ESPN ranks the Top 25 players at the midway point of college football season

We’ve officially arrived at the midway point of the 2024 season, with second half of the season sure to kick off some wild and lively debates. How about the debate for best players?

That’s one that ESPN attempted to tackle this week as it ranked the top 25 players in college football at the midway point in the season.

ESPN compiled its ranking based on a combination of each player’s impact on the field, their potential for the second half and their overall talent and ability to change the game.

So without any further ado, let’s take a look at ESPN’s Top 25 Players Midseason.

1. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

This one should come as no real surprise, as Jeanty is doing things at running back that haven’t been done since Barry Sanders‘ Heisman Trophy campaign back in 1988. For much of the season, Jeanty has been averaging a first down per carry.

In total he’s got 1,248 yards rushing through six games (208.0 yards per game), with 18 total touchdowns. He averages 9.9 yards per pop and hasn’t been slowed down by stacked boxes, gameplans dialed up specifically for him, anything.

2. QB Cam Ward, Miami

The Miami quarterback hasn’t been perfect — he’s thrown four interceptions in the last three games — but he’s been exactly what the doctor ordered for the ‘Canes. Ward is a born leader and a natural playmaker and both qualities have carried Miami to an unbeaten first half of the season.

Ward has already thrown for 2,219 yards and 20 touchdowns, with just five total interceptions. He’s also run for 161 yards and three touchdowns, getting it done every way possible.

3. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

A shoulder injury for Hunter will bear monitoring, as the talented two-way prospect has yet to be slowed by injury this season. Even if he is limited for a little bit, what he has done so far playing on both sides of the ball is remarkably impressive.

Hunter has not just been a guy on either side, either. He’s the team’s leading receiver and has also made game-changing plays on defense (see: forced fumble against Baylor). That he’s playing so many snaps is downright absurd.

4. OL Kelvin Banks, Texas

According to ESPN, Banks has allowed just one quarterback pressure on 202 pass-blocking snaps at left tackle, keeping the pocket clear for both Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. That’s a huge feat and one that has allowed Texas to win with both guys.

Banks is widely considered one of the players near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft board, so his next-level ability is also a major plus in these rankings. If Texas keeps winning and Banks keeps playing a high level don’t be surprised if he’s a top-10 pick.

5. QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

The big question before last week was whether Gabriel could show up in the big games that matter. Question answered. Emphatically. The Oregon quarterback was nails in an upset over No. 2 Ohio State.

Gabriel has thrown for 1,790 yards, to go along with 13 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He’s also run for 103 yards and four scores, proving a threat from multiple angles.

6. OT Will Campbell, LSU

The stalwart veteran for the Tigers has been exceptionally good so far in 2024. By ESPN’s count, he has allowed only one sack all season despite the Tigers being in some competitive contests against quality opponents.

LSU’s offensive line is one of the nation’s best and it all starts with Campbell at tackle. Like Banks, he’s a candidate one of the top 10 players selected in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, so he’s got major next-level potential.

7. WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss

The Ole Miss receiver has been a monster again this season, nearly eclipsing 1,000 yards through the first seven games. He has topped 100 yards in a game five times, while topping 200 once.

Harris is capable of the big play in the big moment, as evidenced by his play last weekend in an overtime loss to LSU. On the season he has 59 catches for 987 yards and six touchdowns.

8. DL Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

The Purdue transfer has helped Texas A&M to five straight wins and it’s starting to look like the Mike Elko era could legitimately provide a College Football Playoff appearance in its first year. Scourton is a huge reason why.

He’s been the heart and soul of the defense on the pass rush, tallying 10.0 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks already through the first six games. ESPN also has him with six run stuffs, 20 pressures, 13 QB hurries and two pass breakups.

9. WR Ryan Williams, Alabama

Stop us if you’ve heard this before, but Williams is one of the youngest players in college football. He sure doesn’t play like it. Williams introduced himself on the national stage with a phenomenal catch-and-run touchdown against Georgia.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Williams has logged 23 catches for 576 yards and six touchdowns, while also adding a touchdown rushing. If anything, Alabama needs to do a better job getting him more touches. His current average of four per game isn’t enough.

10. DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon

Harmon has been a real impact player coming over from Michigan State this offseason, serving as a true interior disruptor. He has logged 28 total quarterback pressures according to Pro Football Focus.

His highlight reel play was a forced fumble and fumble recovery against Ohio State in the huge upset last weekend. Those kind of plays instantly turn heads and get you on lists like this.

Top 25 Players: 11-25

11. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
12. OL Tyler Booker, Alabama
13. DL Mason Graham, Michigan
14. EDGE Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
15. QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
16. QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
17. DB Will Johnson, Michigan
18. DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
19. RB Kalen Johnson, Iowa
20. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
21. DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
22. DE Abdul Carter, Penn State
23. TE Harold Fannin, Bowling Green
24. DB Nohl Williams, Cal
25. WR Nick Nash, San Jose State