Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne were a dynamic backfield duo at Clemson, leading the Tigers to a National Championship in 2018. Etienne finished his college career as the ACC’s all-time leading rusher with 4,952 yards and 70 touchdowns, while Lawrence became the face of the program, throwing for 10,098 yards and 90 touchdowns in three seasons. Now on the Jacksonville Jaguars, they’ve reignited their chemistry, forming a key part of the team’s young core.
Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle were key players at Alabama, combining for countless highlight-reel plays. Tagovailoa’s breakout came in the 2018 National Championship, while Waddle became known for his electrifying speed, finishing his college career with 106 catches for 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns. Reunited on the Miami Dolphins, the duo has redefined their offense, with Waddle breaking the rookie reception record in 2021.
Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne formed a dominant defensive line at Alabama, winning a National Championship in 2015. Allen won the 2016 Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player, while Payne earned Defensive MVP honors in the 2018 CFP National Championship. Now playing together on the Washington Commanders, they continue to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Michael Thomas and Marshon Lattimore were Ohio State teammates, known for their incredible talent. Thomas, a wide receiver, tallied 799 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns during his final season. Lattimore, a standout cornerback, became one of the top defensive players in the country. Reunited on the New Orleans Saints, Thomas became an All-Pro receiver, and Lattimore earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2017, solidifying their status as elite players.
Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith were teammates at Alabama, where Smith famously caught the game-winning touchdown in the 2017 National Championship as a freshman. Smith also won the Heisman Trophy in 2020 with 1,856 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. Now teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts and Smith have become an explosive quarterback-receiver pairing, helping the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2022 season.
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase dominated at LSU, leading the Tigers to an undefeated season and a National Championship in 2019. Chase caught 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, earning the Biletnikoff Award, while Burrow set NCAA records with 60 touchdown passes and 5,671 yards. Reunited on the Cincinnati Bengals, the duo quickly found their rhythm, helping lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance in just their first season together in 2021.
