• Iowa State wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson: With a 90.7 grade, the redshirt senior is now the highest-graded wide receiver in college football.

• Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer: The junior is the highest-graded Power Five tight end and looks like a top-15 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

• Miami (FL) safety Kamren Kinchens: He’s the highest-graded safety in the country as just a true sophomore. 

Estimated Reading Time: 10 mins

We’re now in the final week of the 2022 college football regular season. For many teams, this is the last time they’ll play this year. So who exactly have been the best players in the country so far?

Here are the highest-graded Power Five and Group of Five players at every position through Week 12.

Quarterback

Power Five: Drake Maye, North Carolina Tar Heels | 92.8

Next up: Hendon Hooker, Tennessee Volunteers | 91.1

Drake Maye entered the season tasked with following in the footsteps of Sam Howell, arguably the best quarterback in North Carolina history.

Not only has Maye held down the fort, but he’s also been arguably the best quarterback in the country. His 38 big-time throws are seven more than any other quarterback in college football. Maye’s also an incredible dual threat, as his 440 rushing yards after contact are the second-most among FBS quarterbacks. 

Next up for the No. 18 Tar Heels is a home game against N.C. State on Friday night. 

Group of Five: Kurtis Rourke, Ohio Bobcats | 93.1

Next up: Clayton Tune, Houston Cougars | 90.9

Maye isn’t the only quarterback who’s filling big shoes.

Kurtis Rourke’s older brother, Nathan, is the owner of the second-most passing yards, second-most passing touchdowns and the most rushing touchdowns (tied) in Ohio program history. 

Kurtis has followed his brother up nicely. He has a 92.1 passing grade, higher than any other quarterback in the country. Ohio hosts Bowling Green on Tuesday.

Running Back

Power Five: Blake Corum, Michigan Wolverines | 96.1

Next up: Bijan Robinson, Texas Longhorns | 93.2

If the Heisman Trophy is truly for “the most outstanding player in college football,” then Blake Corum has as good a case as anyone. His 96.1 grade is the highest in college football, regardless of position.

Corum is currently fourth in BetMGM’s Heisman odds (+1100). The junior is trying to become the first running back since Alabama’s Derrick Henry in 2015 to take home the award. Third-ranked Michigan travels to No. 2 Ohio State in what promises to be the biggest game of the year. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, it’s unknown whether Corum can suit up after suffering a knee injury against Illinois. 

Group of Five: Brad Roberts, Air Force Falcons | 90.2

Next up: DeWayne McBride, UAB Blazers | 86.7

In Air Force’s triple-option offense, Brad Roberts has the third-most carries in the country (272). Despite the heavy workload, he’s still gained positive yardage on 97.1% of his attempts, tied for the third-highest rate in the nation. The senior’s 79 rushing first downs and touchdowns are also the fourth-most in the country. Air Force is at San Diego State this week.

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