- Jeremiah Smith tops the list: The Ohio State wide receiver is the second true sophomore ever to lead the PFF College 50.
- Texas and Alabama tie for the most players: Both the Longhorns and Crimson Tide have five of the top 50 players in college football ahead of the 2025 season.
- Subscribe to PFF+: Get access to player grades, PFF Premium Stats, fantasy football rankings, all of the PFF fantasy draft research tools and more!
Estimated Reading Time: 25 minutes
The 2025 college football season is loaded with returning star power, and the PFF College 50 is your ultimate guide to the top talent across the nation.
Using PFF’s exclusive data and grading, we’ve identified the most dominant and valuable players in the country, based not on hype but on proven production and projection. Whether it’s a future first-round quarterback or a breakout edge rusher primed for a monster year, these are the 50 names every college football fan needs to know this fall.
1. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
For the second time ever, and the first since Trevor Lawrence in 2019, a true sophomore leads this list. Smith came to Columbus as the highest-rated recruit from the 2024 class and the highest-rated wide receiver recruit in history. Suffice it to say, the Florida native faced sky-high expectations entering his true freshman season.
And he lived up to them. Immediately.
Smith was the most valuable receiver in college football in 2024, according to PFF WAA. His 89.8 PFF receiving grade ranked third and is more than four points higher than any other returning wideout. He also led the Power Four with 15 receiving touchdowns while trailing only Tetairoa McMillan in receiving yards (1,311).
Smith is an athletic freak at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds with an incredibly refined skill set for someone who turned 19 years old in November.
2. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
While the 2025 NFL Draft decimated Ohio State's championship-winning roster, the team still has the two best players in college football. Downs is the top returning player at his position for the second year in a row, joining an exclusive list.
Top Returning Players at their Position for Multiple Years in PFF’s Rankings
| Name | Position | School | Seasons |
| Trevor Lawrence | QB | Clemson | 2019, 2020 |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | CB | LSU | 2020, 2021 |
| Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia | 2023, 2024 |
| Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State | 2024, 2025 |
Lawrence, Stingley and Bowers went on to become top-15 draft picks, an achievement that Downs seems poised to accomplish next April. He projects as the top player in the 2026 NFL Draft right now as the best defensive player in college football.
Downs, who transferred from Alabama last offseason, has been the most valuable safety in college football over the past two seasons, according to PFF WAA. His 91.7 PFF overall grade in that span ranks second among FBS safeties, and his 91.2 PFF coverage grade places third. Downs is also a fantastic run defender, leading all players on this list in run-defense stops (35) and PFF run-defense grade (88.5) since 2023.
Downs is an incredibly versatile player who can thrive at free safety, at slot cornerback or in the box. He is a dynamic punt returner, as well.
3. DI Peter Woods, Clemson
Woods spent most of his sophomore season playing out of position at edge defender, yet he still earned an impressive 83.3 PFF overall grade. Over his first two years of college football, he is both the highest-graded and most valuable returning Power Four defensive tackle, according to PFF WAA.
Woods leads all returning Power Four interior defenders in PFF run-defense grade (89.7) and pass-rush win rate (14.9%) since 2023. His combination of power and agility, at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, makes him a nightmarish matchup for opposing offensive linemen.
4. RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish’s elite run game and stellar defense led the team to the national championship game this past season, and the former should still be present in 2025 thanks to Love.
The sophomore was the second-most-valuable running back in college football in 2024, according to PFF WAA, and his 91.0 PFF overall grade ranked fifth. Love’s 38% forced missed tackle rate placed second among Power Four running backs this past season, and his 6.9 yards per carry ranked third. His fantastic athleticism allows him to run through or hurdle defenders, making him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
5. T Spencer Fano, Utah
Fano's 93.0 PFF overall grade in 2024 led all FBS tackles. His run-game dominance fueled that ranking, as his 93.6 PFF run-blocking grade was the best in the country by more than three points. Fano also finished as the second-most-valuable Power Four tackle, according to PFF WAA, trailing only top-10 draft pick Kelvin Banks Jr.
In pass protection, Fano logged a top-30 PFF grade among Power Four tackles (79.5). While some length concerns could push him inside to guard in the NFL, he is still an elite athlete with dominant tape as just a true sophomore.
6. CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
Moore finished his true freshman season as the third-most-valuable cornerback in college football, according to PFF WAA, trailing only Jahdae Barron and Travis Hunter. He was especially good in Notre Dame’s man-heavy scheme, as his 82.5 PFF grade in man coverage ranked third at the position.
The former three-star recruit is a smooth athlete at 6-foot-2 who mirrors receivers at an elite level. He allowed only 16 catches across 42 targets in single coverage in 2024.
7. QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
There may not have been a more improved quarterback in college football this past season than Klubnik. After placing 102nd among FBS signal-callers in 2023 with a 63.9 PFF passing grade, he ranked fifth in 2024 (87.7). Only Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders threw more touchdowns than the junior (36). Klubnik also ranked fifth in big-time throws (28).
The top quarterback recruit in the 2022 class is finally starting to live up to the hype and has the potential to take a loaded Clemson roster to the promised land as a senior.
8. EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas
Simmons was a top-15 overall recruit and has somehow already exceeded expectations. The Texas native was the sixth-most-valuable edge defender in college football in 2024, according to PFF WAA. He trailed only Abdul Carter, Jack Sawyer, Mike Green, Josaiah Stewart and JT Tuimoloau in that metric. Simmons ended up winning the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, given to the best true freshman in America.
His 18.6% pressure rate was a top-15 mark in the nation, and he contributed in the run game to the tune of a 73.4 PFF grade. Simmons’ elite combination of bend and advanced pass-rushing moves is reminiscent of Von Miller.
9. EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Stewart is the most athletic South Carolina edge defender since Jadeveon Clowney was sending helmets flying more than a decade ago. And like Clowney, he has the upside of becoming a No. 1 overall pick.
The former five-star recruit earned a 91.4 PFF pass-rush grade as just a true freshman, tied for sixth among all college football edge defenders. His 51 pressures tied for the second most among returning Power Four edge rushers. Stewart needs to get stronger to set the edge better in the run game, but he’s already the most fearsome pass rusher in college football.
Dylan Stewart's 2024 PFF Game Grades
10. EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
Between Parker and Peter Woods, the Tigers currently project to have the first edge defender and defensive tackle selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Parker's 12 sacks in 2024 led all returning Power Four edge rushers, and he is one of three who posted 80.0-plus PFF grades both as a pass rusher and a run defender.
Parker brings a devastating bull rush, thanks to his power at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds. He has the makings of a top-10 selection next April if he can put together a similarly strong junior year.
11. C Jake Slaughter, Florida
Slaughter was the only Power Four center to earn 80.0-plus PFF grades as a pass blocker and a run blocker in 2024. Even more impressive is that he faced a murderer’s row of defensive tackles, including Walter Nolen, Alfred Collins, Shemar Turner, Deone Walker, Omarr Norman-Lott and Joshua Farmer — all of whom were selected in the first four rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Slaughter’s 85.8 PFF overall grade since 2023 trails only Jackson Powers-Johnson among Power Four centers. He moves very well at 6-foot-4 and 308 pounds, allowing him to dominate in a zone-blocking scheme.
12. WR Ryan Williams, Alabama
While Williams' first college season didn't match Jeremiah Smith's otherworldly freshman campaign, it was still incredible.
The top-five recruit’s 865 receiving yards ranked second to Smith among FBS true freshmen — and second among all true freshmen over the past three seasons. Williams also paced all true freshmen this past season with 170 receiving yards after contact and trailed only Smith in yards after the catch (397), receiving touchdowns (eight) and yards per route run (2.51).
He has elite speed and body control at 6 feet and 175 pounds. And did you know Williams was only 17 years old for all of his freshman season? Has anyone mentioned that?
13. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
McCoy locked down his foes in coverage in 2024 after transferring in from Oregon State. His 89.6 PFF coverage grade ranks second among returning Power Four cornerbacks, and his four interceptions tied for second.
McCoy has great ball skills with phenomenal movement ability, scoring a near-perfect 99.9 in PFF Game Athleticism Score. He, unfortunately, suffered a torn ACL in January but will hopefully be back at some point this season.
14. LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Hill was a five-star recruit and immediately lived up to that billing, starting as a true freshman. He is constantly around the football, whether as a run defender, as a pass rusher or in coverage. Since 2023, his 32 coverage stops are tied for the most among FBS linebackers and his 10 sacks and five forced fumbles are tied for the most among Power Four linebackers. Hill racked up 127 plays where he made first contact on a ball carrier in that same span, the most of any returning Power Four linebacker.
Hill is a versatile athlete who wears many hats for the Longhorns’ defense and could find his way into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
15. EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
A calf injury kept Bain from starring in his sophomore year like many were expecting, but he still deserves a spot on this list.
Bain’s 73 pressures since 2023 are the third most among returning Power Four edge defenders, and his 16.9% pass-rush win rate ranks fourth. He paired that with an 82.7 PFF run-defense grade this past season, which also ranked fourth. Bain can line up anywhere on the defensive line at 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, and he should remind many why he’s a first-round-caliber talent now that he’s fully healthy.
16. G Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
Reed-Adams dominated in his first year with the Aggies. The Kansas transfer ranked second in PFF overall grade, PFF run-blocking grade and PFF WAA among Power Four guards.
He is a powerful player at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds who can excel in any run-blocking scheme. Reed-Adams led all Power Four guards in gap PFF run-blocking grade and ranked fourth in zone PFF run-blocking grade this past season.
17. QB Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
After spending one season at Michigan State, Leavitt transferred to Arizona State and helped the Sun Devils go from back-to-back 3-9 seasons to winning the Big 12 and making the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
The redshirt freshman’s 89.1 PFF overall grade ranked ninth among FBS quarterbacks, and he was the only Power Four signal-caller with 80.0-plus grades both as a passer and a runner. His 1.1% turnover-worthy play rate ranked fourth at the position, and his 34 forced missed tackles on the ground were the fifth most among Power Four quarterbacks.
With superstar running back Cam Skattebo off to the NFL, there will be even more pressure on Leavitt to carry Arizona State’s offense in 2025.
18. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Tyson put together a breakout year with the Sun Devils, tallying 1,098 yards as a redshirt sophomore. The only returning Power Four receiver who posted more was Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith.
Something clicked for the Colorado transfer down the stretch. In Arizona State’s final six games of the regular season, Tyson led the nation with 729 receiving yards and ranked second in the Power Four in yards per route run (4.03). He suffered a shoulder injury in the Sun Devils' final regular-season game, which kept him out of the Big 12 title game and the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, the latter of which the Sun Devils lost in double overtime.
Tyson and Sam Leavitt (No. 2 in PFF's quarterback rankings) form the best quarterback-receiver combo in college football heading into 2025. If Arizona State is going to repeat as Big 12 champions, it will likely be because of that duo.
19. TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Once a four-star quarterback recruit, Stowers has made the transition to tight end look seamless. No returning tight end in college football has been as valuable as him over the past two seasons, according to PFF WAA.
The New Mexico State transfer is an elite athlete, placing above the 99th percentile in PFF Game Athleticism Score. That movement ability makes him especially dangerous after the catch, as Stowers ranked third among Power Four tight ends with 13 forced missed tackles and fourth in yards after the catch (373) this past year.
20. S Koi Perich, Minnesota
The Golden Gophers lost Tyler Nubin, one of college football’s best safeties, to the NFL and immediately found a viable replacement in Perich. The true freshman’s five interceptions this past season trailed only Xavier Watts among FBS safeties. His 88.9 PFF overall grade ranked seventh, and he was one of only seven safeties in college football who earned 80.0-plus PFF grades both in coverage and run defense.
Perich doubles as a dangerous return man, is athletic enough to win at free safety and brings the requisite physicality to succeed in the box.
21. QB Carson Beck, Miami (FL)
PFF's top-ranked quarterback in college football entering 2024 disappointed in his final year at Georgia before transferring to Miami to replace Cam Ward. The redshirt senior’s 20 turnover-worthy plays this past season were tied for the sixth most in the country. As that number would indicate, Beck often forced throws due to the Bulldogs’ underwhelming receiving corps. Georgia’s 31 drops on the season were tied for the second most in the Power Four.
Beck still performed at a solid level (80.2 PFF passing grade in 2024), and his 90.9 PFF overall grade since 2023 is the second-best mark of any returning FBS quarterback. He will look to replicate Ward's success in South Beach and reemerge in Heisman and NFL draft conversations.
Highest PFF Passing Grades among SEC QBs in 2024
22. QB Drew Allar, Penn State
While his performance in Penn State's final game of the season was rough (36.6 PFF passing grade), Allar quieted many critics by quarterbacking the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals this past season. He finished as the nation’s sixth-most-valuable signal-caller in the process, according to PFF WAA. His 21 big-time throws were a top-20 mark, while his 2.1% turnover-worthy play rate ranked 21st.
With a loaded roster surrounding him, he has the potential to take the Nittany Lions on an even deeper run this season.
23. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
After sitting on the bench for three years, Nussmeier finally received his chance to start for the Tigers as a redshirt junior. He extended the flashes of brilliance he had as a backup across a full season, finishing the year with the fifth-most passing yards in the nation (4,043) and tying for seventh in big-time throws (26).
Nussmeier is still a bit of a gunslinger, as he ranked in the bottom 20 in turnover-worthy plays (18). He also adds virtually nothing as a runner, with his 93 rushing yards in 2024 being easily the fewest of anyone on this list. But he’s still a tough quarterback who is fearless in the pocket and capable of making almost any throw on the field.
24. CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
”The first guy off the bus” is a phrase used to describe a team’s physically most imposing player. In that sense, Ponds would likely be the last off the bus for the Hoosiers at just 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds. That hasn’t kept him from performing like one of the nation’s best cornerbacks in each of his first two seasons, though.
Ponds showed his true freshman season at James Madison was no fluke, establishing himself as one of the 15 most valuable cornerbacks in the nation once again at Indiana. His 91.8 PFF overall grade over the past two years is the highest among all returning FBS cornerbacks. There is no fear in Ponds' game, both in coverage and in run defense.
25. S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Thieneman’s sophomore season at Purdue, during which he earned a 72.4 PFF overall grade, wasn’t nearly as good as his freshman year (89.5). Much of that can be attributed to the Boilermakers lining him up at free safety far less, even though he excels in the role with his elite speed and ball skills.
Dillon Thieneman’s Free Safety Snaps by Year
| Year | Free Safety Snap Rate |
| 2023 | 86.4% |
| 2024 | 57% |
His 89.4 PFF overall grade since 2023 still ranks fourth among returning FBS safeties, and he owns 80.0-plus PFF grades in coverage and run defense in that span. Thieneman is arguably the best center fielder and one of the top athletes in college football. Dan Lanning should have a lot of fun incorporating his range into Oregon's defense.
26. S Michael Taaffe, Texas
Taaffe began his career as a walk-on with the Longhorns before ramping up into one of the best safeties in college football. He was the fourth-most-valuable safety last year, according to PFF WAA, and trails only Ohio State‘s Caleb Downs among returning safeties. Taaffe has five interceptions and 11 forced incompletions over the past two seasons, top-25 marks among FBS safeties.
He is at his best when playing free safety for Texas, where his football IQ and range truly shine.
27. CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, Avieon is projected to follow in his brother’s footsteps from Clemson to the first round of the NFL draft. The younger Terrell is a much better run defender, placing fourth among cornerbacks in PFF run-defense grade this past season (90.7). He also forced three fumbles, tied for the second most. Terrell is excellent in coverage, as well, leading all Power Four cornerbacks with 14 forced incompletions in 2024.
He stands at just 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, but Terrell plays with outstanding physicality for the position and has the speed to stick with receivers in man coverage.
Avieon Terrell's 2024 PFF Game Grades
28. RB Isaac Brown, Louisville
Brown wasn’t even among the top 40 running back recruits coming out of high school. The former three-star is now the runner-up for the title of “best running back in college football.”
He logged 1,168 rushing yards as a true freshman, the most of any returning Power Four tailback. Brown’s 7.2 yards per carry also led all Power Four running backs, returning or not. What he lacks in size (5-foot-9 and 190 pounds), he makes up for with game-breaking speed and quickness.
29. LB Taurean York, Texas A&M
Just a three-star recruit, York hasn't let his recruiting profile dictate his college career. He has been a starter in each of his first two college seasons and leads all returning Power Four linebackers with 59 run-defense stops since 2023.
His 122 plays with first contact on ball carriers are tied for fourth in the Power Four. York has a stocky build at 6 feet and 235 pounds, and he is an excellent tackler.
30. EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Faulk has started for Auburn in each of his first two seasons and took a major step forward as a sophomore. His 83.8 PFF overall grade was more than 16 points better than his freshman mark and ranks fifth among returning Power Four edge rushers.
The former four-star recruit is at his best in the run game, where he tied for eighth among Power Four edges in run-defense stops (23) last year. Faulk is still developing moves as a pass rusher, but he did show improvement there with nine sacks and 45 pressures in 2024. Both figures placed him in the top 20 of the Power Four.
31. RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Singleton surprisingly decided to return to Happy Valley for his senior season despite being a projected Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His 1,106 rushing yards in 2024 trailed only Notre Dame‘s Jeremiyah Love and Louisville‘s Isaac Brown among returning Power Four running backs, and his 6.4 yards per carry ranked eighth in the Power Four. Love is also the only returning halfback in college football who was more valuable than Singleton in 2024, according to PFF WAA.
Singleton complements his rushing skillset with dynamic receiving ability. He tallied 682 receiving yards over the past two seasons — the fifth most among FBS running backs and the most among returning Power Four rushers. His seven receiving touchdowns are also tied for the most in the nation during that span. Singleton has great size for the position at 6-foot-1 and 226 pounds, as well as the speed to take the ball to the house from anywhere on the field.
32. RB Jonah Coleman, Washington
Coleman has been one of college football’s most efficient runners since he arrived on the scene three years ago. Across two seasons at Arizona and one at Washington, Coleman has posted a 95.4 career PFF rushing grade, tying him for fifth among FBS running backs in that span. No other returning running back places in the top 15.
He is a human bowling ball at 5-foot-9 and 229 pounds, with quicker feet than one would expect for his size. The rising senior has averaged 4.6 yards after contact per attempt since 2023, ranking third among FBS running backs, and his 35% forced missed tackle rate in that span is tied for second among Power Four running backs.
Coleman also contributes in the passing game. His 509 yards after the catch since 2023 are the fourth most among Power Four tailbacks. He and quarterback Demond Williams Jr. should form a dynamic backfield in Seattle next year.
33. CB Chandler Rivers, Duke
Rivers enjoyed a breakout junior campaign with the Blue Devils, tying with Jahdae Barron — the eventual 20th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — for the highest PFF grade among Power Four cornerbacks (90.7). Only Notre Dame's Leonard Moore was more valuable than Rivers this past season, according to PFF WAA.
Rivers brings versatility as both an outside cornerback and a nickel defender, and he is an expert at reading the quarterback’s eyes in zone coverage. He is also a weapon as a blitzer, placing second among Power Four cornerbacks with nine pressures last year.
34. EDGE LT Overton, Alabama
Overton was a top-15 recruit in the 2022 class but struggled to find his footing in two seasons at Texas A&M, posting a 61.5 PFF overall grade in that span.
A transfer to Alabama did wonders for his development, and he ended the year as one of the 15 most valuable edge defenders in college football. Overton’s 18% pass-rush win rate was a top-30 mark in the nation, and his 81.7 PFF run-defense grade ranked 25th. He blurs the line between an edge rusher and defensive tackle at 283 pounds and can produce at any spot along the defensive line.
35. EDGE Tyreak Sapp, Florida
Sapp enjoyed a major breakout in his fourth season with the Gators. His 90.4 PFF overall grade placed 10th among all edge defenders in college football and second among returning players.
The former defensive tackle is at his best in the run game, where his 88.7 PFF run-defense grade ranked fourth among FBS edge defenders and his 13 tackles for loss or no gain tied for the fourth most in the Power Four.
Sapp is a more than capable pass rusher, earning an 82.2 PFF grade in that regard. He plays with a natural pad level at 6-foot-2, with the strength to stack and shed blockers well.
36. EDGE Mikail Kamara, Indiana
Kamara was one of many former James Madison Dukes to follow head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana. After leveling up in competition by going from the Sun Belt to the Big Ten, the fifth-year senior also upped his game. He led all FBS edge defenders with 67 pressures in 2024, and his 28 combined sacks and hits were the third most in the nation.
While his length at 6-foot-1 will be an issue for his NFL outlook, Kamara has a stocky build at 265 pounds with a quick first step and good hand usage.
37. RB Makhi Hughes, Oregon
Following two outstanding years at Tulane, Hughes joined Oregon as one of the offseason's top transfer targets.
He posted 1,982 rushing yards after contact across his first two seasons of college football. Only Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton tallied more in that span, and they were the first two running backs selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hughes' 2,776 rushing yards since 2023 are the most of any returning FBS running back by 476 yards. His 92.2 career PFF overall grade ranks second only to Jonah Coleman among returning FBS players at the position. He doesn’t add much as a receiver (247 career receiving yards) and will need to prove he can sustain his dominance in the Big Ten, but there’s no denying Hughes is one of the best tailbacks in college football.
38. WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Sarratt was one of 13 former James Madison Dukes to follow head coach Curt Cignetti to Bloomington and was still incredibly productive despite the jump in competition level. Only Jeremiah Smith and Jordyn Tyson recorded more receiving yards than him (957) in 2024 among returning Power Four wideouts, and his 16 contested catches tied for the seventh most among Power Four receivers.
Sarratt’s 90.3 PFF overall grade over the past two seasons leads all returning FBS receivers, as do his 2,156 receiving yards. The latter is nearly 400 more than any other returning wideout. He is excellent at boxing out defenders thanks to his size (6-foot-2) and strong hands.
39. DI Zane Durant, Penn State
Durant was a constant presence in opposing backfields last season, excelling as both a pass rusher and a run defender. He led all FBS interior defenders with 14 tackles for loss or no gain and racked up 28 pressures (top-25 mark) in 2024.
Despite being undersized at 6-foot-1 and 288 pounds, Durant plays with impressive power and uses his quickness to shoot gaps effectively, making him a disruptive force on the defensive line.
40. DI Tim Keenan III, Alabama
At 6-foot-2 and 326 pounds, Keenan is a force in the trenches, consistently eating up double teams and excelling as a run defender. His 89.8 PFF run-defense grade in 2024 ranked third among Power Four interior defensive linemen, trailing only Mason Graham and Walter Nolen — both first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Keenan capped his redshirt junior season as one of the 15 most valuable defensive tackles in college football, according to PFF WAA.
41. T Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
Francis Mauigoa has held down the right tackle spot for the Hurricanes since his true freshman season, and he took a clear step forward in 2024. The former five-star recruit allowed just two combined sacks and hits on 534 pass-blocking snaps as a sophomore — the fewest among FBS tackles with 500-plus pass-blocking snaps.
Mauigoa also posted a 71.4 run-blocking grade since 2023, tied for fourth among ACC tackles. While there’s still room for technical refinement, he enters the 2025 season as one of the top candidates to be the first offensive tackle selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
42. S KJ Bolden, Georgia
Georgia may have lost a superstar safety in first-round pick Malaki Starks, but another one is already waiting in the wings. Bolden, the No. 1 safety in the 2024 recruiting class and a top-15 overall prospect, quickly lived up to the hype in his freshman season.
Bolden finished the year as the eighth-most-valuable returning Power Four safety, per PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. His 13 coverage stops tied for the fifth most among all FBS safeties. He pairs impressive speed with physicality and reliable tackling, despite weighing just 185 pounds.
43. T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Proctor protected Jalen Milroe’s blind side during each of his first two seasons at Alabama. The former five-star recruit endured his share of struggles as a true freshman in 2023 but showed significant improvement down the stretch, progress that carried into his sophomore year.
Since Week 8 of the 2023 season, Proctor has posted a 76.5 PFF grade, ranking eighth among SEC tackles. He’s also delivered strong performances against elite competition. In three games against Georgia and South Carolina, he earned a 90.4 pass-blocking grade while allowing just one pressure on 96 pass-blocking snaps.
At 6-foot-7 and 369 pounds, Proctor is a rare athlete with surprising mobility for his size. If he continues to improve his consistency, he has the tools to become a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
44. LB Whit Weeks, LSU
While Harold Perkins Jr. drew most of the preseason hype at LSU last year, it was Whit Weeks who emerged as the breakout star.
Weeks was a disruptive force as a sophomore, consistently making plays behind the line of scrimmage. His 21 tackles for loss or no gain ranked fourth among all linebackers nationally, and his 25 quarterback pressures placed him in the top 15 at the position. His quick trigger and closing speed make him one of the most instinctive defenders in college football.
45. LB Austin Romaine, Kansas State
Romaine was the highest-graded linebacker in the Power Four last season, posting a 91.0 overall mark as just a true sophomore.
That grade was fueled by a 90.7 run-defense grade — third best among Power Four linebackers — and 43 run stops, the fourth most in that group. At 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, Romaine fits the mold of a true Mike linebacker and excels at slipping blocks before linemen can get a clean shot on him.
46. CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
The Longhorns may have lost first-round cornerback Jahdae Barron, but they’re still in a strong position with Muhammad returning for his junior season.
Only three returning Power Four cornerbacks have been more valuable over the last two seasons, per PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. Muhammad has forced 17 incompletions in that span, despite being targeted on just 12.1% of his coverage snaps.
He’s not an elite athlete, but he thrives with sharp instincts and quick reaction in coverage.
47. S Bray Hubbard, Alabama
Hubbard played just four defensive snaps in his true freshman season in 2023, contributing primarily on special teams. As a sophomore starter, he quickly made his mark, ranking sixth among all college safeties in both overall grade (89.2) and coverage grade (89.7) last season. His 21.3 passer rating allowed when targeted was the fifth-best figure in the FBS.
Hubbard also brings elite versatility to the secondary. He earned PFF coverage grades in the 91st percentile or better while playing free safety, slot corner and in the box.
48. EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
The Nittany Lions may have lost the best edge rusher in the country in Abdul Carter, but they’re still in a strong position thanks to the return of Dani Dennis-Sutton. According to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric, Dennis-Sutton is tied as the most valuable returning Power Four edge over the last two seasons, and his 75 pressures during that span rank second among that group, trailing only T.J. Parker.
A former five-star recruit, Dennis-Sutton has the physical tools and explosiveness that teams covet at the position. With continued development, he could climb even higher on this list.
49. S Terry Moore, Duke
Moore was outstanding in his junior season, leading all Power Four safeties with a 90.1 PFF overall grade. His four interceptions tied for fifth among that group, and he also posted a strong 81.7 run-defense grade.
A smooth athlete with fluid hips and a polished backpedal, Moore excels at reading quarterbacks and breaking on the ball in coverage.
50. QB Arch Manning, Texas
Manning’s spot on this list was easily the toughest to place. He’s started just three games in his career — all against lesser opponents in UTSA, Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State — yet he enters 2025 as the betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy (+700 on DraftKings Sportsbook).
Despite the limited sample size, Manning impressed in 2024 with an 88.1 PFF overall grade, ranking 13th among the FBS quarterbacks who played at least 200 snaps. He also placed 16th in both big-time throw rate (6.4%) and turnover-worthy play rate (1.9%). More athletic than either of his legendary uncles, Peyton and Eli, Manning scored four rushing touchdowns on just 21 carries, including a 67-yarder.
It’s entirely possible — even likely — that No. 50 will look far too low by season’s end. But for now, the former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class lands here.
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