Back in 2021, my bosses at CBS Sports approached me with the idea to create a set of rankings similar to our own Pete Prisco’s Better-Than Team, focusing on college football players I liked more than the average analyst or fan entering the season. We put together a list of 20 players — after all, I wore No. 20 with the Pittsburgh Steelers — highlighting guys you needed to watch beyond the more notable names on Preseason All-America teams and early NFL Draft boards.
We took a few years off after that, getting caught up in the whirlwind of training camps and life on the road. But looking back, some of the hits from that list, like Michael Penix becoming an NFL first-round pick and the rise of Trent McDuffie, reminded us of just how much fun this project was. Inspired by those successes, we decided it was time to reconvene and do it again. This time, we’re bringing in 247Sports’ scoop extraordinaire Matt Zenitz to help mine for players. Zenitz already named some underrated draft prospects on either side of the ball (offense here, defense there).
The rules are simple: we’re choosing only draft-eligible players (so we can check our work next spring) who are not projected first-round picks. Travis Hunter is certainly not making this list.
After calling coaches and contacts across the country and watching so much film that my eyes hurt, I’ve whittled down my Need-to-Know 20 for the upcoming college football season. I even ranked them in order of just how good I feel about these guys. Check ’em out below.
Donovan Smith, QB, Houston
CJ Stroud isn’t the only big-time quarterback in Houston. Give Donovan Smith a seat at the table. He’s a dual-threat guy with a strong arm and pinpoint accuracy, finishing third in the Big 12 in completion percentage in 2023. Circle Week 2 for Donovan vs. Oklahoma; it’s a great opportunity for him to showcase his pro potential.
Byrum Brown, QB, South Florida
Byrum is a junior, but he’s already sparked the interest of some NFL scouts. The 2023 season was an appetizer-like year for Byrum, but this year he’s ready to serve the main dish. Byrum does a great job seeing the field, and he’s really improved on his anticipatory throws. In his last five games in 2023, he threw 14 touchdowns. Brown could go pro after this season, or he could stay in USF for the light-it-up Bulls … or he may even find himself as one of the most attractive possible transfer options in all of college football.
Jaydn Ott, RB, Cal
When I was in the league, Cal was known for running backs: J.J. Arrington, Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett, Jahvid Best. There’s another great one in Berkeley now. “Patient” should be Jaydn’s nickname. He allows the running lanes to develop before hitting the “X” button. He’s a one-cut runner with the field vision of a 10-year pro. With over 1,200 yards rushing last season in the Pac-12, buckle up, ACC.
Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
One of the fastest players on the roster, Jaydon is the Chris Johnson for the Longhorns offense — and I know Texas fans remember CJ2K running wild next to their guy Vince Young on the Tennessee Titans. With the unfortunate injury to CJ Baxter, Jaydon will get more opportunities, which means opposing defenses better pack their track spikes.
Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech will have a few draftable players on the team this year, and Jaylin is the top guy. The first thing you notice about Jaylin’s game is his speed and quickness. He’s a sure-handed catcher and has the yards-after-catch ability like former Hokie great Eddie Royal.
Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
Jalen is one of the smoothest wide receivers in college football. His cruise control is most defensive backs’ top speed, which allows Jalen to consistently get behind them in coverage. Jalen doesn’t just shine between the 20s; his 15 receiving touchdowns in 2023 tell you he knows how to get the ball in the end zone.
Dillon Bell, WR, Georgia
Dillon hasn’t put up huge numbers, but 2024 is his year. Arguably the fastest wide receiver in Athens, with his savvy route-running ability, Dillon is primed to produce video game-like numbers this year. Carson Beck, make sure your arm is warm.
Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Tory plays much bigger than his measurables. He has gotten better every year. He does a great job tracking the football and knows how to manipulate his body to create separation against defenders. Week 3 vs. Colorado will be must-see TV for Tory vs. Travis Hunter. And with a game at Texas to begin the season, you know NFL scouts will be very familiar with Horton’s game by October.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The latest Penn State NFL-like tight end, and trust me, Tyler won’t disappoint. He has great size, soft hands, and a high football IQ. I love Tyler’s ability to get into the end zone. Happy Valley will be very happy watching Tyler this year.
Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
Every time I watch Aireontae’s tape, he plays mad. He takes pride in protecting his quarterback, allowing only two sacks in over 1,600 snaps the last two seasons. College football fans across the country need to know his name!
Jaeden Roberts, OL, Alabama
I don’t know if there’s another offensive lineman who has developed more than Jaeden since last season. He’s worked his way into being one of the top guys on the line this year. Trying to figure out which part of Jaeden’s game (run or pass blocking) you like the most is like trying to decide which kid you love the most — you just can’t pick one.
Jah Joyner, DE, Minnesota
Minnesota has done a great job developing pros, and Jah is up next. I love Jah’s motor and his effort. He has a natural bend to get around tackles and a quick first step that allows him to get off the ball quickly. If Jah puts together a solid year, he’s going to be a very rich man.
Darrell Jackson, DL, Florida State
Darrell might be the most physically imposing defensive tackle in college football. At 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, he has defensive back quickness and plays with violent hands. He could be the next great FSU defensive tackle. Darrell’s game reminds me of Albert Haynesworth.
Yahya Black, DL, Iowa
Yahya may not blow you away with gaudy numbers, but when you watch him play, he stands out because he makes everyone else’s job easy. He does a great job preventing linemen from getting to the second level, and his hands might be the strongest among any interior lineman in college football.
Lander Barton, LB, Utah
Former two-sport star Lander Barton is one of the most athletic linebackers in the country. He has the rare combination of an edge rusher’s size with the quickness of a smaller player. I expect a Jack Campbell-like impact for the Utes’ defense this year.
Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
The first thing that jumps out about Shavon is his arm length, which is important when playing press technique. He’s scrappy at the line of scrimmage, and in coverage, he does a great job mirroring the wide receiver. He plays what I call “the mother-in-law” defense, which is a nagging defense for opposing receivers. Revel reportedly turned down six-figure offers to stay at East Carolina. I admire the loyalty.
Quincy Riley, DB, Louisville
Louisville’s defensive staff is very high on Quincy this year, and I see why. He has the ideal size for a cornerback, with “typewriter” feet that are always moving and fluid hips. He played in the shadow of Jarvis Brownlee last year, but in 2024, this will be Quincy’s show. Get your popcorn ready.
Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
A prototypical cornerback, Azareye has outstanding feet. He’s super lengthy with top-end speed, and he loves participating in run support. He changed his number to 8 for 2024, and the last time I checked, the last few cornerbacks that wore No. 8 at Florida State all got drafted.
Kevin Winston Jr., DB, Penn State
KJ Winston, where do I start? When I watch KJ on film, there’s so much to like about his game. He’s a great tackler, with excellent instincts and burst that allows him to go from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye. KJ reminds me of a taller Bob Sanders.
Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
Billy’s best friend has to be Wilson because the football always finds him. Over the last two seasons, he has eight interceptions and three touchdowns. But he’s not just a turnover machine; he loves getting dirty in run support, too. He is the Antoine Winfield Jr. for Oklahoma’s defense.
