ESPN ranks the Top 25 players that will determine the College Football Playoff race

ESPN ranked the top 25 players that will determine the College Football Playoff race during the 2024 season.

Whether they are returning players or transfers, these players are key to their team’s chances. If they excel, we could have one of the best playoff races of all time.

Below are ESPN’s top 25 players that will determine this year’s College Football Playoff race.

1. Will Howard, QB – Ohio State

Howard is on arguably the best team in college football this season. He’ll have to put together his best campaign with this loaded offense.

If he does so, and stays healthy, Ohio State could very well cruise to a Big Ten title and No. 1 or 2 seed in the College Football Playoff. Arguably ESPN’s biggest key to a national title winner this year.

2. Alex Orji, QB – Michigan

This pick is interesting for ESPN considering Orji hasn’t even been named the starting quarterback yet. But, he might have the best intangibles when it comes to taking over the job.

Michigan has to get to the QB spot right to get back to the playoff. The team is too talented on defense and in the running game to not get back to the postseason as the defending champs.

3. Dillon Gabriel, QB – Oregon

Gabriel is integral to the playoff run for Oregon as he has to replace Bo Nix. Now granted, the latter didn’t make the CFP last year, but his production suggested so.

Going into 2024, Gabriel playing at a high level probably means Oregon competes for or wins the Big Ten and gets a high seed in the bracket. Without him, it’ll be near-catastrophe for Oregon.

4. Jalen Milroe, QB – Alabama

Milroe led Alabama to the College Football Playoff last season after winning the SEC with the Crimson Tide. He’s the biggest key to doing so again, this time under Kalen DeBoer.

The personnel is a little different, but Milroe could develop further under the offensive-savvy DeBoer. Alabama is still in the hunt for the best team in the country.

5. Drew Allar, QB – Penn State

Allar has a lot of expectations and he’ll have to match or exceed them to get Penn State to the playoff. The Nittany Lions are set up to make the 12-team bracket, now that there’s more wiggle room.

But it’s a lot of pressure on the former heralded prospect. Allar could be average and be the reason why Penn State misses the playoff. Or, he can take the next step and show why he was sought after as a recruit.

6. Jaxson Dart, QB – Ole Miss

Dart has gotten steadily better at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin. Now the next step is Ole Miss making the playoff in 2024.

Dart has weapons, he has the skill and he has the moxie. He was a top 20 QB in total QBR, per ESPN. Rebel fans would like more of that this fall.

7. Garrett Nussmeier, QB – LSU

Another quarterback on the list and we’ll head down to LSU to see if the Tigers make the playoff this season. Jayden Daniels was close, but Nussmeier will have to lead the charge now.

He’s been a well respected signal caller, biding his time to start. Now that he’s developed, he’ll have to prove it in a pivotal year for Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge.

8. Cam Ward, QB – Miami

Ward was another big named QB to change teams, going from the west to east coast. The new Hurricanes quarterback is a tantalizing athlete that could certainly give Miami an upgrade as a transfer and lead them to the playoff.

In two years at Wazzu, Ward threw for 48 touchdowns and just 16 interceptions in two seasons. This is the boost Miami needed to compete for the ACC.

9. Donovan Edwards, RB – Michigan

This is the second Michigan player to appear on this list. Edwards takes over full time for Blake Corum at running back.

And while Edwards won a title and has been to the playoff multiple times, he’s more integral than ever. Granted, Orji was already named on this list, but Edwards might be the biggest cog in the machine.

10. Kobe Prentice, WR – Alabama

You want to talk about offensive weapons for Milroe? Prentice is expected to be the biggest. He’ll have to replace the production of an outgoing Isaiah Bond.

With Bond off to Texas, Prentice is the headliner of a relatively inexperienced Crimson Tide receiving corps. But if he hits the gas, he could certainly help Alabama to the College Football Playoff.

Top 25 players to determine College Football Playoff race

11. Carnell Tate/Jeremiah Smith, WRs – Ohio State
12. Dillon Bell, WR – Georgia
13. Walter Nolen, DT – Ole Miss
14. Isaiah Bond/Silas Bolden, WRs – Texas
15. Domani Jackson/DaShawn Jones, CBs – Alabama
16. Jamaree Caldwell, DT – Oregon
17. Parker Brailsford, C – Alabama
18. Quinshon Judkins, RB – Ohio State
19. Graham Mertz, QB – Florida
20. Miller Moss, QB – USC
21. Haynes King, QB – Georgia Tech
22. Luther Burden, WR – Missouri
23. James Pearce, DE – Tennessee
24. Mason Graham, DT – Michigan
25. Travis Hunter, WR/CB – Colorado

These players will make or break their team’s playoff chances and have ripple effects throughout college football. Who will step up and make the most plays?