Outlining the best of the best that college football has to offer, Pro Football Network is proud to unveil our Top 100 College Football Players for the 2022 season. In conjunction with our All-American, All-Conference teams, and All-Conference honors, here are the top 100 players to watch this fall on the college football field.
2022 College Football Top 100 Players
It’s important to note that this list is the top college football players heading into the 2022 season. Unlike our All-Conference honors that looked into projection as an influential factor, our Top 100 gave more of an emphasis on positional value and production shown on the field. While projection is a part of this selection process, some of the players we’re predicting to finish at the top of their conference leaderboards may not be ranked so highly based on what they’ve put on tape so far through their careers.
With a good mix of offensive stars and defensive playmakers, 57 different schools are represented. In that grouping, 23 have multiple players selected. Ohio State and Alabama lead the way with six selections a piece, while Clemson and Utah chimed in just below with four.
Furthermore, 12 SEC schools had at least one player chosen, followed by the ACC (10), Big Ten (eight), Big 12 (six), Pac-12 (six), and the Sun Belt (six). In total, the SEC also leads the way with 26 total selections, followed by the ACC (16), Big Ten (14), Big 12 (11), and Pac-12 (11). The Independent schools contributed with seven selections.
Without further ado, here are PFN’s Top 100 Players in college football in 2022.
PFN Top 100 College Football Players of 2022 | 100-76
100) Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is big and physical up front yet again, and they don’t get much bigger or more physical than the 6’6″, 317-pound Joe Tippmann. The big nasty up front mauls defenders in the run game, helping pave the way for the Big Ten’s No. 2 rushing attack last year. Tippman uses aggression, technique, and brute strength to overmatch defenders in both facets equally.
99) Jadon Canady, CB, Tulane
Get to know the name because you’ll be hearing a lot about Jadon Canady over the next two seasons. Playing in the Green Wave’s nickel role last year, Canady exploded onto the scene with an interception off then-Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler on just his second ever collegiate snap. He followed that up with impressive play over the course of the season and was our projected AAC Defensive Player of the Year as he transitions outside in his second season.
98) Dom Peterson, DT, Nevada
The big man in the middle for the Nevada Wolf Pack returns to wreak havoc on the Mountain West once again. Dom Peterson is a one-man wrecking crew for Nevada as he requires a double-team to stop him from getting after quarterbacks. He’s a diamond in the rough out west with some of the best strength-to-skill ratios on the inside in college football.
97) Hank Bachmeier, QB, Boise State
One of the toughest quarterbacks around, Hank Bachmeier stands tall in the pocket and delivers accurate passes to every level of the field. He single-handedly carried Boise State on his back a season ago and returns to once again take on the Mountain West. Bachmeier is a gutsy, gritty quarterback who fits the Boise State mantra and is must-watch TV every Saturday.
96) KJ Jefferson, QB, Arkansas
The comparisons to Cam Newton continue to come in, but for those who are unaware of KJ Jefferson, he’s every bit of his own quarterback. Jefferson has a strong arm and plenty of pocket poise, presence, and maneuverability. He is athletic but maintains vision downfield as he’s at his best when slinging accurate passes from the pocket.
95) Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona
Transferring to Arizona after dominating during his time at UTEP, Jacob Cowing is ready to put on a show in the Pac-12 this season. Cowing led the Miners in each of the past three seasons, including a dominant 2021 year that saw him reach 1,354 yards. He’s a quick receiver with crisp routes that the shaky quarterback situation at Arizona desperately needed.
94) Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
One of the larger individuals on any defensive line across the nation, Gervon Dexter is a freak of nature. At 6’6″, 312 pounds, Dexter moves fluidly and faster than you’d expect. He’s a large man with a high motor and surprising athletic traits as he moves around like a smaller defender.
93) Brennan Armstrong, QB, Virginia
A gifted left-handed gunslinger, Brennan Armstrong took the Virginia offense to new heights in 2021. Armstrong is the single-season record holder in a bevy of statistics in UVA’s history, most notably total offense (4,700 yards). He’s already amassed the third-most total offensive yards in school history and is one of the most dominant passers of the football. Armstrong should be counted on to usher in a new era of Cavalier football.
92) Jalen Cropper, WR, Fresno State
If you haven’t seen Jalen Cropper in action, you’ve missed out. Cropper has crisp routes, strong hands, and incredible body control. He has an ability to catch any football thrown his way and take over games in the process. Just ask UCLA if they want to see him again because rumor has it he just scored on them again.
91) Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
A lengthy cornerback with a gifted set of ball skills, Emmanuel Forbes plays a sticky brand of coverage in Starkville. It’s likely Forbes will continue to make plays as he’s the active leader in interceptions returned for touchdowns (three) entering 2022. Forbes isn’t frequently targeted due to his coverage ability, but when he is, he’s hard to complete anything on.
90) Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia
A dominant receiver no matter where he lines up, Dontayvion Wicks reaped the benefits of Armstrong at quarterback and even elevated his quarterback last season. Wicks is a terrific catch-point threat but at his best when he’s in the open field, making defenders miss. He can haul in receptions at any level of the field and knows how to maximize every single route he runs.
89) Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
One of the top upperclassmen at the EDGE position, Derick Hall uses his strength and speed to get after the quarterback with ferocity. Hall has a fast first step, impressive lower-half strength, and uses his length to attack any ball carrier in his vision. Despite his success, Hall is a relative sleeper at the EDGE position across the country.
88) Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
It doesn’t take an expert to find Andre Carter II on the football field for Army. The Black Knights’ 6’7″, 260-pound outside linebacker is one of the top players at the position in the country. With his incredible length, Carter’s impact isn’t limited to just rushing the quarterback, even if he excels in that facet. Carter’s play on special teams and clogging up rushing lanes are unmatched for a player his size.
87) JL Skinner, S, Boise State
JL Skinner should be on every college football fan’s must-watch list this season. The 6’4″, 220-pound hard-hitting safety led Boise State in tackles and forced fumbles last year. His tenacious effort is only overshadowed by his technical skill at the catch point and his fundamental tackling ability. He’s every bit of a top safety across the country.
86) Tyrese Chambers, WR, FIU
Tyrese Chambers needed just 45 receptions to blow by the 1,000-yard mark. Chambers’ 1,074 receiving yards set a new program record as did his touchdowns (nine) for a single season. Chambers utilizes his size and speed to beat defenders off the line. He can win at every level of the field and is among the top big-play receivers in the nation.
85) Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M
It doesn’t matter where Layden Robinson lines up on the Texas A&M offensive line; he simply dominates. Robinson uses his massive size incredibly well, both at the point of contact and when he’s able to jump to the second level. He’ll make highlight-reel blocks look mundane and consistently wins 1-on-1 battles with ease.
84) Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The mountain of a man on the right side for Ohio State, Dawand Jones commands your attention. A 6’8″, 350-pound right tackle is a sight for sore eyes from EDGE defenders who get stymied in his grasp. For a man his size, Jones is incredibly nimble and helps anchor one of the top offensive lines in the country.
83) Jaheim Bell, TE, South Carolina
Calling Jaheim Bell a “Swiss Army Knife” is almost an understatement. As gifted as he is with the ball in his hands, Bell owns the top two games in South Carolina history by a tight end, topping out at 159 yards against North Carolina and 136 against Vanderbilt last season. He’s one of the top pass catchers, regardless of position, and is still growing into his own.
82) A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons return one of the nation’s top playmakers in A.T. Perry. A big-play threat with some of the best contested-catch ability, Perry moves better than you’d expect off the line of scrimmage and on his routes for a 6’5″ receiver. Perry will be Mitch Griffis’ best friend as the redshirt-freshman quarterback has to step in for All-ACC QB Sam Hartman. There are few better options than Perry for a new starting QB.
81) Jalen Graham, LB, Purdue
While Jalen Graham’s next-level position is up for grabs, his next-level ability is not in question. On Saturdays, Graham lines up both at linebacker and as a strong safety for Purdue. He’s impressive at every level of defense, both in coverage and against the run. Graham also has an impressive set of pass-rush moves when he’s allowed to blitz, as he’s a gifted athlete with terrific technique in every facet.
80) Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma
One of the nation’s top quarterbacks from the Group of Five over the past few years, Dillon Gabriel has taken his talents to Norman in 2022. Gabriel has a big arm and is unquestionably one of the top downfield passers in the country. He reads the field with incredible vision and can uncork accurate, precise passes to any level of the field from any platform.
79) Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
You may not have heard about him yet, but with a bevy of snaps and production numbers to eat up, odds are Mazi Smith will be a household name at some point during the 2022 season. Smith, a member of Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List,” is an incredibly gifted pass rusher and run stopper. He’ll get after the passer quickly and make a name for himself — even more so than he already has — this season.
78) Darren Anders, LB, Bowling Green
The highest-ranked MAC player on PFN’s Top 100 College Football Players, Darren Anders flies around the field for Bowling Green. If he’s not making tackles in the backfield on run plays, he’s sacking or pressuring the quarterback. If he’s not dropping back and influencing passing lanes, he’s making plays on the ball. Anders does everything you’d expect a three-down linebacker to do and does it at an elite level.
77) Jaylon Carlies, S, Missouri
One of the top safeties in the SEC, Jaylon Carlies is out to prove he’s one of the best in the nation in 2022. In doing so, Carlies should raise his 2023 NFL Draft stock as he shows off his impressive ability against both the run and pass.
Carlies comes downhill incredibly well and reads the offensive play better than most linebackers who have the advantage of being yards closer to the line of scrimmage. He has an impressive range and makes plays on the ball that few can.
76) Mitchell Tinsley, WR, Penn State
Making the move from Western Kentucky to Penn State, Big Ten defensive backs will have a hard time handling Mitchell Tinsley in 2022. He’s a big-play threat with deceptive consistency on his routes and with his production.
Tinsley hauled in 87 receptions for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns a season ago, averaging a whopping 16.1 yards per catch. He proved he could do it against top-tier competition as well after hauling in seven receptions for 127 yards against Michigan State.
PFN Top 100 College Football Players of 2022 | 75-51
75) Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
You’ll have to look closely to find Darnell Wright in the lightning-fast Tennessee offense in 2022. However, it won’t be because of how fast they are moving up and down the field but rather because of how fast Wright wins his battles. If he’s not moving back in pass protection — which he does incredibly well — Wright is planting defenders in the ground with his strength and terrific technique in the run game.
74) Andrew Vorhees, G, USC
One of the top interior offensive line prospects anywhere in the country, Andrew Vorhees takes the top billing from USC players not named Caleb Williams or Jordan Addison. Vorhees is a mauler who has positional versatility and a tenacious motor that allows him to move from the first to the second level very well. Vorhees is also a master of his craft as he stymies defenders with his leverage, strength, and technical skill all the same.
73) Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
The second Missouri secondary member in our top 100, Kris Abrams-Draine is an elite cornerback with some of the best ball skills in the country. A once-decorated wide receiver prospect, few can do what Abrams-Draine does at the catch point. He’ll bat balls away he can’t get to, but any 50/50 ball thrown inside his coverage is actually a 75/25 ball in favor of the Tigers CB. Abrams-Draine also comes complete with a well-rounded special-teams game due to his return skills.
72) Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
A budding star in the Lone Star State, Xavier Worthy has every trait a true WR1 should possess. At 6’1″ with elite speed, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year is a danger to score from anywhere on the field. He’s the single-season freshman record holder at Texas and should be expected to break even more records before his career is over. Worthy wins anywhere on the field and is nearly uncatchable in the open field with his track speed.
71) Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
Speaking of fast receivers, few can keep up with Nathaniel “Tank” Dell at Houston. Pairing with Clayton Tune to make one of the country’s top duos, Dell is every bit of a defender’s worst nightmare to see in the open field. He can make any tackler miss and won’t be caught by anyone once he gets by them. Dell utilizes his speed well with little wasted motion and no lost speed on his breaks or with his yards-after-the-catch ability.
70) Brant Kuithe, TE, Utah
Perhaps one of the most slept-on utility weapons in all of college football, Brant Kuithe could be listed as a wide receiver, and no one would bat an eye. Except, Kuithe is also a capable blocker and a willing participant in mixing it up with defensive linemen and linebackers in the ground game. Kuithe, however, is at his best when he’s hauling in passes and making defenders look silly with his elusiveness after the catch.
69) Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford
With body control like a wide receiver, Kyu Blu Kelly makes the seemingly impossible look possible in coverage. He’ll make highlight-reel interceptions, bat passes away with his quick hands and burst, or simply force incompletions because of sticky coverage. He’s a terrific cover cornerback with an underrated ability to shed blockers on the perimeter and get after running backs.
68) Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas
Jalen Catalon’s brand of football could be defined as fierce. He brings the lumber with his hits and forces the ball from the ball carrier with his power. Yet, Catalon’s refined when it comes to coverage as he patiently patrols the back end of the Arkansas secondary, waiting to dish out punishment. He’s a ball hawk as well, making plays with his speed and range in coverage.
67) Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
As Hendon Hooker started to grasp Josh Heupel’s offense in 2021, few SEC defenses had an answer for him and the Volunteers. Hooker returns to carry on what drove Tennessee to close the year: speed, strength, and dominant downfield passes.
He’s a big-armed signal-caller with deceptive dual-threat ability but is at his best when accurately dropping passes 40-50 yards downfield. By season’s end, Hendon Hooker to Cedric Tillman will be a phrase few SEC fanbases will want to hear again.
66) Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Banking on the success of Spencer Rattler‘s 2020 season, the South Carolina Gamecocks have one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Though things ended improperly for Rattler at Oklahoma, his play during that 2020 season is still among the best of any active quarterback in the game today.
Rattler has a big arm and is accurate to all levels. He can make progressive reads when he has the chance to sit and diagnose the defense in the pocket. The frequency of those situations should only improve over time with this dominant South Carolina offensive line.
65) Andrew Mukuba, S, Clemson
The Clemson defense is stacked with talent, and lesser-known Andrew Mukuba is out to steal the spotlight the way he steals passes over the middle. The 2021 Freshman All-American tallied nine pass breakups in coverage and 54 total tackles. He’s a ball hawk in coverage and can line up against any number of pass catchers with his blend of size and speed on the back end.
64) Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)
A former Georgia defensive back, Tyrique Stevenson made an immediate impact in his first season with the Miami Hurricanes in 2021. He made multiple plays on the ball in coverage and flashed high-level potential against some of the best opponents the Canes played last season. Adjusting to the cornerback position after playing in Georgia’s hybrid defensive back role, the sky is the limit for Stevenson in 2022.
63) Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Will Levis should be on everyone’s must-watch list — and not just for his weird eating habits. Mayonnaise in his coffee aside, Levis improved drastically as the season went on for Kentucky. He started to get a feel for his talent and understanding of how and when to pick his shots. That should scare SEC defenses because Levis has incredible arm strength and even better accuracy when he’s rolling.
62) Rasheen Ali, RB, Marshall
The nation’s returning leader in touchdowns on the ground, Rasheen Ali takes Marshall into the Sun Belt in 2022. Ali is a nimble bowling ball with the strength of a freight train and the ability to make you miss in a phone booth. He can create plenty on his own and has the patience and vision of a true elite running back.
61) Darrell Luter Jr., CB, South Alabama
The analytics depict what the eyes tell you when watching Darrell Luter Jr. in coverage: He’s incredible. The nation’s leader in a bevy of advanced metrics, Luter’s top statistic is the simple fact that quarterbacks finished with a 0.0 passer rating when targeting him. That means quarterbacks would have had a better passer rating by simply spiking the ball (39.6) on every play than when targeting Luter in coverage.
60) Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
The future is incredibly bright for Jermaine Burton as he leaps from Georgia to Alabama in 2022. Following a similar path that Jameson Williams made famous in 2021, Burton has a comparable skill set.
Burton is a speedy receiver with a full route tree and plenty of skill at both the catch point and on his route breaks. He led the Bulldogs’ wide receivers in each category a season ago, and those numbers would correlate to big-time production in this high-flying Alabama offense.
59) Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami (FL)
For Tyler Van Dyke, it’s remarkable how far he came in the 2021 season despite being down on the depth chart to start the year. With a new play-caller this fall, Van Dyke’s projection is incredibly high. He reads the field well and has ample strength to hit every level of the field. Van Dyke was a magician with his accuracy at most times a season ago, leading to big plays at will for the Canes.
58) BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
An edge rusher with a bad attitude, BJ Ojulari is among the country’s most refined pass rushers entering the season. Ojulari dominates tackles of any size or style of play as he has the speed to bend the edge and the strength to bull rush through smaller tackles. He picks his shots and seizes his opportunities well, as he has a terrific football IQ to go with an even better motor.
57) Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama
Going sideline to sideline is nothing for Henry To’oTo’o. The big man in the middle of the field for Alabama is a prototypical three-down linebacker for today’s college football. To’oTo’o covers ground with his speed and stuffs rushing lanes with his read-and-react ability. When he does come downhill, To’oTo’o makes plays on the ball carrier with ferocity. He’s every bit of a leader on the Crimson Tide defense and should be seen as one of the must-watch athletes on a star-studded defense in 2022.
56) Jacob Gall, C, Baylor
One of the smarter players not just in book smarts but because of how he uses his leverage and understands body angles, Jacob Gall plants defenders on their backsides more often than not.
The signal-calling center of one of the best offensive lines in football returns after dominating during his first season with the Baylor Bears in 2021. Gall is a tenacious run blocker and a gritty performer in the passing game, serving defenders pancakes with his ability to anchor and gain underneath leverage at will.
55) Clark Barrington, G, BYU
The BYU Cougars have one of the best offensive lines in the country, and Clark Barrington is one of the major reasons. The guard attacks defenders in both the run and passing game, getting to the second level easily after disposing of his first-level defender rapidly. When he does back down in pass protection, Barrington’s balance is evident, as is his strength. There isn’t much Barrington doesn’t do that isn’t done at an elite level.
54) Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Synergy with his head coach and a change of scenery may do Caleb Williams some good, and that’s saying something for one of the country’s top playmakers from last year.
Williams has incredible arm strength and is one of the shiftiest quarterbacks with his legs that we’ve seen in some time. He showcased an ability to take games over last year with both of those skills. Williams also improved as the season went along, and the trials and tribulations became distant dots on his road map of success in college football.
53) Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
Dominating from the middle of the defensive line is no easy feat. Yet, Siaki Ika makes it look easy. The big man at Baylor requires double-teams to stop him from getting to the passer. He requires chip blocks and schemes against him to get him from penetrating the point of attack in the ground game. Ika does it all with terrific technique, a high motor, and a ton of skill crafted with his rare blend of speed, size, and balance.
52) Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
One of the top safeties in all of football, Jordan Battle has ridiculous ball skills. He also has some of the best vision among all defensive backs. Battle will not be fooled by a quarterback’s eyes and instead works counteractively against them by lulling them into thinking passing lanes are open. He’ll make plays on the ball in deep coverage and come downhill with a vengeance against short-area passing concepts all the same.
51) Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
Again, the BYU offensive line is arguably the best in the country, and their left tackle — Blake Freeland — is among the best in college football. Freeland’s durability is only overshadowed by his size and skill for a man who stands 6’8″ and 305 pounds. Freeland is a quick mover, and his reach is unmatched.
Athleticism certainly runs deep in the Freeland family as he’s the next generation of Freeland standouts after both parents starred in their respective sports for the Cougars. Blake, however, should take it to the next level as he will challenge to be one of the top offensive tackles off the board come the 2023 NFL Draft.
PFN Top 100 College Football Players of 2022 | 50-26
50) Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
It feels a lot longer than a year ago that Brandon Joseph led the country with six interceptions. After swapping positional roles in 2021 with Northwestern, Joseph swapped schools and joined Notre Dame this offseason. Joseph is a talented coverage defender and has a knack for finding the football. If he’s not dominating in coverage, he is changing rushing angles with his pursuit, laying the lumber as he comes downhill, or bringing the ball carrier down behind the line of scrimmage.
49) Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
A big man with a bigger set of athletic skills, Zack Kuntz should be on everyone’s radar as a must-watch pass catcher in 2022. At 6’8″ and 245 pounds, Kuntz has the ability to make any reception over any coverage defender, and somehow he maintains an elusive route-running tree due to that athleticism. Kuntz is nearly unguardable at every level of the field and may be the country’s top red-zone threat.
48) Lew Nichols III, RB, Central Michigan
Breaking out as a freshman, Lew Nichols III led the country with a whopping 1,848 rushing yards in 2021. Nichols averaged 142.2 yards per game — 45 programs averaged less as a team last year. He reached the end zone 16 times on the ground and still had time to chip in with 40 receptions, 338 yards, and two touchdowns on the receiving end. Nichols is quietly one of the top dual-threat running backs anywhere in the nation.
47) Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
With a big arm and a chip on his shoulder, Jake Haener returns to Fresno State to continue his legacy in the QB-rich program. Haener has a short delivery from inside the pocket and improved with progressive reads as the season went on. When it was all said and done, Haener finished 2021 with 4,096 yards and 33 touchdowns, giving him 6,224 career passing yards and 48 touchdowns in just 19 starts.
With all the arm talent in the world, Haener has proved what made him at one point a sign of hope for the Washington Huskies prior to transferring to Fresno State. With another season under new but former head coach Jeff Tedford and with Jalen Cropper as one of the country’s top wide receivers, Haener should forge his own mark in the Fresno State history books.
46) Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
In just nine games last year, Quentin Johnston averaged 19.2 yards per catch and hauled in a touchdown once in every 5.5 receptions. Johnston is a big-play threat as much as he is a big man himself. At 6’4″ and 200 pounds, Johnston is a mismatch in coverage for most defensive backs in the Big 12. He uses his size incredibly well, but he also doesn’t lack in footwork and short-area speed as he beats defenders off the line and along his routes.
45) Habakkuk Baldonado, EDGE, Pittsburgh
The nation’s fastest hands reside in Pittsburgh as Habakkuk Baldonado has translated his former MMA experience to the football field exceptionally well. Baldonado has an equally fast first step off the line of scrimmage and a keen understanding of how to utilize angles to bend the edge or stunt around linemen who can’t even get a hand on him. He punches forward and loses nothing in the run game as he crashes the edge very well for a player still learning the position’s ins and outs.
44) Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
One of the country’s top big-play threats out of the backfield returns to Manhattan as Deuce Vaughn is back to strike fear into Big 12 defenses. Vaughn topped the charts at 1,404 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground, with another 468 yards and four scores as a receiver. He has exceptional elusiveness in the open field and is no stranger to initiating contact with defensive backs once he gets to the next level.
Kansas State’s passing attack runs through Vaughn, making him one of the most important players to any team in the country.
43) Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Rashawn Slater Effect has everyone wanting to crown Peter Skoronski as the next great left tackle from Northwestern. While we’re not here to debate that, one argument isn’t up for debate: Skoronski is one of the best linemen in the entire country for 2022. He is a stalwart pass protector and thrives when he gets to move to the second level and attack. There isn’t anything — at the college level — that Skoronski does below elite or near-elite levels.
42) Kenny Logan Jr., S, Kansas
It’s time for Kenny Logan Jr. to get the praise he deserves because the Kansas Jayhawk is hands down one of the top players in the country. Logan led the Jayhawks in tackles last season, racking up a whopping 111 that included 79 solo. He also intercepted a pass and made six pass breakups in coverage.
If he’s not influencing the passing game and making game-saving tackles on the back end, Logan is coming downhill against the run. He forced two fumbles and recorded five tackles for loss a season ago. Logan’s instincts are elite, and his technical skills in each facet are as well.
41) Tavion Thomas, RB, Utah
Even with fumbling issues plaguing the start of his season, Tavion Thomas went out in 2021 and dominated the competition. There is no question that a stout offensive line aided him, but Thomas created his own yardage in more than enough situations. Thomas is elusive in the exact sense you’d expect a big man like him to be.
He’ll bowl defenders over, initiate contact, and break through arm tackles. But Thomas also has elite vision and the patience to allow his blocking to develop like a seasoned professional. After averaging 5.4 yards per carry and rushing for 21 touchdowns (17 of which came in his final seven games), there is arguably no hotter running back returning to football than Thomas.
40) Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
As a 17-year-old freshman, Braelon Allen joined a historic list of Wisconsin running backs in 2021. Allen ran for 1,268 yards, becoming just the fourth true freshman to break the 1,000-yard plateau with the program. The others? Ron Dayne, James White, and Jonathan Taylor. An illustrious group for sure, but Allen has sparked projections of even loftier expectations with his blend of size and speed.
Allen is a remarkably consistent running back and tied for the best yards-per-carry average among backs in the nation. He also had nine carries of at least 30 yards in 2021. More impressively, Allen only lost yards on nine carries. Every program would run the ball more if they had a running back like Allen.
39) Cam Rising, QB, Utah
Proving to be much more of a dominant downfield thrower and runner than the national media gave him credit for, Cam Rising elevated the Utah Utes in the Rose Bowl against Ohio State in what amounted to a coming-out party earlier this year.
Rising throws a great ball to every level of the field and proved to be much more than a game manager in 2021. With another season in the system and his confidence brimming, Rising is a surefire top-tier quarterback in college football.
38) Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
There isn’t anything not to like about Jaren Hall. The former baseball player has the arm strength to make every throw and the ability to unleash accurate passes from any platform. In 2021, Hall took the proverbial next step in his development as he began to rebuild the pocket, maneuver past defenders, maintain vision downfield, and unleash accurate passes faster than he had before. He’s a unique talent with a lot to like this fall. With him behind center, BYU has a chance to win every game.
37) Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
One of the more physically-gifted athletes in college football this fall, Antonio Johnson retuns to College Station to pace the Texas A&M secondary once again. With his elite length at 6’3″, Johnson can cover any pass catcher and has the quicks to stick with even the fastest receivers. He also has the instincts and read-and-react ability of a linebacker that grant him a leg up on most other defensive backs. His versatility is nearly unmatched, and Johnson has terrific ball skills thanks to his time as a high school receiver.
36) Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
A dominant cover corner, Cam Smith is one of the top returning defensive playmakers this year. Smith allowed fewer than 50% of the passes thrown his way to be completed and has made five career interceptions. He’s a ball hawk, but his physical nature and sticky coverage skills don’t make him the target very often. Smith exceeds expectations and lofty projections with his high-level play in all facets.
35) Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
A threat with the ball in his hands, no matter where he has it on the field, Devon Achane is one of the most electric players in college football. He scored in a variety of ways last season, including nine rushing touchdowns and scores as a receiver and on kick returns. In total, Achane recorded 11 touchdowns and 1,472 all-purpose yards. Impressively enough, Achane needed just 163 touches to amass that yardage mark as he averaged 9.0 yards per touch. That’s the definition of electric.
34) Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
A year after leading the nation with 143 total tackles, Jack Campbell is back to patrol the middle for Iowa. The impressive part of Campbell’s sheer volume is the fact that he made the majority of his tackles at or around the line of scrimmage. He wasn’t a glorified tackle hog who manufactured gaudy numbers with backside pursuit tackles 10 yards downfield. Instead, Campbell impacts the opponent’s game plan with his all-around ability.
Campbell recorded a handful of tackles for loss and proved too much for linemen to contain when he blitzed. Making his case even more substantial for his place in our Top 100, Campbell also recorded a half-dozen pass breakups, two interceptions, and a pick-six in coverage. He’s a true three-down linebacker.
33) Grayson McCall, QB, Coastal Carolina
College football’s all-time leader in passing efficiency, Grayson McCall is destined to make history. McCall led the country with a whopping 11.9 yards per attempt, throwing 27 touchdowns against just three interceptions. He runs Coastal Carolina’s multiple offense very well and has proven to be one of the more advanced QBs in terms of football IQ.
McCall is a dominant athlete with the ball in his hands, chipping away with 290 rushing yards and 2,873 passing yards in 11 starts last year. 2021 marked the second consecutive year that McCall threw for at least 26 touchdowns and three or fewer interceptions. QBs aren’t made like McCall is, and that’s a problem for Sun Belt defenses.
32) Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Coming on strong down the stretch of the 2021 season, Cedric Tillman eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and scored 12 touchdowns on just 64 receptions. Tillman closed out the year with four straight 100-yard performances, including a 200-yard outing against eventual national champion Georgia. Making matters worse for SEC defenses in 2022 is the fact that Tillman elevated himself against the best competition.
Against four ranked SEC opponents, Tillman recorded 30 receptions for 515 yards and four touchdowns. That impressive stretch to end the season saw him score in each of the Volunteers’ final seven games and a whopping five TDs in their last three. No receiver returns on a hotter streak to the SEC than Tillman.
31) Connor Galvin, OT, Baylor
A mauling force off the left side for Baylor, Connor Galvin proved to be one of the Big 12’s best in 2021. Galvin is a dominant athlete in space when he’s moving in the run game. He also presents a challenge with his size and strength combination. At 6’7″, 302 pounds, Galvin is remarkably nimble yet maintains that ever-important grit in OL coach Eric Mateos’ group. Galvin is undoubtedly one of the nation’s top left tackles this season.
30) Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Big men shouldn’t be able to move as quickly as Calijah Kancey does. At 6’0″, 280 pounds, Kancey uses his “smaller” frame on the inside incredibly well because of his speed, quick first step, and understanding of leverage. He’ll work inside to beat slower interior linemen off the ball or upend them with his lower-body strength. Kancey also has a high motor and great length on the interior. He upsets rushing lanes at the point of attack in the ground game, and he gets after the quarterback with ease.
29) Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Making the move to the SEC, Jahmyr Gibbs gives Alabama a true home-run threat and elusive weapon out of the backfield in 2022. Gibbs proved too much for most ACC defenses and special-teams units to handle during his time at Georgia Tech. He takes his talents to Alabama, where he’ll be able to use his speed and elusiveness in the open field again. Gibbs also contributes out of the backfield in the passing game and should eat up yardage after the catch this fall.
28) Brandon Kipper, G, Oregon State
Let it be known that one of the top linemen switching positions in 2022 belongs out west with Brandon Kipper. One of the most dominant tackles over the past few years, Kipper is kicking inside this fall, where he’ll be able to use his strength and size against any defender in his way. The move to the inside will allow the 6’6″ Kipper to get to the second level quickly as he disposes first-level defenders with ease. He’s as dominant on the ground as he is with his anchor in pass protection, as few can escape his grasp.
27) Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville
The nation’s top dual-threat quarterback is back for one more season at Louisville. Malik Cunningham was dominant with his legs and wowed with his arm talent in 2021. Cunningham threw for 2,941 yards and 19 touchdowns, limiting his interceptions to just six. He also ran for a team-high 1,034 yards and 20 touchdowns last year.
Cunningham will be tasked with throwing more in 2022, something he proved he could do. Cunningham was accurate to every level downfield and showed off impressive arm strength. When all else fails, however, there are few better athletes with the ball in their hands than Cunningham.
26) Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
The rightful owner of the most sacks in a game is Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Though that record evaded him on a technicality, the fact remains that Anudike-Uzomah is one of the top defensive ends and pass rushers in college football. He bends the edge, backs down his blockers, and simply rushes past them with his athleticism and speed.
He’s a hard man to figure out for an offensive tackle and excels at getting after the passer. That’s no slight to his run defense, as Anudike-Uzomah also recorded plenty of tackles for loss in the run game.
PFN Top 100 College Football Players of 2022 | 25-1
25) Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
One of the speedier cornerbacks in the country, Clark Phillips III is also one of the stickiest coverage defenders in college this year. Phillips was dominant for Utah last year, recording a whopping 13 pass breakups and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Phillips likely gets the silent treatment in 2022 as quarterbacks are learning it’s easier to complete passes elsewhere or, simply put, better to avoid Phillips in coverage altogether.
24) James Williams, S, Miami (FL)
The term “superstar” is certainly thrown around too often in sports. However, there are a few instances where “superstar” is the only adequate adjective for a player. James Williams fits the mold of a superstar perfectly as the 6’5″, 224-pound hybrid defensive back is as talented as he is menacing. Despite just seven starts last season, Williams led Miami in interceptions and made multiple splash plays that warrant such high expectations.
Williams is moving closer to the ball in 2022, playing down in the box where he can utilize his size, speed, strength, and instincts on a more granular level. That move should pay dividends for the Canes as they certainly realized the talent they have on their hands. The comparison isn’t quite far just yet, but expect Williams to have a Derwin James-type effect from the Miami defense in 2022.
23) Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
There is no better short-area receiver returning to college football in 2022 than Josh Downs. A big-play threat over the middle, Downs dominated last season with his combination of speed and route-running ability mixed with dominant after-the-catch skills. Few are catching Downs when he’s in the open field and the hardest part about attempting to guard him is the fact that he’s schemed open and in natural-flowing areas to maximize his YAC threat.
22) Devin Leary, QB, NC State
Quietly, Devin Leary had one of the most prolific seasons from an ACC quarterback in the conference’s rich quarterback history. Leary threw for 35 passing touchdowns and just five interceptions. He was dominant slinging it to every level of the field and proved to have next-level accuracy the further he went downfield. Leary is a big-armed, athletic signal-caller who’s still expanding his pocket presence and maneuverability. Still, his prolific and historic season in the ACC gives NC State a chance to make waves and push for the College Football Playoff.
21) Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
Not just the top Group of Five QB, Clayton Tune is one of the top three quarterbacks from any program this season. Tune has a big arm and is more mobile than most give him credit for. He can make any throw on the field and will go through his progressions better than most this season. Given time in the pocket, Tune carves up defenses with the greatest of ease and has one of, if not the best arm in the country. One final year in Dana Holgorsen’s system always benefits the signal-callers, and by all accounts, Tune could be Holgorsen’s best to come through his offense.
20) Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The sheer power that Bryan Bresee holds is evident on every snap. He throws offensive linemen like twigs in the breeze and powers through attempted blockers just as easily. He’ll dominate any kind of blocker in front of him with his strength but has plenty of speed to jump gaps and beat linemen to the point of attack with sound footwork and quick hands. Returning from an injury that sidelined him for all but four games last year, Bresee is a lock for Comeback Player of the Year and the first round if he stays healthy in 2022.
19) Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Some players just shouldn’t be able to do the things that they do. Isaiah Foskey is one of those players, as his athletic profile and combination of size and speed make him a favorite to win any 1-on-1 matchup in front of him. Foskey led the Fighting Irish in sacks last year, finishing with 11 to rank as the third most in program history. He also chipped in with great run pursuit and influenced passing angles with his length. Foskey is an all-around elite player.
18) Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
One of the top pass catchers at any position, Michael Mayer led Notre Dame with 71 receptions and seven touchdowns last year. His 840 receiving yards were fourth among tight ends in 2021 and second among TEs returning this year. Mayer bullies defenders at the catch point and after as he’ll turn even a short reception into a first down with ease. He’s also a commanding blocker when the time calls for it, as Mayer presents above-average skills in all three facets for a TE.
17) TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Breaking out in a big way for the Buckeyes, TreVeyon Henderson rushed for the second-most rushing yards (270) for a true freshman in Ohio State history. He even topped the mark for most touchdowns by a freshman with 19. What separates Henderson from most running backs is his ability to dominate in the passing game, as he recorded four receiving TDs and 312 yards.
He’s a home-run threat with his speed and finished with 6.8 yards per carry, the second-highest rate in the nation. At 5’10”, 215 pounds, attempting to tackle Henderson is like attempting to tackle a Ferrari in a semi truck’s body.
16) Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
Sean “Track Speed” Tucker is the epitome of dominance. Tucker set the Syracuse school record for single-season rushing yards (1,496) in 2021 and already ranks in the top 20 in school history in total rushing yards despite playing just two seasons. He’s an incredibly gifted athlete with the ball in his hands and one of the fastest players to return to college football this season.
A decorated high school sprinter, Tucker makes even the fastest defensive backs look slow in the open field. He utilizes his speed not only on the ground but in the receiving game, where he’s the best yards-after-the-catch back in the country. Tucker doesn’t lose speed through his elusive moves, a rare feat for a back, as he doesn’t just maintain his speed — he actually accelerates through his breaks.
15) Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
There are players that simply have “it,” and Denzel Burke is one of them. The second-year Buckeye led the team with 13 pass breakups in 2021 as the true freshman exploded onto the scene in a big way for Ohio State. His first interception was a pick-six as he returned it 23 yards for a touchdown against Rutgers.
Burke was picked on early, mainly due to his age, but he made QBs pay. Most notably, he finished with three pass breakups in his first ever college game against Minnesota to open the year. Burke also slides around would-be blockers with ease and rips down ball carriers like he bats away passes.
14) Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Making the switch to left tackle in 2022, Paris Johnson Jr. is a viable candidate to be one of the best players at his position who means the most to his team. As great as C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and TreVeyon Henderson are, a quarterback is nothing without backside protection, and a running back is likely held in check without a dominant mover at left tackle.
Johnson has performed incredibly well in each facet during his time in Columbus. Sure, it came from inside, but the principles stay the same from right guard to left tackle: keep the quarterback clean and pave rushing lanes for the running back. Johnson is at his best when he’s on the move, pancaking defenders at any level of the field. But he’s no slouch in pass protection with his strength and contact balance. Expect to hear a lot of Johnson’s name between now and April, as he could be the top tackle off the board.
13) John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
You may not know about him yet, but John Michael Schmitz is the top offensive lineman returning to college football this year. Schmitz is a mauler in the run game and a stalwart pass protector. Schmitz might have been a high draft pick had he entered the 2022 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, the leader of the Minnesota offense has returned for one more season with the Gophers.
The 6’4″, 320-pound big man in the middle fires off the ball well and calls out protection schemes even better. He’s been part of a prolific offense at Minnesota with 23 starts at center over the past three seasons. Schmitz is out to prove his value as an integral piece to what should be an improved offense in 2022.
12) Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
It doesn’t matter the assignment — Trenton Simpson is likely going to make a play. Simpson is excellent in all three phases for a linebacker: coverage, run defense, and pass rushing. He excels when he’s able to roam free, making 12 tackles for loss last season that included six sacks. He’s a menace for opposing offenses to attempt to figure out as he uses his athletic frame, quicks, and instincts to influence passing lanes, rushing points of attack, and blocking schemes in general.
Simpson, at 6’3″, 225 pounds, has prototypical size and an ideal combination of speed and strength. Few play a three-down game on defense better than he does.
11) Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Cornerbacks the size and speed of Kelee Ringo are a rare breed. In fact, there may not be another Ringo to have come along in the past, present, or even future. That’s how rare Ringo’s game is as the 6’2″, 205-pound corner is also a world-class sprinter with a documented 10.43 100-meter time. That size and speed is one thing but backing it up with the ball skills and oily hips is almost unfair for the Georgia defense to possess.
Ringo exceeds lofty expectations with his play on the field in each facet as well. He recorded two interceptions last season, including the punctuation mark on a commanding national championship performance against Alabama. Intercepting Bryce Young and returning it 79 yards for a touchdown, Ringo flashed that elite level of play to the country as he and the Bulldogs’ defense brought home the natty.
10) Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
As the value of running backs continues to decrease across the nation, a few players are separating themselves and proving to be integral aspects of their offensive game plan. Bijan Robinson is the pinnacle of a running back who far exceeded the expected value of a running back. Robinson needed just 10 games to hit 1,127 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in a dominant sophomore season.
For his career, Robinson has averaged 6.5 yards per carry. He’s chipped in with 396 receiving yards and six touchdowns through the air, but his bread and butter certainly come from his ability to create in space. Essentially every one of Robinson’s carries looks like a highlight-reel play as he’s not looking at the first defender to dodge. He’s already searching for that next defender to evade.
9) Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
It’s been a ridiculous two-year stretch for Noah Sewell at Oregon. After winning the Pac-12’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2020, Sewell generated 114 total tackles in 2021. Additionally, he notched 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, five pass breakups, and an interception.
What makes that kind of season even better is the fact that he was the main focal point of opposing offensive coordinators. Sewell was often schemed against. Team often ran away from him. Sewell was avoided at every turn, but his speed, strength, and instincts carried him to a dominant year regardless. He’ll be the country’s best linebacker until otherwise proven.
8) Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Myles Murphy looks like an NFL player playing in college. There is no way around that. He finished last season with 14 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and a plethora of quarterback pressures. But it was his all-around impact on the game that paced Clemson last year.
While the offense struggled, Murphy anchored a defense that single-handedly won a handful of games. Murphy was unblockable without a double-team or a chip block. He was in the backfield more often than not, ripping down ball carriers at the mesh point or influencing a bad decision from the quarterback if he didn’t get a sack. Instinctually, Murphy is as elite as his production showcases, making him one hard defender to keep in check for a full four quarters.
7) Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
One of the fastest players on the field whenever he’s on it, Brock Bowers paced the Georgia offense a season ago. He led the Bulldogs in each major receiving category, hauling in 56 receptions for 882 yards and 13 touchdowns. Bowers made the most of his receptions, showcasing elite after-the-catch skills and ridiculous speed for a man who stands 6’4″, 230 pounds.
He also contributes as a blocker, but his best attributes are certainly in the receiving game. Bowers has some of the best body control of any pass catcher in college football. His catch-point skills are as dominant as you’d expect, too, as he’s the complete package as a receiver.
6) Jordan Addison, WR, USC
In a ridiculous season in 2021, Jordan Addison won the Biletnikoff Award on the back of 1,593 receiving yards and a national-best 17 receiving touchdowns. Addison has some of the best routes in the sport at any level, and uses his body better than any receiver in football. He’ll climb the ladder to make highlight-reel catches that aren’t even considered catchable.
Addison is a master of his craft and carved out big yardage with his ability to create natural separation. He can separate all along his route breaks and with his burst to the catch point. Now at USC, Addison will pair with Caleb Williams to become one of the nation’s top QB/WR combinations.
5) Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
It may have been said time and time again, but size is uncoachable. When you have the size and immense talent Jalen Carter has, you transcend that expression and your position itself. Carter is a two-gapping defensive tackle with the pass-rushing skills of a dominant edge defender.
At 6’3″ and 310 pounds, Carter is a mammoth of a man who is unstoppable by just one blocker. There are multiple occasions from the 2021 season that the rising junior jumped the gap prior to the snap and met the QB or RB in the backfield. His size can’t be coached, nor can that kind of instinctual play. The best part about Carter is that he backs all that up with an improving game in all facets. He’s an ascending, already-elite talent.
4) Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Amazingly enough, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner checks in at No. 4 on our Top 100 College Football Players. Bryce Young won the Heisman after winning the SEC Championship in his first year as the starter for Alabama. Young played far beyond his years, dishing accurate shots to every level of the field despite consistent pressure in his face and on his shoulders.
Young is a terrific athlete and one of the better deep-ball throwers we’ve seen in some time. Yet, somehow there were plays left on the table due to shoddy pass protection in front of him. Young buys time in the pocket with impressive presence and maneuverability and can make any throw from anywhere on the field.
3) Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Going out of the season with a bang, Jaxon Smith-Njigba set Rose Bowl records with his ridiculous performance against Utah. He posted one of the best bowl-game stat lines of all time with his 15 receptions, 347 yards, and three touchdowns against the Utes. That was a microcosm of his ability as Smith-Njigba was the most talented receiver in the nation’s most talented receiver room.
Despite two first-round picks in the Ohio State receiving corps (Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave), Smith-Njigba paced the unit with 95 receptions and 1,606 yards. He was the go-to receiver over the middle of the field and to the outside. His ball-tracking skills are at an elite, already-professional level, and Smith-Njigba should challenge to be the top non-quarterback drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft.
2) Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
What else do you say about the nation’s leader in tackles for loss and sacks from 2021? You could say that even if you spotted the next closest defender in tackles for loss a whopping 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, they still wouldn’t surpass Will Anderson Jr.‘s total. You could also grant two sacks to the next closest defender, and they’d only tie for the top mark in the country.
What hasn’t been said yet is simply the impact a player of his caliber gives to the Alabama defense. Passes have to be quicker. Reads have to be made faster. If Anderson doesn’t get to the quarterback — which is rare — he’s influencing the offensive game plan even before the snap. His impact is rare and rivals that of the likes of Chase Young, Nick and Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack — some of the future Hall of Fame-caliber players that dominated on Saturdays the same way Anderson does.
1) C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
A surprise to some, sure, but not when you realize just how truly special C.J. Stroud‘s 2021 season was. The 6’3″, 215-pound QB set 17 different Ohio State program records a season ago, including 13 passing records. Among those, single-game totals and single-season marks were all reset. He was dominant in every game yet somehow managed to finish the year with a clear case of linear growth that gives pause for even more dominance.
Stroud is a prototypical quarterback at the next level and is ready to showcase he can take the Buckeyes all the way in 2022. With Stroud in the backfield with Henderson and a top target like JSN, there is no telling just how high this OSU team can fly this fall. One thing is for sure: You won’t want to miss any of the Buckeyes’ games in 2022.