ESPN, PFF rank the top underclassmen in college football this year

There are quite a few dominant underclassmen that are taking over college football this season. Using Pro Football Focus grades, ESPN has ranked the top underclassmen across the nation this year. The list is headlined by three dynamic and talented quarterbacks.

The top underclassmen in college football

Georgia DL Jalen Carter: Georgia undoubtedly has the best defense in college football, and the strong defensive front plays a big role in that. Carter has an 86.8 overall defensive grade, ranking him as a top 50 defender in college football. He also has an 89.2 pass rush grade, which is a top ten total among interior defensive linemen.

Alabama QB Bryce Young: Young came into the season as a Heisman hopeful, and as the season has progressed that has remained true. He has thrown for 2,755 yards, 28 touchdowns and three interceptions for Alabama this season. Young’s 90.7 passing grade is top ten in the nation, making him one of college football’s best quarterbacks in addition to being a top underclassman.

Texas RB Bijan Robinson: Robinson has established himself as one of the best running backs in the country and has even been mentioned in Heisman discussions at times. He has 1,057 yards and 11 touchdowns on the year. Robinson’s 91.1 rushing grade trails only Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker. Robinson also leads FBS backs with 0.4 missed tackles per attempt.

Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson: Henderson didn’t play much in Ohio State’s first two games, but he has come on in a big way since then. In Week 3, he had 277 yards and three touchdowns. Despite a small role before then, Henderson is now averaging more than 100 yards per game. He is top ten in rushing yards and yards after contact.

Alabama EDGE Will Anderson: Anderson has a 73.0 overall defensive grade. But he also has 48 pressures, the sixth most in the nation. Anderson has established himself as an impactful and dominant defensive player for Alabama. The sophomore is undoubtedly one of the top underclassmen in college football.

Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams: Williams didn’t start the year as Oklahoma’s starting quarterback, but he surely is now. In his four games, he has a 93.8 passing grade, which is the best in college football. He also has an 84.3 rushing grade, top ten among quarterbacks. Williams has been a star since taking over at quarterback.

Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud: Despite missing a game, Stroud still has 2,675 yards, 25 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He has led a dominant Ohio State offense. Stroud has a 90.5 passing grade on the season. The Buckeyes have a dynamic offense that is led by two of the top underclassmen in all of college football.

Georgia TE Brock Bowers: Georgia’s defense gets all of the hype, but Bowers has had a strong season as a true freshman tight end. On the year, Bowers has 28 receptions for 493 yards and six touchdowns, along with one rushing touchdown. He has two 100-yard games and three games with multiple touchdowns. His 90.6 receiving grade is top ten among tight ends.

LSU WR Kayshon Boutte: Boutte has 38 receptions for 509 yards and nine touchdowns this year. Last season he had 45 catches for 735 yards and five touchdowns. Boutte is currently injured and will be out for the year, but he has still established himself as one of college football’s top underclassmen.

Michigan RB Blake Corum: Corum started the year with three straight 100-yard rushing games. On the season he has 778 yards and ten touchdowns with a score through the air as well. Corum’s 90.8 rushing grade is the fifth best total among FBS backs.

Oregon LB Noah Sewell: Noah Sewell, the younger brother as Penei, is a key part of Oregon’s defense. He has an 87.3 pass rush grade, which is one of the best totals in the nation. The Sewell brothers have made great impacts for Oregon, and Noah is one of the best underclassmen defensive players in college football.

Texas A&M CB Antonio Johnson: Johnson has been a star on Texas A&M’s defense. He has a 90.3 pass coverage grade, which is a top ten total. Johnson also has a 90.5 run defense grade. He has 58 tackles, one interception, and four passes defended on the year.