ESPN releases Top 25 college football player rankings ahead of 2023 season

ESPN released its top 25 college football players entering the 2023 season, regardless of position.

Coming in at No. 1 was the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams. The USC quarterback has the best argument simply because he won the sport’s top award. But don’t discount some other top players near that top spot.

Below are ESPN’s top 25 players entering the 2023 college football season.

1. Caleb Williams, QB – USC

It’s pretty easy to put this man at the top spot going into the season. Williams won last year’s Heisman Trophy and could become only the second player to win a second award this year, he’s that good.

A projected No. 1 overall pick, Williams could pilot USC to a Pac-12 title and its first College Football Playoff victory. An easy choice for No. 1 player in the country going into the season.

2. Brock Bowers, TE – Georgia

Although this man has an argument to be the top player in college football. Bowers could’ve went to the NFL last year if the rules allowed.

This is as dominant of a tight end as we’ve seen in recent memory in the sport. Everyone wants to make Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce comparisons. No, he’s Brock Bowers. One of the most dangerous weapons in the game.

3. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Ohio State

Speaking of dangerous weapons, Harrison Jr. claims the top wide receiver spot per ESPN. The Buckeyes star broke out last season and if it weren’t for a concussion in last year’s playoff, Ohio State might’ve beaten Georgia.

No matter. Harrison Jr. will be key to the Buckeyes’ Big Ten and CFP hopes in 2023. He has an argument for the No. 1 pick next year if it’s not a quarterback needy team.

4. Harold Perkins, LB – LSU

Boy this kid is dominant and LSU gets him in 2024 as well. The sophomore defender is the best linebacker in college football after a breakout freshman campaign.

He’s the best player on an SEC contender, so you automatically have to assume he’s pretty darn good. Perkins can change the game with his pass rusher and don’t underestimate his ability to plug holes in the run game or have blanket pass coverage.

5. Drake Maye, QB – North Carolina

Maye might not be getting talked about enough compared to Williams. Last year, immediately after Sam Howell lit it up for three years, Maye showed why he was a highly touted recruit.

There’s a lot of chatter about Clemson and Florida State, but don’t forget about UNC, simply because they have Maye under center. It should be another fantastic season before he goes to the NFL Draft.

6. Michael Penix Jr., QB – Washington

Penix Jr.’s redemption story is awesome. In the shortened 2020 season, he was the reason why Indiana, probably, should’ve went to the Big Ten Championship Game. It wasn’t the same in 2021.

But once he transferred to Washington and Kalen Deboer got a hold of him, he turned Washington into a contender. He tossed 21 touchdowns and elected to return to school. The Huskies are a Pac-12 contender with him.

7. Blake Corum, RB – Michigan

Corum could’ve went to the NFL as well, but an injury at the end of the season changed things. The top RB at Michigan elected to return to school.

But he’s the best running back in college football, if you don’t want to argue his teammate Donovan Edwards (who made this list). Corum should aid Michigan’s quest to a national title in 2023.

8. Jordan Travis, QB – Florida State

Travis is a dark horse Heisman Trophy contender this season after finally breaking out last season. Florida State is in the running for an ACC title, thus a CFP spot as well.

He’s got two fantastic playmakers at WR such as Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman. Don’t forget about Trey Benson in the backfield. If Travis takes advantage of that, he could climb high up the list.

9. Jared Verse, DL – Florida State

Two Florida State players within the top 10? You read that right. Verse is a dominant force in the trenches. He only started at the FBS level last season after transferring from Albany.

Safe to say, a lot of big schools missed on this man. He had nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2022, so expect that number to go up and up and up this year.

10. Mykel Williams, EDGE – Georgia

Georgia consistently produces top tier defensive line talent and Williams is no exception. As a freshman, he contributed to Georgia’s second straight national title.

He had a team-leading 31 quarterback hurries and if his development continues, this will be the latest in a factory production of NFL defensive linemen from Athens. Hence his top 10 ranking going into the fall.

Rest of ESPN’s Top 25 players

11. Joe Alt, OL – Notre Dame
12. Kool-Aid McKinstry, DB – Alabama
13. Emeka Egbuka, WR – Ohio State
14. Bo Nix, QB – Oregon
15. Jayden Daniels, QB – LSU
16. Olu Fashanu, OL – Penn State
17. Donovan Edwards, RB – Michigan
18. Raheim Sanders, RB – Arkansas
19. Zak Zinter, OL – Michigan
20. Rome Odunze, WR – Washington
21. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB – Clemson
22. Quinshon Judkins, RB – Ole Miss
23. Cameron Rising, QB – Utah
24. Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB – Georgia
25. Sam Hartman, QB – Notre Dame

This list is, of course, subject to change as the season rolls on. But, ESPN pointed out 25 players that should be watched immediately for how well they played last year and that production should translate in 2023.