Here are the next players included in our list of the top 50 players in college football! If you want to check out the previous 10 entries on the list, click here.
20. CeeDee Lamb WR Oklahoma
2018 stats: 65 catches 1158 yards, 17.8 YPR, 11 TDs
Led Big 12 in punt return yards
#2 in Big 12 in YPR and #4 in receiving TDs
The explosive receiver continues to show that he is a dependable target with whoever his QB is. Since 2017, Oklahoma quarterbacks have a 145.2 passer rating when targeting Lamb. With Jalen Hurts now at the helm, Lamb should be able to take another step into developing his already impressive game.
19. Sam Ehllingher QB Texas
2018 stats: 64.7% 3292 yards 25 TDs 5 INT, rushed for 482 yards and 16 TDs
Led Big 12 in rushing TDs (#9 in NCAA)
#4 in Big 12 in passing TDs, #4 in yards, #5 in yards per attempt
Ehlinger in 2018 took a huge step from his freshman year, where he had a flurry of bad moments. He became more precise, making him a deadly playmaker in both the pass and the running game. In a conference where it’s all offense, all the time, having a QB lead in rushing TDs is incredible. In a wide open conference, it looks as if Texas finally has the best QB in the Big 12.
18. Isaiah Simmons LB Clemson
2018 stats: 88 total tackles, 9.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 6 pass deflections, 3 FF, 1 pick 6
The last remnant of the dominant Clemson defense that smothered Alabama in the National Championship game returns for his red-shirt junior year. Arguably the best coverage linebacker in the nation, Simmons is a versatile player who plays with great range and speed. Clemson will rely on him heavily to keep their defense afloat after losing most of their top defensive players a year ago.
17. D’Andre Swift RB Georgia
2018 stats: 1049 yards, 10 TDs, 6.4 YPC, 32 catches 297 yards, 9.3 YPR, 3 receiving TDs
The next in the list of great Georgia running backs has been a key piece to Georgia’s run since 2017 that has included 2 SEC East championships. Swift’s burst into the second level is tough to catch and showed an improvement in pass catching last season. Swift hopes to follow guys like Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, and Sony Michel as electrifying Georgia running backs who translate to the NFL.
16. Tyler Biadasz C Wisconsin
2018 stats: Rated by Pro Football Focus as nations top center with a grade of 88.7
Consensus first team All-Big 10
Has started in every game of his career
The center from Wisconsin has shown on numerous occasions that he’s an anchor that’s tough to break through. Allowing only three pressures the entire season in pass protection and having a Pro Football Focus run grade of 82.7, Biadasz can win with power and mobility when pulling. With Jonathan Taylor following him up the middle, Wisconsin’s run game looks like it could be a serious problem in the Big 10.
15. Kenny Willekes DE Michigan St.
2018 stats: 78 total tackles, 20.5 TFL, 8.0 sacks, 4 pass deflections, 1 INT, 1 FF
Led Big 10 in TFL (#8 in NCAA)
This guy lives in the backfield as he led the entire Big 10 in tackles for loss. He plays aggressive and finishes the play through the whistle. You need a disruptive player like Willekes on the defense to make offenses play hesitantly.
14. Laviska Shenault WR Colorado
2018 stats: 86 catches 1011 yards, 11.8 YPR, 6 TDs, 17 carries for 115 yards and 5 rushing TDs
Led Pac 12 in receptions
#4 in Pac 12 in yards
The PAC-12 leader in receiving touchdowns is showing signs of becoming a truly dominant receiver each Saturday. He has strong hands, with the proof being that in just 9 games he accrued 86 catches. Plays with strength and a quick release off the line of scrimmage. If he can stay healthy watch out.
13. Justyn Ross WR Clemson
2018 stats: 46 catches 1000 yards, 21.7 YPR, 9 TDs
Led ACC in yards per reception, (#5 in NCAA)
Finished #5 in ACC in yards and #2 in TDs
A player who has the highest upside out of any receiver in college football. You simply can’t teach 6’4 with great quickness and strong hands. It only took him 46 catches to get 1000 yards, with more of a presence in the offense Ross can help elevate not only Trevor Lawrence but the entire Clemson offense.
12. Derrick Brown NT Auburn
2018 stats: 48 total tackles, 10.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 1 FF
The size and athleticism here is off the charts for a nose tackle. He reminds me a little of Quinnen Williams in his ability to completely disrupt the inside guards. His ability to cause chaos up the middle is a trait you need in the SEC, where the most important battles are in the trenches.
11. Chase Young DE Ohio St.
2018 stats: 14.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 1 FF, 33 total tackles
#2 in Big 10 in sacks
Nick Bosa’s heir is a former five-star recruit that has shown flashes of being able to replace Bosa’s production. He has an arsenal of pass rush moves in addition to a quick burst off the edge that can cause nightmares for any lineman in the Big 10. Young will be a dominant force in the conference and eventually, that should translate to dominating in NFL competition.
