College Football: Top-10 returning players at every position

• Julian Sayin tops the list at QB: Ohio State’s star quarterback is the only 2025 Heisman finalist returning to school. 

• Leonard Moore is the clear No. 1 at CB: The Notre Dame superstar is the best defensive player in college football.

• The PFF Early Bird Sale Is Here: Save 33% and get PFF+ for just $79.99, our lowest price of the year.

The stars of the 2026 college football season are already on campus. There will be Heisman contenders and future first-round NFL Draft picks, and the nation's best returning players will shape the championship race this fall. Using PFF grades and advanced data, we ranked the top 10 returning players at every position entering the season.

Want access to the same tools and data behind these rankings? The PFF Early Bird Sale is here. Save 33% and get PFF+ for just $79.99 — our lowest price of the year — with access to the Mock Draft Simulator, Premium Stats, the fantasy suite of tools including the Live Draft Assistant, and much more.

Quarterback

Running back

Wide receiver

Tight End

Offensive Tackle

Offensive Guard

Center

Interior Defensive Line

Edge Defender

Linebacker

Cornerback

Safety