's a nice piece on a really stingy Ohio State defense that plays well together as a unit. Burke had one interception and defended 10 passes with nine passes broken up for the Buckeyes. Can give up too much cushion at times and needs to be more of a playmaker on their backend. Better in zone coverage than man.
82. Louisville EDGE Ashton Gillotte
The twitchy Gillotte had an impressive season, leading the ACC with 11 sacks and adding 14.5 TFL's, He also generated 65 total pressures and was a thorn in the side against every team he faced. A little undersized but a natural rusher. Louisville has a terrific pair of edges in Gillotte and Barron. paired with Tyler Baron is going to be a nightmare in the ACC.
83. Tennessee DT Omarr Norman-Lott
Norman-Lott does not get enough love. A transfer from Arizona State last offseason, Norman-Lott has serious power and the ability to cave the pocket. He's a great mover who does a nice job reading where the slide is in pass protection to defeat the double team. Norman-Lott and James Pearce Jr. should be a headache for opposing offensive linemen in the SEC this year.
84. Alabama LB Deontae Lawson
Lawson is an excellent run-stuffing box 'backer. He was dinged up by the middle of the season, which affected his ability to run full speed. He was still productive — 5.5 TFL, three sacks and four PBUs — but is in store for a national breakout this fall.
85. Texas EDGE Trey Moore
Moore was a man amongst boys at UTSA, setting the school record for sacks with 14 and earning AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. His traits, which I think are rare, will be tested in the SEC. Moore has quick hands and is sudden off the edge. He is undersized but utilizes speed and spin moves as well as a nice inside counter to affect the quarterback. Will need to prove he can hold up vs. the run consistently or Texas could use him exclusively as a pass rush specialist. The Longhorns spent a few seasons without an elite pass-rusher but suddenly have a pretty nice room, which is now headlined by Moore.
86. Florida QB Graham Mertz
Yep. I'm a believer in Mertz. Don't forget he profiled as an elite prospect out of high school. A change of scenery, from Madison to Gainesville, did him well in 2023. He was consistent, completing 73% of his passes for the season for 2,900 yards, and took care of the football, throwing just three picks. Florida has an unbelievably difficult schedule ahead and Mertz's favorite target Ricky Pearsall is off to the NFL. Mertz can really silence the doubters if he delivers a good season in what will be choppy waters.
87. Arkansas EDGE Landon Jackson
A ballyhooed high school prospect, Jackson benefited from a change of scenery, transferring from LSU to Arkansas a few seasons ago. His return for a final year was big for the Hogs. Jackson is extremely long at 6-7, but I think he has the versatility to move inside at the next level, where he could be an extremely disruptive pocket-crushing force. He's still a little raw, but let's see what pass-rushing moves he comes out of the offseason with.
88. Georgia OL Earnest Greene III
Greene held down the blind side last year, yielding one sack in almost 500 pass attempts. One of the most consistent tackles in the country, expect Greene to be in the conversation as a first-rounder in 2025.
89. UNLV WR Ricky White
White dominated the Mountain West, catching 88 balls for almost 1,500 yards and eight touchdowns. Fifty-four of those were for a first down and he had 32 explosive catches.
90. Notre Dame EDGE R.J Oben
Oben arrives from Duke this offseason. He's got a lot of experience with him and profiles as a very useful, high-motor player for Notre Dame. Oben is an active rusher with a nice outside swat and spin move and some really nice counters as a rusher. Oben does not play with much power but pursues the ball on every snap.
91. UCLA WR J. Michael Sturdivant
A fluid playmaker and route runner who's got game breaking speed to boot. Sturdivant is sudden and shity and can stop and start and locate the ball. Sturdivant has excellent hands and always works back to the ball when he can. UCLA needs to feed the young man (only 36 receptions a season ago).
92. Ohio State OC Seth McLaughlin
McLaughlin was an excellent blocker over the last few seasons at Alabama but decided a change of scenery was best for him after having some snapping issues with Jalen Milroe. McLaughlin plays with a high IQ and does a nice job sorting through the protections to get everyone on the same page. Excellent in both run and pass protection.
93. Oklahoma State EDGE Collin Oliver
Oliver hasn't put up the numbers like he did as a freshman all-american but is still a productive and disruptive force off the edge. His six sacks in 2023 don't tell the whole story as he generated 40 pressures. Oliver is undersized but is sudden and can beat you with speed from the edge.
94. Cal RB Jaydn Ott
Ott is an explosive runner who led the Pac-12 last year with 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground and chipped in 30 receptions for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air. Ott has great vision and can excel both inside the box and has the ability to bounce it out and the speed to take it to the house. A lot of ACC fans will be frustrated watching their defenses try to corral him this fall.
95. Notre Dame DT Howard Cross III
Cross showed his stuff in helping Notre Dame close out a tight road win at Duke last season. Clutch player who's disruptive along the interior. Cross notched 64 tackles last year, including six TFLs and 45 generated pressure. He excels in movement and has a great get-off and understanding of offensive line blocking schemes.
96. Colorado State WR Tory Horton
Horton has great length, speed, production and excels as a punt returner, too. Horton caught 98 balls for over 1,100 yards and had eight touchdowns for the season. Horton had 18 explosive catches for the year but is almost exclusively used in the short-to-intermediate quick game, where he moves the chains as well as anyone. Don't see the game-breaking speed here but he's a nice security blanket.
97. Iowa State RB Abu Sama III
Another star back for the Cyclones. Sama made the 247Sports True Freshman All-American Team after finishing the season on a heater including 276 yards in his first career start against Kansas State — a fun, memorable game in the snow. Sama averaged 7.3 yards a carry and scored six touchdowns on the ground for the Cyclones. Sama is also a receiving threat and showed some willingness to be a solid blocker in pass protection.
98. Clemson DT Demonte Capehart
He has limited snaps through his career behind some stout tackles, but the former high-level recruit flashed raw skills last season. Capehart has a big frame and flashes excellent power. He can crush the pocket inside as well as hold up vs. doubles in the run game. He will need to take the next step this season and if he does, Clemson is going to have a scary-good defensive front.
99. Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard
Leonard is a dual-threat quarterback who's better than you think (the three passing TDs in 2023 were a matter of injury and circumstance, not skill). He has a bigger spotlight on him after transferring from Duke to Notre Dame. Leonard was beat up for almost half of the season and was probably a better runner than passer when he played. He's poised for a big season if he can stay healthy.
100. West Virginia OT Wyatt Milum
Milum was a dependable blind side blocker for the Mountaineers in 2023, yielding nine pressures and zero sacks. He's a solid run blocker as well. Another good season could be his last in Morgantown.
101. NC State CB Aydan White
White has first-round ability written all over him as a height, weight, speed prospect. Add lockdown corner to the list of description, as White has not given up a touchdown in two seasons and has eight career interceptions.
102. UCF QB KJ Jefferson
I'm still high on Jefferson. He's a nightmare to tackle as a runner and is an underrated passer, steadily improving his passing mechanics over the last few years. When given time, he throws dots. Jefferson had very little time to throw last year (Arkansas gave up 42 sacks) and his numbers were down, but he's still a player. UCF and coach Gus Malzahn will be a great fit for Jefferson.
103. Oklahoma State C Joe Michalski
Michalski is the leader and anchor of one of the best offensive lines in the country -- personally, I think the Cowboys have the best offensive line in college football. The experienced, high-IQ Michalski is a gritty player who will finish plays and do it with great technique.
104. Iowa DB Sebastian Castro
One of the top returning corners in the country on a Hawkeye defense that's always stifling and suffocating. Excellent coverage skills and rarely allows much space before or after the catch, Castro is also a physical presence in run support.
105. SMU EDGE Elijah Roberts
Roberts is a productive, power-rushing edge who can get things done inside, too. Roberts 10 sacks and generated 73 pressures last year in the AAC. Has nice power and uses his hands well to work punchers hands off him. Will see a major uptick in talent in ACC as SMU hops up a level.
106. Miami RB Damien Martinez
Miami upgrades its running back room with proven production with an explosive and powerful runner who excelled in a run-first offense at Oregon State. Martinez has excellent footwork, patience, and vision and the ability to churn out explosive runs on a Miami offense that has a ton more weapons than he had at Oregon State.
107. Liberty QB Kaidon Salter
The dynamic dual-threat passer that was Conference USA MVP in 2023. One of the best quarterbacks that most have not watched. The one-time Tennessee signee can absolutely take over a game. Now can he take Liberty to the playoff?
108. Arizona CB Tacario Davis
Elite length and size is why Davis was one of the most coveted corners in the transfer portal. Arizona did a very nice job in keeping him, because I'm telling you -- he was a wanted man. Davis excels in contested catches and does a nice job playing the receivers' hands with the ball in the air.
109. Clemson RB Phil Mafah
Will Shipley left early for the NFL Draft, but Clemson truthers will tell you the best running back from last season's tandem -- Mafah -- is sticking around. The Georgia native had a breakout season punishing ACC defenders with his physical and explosive running style (Notre Dame got it, too, as Mafah steamrolled for 186 yards and two touchdowns on an absurd 36 carries). Mafah is an excellent all-around back in protection and the passing game as well.
110. Alabama S Keon Sabb
Sabb played well at Michigan and is off to a great start in Tuscaloosa through the spring. Great instincts, speed, and length, and plays with physicality at free safety. Potential to be the best player in Alabama's secondary paired with Malachi Moore gives them an elite back end.
111. Texas DB Jahdae Barron
One of the best nickels in the country and a special teams demon, Barron tends to come up in huge moments for the Texas Longhorns. He had a big interception of Jalen Milroe on the road in Tuscaloosa. He pretty much won Texas a nail-biter vs. Houston when Quinn Ewers was knocked out. He put a sloppy Wyoming game on ice with a clutch one-on-one tackle on third-and-short. Texas was happy to get him back for one more go at it in 2024 and it looks like Barron is working at cornerback in fall camp in order to help get Texas' best five defensive backs on the field.
112. Ohio State OG Donovan Jackson
A former five-star recruit, Jackson has been a multi-year starter for the Buckeyes at guard and is expected to have a breakout season. Jackson is athletic and fluid at the next level and is consistent in both phases at the line of scrimmage. His experience and leadership will be critical for a deep run OSU is expected to make this year.
113. Kentucky LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson
Johnson had his season cut short with a fractured forearm but has been an excellent blitzer and run defender the last few seasons at Georgia. He plays with a high IQ in the box and is solid in coverage as well. Big, big add for Kentucky's defense under Mark Stoops.
114. Notre Dame TE Mitchell Evans
Evans had his season cut short after eight games with an ACL injury but is expected to make a full recovery. The next in line at Notre Dame's tight end assembly line, Evans has soft hands and has the ability to make defenders miss. Big-time weapon when he's healthy and is expected to be one of the top tight ends in the country.
115. Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II
Long and productive receiver who transferred from Tulane and will flourish in Tennessee's tempo- and choice-based passing offense. Excellent hands and huge catch radius should inject some life into a receiving corps that struggled last year.
116. Clemson S Khalil Barnes
A True Freshman All-American is primed to have a huge season after forcing three fumbles and tallying three interceptions in seven starts last year. Barnes finished the season strong as his reps increased as a force on the back end in both phases. He's likely to become a big name this fall.
117. Georgia TE Oscar Delp
It's impossible to replace Brock Bowers but Georgia brings on one of the best tight ends in the country with Delp and Benjamin Yurosek. Delp has a big frame and has been a solid contributor the last two seasons, racking up 24 catches for 284 yards and three touchdowns last year. Solid blocker in 12 personnel as well.
118. Ohio State EDGE JT Tuimoloau
A playmaker from the edge who had some big moments and the ability to cause havoc. He showed some improvement overall in 2023 but has yet to be the dominant edge we expected as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2021. Had an outstanding game vs. Penn State's Olu Fashanu last year. He's back for another run and would love to play his way into Round 1 consideration.
119. Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell
Unless you're addicted to MACtion, you don't know about Howell, but the Bowling Green transfer has some ridiculous tape. Howell is explosive and has a nice toolbox of speed and counter moves to go along with a relentless motor. He will see a major uptick in competition but with Nic Scourton and Shemar Turner taking the majority of the attention, expect Howell to become a household name soon enough.
120. Louisville CB Quincy Riley
Riley has excellent instincts and technique and is primed for a huge season after turning in a dominant 2023 campaign. Riley only allowed 23 catches last season and had three interceptions and led the ACC with 15 passes defended.
121. Virginia Tech EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland
Twitchy edge rusher who tallied 9.5 sacks and added 14.5 TFLs for a much-improved Hokie defensive front in 2023. Powell-Ryland has excellent get-off and speed around the edge and can run the hoop and cause chaos.
122. Purdue S Dillon Thieneman
The 247Sports True Freshman of the Year, Thieneman made a big splash his freshman season and steadily improved as the season progressed, tallying six interceptions. His open-field tackling can improve but expect a big sophomore season for the ball hawk under coach Ryan Walters' watchful eye.
123. Arkansas TE Luke Hasz
Hasz was on a heater last year in his freshman campaign,, catching 16 balls for 253 yards and three touchdowns before breaking his collarbone in the fifth game of the season. He's a big-time prospect who has excellent hands and can make defenders miss. Future NFL prospect.
124. Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston
Hairston is a long, athletic ball hawk who led the SEC with five interceptions, including two for touchdowns. Harrison is no slouch in run support as well and someone to keep an eye on as a mover up the draft board this season.
125. Virginia Tech CB Dorian Strong
When I watch Strong, I see a player with excellent man-to-man skills who turns into a ball hawk when the ball's in the air. Strong excels in contested balls and has make-up speed to jar the ball loose if he is slightly beaten off the snap. Expect more improvement behind a disruptive Hokie defensive line that I'm a big fan of.
126. Tennessee WR Squirrel White
White is an explosive and dynamic slot who has big-play ability every time he touches the ball. Had 67 catches for 803 yards and two touchdowns last year. An improved supporting cast and a better passer at quarterback should increase those numbers in 2024.
127. Oklahoma LB/S Dasan McCullough
McCullough plays a hybrid linebacker role and wears a ton of hats. He was very effective in his first season at Oklahoma after transferring from Indiana. The former elite recruit is a versatile, explosive and effective in all phases. He'll have an expanded role this year with a year of Brent Venables' scheme under his belt and will likely be playing on Sundays in 2025.
128. Penn State S Kevin Winston Jr
One of the best tackling safeties in the country at the toughest position on the field to get stops. Winston Jr. is a big-time run stuffer who can play in the box and he's no slouch in coverage, either. Does a nice job baiting quarterbacks into bad decisions.
129. Colorado EDGE BJ Green II
The No. 7-ranked defensive lineman in 247Sports' transfer portal rankings, Green played on the edge at Arizona State but built more like a hybrid defensive tackle at 6-1, 270 pounds. Green plays with a relentless motor and is twitchy with some natural pass-rush ability. Colorado's defense needs him to be a force in 2024.
130. Ethan Downs, DE, Oklahoma
Downs has been a disruptive force off the edge, starting 25 games the last two seasons. He's a high-effort player who can turn the edge and harass quarterbacks as well as hold up in the run game.
131. Jacksonville State OL Clay Webb
Webb is a former five-star recruit from Georgia who finally got a chance to show off his skills and was dominant in his first season at Jacksonville State. Mauler in the run game and a finisher and one of the best guards in college football.
132. Miami OT Francis Mauigoa
It's always tough to throw a true freshman tackle out to the wolves, but the benefits and reps will pay off this season. Mauigoa has some technical issues to clean up but showed he can hold up as a right tackle. He's a powerful blocker when he gets his paws on you and a bright future in Year 2. The No. 6-ranked recruit in the 2023 class is easily on his way to meeting the hype.
133. Oregon LB Jeffrey Bassa
Bassa had his best season in Eugene under Dan Lanning last year and is one of the best coverage linebackers in the country as he can stay on the field for every snap. Excellent tackler in the box and can also blitz the quarterback.
134. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier
Nussmeier finally gets his time to shine after being behind one of the best quarterbacks in college football, Jayden Daniels. Nussmeier shined in his only start of his career, the ReliaQuest Bowl Game win over Wisconsin, throwing for almost 400 yards and three touchdowns but has played in multiple games over his career at LSU. Nussmeier has excellent mechanics and a big arm that can touch all the critical spots on the field. Expect some big numbers once again for LSU's offensive attack.
135. Georgia TE Benjamin Yurosek
One of the most sneaky transfer portal additions of the offseason was Georgia tapping into Yurosek to join the platoon of players replacing Brock Bowers. Yurosek was one of the better tight ends his sophomore year but has struggled to stay healthy over the last two seasons at Stanford. Explosive after the catch, expect a big year from Yurosek with an elite offense around him led by Carson Beck. Yurosek has the ability to not only stretch the middle of the field but can also high-point the ball and be a chain mover and red-zone target.
136. Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery
Huge frame at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds -- Minnesota loves its beef! -- and a mauler in the run game, Ersery excels in the Gophers' zone running game led by stud back Darius Taylor. Ersery is solid in protection as well and has had some good games vs. some of the stronger opponents in the Big Ten, most notably against Ohio State.
137. Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart
Stewart made the jump from Coastal Carolina and has flashed as an excellent two-phase edge despite being undersized. Stewart can win with speed to power on the edge and uses his hands well to hold the point in the run game, using his leverage to his advantage.
138. Clemson OT Blake Miller
A rising junior, Miller is a two-year starter at right tackle and is one of the most dominant run blockers in the nation but struggles in pass protection at times. Plays with a nasty streak and strong hands and base at the point. If he can clean up his pass sets, he has the ability to be really good.
139. Kansas CT Cobee Bryant
Physical corner on the backend who had seven interceptions for the Jayhawks last season. Bryant is one of the best corners in the Big 12 and has the ability to have his name called early in the 2025 NFL Draft if he can continue to build off his success last year.
140. USC DT Bear Alexander
Alexander had a solid first season manning USC's front, generating 35 pressures, but was not the difference-maker many expected. Part of that was he was playing out of position at the nose most of the season. He's excellent against the run but the lack of big bodies around him forces him to take the majority of double teams. Alexander has a tremendous power rush to crush the pocket and needs to be a better closer with lots of near-misses getting home to sack the quarterback. He flirted with transferring but will anchor new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn's revamped defense.
141. Florida CB Jason Marshall Jr.
A former five-star recruit, Marshall Jr. is a lengthy cornerback who has led the Gator defense in pass breakups two years in a row with 19 combined -- as well as two interceptions. Had some of his better games vs. Georgia as well. Can he make one final leap in 2024?
142. Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden II
A hybrid tight end who has great hands and lives in the slot, Gadsden can stretch the field and catch the contested balls. Only played in two games last year before suffering a Lisfranc injury.
143. Michigan RB Donovan Edwards
Edwards was surprisingly not involved much in Michigan's offense (119 total carries) until it really mattered in the national championship game where he had six carries for 104 yards and two touchdowns -- an effort that perhaps rewarded him with primo position on the EA Sports College Football 25 cover. Edwards has elite homerun speed and can catch the ball out of the backfield. With Blake Corum gone, Edwards will be Michigan's main man.
144. Oklahoma WR Nic Anderson
Anderson was an explosive play waiting to happen last year, averaging 21 yards per catch on 38 balls. Anderson is long and smooth and has scored from every area of the field but excels on the intermediate to deep balls. Anderson can beat press coverage and knows where to sit in the zone against two-high zone. Expect quarterback Jackson Arnold to target him a ton this season.
145. Oregon OT Ajani Cornelius
A transfer from Rhode Island last season, Cornelius is a powerful run-blocker who can move defensive linemen off the ball. He plays with good pad level and hand placement. He struggles more in pass protection at times but those issues can be fixed with better technique. Could also kick down and be a solid guard at the next level.
146. Oklahoma S Billy Bowman Jr.
Can you tell I'm expecting an Oklahoma rebound in 2024? Bowman has ridiculous film -- when he's good, he's great: six interceptions, including three (!) returned for touchdowns with a school-record 238 return yards. When he's bad, it's a bunch of missed tackles and coverage busts. Bowman has a ton of experience starting 29 games and is poised for another big season. If he cleans up a few lapses, he'll easily be a top-100 player.
147. USC OL Jonah Monheim
Multi-year starter and captain with versatility to play both at tackle and guard with 34 starts in his career. Better suited inside at the next level, Monheim is expected to start at center which should be beneficial to all.
148. Texas A&M WR Moose Muhammad III
Muhammad fell out of favor with Jimbo Fisher but is expected to have a breakout season under a new coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Collin Klein. Muhammad is a big-bodied strong receiver who can make contested catches and be a top deep threat.
149. Florida State QB DJ Uiagalelei
Uiagalelei had a bounceback season at Oregon State and was one of the hottest quarterback names in the portal. He threw for 21 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, and while his accuracy and consistency are still not where they need to be, they have improved from his Clemson days. Uiagalelei has a huge frame and can move the chains with his powerful legs. Now he gets to play with the most talent he's ever had -- and under the guidance of one of the best play-callers in the game, Mike Norvell.
150. Pitt TE Gavin Bartholemew
Bartholomew is not a stranger to the field but has caught buzz of late as a player to watch. I can see why. He is a natural receiver who attacks the ball and is a fluid runner with excellent game speed. Bartholomew caught only 19 balls last year but as clear mismatch, he deserves twice many targets in 2024. Bartholomew's blocking can improve but I would not be surprised to see him as a second- or third-round NFL draft pick next year. Get him the ball, Pitt!
151. Kansas State QB Avery Johnson
Johnson had a huge debut as a freshman despite only starting two games. Johnson struggled with his accuracy much of the season but was a huge weapon rushing the football and is poised to have a big year in Manhattan as a full-time starter.