- Fernando Mendoza is the unquestioned No. 1: Mendoza’s 90.7 PFF passing grade tied for second among all quarterbacks nationally, and he led the country in passing touchdowns (41) and passer rating (129.4). The projected No. 1 overall pick was at his best when it mattered most. From the Big Ten Championship Game through the national title game, he earned an elite 93.2 PFF passing grade.
- Arch Manning comes in at No. 50: It wasn’t the start Manning wanted, but he showed down the stretch that his preseason hype was based on more than just his last name. From Week 9 on, his 89.5 PFF grade ranked sixth among all quarterbacks in the country. Manning will enter 2026 as a Heisman Trophy favorite.
- 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026's top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.
Now that the 2025 college football season has concluded, it’s time to take stock of the year’s top performers. The PFF College 101 highlights the 101 best players from the 2025 season, combining PFF grades, on-field impact and positional value to provide a comprehensive look at college football’s elite.
This list will be released in stages throughout the week, culminating with the unveiling of the top 20 players on Friday, Jan. 23. Each installment offers a deeper look at the players who defined the 2025 season and helps set the stage for the upcoming draft and offseason evaluation cycle.
1. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Mendoza delivered a dream season at Indiana. He became the program’s first Heisman Trophy winner while leading the Hoosiers to their first national championship and a perfect 16-0 record. That run was even more remarkable given that Indiana has still lost more games than any other program in college football history (715).
Mendoza’s 90.7 PFF passing grade tied for second among all quarterbacks nationally, and he led the country in passing touchdowns (41) and passer rating (129.4). The projected No. 1 overall pick was at his best when it mattered most. From the Big Ten Championship Game through the national title game, he earned an elite 93.2 PFF passing grade.
2. EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
Bain was dominant this season as both a pass rusher and run defender. The projected top-five pick led the nation in pressures (83), while his 86.2 PFF run-defense grade ranked ninth in the FBS. He also finished as the most valuable edge defender in the country, according to PFF’s wins above average metric.
3. RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Love entered his junior season as our clear choice for the best running back in college football after earning a 91.1 PFF grade as a sophomore, and he backed that up this year. The projected top-10 pick’s 93.1 PFF grade led all offensive players in college football, not just running backs. Love was a home-run threat every time he touched the ball, ranking second in the Power Four in explosive runs (39) and rushing touchdowns (18). His 896 rushing yards after contact ranked third among that same group.
4. EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Bailey led the nation in PFF pass-rush grade (93.2) at Stanford in 2024, making him one of the biggest prizes in the transfer portal before Texas Tech brought him in. He picked up right where he left off this past season, leading the FBS in pass-rush grade again at 93.8, while his 93.3 PFF overall grade led all players in college football.
The projected top-10 pick also led the country in sacks (15) and quarterback hits (23), while his 81 pressures ranked second behind Rueben Bain Jr.
Bailey made significant strides against the run as well, improving his run-defense grade from 59.3 in 2024 to 81.5 this past season.
5. LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Even though Rodriguez was not the highest-ranked defender on his own team, he still delivered an exceptional season at linebacker. His 93.0 PFF grade led all linebackers nationally, and it stands as the highest mark by a Power Four linebacker since PFF began charting college football in 2014.
Rodriguez’s 94.8 run-defense grade led all defensive players in the country, while his 92.3 coverage grade led all Power Four linebackers. His seven forced fumbles tied for the fifth-most in college football history, and his four interceptions tied for the most among all linebackers.
Rodriguez also recorded 70 total defensive stops, the most among Power Four defenders.
6. QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Sayin was historically accurate in his first season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. The redshirt freshman completed 77.0% of his passes, which ranked as the third-highest rate in college football history and narrowly trailed the record set by Bo Nix in 2023 and Mac Jones in 2020 (77.4%). Sayin’s 82.5% adjusted completion rate also ranked fifth in PFF College history.
He led all FBS quarterbacks in PFF grade (92.9) and will enter his redshirt sophomore season as the top signal-caller in college football and a leading candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
7. QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
While much of the focus from the 2025 season will center on what Fernando Mendoza accomplished in turning around Indiana’s program, Pavia delivered a similarly transformative impact at Vanderbilt. He led the Commodores to a 10-3 record, the most wins in program history, and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up. The only other Vanderbilt player to ever receive Heisman votes was Carl Hinkle, who finished seventh in 1937.
Pavia’s 92.2 PFF grade ranked second among all FBS quarterbacks, trailing only Sayin, while his 30 big-time throws tied for the most in the country. His 983 rushing yards ranked third among Power Four quarterbacks.
8. CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
Following a standout true freshman season in 2024, Moore entered the campaign as the top cornerback in college football, and like his teammate Jeremiyah Love, he backed it up. The sophomore’s 91.8 PFF grade and 92.5 coverage grade each led the nation. He intercepted five passes, broke up seven more and allowed a 45.9 passer rating when targeted.
Moore’s lockdown ability was on full display against USC. Tasked with moving inside to the slot to defend Makai Lemon, the nation’s top receiver, Moore ultimately limited him to two catches on three targets for 28 yards and a 57.6 receiving grade.
9. WR Makai Lemon, USC
While Lemon did not have his best game against Notre Dame, he was the best receiver in the country this season. The Biletnikoff Award winner led all wide receivers nationally in PFF grade (90.8), while his 50 receiving first downs and touchdowns tied for fourth. Despite measuring just 5-foot-11, the projected top-20 pick still secured 10 of his 15 contested-catch opportunities.
10. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Smith entered the season as our top-ranked receiver and the No. 1 overall player in college football. After a sophomore campaign that matched the impact of his freshman season, he put himself in position to top both lists again.
His 90.7 PFF grade ranked second nationally, trailing only Makai Lemon, while his 1,243 receiving yards led all Power Four wide receivers. Smith’s 55 receiving first downs and touchdowns (55) ranked second in the country.
11. RB Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
Hardy was outstanding as a true freshman at Louisiana-Monroe in 2024, earning an 89.0 PFF grade. Still, questions remained about how his game would translate to the SEC.
Those concerns were quickly answered. Hardy led the nation in yards after contact (1,181) while also leading the Power Four in rushing yards (1,648) and forced missed tackles (96).
He will enter his junior season as the top running back in college football.
12. QB Dante Moore, Oregon
After a roller-coaster freshman season at UCLA and a year on the bench at Oregon, Moore finally showed why he was the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2023 high school class.
His 30 big-time throws tied for the most in college football, while his 90.2 PFF passing grade ranked sixth. Moore finished 2025 as the third-most valuable quarterback in the sport, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. Despite being a projected top-three pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, he announced his return to Eugene for the 2026 season.
13. CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Thanks in large part to Delane’s transfer from Virginia Tech, LSU finished with a top-25 coverage grade for the first time since its national championship season in 2019. He allowed just a 27.5 passer rating into his coverage, which ranked as the best among Power Four cornerbacks. For context, spiking the ball on every play produces a passer rating of 39.6.
Delane’s 90.7 PFF grade ranked third in the FBS, and he allowed just 38.2% of targets to be completed, which ranked seventh.
14. WR Malachi Toney, Miami (FL)
One year after Jeremiah Smith delivered a record-setting true freshman season, Toney was similarly dominant for Miami. Toney led the nation in yards after the catch (841), forced 33 missed tackles after the catch and totaled 58 receiving first downs and touchdowns.
He finished his freshman season as the most valuable wide receiver in college football, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. Notably, Toney reclassified and would otherwise still be a senior in high school.
15. EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)
Mesidor didn’t receive as much fanfare as his running mate, Rueben Bain Jr., but he was similarly dominant in his sixth season. His 88.3 PFF run-defense grade was third among FBS edge defenders this year, while his 13 sacks ranked fourth.
Mesidor could join Bain in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft this April.
16. EDGE Romello Height, Texas Tech
Like Mesidor, Height was the less-heralded edge rusher on his team this year but still posted elite production. The Georgia Tech transfer’s 92.5 PFF grade tied for fourth among all edge defenders nationally, while his 92.6 PFF pass-rush grade ranked sixth. Height’s 62 pressures ranked seventh in the FBS.
17. S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Thieneman flashed star potential as a true freshman at Purdue in 2023 before enduring a down sophomore season. He transferred to Oregon to rebuild his draft stock and delivered his best year yet with the Ducks. Thieneman’s 91.0 PFF grade led all Power Four safeties, as did his 91.1 coverage grade. He missed just 8.3% of his tackle attempts and finished as the most valuable safety in the country, per PFF’s wins above average metric.
18. LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Styles began his career as a safety at Ohio State before shifting to linebacker over the past two seasons. The move paid off for the former top-five recruit’s development, as his 88.5 PFF grade ranked third among Power Four linebackers. Styles was one of only three linebackers in that group to earn 85.0-plus PFF grades in coverage and run defense.
The projected top-15 pick’s 91.6 tackling grade led all linebackers, and he missed just 2.2% of his tackle attempts.
19. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Downs wrapped up his collegiate career as one of the top safeties in recent college football history and is likely to become the first safety selected in the top 10 of the NFL Draft since Jamal Adams nine years ago. He earned 85.0-plus PFF grades in each of his three seasons between Alabama and Ohio State, and he finished as the fourth-most valuable safety in the country this year, according to PFF’s wins above average metric.
20. QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
After winning a Division II national championship at Ferris State, Chambliss entered 2025 as Ole Miss’ backup quarterback behind Austin Simmons. When Simmons went down with an injury, Chambliss took over the Rebels’ offense and never looked back. His 3,934 passing yards ranked third in the FBS, while his 29 big-time throws tied for fourth.
Chambliss then led Ole Miss on an unlikely run to the College Football Playoff semifinals despite the Rebels entering the CFP with a new head coach in Pete Golding.
21. CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
Ponds closed his collegiate career on the biggest stage, facing Miami (FL) in the national championship game in his hometown of Miami. He was the best player on the field, allowing just one catch for 1 yard on six targets while recording three pass breakups.
Ponds finished 2025 as the most valuable cornerback in the country, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. He was one of only two Power Four cornerbacks to earn 85.0-plus grades in coverage and run defense. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-9 and 173 pounds, Ponds has three seasons of elite college tape that should put him firmly in Day 2 draft consideration.
22. S Devan Boykin, Indiana
While Ponds was the star of Indiana’s secondary, Boykin should not go unnoticed at safety. His 93.9 PFF run-defense grade led all safeties in the FBS, while his 86.7 coverage grade ranked 13th. Boykin finished as the second-most valuable safety in the country, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. That production is even more impressive, considering he missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL while at NC State.
23. OT Keagen Trost, Missouri
Trost had big shoes to fill at right tackle for Missouri after his predecessor, Armand Membou, was selected in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Wake Forest transfer answered the challenge by emerging as the top offensive lineman in college football this season.
Trost’s 92.0 PFF grade led all offensive linemen nationally, as did his 91.4 run-blocking grade. He was also effective as a pass protector, with his 85.4 pass-blocking grade ranking eighth among all tackles.
24. WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Sarratt finished his stellar collegiate career with a national championship ring and led the FBS with 15 receiving touchdowns this year. His 87.3 PFF receiving grade was eighth in America, and he came down with 12 contested catches.
25. CB Keionte Scott, Miami (FL)
Scott was the ultimate Swiss Army knife for Miami’s defense. The Auburn transfer’s 91.2 PFF run-defense grade led all cornerbacks nationally, while his 87.1 coverage grade ranked 10th. Scott was also a major factor as a blitzer, leading all FBS cornerbacks in pressures (20) and sacks (5).
He was the primary reason Miami’s secondary shifted from a weakness in 2024 to a strength this season.
26. EDGE John Henry Daley, Utah
Daley was one of the most efficient pass rushers in college football this past season. His 93.3 PFF pass-rush grade ranked second among FBS edge defenders behind only David Bailey, while his 22.9% pass-rush win rate ranked ninth nationally. Daley is following head coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan next year.
27. OT Carter Smith, Indiana
Smith protected Fernando Mendoza’s blindside and emerged as the top left tackle in the country. His 85.2 PFF grade ranked sixth among all tackles nationally, and he was one of just two tackles to earn top-10 grades as both a pass blocker and run blocker. Smith is expected to return to Indiana in 2026 as arguably the best offensive lineman in the nation.
28. RB Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
Lacy transferred to Ole Miss from Missouri after barely seeing the field as a true freshman in 2024 and broke out as a sophomore. His 1,564 rushing yards ranked third in the FBS, while his 24 rushing touchdowns led the Power Four. Lacy’s forced missed tackles (89) and yards after contact (1,010) each ranked second in the Power Four. He will enter 2026 as the second-best back in the country.
29. DI A.J. Holmes Jr., Texas Tech
Following three years at Houston, Holmes became a star at Texas Tech as a redshirt junior. His 84.8 PFF grade ranked third among Power Four defensive tackles, while his 88.1 run-defense grade also ranked third. Holmes ranked second among that same group in pressures (37) and enters 2026 as the top defensive tackle in the country.
30. DI Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
McDonald was a brick wall in the middle of Ohio State’s defensive line. The projected first-round pick led all Power Four interior defenders in PFF grade (86.5), while his 91.2 run-defense grade led the nation. McDonald recorded 34 defensive stops, which ranked second among Power Four interior defenders.
31. WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Ohio State has produced five first-round wide receivers in the last four NFL drafts, and Tate is set to make it six in five years. The projected top-five pick ranked fifth among all receivers nationally in PFF grade (88.6), while his passer rating when targeted (151.8) led all receivers in the country.
32. OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Pregnon was easily the best guard in America this year, as evidenced by the nearly 40 spots separating him from the next guard on the list. The projected first-round pick’s 86.5 PFF grade led all Power Four guards, and he was the only guard in college football to earn 85.0-plus grades as both a pass blocker and run blocker.
33. WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Cooper is one of Indiana’s few holdovers from the pre-Curt Cignetti era still making a major impact on the team. He had his best season yet as a redshirt junior, ranking fourth nationally in forced missed tackles after the catch (27), while his 87.4 PFF grade ranked eighth.
34. EDGE Caden Curry, Ohio State
Curry had big shoes to fill with JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer leaving for the NFL, but he emerged as Ohio State’s next standout edge defender this season. His 90.6 PFF grade ranked seventh among Power Four edge rushers, and he was one of only three players in that group to earn 85.0-plus grades as both a pass rusher and run defender.
35. LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
Viliamu-Asa played a significant role as a true freshman in 2024 before becoming a star as a sophomore. His 89.2 PFF grade ranked second among Power Four linebackers, while his 94.0 run-defense grade ranked second among all linebackers in the FBS. Viliamu-Asa also added 23 pressures and four sacks as a pass rusher and projects as the top linebacker in college football entering next season.
36. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
Mauigoa was Miami’s starting right tackle in all three of his seasons after entering South Beach as a five-star recruit. The projected top-10 pick lived up to the hype, ranking fifth among Power Four tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade (87.0) this year.
37. OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Like Mauigoa, Proctor entered Tuscaloosa with significant hype as a five-star recruit and started all three seasons for the Crimson Tide at left tackle. He saved his best for last as a junior, ranking third in the Power Four in PFF grade (85.9). The projected first-round pick was one of just six tackles in the Power Four to earn 80-plus grades both as a pass protector and run blocker.
38. OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Fano entered his junior year as our top-ranked offensive lineman in college football and maintained that level of play in 2025. The projected top-10 pick ranked seventh in the Power Four in PFF grade (84.0) and did not allow a sack or hit all season while also earning an 80.0 run-blocking grade.
39. RB Caleb Hawkins, North Texas
Hawkins burst onto the scene as a true freshman at North Texas. His 94.1 PFF rushing grade led all running backs nationally, as did his 25 rushing touchdowns. Hawkins also ranked third in the FBS in rushing yards after contact (1,056) and projects as one of the top backs in 2026 after following head coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State.
40. EDGE Clev Lubin, Louisville
Lubin was an elite pass-rusher at Coastal Carolina in 2024, earning a 92.0 PFF pass-rush grade. He improved upon that mark after transferring to Louisville, tying for fourth in the Power Four in pass-rush grade (92.5). Lubin also tallied 11 sacks and ranked fourth in the Power Four in pressures (64). He enters 2026 as one of the top edge defenders in the country.
41. S Bishop Fitzgerald, USC
Fitzgerald was a ballhawk for USC’s defense in 2025, intercepting five passes and breaking up three more. His 90.7 PFF grade and 90.8 coverage grade each ranked third among all safeties in the country.
42. WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Boston showed why he’s a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by placing sixth among all receivers in the FBS with an 88.0 PFF grade. The 6-foot-4 wideout caught 10 of his 13 targets this past season and was a weapon in the red zone with 11 receiving touchdowns in essentially 11 games of action.
43. S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
In 2024, Quinyon Mitchell became the first Toledo Rocket in the 21st century to be selected in the top-50 of the NFL Draft. McNeil-Warren appears poised to follow his former teammate this April. His 91.9 PFF grade led all safeties nationally, and his 92.0 coverage grade did the same. McNeil-Warren recorded seven combined interceptions and pass breakups while allowing just six catches into his coverage.
44. CB Devon Marshall, NC State
Marshall broke out in his second season at NC State after transferring from Villanova. His 89.8 PFF grade ranked sixth among all cornerbacks in the FBS, and he finished 2025 ranked second among cornerbacks in PFF’s wins above average metric.
45. QB Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
Sorsby was one of the biggest prizes in the transfer portal this year, transferring to Texas Tech. He will provide an upgrade at quarterback for the defending Big 12 champions after tying for fifth in PFF grade (90.5). Sorsby also led the Power Four in pressure-to-sack conversion rate (6.1%).
46. QB Joey Aguilar, Tennessee
Aguilar faced plenty of question marks after transferring to Tennessee last year, but he answered those and then some this season. His 90.6 PFF passing grade ranked fourth at the position behind only Julian Sayin, Diego Pavia and Fernando Mendoza. Aguilar’s turnover-worthy play rate ranked eighth-lowest in the country (1.9%).
47. CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Johnson is now a projected top-50 pick as a defensive back from the Group of Five level after an incredible season. The senior allowed a 16.1 passer rating into his coverage and recorded four interceptions, five pass breakups and only 18 catches allowed all year.
48. S Michael Taaffe, Texas
Taaffe completed his career at Texas with an 88.1 PFF grade, sixth among all safeties. The former walk-on also ranked seventh in the nation in coverage grade (89.4).
49. QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Ty Simpson entered Alabama as a five-star recruit but waited three years before taking over as a redshirt junior. The patience paid off, as he is now a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Simpson’s 30 big-time throws tied for the most in college football, while his 28 touchdown passes ranked 11th nationally.
50. QB Arch Manning, Texas
It wasn’t the start Manning wanted, but he showed down the stretch that his preseason hype was based on more than just his last name. From Week 9 on, his 89.5 PFF grade ranked sixth among all quarterbacks in the country. Manning will enter 2026 as a Heisman Trophy favorite.
51. CB Treydan Stukes, Arizona
Stukes had his best season in his sixth and final year at Arizona. His 90.4 PFF coverage grade ranked fourth among all cornerbacks nationally, and his 35.9 passer rating allowed ranked fifth. Stukes broke up six passes, intercepted four and did not allow a touchdown into his coverage all season.
52. EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan
Moore was a highly productive pass-rusher over his final two years at Michigan, but he took it to another level this past season. He ranked ninth among all edge defenders in PFF pass-rush grade (92.4) in 2025, while his 93.9 pass-rush grade on true pass sets ranked third behind only David Bailey and Akheem Mesidor.
53. S A.J. Haulcy, LSU
Haulcy was a major reason LSU’s secondary turned things around. The Houston transfer’s 88.6 PFF coverage grade ranked ninth among all safeties in college football. He recorded three interceptions and four pass breakups on the season.
54. OT J.C. Davis, Illinois
Davis was one of the best offensive tackles in America while at New Mexico in 2023, but he took some time to adjust to Big Ten play last year. He returned to elite form in 2025, ranking third among all tackles nationally in PFF grade (87.8). Davis’ 86.7 run-blocking grade ranked fourth in the nation.
55. QB Jayden Maiava, USC
Maiava entered his first full season as USC’s starter this year and built off the promise he showed in 2024. His 86.2 PFF grade ranked 10th among Power Four quarterbacks, while his 27 big-time throws tied for 10th in the FBS. Maiava will enter 2026 as a top-10 signal-caller in the sport.
56. RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
Johnson exploded onto the scene in 2025 as a redshirt junior. His 1,451 rushing yards ranked fourth nationally, while his 66 forced missed tackles ranked sixth. Johnson also added 370 receiving yards, which ranked ninth among all running backs in the country.
57. LB Ben Roberts, Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez got most of the attention in Texas Tech’s linebacker unit, and deservedly so, but Roberts was also highly effective in the middle of the Red Raiders’ defense. His 86.7 PFF grade ranked fourth among Power Four linebackers, while his 90.5 coverage grade ranked third. Roberts also tied for the most interceptions among all linebackers (four). His 43.8 passer rating allowed ranked second in the Power Four.
58. EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
Young built off the strong first season he had at Missouri, earning an 85.0 PFF grade this past season. His 86.6 run-defense grade ranked eighth among all edge defenders nationally, and his 56 pressures ranked 12th.
59. CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State
Abney emerged as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks during his junior season and is now projected as a top-50 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He earned an 86.3 PFF grade, tied for 10th among all cornerbacks, and allowed just a 46.1 passer rating into his coverage.
60. S KJ Bolden, Georgia
Bolden was a star as a true freshman for Georgia last year and was even better as a sophomore this season. His 91.3 PFF run-defense grade was second among Power Four safeties, while his 10 pass breakups tied for 10th. Bolden will enter his junior year as one of the best safeties in college football.
61. S Jakobe Thomas, Miami (FL)
Thomas played a key role in stabilizing a Miami secondary that struggled a season ago. The Tennessee transfer ranked sixth among all safeties in PFF wins above average, earned an 88.8 PFF coverage grade (eighth nationally) and finished the year with five interceptions and six pass breakups.
62. LB Taurean York, Texas A&M
York has been a leader of Texas A&M’s defense since arriving as a true freshman in 2023 and capped his junior season with his best year yet. He ranked third among all linebackers in America in PFF wins above average and earned a 90.8 PFF coverage grade, second among Power Four linebackers.
63. OT Brian Parker II, Duke
Parker built on his strong pass protection from 2024 to become a more complete player as a redshirt junior. His 85.5 PFF grade ranked fifth among all tackles in the country, and he was one of just seven tackles to earn 80.0-plus PFF grades as both a pass blocker and run blocker.
64. WR Wyatt Young, North Texas
Young broke out as a true sophomore in 2025, finishing third at his position with an 89.9 PFF receiving grade and fifth in PFF wins above average. He ranked third in the FBS with 1,264 receiving yards and led the country at 3.69 yards per route run before following head coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State.
65. EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas
Simmons burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2024, earning a stellar 90.0 PFF pass-rush grade, and somehow took his game to another level as a sophomore. His 91.7 pass-rush grade in 2025 ranked eighth in the Power Four, while his 59 total pressures placed him sixth.
66. WR Hank Beatty, Illinois
Beatty was as reliable as any receiver in the country for Illinois, finishing the season without a single drop on 69 catchable targets. That sure-handedness, paired with consistent production, helped him earn an 82.4 PFF grade, which ranked 15th nationally.
67. WR Mario Craver, Texas A&M
Craver built on a strong true freshman campaign at Mississippi State in 2024 and emerged as a star after transferring to Texas A&M this season. His 82.6 PFF receiving grade was tied for the best in the SEC, while his 3.26 yards per route run ranked third among Power Four receivers. Entering his junior year, Craver is firmly established as one of the premier wideouts in college football.
68. OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
Kelvin Banks Jr. left enormous shoes to fill at left tackle for Texas, but Goosby stepped in and delivered at a high level. He finished as the sixth-most valuable tackle in the country according to PFF’s wins above average metric and earned 80.0-plus grades as both a pass blocker and run blocker. Goosby returns to Austin in 2026, firmly established as one of the top offensive tackles in college football.
69. QB Darian Mensah, Duke
Mensah transferred to Duke from Tulane last offseason, signing an NIL deal reportedly worth $4 million — and it proved to be money well spent. He led the Blue Devils to their first ACC championship since 1989, pacing all Power Four quarterbacks in passing yards (3,951) while his 34 passing touchdowns trailed only Fernando Mendoza.
70. OT Trevor Lauck, Iowa
Lauck was dominant on the left side of Iowa’s offensive line this season, ranking seventh in the FBS in PFF grade (84.9). He was especially stout in pass protection, earning an 89.4 PFF pass-blocking grade — third-best in the nation — while not allowing a single sack all year.
71. OG Beau Stephens, Iowa
Stephens lined up next to Lauck at Iowa’s left guard spot and was just as dominant, particularly in pass protection. His 91.6 PFF pass-blocking grade led all guards in the country, and he did not allow a single sack or quarterback hit across 292 pass-blocking snaps. Stephens was also highly effective in the run game, earning an 83.0 PFF run-blocking grade that ranked sixth among guards.
72. OG Kade Pieper, Iowa
The third and final Iowa offensive lineman to make this list, Pieper ranked fifth among all guards in the country in PFF grade (83.6). His 83.5 PFF run-blocking grade also placed fifth nationally.
73. DI Christen Miller, Georgia
Miller was a force against the run in the middle of Georgia’s defensive line, earning a 90.2 PFF run-defense grade that ranked second in the FBS. He also added 19 pressures as a pass rusher and is currently projected as a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
74. QB CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Carr impressed in his first season as Notre Dame’s starter, earning an 83.5 PFF passing grade that ranked 14th nationally. With that performance as his foundation, he enters the 2026 season as the Heisman Trophy favorite at most sportsbooks.
75. S Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech
Wisniewski played a key role in Texas Tech’s dramatic turnaround in the secondary this season. The North Dakota State transfer ranked as the 11th-most valuable safety in the co
76. WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Concepcion captured the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player, and the production backs it up. The projected first-round pick led all SEC wide receivers in receptions resulting in either a first down or a touchdown (48), while his 84.2 return grade ranked second among all Power Four players after he returned two punts for scores.
77. RB LJ Martin, BYU
Martin was the engine of BYU’s offense this season. His 893 yards after contact ranked fourth among Power Four running backs, while his 36 explosive runs tied for fourth. He also added 251 receiving yards, cementing his status as one of the top running backs entering the 2026 season.
78. QB Byrum Brown, USF
Brown was the top quarterback in the Group of Five this season, earning a 91.4 PFF grade that ranked third nationally among all quarterbacks. He also ranked third among signal-callers in rushing yards after contact (702) and forced missed tackles (58). Brown will transfer to Auburn for the 2026 season after following head coach Alex Golesh.
79. RB Antwan Raymond, Rutgers
Rutgers may have lost star running back Kyle Monangai in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the Scarlet Knights found another in Raymond. His 884 rushing yards after contact ranked fifth among Power Four running backs, while his 76 forced missed tackles trailed only Ahmad Hardy and Kewan Lacy in that group. Raymond enters his true junior season as one of the top running backs in the country.
80. WR KJ Duff, Rutgers
Raymond wasn’t the only star weapon for Rutgers this season. Duff emerged as the Scarlet Knights’ top receiver, earning an 83.4 PFF grade that ranked ninth among Power Four wide receivers. His 1,084 receiving yards also ranked sixth in that group.
81. S Amare Ferrell, Indiana
Often an unsung piece of Indiana’s secondary, Ferrell has been a productive contributor over the past two seasons. His seven pass breakups were tied for second among all safeties nationally, and he added four interceptions to earn an 82.8 PFF coverage grade.
82. EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Howell was one of the SEC’s most productive pass-rushers this season. The projected first-round pick recorded 12 sacks, tied for the fifth most nationally, and earned a 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade that ranked 20th among all edge defenders.
83. QB Drew Mestemaker, North Texas
Mestemaker spent his high school career as a backup quarterback before walking on at North Texas, and he took home the Burlsworth Award for 2025, with no player in the country throwing for more yards (4,384). His 86.1 PFF passing grade ranked ninth in the FBS, and he will transfer to Oklahoma State for the 2026 season after following head coach Eric Morris.
84. RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Not much went right for Penn State this season, but Allen closed his career as the program’s all-time leading rusher, with 4,180 rushing yards. His 1,303 rushing yards ranked fifth among Power Four running backs in 2025, while his 91.3 PFF rushing grade ranked eighth at the position.
85. LB Ethan Wesloski, North Texas
Wesloski is one of several former North Texas players following head coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State and projects as a centerpiece of the Cowboys’ defense. His 90.6 PFF grade ranked fourth among all linebackers this season, and he was one of just six linebackers to earn 85.0-plus grades in both coverage and run defense.
86. RB Nate Sheppard, Duke
Duke must sort out its quarterback situation now that Darian Mensah has entered the transfer portal, but whoever takes over in 2026 should benefit from handing the ball to Sheppard. The former three-star recruit broke out as a true freshman, earning an 89.3 PFF grade that ranked ninth among FBS running backs while placing sixth among Power Four backs with 286 receiving yards.
87. LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
Elarms-Orr finished as one of the 10 most valuable linebackers in the country this season, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. Much of that value came as a run defender, where his 89.1 PFF run-defense grade ranked eighth among Power Four linebackers.
88. EDGE Mitchell Melton, Virginia
Melton emerged as one of the standout performers on a surprising Virginia team this season. The Ohio State transfer generated 53 pressures, ranking 10th among Power Four defenders, while also earning a strong 77.9 PFF run-defense grade.
89. DI Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
Halton was the anchor of another strong Oklahoma defense this season. His 84.7 PFF grade ranked eighth among all defensive tackles nationally, while his 86.9 PFF run-defense grade ranked fourth at the position. He also made an impact as a pass rusher, recording 30 pressures and five sacks.
90. LB Rasheem Biles, Pittsburgh
Biles entered the season as one of PFF’s top 10 linebackers in the country and validated that billing. His 84.4 PFF grade was tied for sixth among Power Four linebackers, while his six sacks were tied for seventh. Biles transferred to Texas this offseason, where he’ll look to help replace the production left behind by Anthony Hill Jr.
91. TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Stowers entered the season as PFF’s top-ranked tight end and backed it up by winning the John Mackey Award. His 769 receiving yards led all tight ends nationally, while his 85.3 PFF receiving grade ranked sixth at the position.
92. OT Austin Siereveld, Ohio State
Siereveld shifted from guard to left tackle this season after playing inside for Ohio State a year ago, and the move paid off. His 83.5 PFF grade was tied for 12th among all tackles nationally, while his 83.3 PFF run-blocking grade ranked ninth at the position. He is expected to return as Ohio State’s starting left tackle in 2026.
93. QB Gunner Stockton, Georgia
Stockton entered his first full season as Georgia’s starting quarterback with questions but largely answered them. He finished the season as the seventh-most valuable quarterback in the country according to PFF’s wins above average metric.
94. CB Brice Pollock, Texas Tech
Texas Tech jumped from the 10th-worst coverage grade in the country last season to the top spot this year, and the addition of Pollock from Mississippi State played a major role in that turnaround. His five interceptions were tied for second among all cornerbacks nationally, while his 35.7 passer rating allowed ranked fourth at the position.
95. S Bray Hubbard, Alabama
Following a breakout sophomore season, Hubbard remained productive as a junior. He recorded four interceptions and four pass breakups, while his 90.4 PFF run-defense grade ranked sixth among all safeties.
96. S Keon Sabb, Alabama
Sabb finished one spot behind his safety running mate and was similarly impactful on the back end of Alabama’s defense. He ranked as the seventh-most valuable safety in the country, according to PFF’s wins above average metric, highlighted by an 84.8 PFF coverage grade.
97. WR Charlie Becker, Indiana
Becker’s placement on this list is largely a product of timing, as he did not become a major part of Indiana’s offense until Week 11, but his impact on the Hoosiers’ national title run was undeniable. His 89.3 PFF receiving grade ranked third among Power Four wide receivers behind only Makai Lemon and Jeremiah Smith, and he posted an exceptional 146.8 passer rating when targeted.
The sophomore is expected to be a featured option for new quarterback Josh Hoover next season.
98. DI Rene Konga, Louisville
Konga was dominant in the middle of Louisville’s defensive line this season. His 86.4 PFF grade ranked second among Power Four interior defenders, while his 85.2 PFF pass-rush grade ranked third at the position.
99. DI Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s defensive line was well represented on this list, with Hunter rounding out the unit. The UCF transfer finished the 2025 season as the fifth-most valuable defensive tackle in the country according to PFF’s wins above average metric, while his 84.5 PFF run-defense grade ranked second in the Big 12.
100. DI A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
Washington made a surprising decision to return to Oregon despite being projected as a top-40 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He ranked sixth among all defenders in PFF wins above average last season while recording 22 pressures and earning an 83.8 PFF run-defense grade.
101. OG Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati
Tengesdahl was a standout on the interior of Cincinnati’s offensive line, earning an 85.4 PFF grade that ranked third among all guards nationally. His 89.7 PFF run-blocking grade led all Power Four guards, and he did not allow a sack on 385 pass-blocking snaps during the season.
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