Who will lead the way for the nation’s best teams in 2017? College football is almost upon us, and with the release of the AP Top 25, we’re talking a look at a key player from each of the ranked teams who will have a big say in how things go for their program this season.
1. Alabama — Bo Scarbrough
If you want to know anything about the running back’s importance to the Crimson Tide, all you have to do is look at last season’s national championship game. Bama’s offense lost a huge dimension in last year’s national championship after Scarbrough broke his leg. Do they win that game if he stays on the field? Probably. The junior averaged 6.5 yards per carry last season. They need to find a way to keep him healthy in 2017.
2. Ohio State — J.T. Barrett
It feels like Barrett has been around forever, but only now is he entering his senior season in Columbus. He also has something to prove — he’s never won a title while under center, as it was Cardale Jones who took the honors in 2015 as an injured Barrett watched on. The Buckeyes have so much talent across the board, but Barrett’s play at quarterback will be key to Ohio State’s season.
3. Florida State — Derwin James
There is an argument to be made that James is the best player in college football. He can do a little bit of everything on the defensive side of the ball. Formally a safety, James is capable in coverage, can be a factor over the middle of the field, and can even rush the passer effectively. He may even get some time as a return man.
4. USC — Sam Darnold
It’s no secret that the Trojans will go as far as Darnold’s arm and legs can take them. His 36 touchdowns made them a national factor again, and the expectation is that he can take them to the next level and contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff now. He threw for 3,000 yards last year while showing a great ability to scramble and extend plays. There’s an excitement at the sort of gaudy numbers he’ll be able to put up starting a full season.
5. Clemson — Kelly Bryant
The Tigers have lost so much of their core from the team that won the national championship last season, but Dabo Swinney recruits as well as anyone, so they have a chance to be very good again. Their hopes are reliant on how Bryant, who has spent the last two seasons as Deshaun Watson’s understudy, performs in the starting role. If he’s good, the Tigers can be in the playoff conversation once again.
6. Penn State — Saquon Barkley
Barkley is the best running back in the college ranks and an early Heisman favorite, and Penn State’s offensive attack will be built around him. The All-American fell just short of 1,500 yards rushing in 2016, and it isn’t completely crazy to wonder if Barkley is capable of reaching the 2,000 yard plateau as long as he stays healthy. He’ll have to come close to that for the Nittany Lions to match or improve upon last season’s 11-3 finish.
7. Oklahoma — Baker Mayfield
The other Heisman favorite. Mayfield is already something of a cult hero in Norman, and another big season could really cement his place in that realm, particularly if it involves a playoff appearance. 4,000 passing yards are definitely within reach for the star quarterback.
8. Washington — Jake Browning
In a conference that boasts Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen, it was actually Browning who was the Pac-12’s Offensive Player of the Year, and that’s even with a shoulder injury that hindered him down the stretch. He’s not going to get the headlines that his Californian counterparts will, but he’s the engine that makes Washington run and could be a dark horse Heisman candidate.
9. Wisconsin — Troy Fumagalli
Fumagalli is one of the country’s best tight ends, and he may well become the preferred target for quarterback Alex Hornibrook. He already grabbed three touchdowns and 580 yards last season, and those numbers may only improve this year. The preseason All-American — who does it all despite missing his left index finger — will be key to the methodical Badger offense. He’s looking for a big senior season.
10. Oklahoma State — James Washington
Washington makes the Oklahoma State offense the perpetual big play threat that it is. Entering his senior season, he already has 2,923 career receiving yards to his name, and he’s almost a guarantee to get at least another thousand in his final year of eligibility. Combining with quarterback Mason Rudolph, Washington gives Oklahoma State one of the most dangerous attacks in the country.
11. Michigan — Rashan Gary
The former No. 1 recruit didn’t have a massive impact in his freshman season, with a modest 23 tackles and half a sack, but that was somewhat to be expected. Gary will get all the reps he could ask for in 2017, and his numbers should shoot up in response. Expect the beastly defensive lineman to establish himself as one of the nation’s best at the heart of the Wolverine defense.
12. Auburn — Jarrett Stidham
Auburn has had some issue succeeding at the quarterback position ever since Nick Marshall graduated after the 2014 season. Stidham, a Baylor transfer, should address that issue. He threw 12 touchdowns in 2015 and should guide Auburn admirably. They definitely have a chance to make an impact nationally if Stidham plays to his potential.
