Kirk Herbstreit ranks top seven players of college football Week 5

Week 5 of the college football season was a massive one for the sport, producing multiple entertaining games. The stars were certainly shining too, with some big-named players rising to the occasion.

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit named his top players of the week, giving out eight names in seven spots. Three came from the thrilled the color commentator called in Tuscaloosa as the two offenses dazzled at different times.

A lot of offensive talent is highlighted as well, with four quarterbacks making the cut. Just one true defensive player is mentioned by Herbstreit.

Here are the seven names that impressed Herbstreit the most in Week 5 of the college football season.

1. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe/Alabama WR Ryan Williams

In what could have been a complete collapse from Alabama, Milroe and Williams saved the day with just over two minutes to go. On the first play of the drive, Milroe hit his freshman 17-year-old wide receiver down the sideline before Williams pulled off some magic for the go-ahead touchdown.

Folks inside Bryant-Denny Stadium will remember what they witnessed for quite some time. Considering the occasion, a legendary moment and performance from the Alabama duo.

2. Georgia QB Carson Beck

At halftime, never would you have expected Beck to end up at No. 2 on Herbstreit’s list. But his second-half performance was an incredible one — even with a couple of turnovers in there.

Beck finished with 439 yards and three touchdowns, almost leading Georgia to a historic comeback. Even during the broadcast, Herbstreit was singing the praised of the Bulldogs’ quarterback.

3. UNLV QB Hajj-Malik Williams

UNLV spent the entire week in the headlines and not for the good reasons. Head coach Barry Odom saw his starting quarterback leave the program and turned to Williams in a dire situation.

The entire team rallied around Williams and got a victory, bringing the Rebels to 4-0. A push to represent the G5 in the College Football Playoff will come from Las Vegas and Williams appears to be the new leader.

4. Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty

A truly special season is brewing for Jeanty, already nearing 1,000 rushing yards after just four games. His latest performance was against Washington State, going for 259 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries.

People like Herbstreit are taking notice, placing him at No. 4. Four of the five experts from On3 had him on the Heisman Trophy watch list heading into Week 6, with Jesse Simonton placing him in the top spot.

5. Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter

Speaking of Heisman Trophy, Hunter continues to impress — and then some — for Colorado. His play at both cornerback and wide receiver has been top-notch with Colorado enjoying the results with a big win over UCF.

Hunter caught nine passes for 89 yards and a touchdown on Saturday while also recording two tackles, one PBU, and an interception. Another spectacular performance from the two-way star.

6. Texas QB Arch Manning

Manning his second and potential final start of the 2024 season against Mississippi State, the SEC opener for Texas. While Steve Sarkisian will want a better overall offensive performance, Manning still looked quite good.

All but five of 31 throws from Manning were completed, going for 324 yards and two touchdowns. DeAndre Moore was on the receiving end of both scores as Manning continued to show his gunslinger mentality.

7. Oklahoma LB Kip Lewis

Oklahoma looked dead in the water against Auburn, in danger of falling to 0-2 in SEC play. Lewis then stepped in front of a Payton Thorne throw and returned it for a pick-six, giving the Sooners the lead.

Without the heroics from Lewis, Oklahoma would be in a bad spot heading into the Red River Shootout. Instead, they pick up a huge win and much-needed confidence moving forward.