College Football Player Rankings: Updated On3 Impact Top 10 after Week 9

As college football continues into the second half of the season, the stunning performances continue to roll in from across the nation. There are dozens of standout players worthy of recognition on the On3 Impact Top 10.

On3 breaks down some of the top players in the country with our Impact Top 10 this week, featuring the best of the best as the season wears on.

Following Week 9 of the season, there was not much movement in the updated Top 10. Plenty of skill position players are included but some love for the line of scrimmage is certainly there.

1. Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty

Jeanty retains his No. 1 spot in the rankings, continuing to impress. Plenty of awards will be heading back to Boise with him when the season is over, potentially even the Heisman Trophy.

Friday night was an important one for the Broncos, seizing control in the Mountain West over UNLV. Jeanty broke the 100-yard barrier again, going for 128 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries.

2. Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter

If you want to talk about impact, Hunter is somebody who makes himself known on both sides of the ball. One moment, he is making an incredible catch before turning around and locking up an opposing wide receiver.

Hunter is unlike anything we have seen in modern college football and continues to impress. Colorado, as a whole, has improved this season and Hunter continues to be a massive reason why.

3. Miami QB Cam Ward

Finally finding a quarterback at No. 3, it’s easy to wonder where Miami would be without Ward. A few close games have gone in the Hurricanes’ way with a lot of credit going to their transfer signal-caller.

Saturday against Florida State was certainly a statement, blowing out their in-state rival. Ward continues to grow his Heisman Trophy resume as Miami remains undefeated.

4. Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.

Pearce entered the 2024 season dubbed the best pass rusher in college football and has held that spot through nine weeks. He is No. 4 overall on the list as the first true defensive player to feature.

The sacks numbers were not popping up early in the year but since SEC play began, Pearce has been getting on the stat sheet. All 3.5 of his sacks and 5.0 of 5.5 TFLs have come against conference foes.

5. Michigan DT Mason Graham

One piece of the Michigan defensive front, Graham has been in the backfield for five consecutive weeks. Even as offensive lines work their gameplan around his presence, the impact is still felt.

Graham has already surpassed his sack total from last season and is not too far behind in tackles for loss. Come April, there is a good chance his name is called early on Thursday night.

6. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders

Sanders is the second and final quarterback on the On3 Impact Top 10 list, staying put at No. 6 from last week. He is also the second Colorado player to feature behind Hunter, being the Buffaloes’ two stars.

Looking at the numbers against Cincinnati, Sanders completed all but five of his 30 throws, going for 323 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, a massive win in the Big 12 title race.

7. West Virginia OT Wyatt Milum

Following a two-game skid, West Virginia got back on the right track with a road win against Arizona. The record is back to .500 and some solid offensive line play is a huge reason why, mainly from Milum.

West Virginia quarterback Nicco Marchiol was sacked just once against Arizona. Over 200 yards were gained on the ground too as Milum continues to impress upfront.

8. Michigan CB Will Johnson

Johnson is another key piece to the Michigan defense, if not the most important. From the moment he stepped foot on campus as a true freshman, his impact has been felt. And in Year 3, it’s reaching its peak.

As for where he stands on this week’s list, it’s the same as prior. Challenges are upcoming though, maybe giving Johnson the opportunity to rise.

9. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith

Freshmen wide receivers making an impact has been a storyline this season, mainly highlighted by Smith. With how great of a position room resides at Ohio State, Smith being the go-to star at his age is unlike anything we have seen.

Nebraska certainly felt his impact, allowing a long touchdown to Smith in the first half of Saturday’s Buckeyes win. Smith’s season total now sits at 623 yards and eight touchdowns — both of which lead Ohio State through seven games.

10. Alabama WR Ryan Williams

Just a tick behind Smith in On3’s rankings is Williams. Not a know on the 17-year-old by any means, as his impact has been greatly felt by Alabama in the biggest games of the season.

Williams caught four passes against Missouri, averaging 13.3 yards per reception. Somehow, that’s the third-lowest number of his young career as the Crimson Tide head into a much-needed bye week.