College Football's Most Exciting Players for the 2022 Season

Outside of supporting your favorite team, pure entertainment is one of the biggest reasons to watch college football.

And sometimes, it's all about an individual.

Not every player highlighted is considered "elite" nationally. However, they all are flat-out entertaining.

Considering the Football Bowl Subdivision has 131 teams, there are many, many more exciting players to watch. These talents, though, top a personal list of must-watch players.

Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 04: Deuce Vaughn #22 of the Kansas State Wildcats rushes during the second half of the TaxAct Texas Bowl against the LSU Tigers at NRG Stadium on January 04, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

To say Deuce Vaughn is a hidden gem would be disrespectful, given he landed first-team AP All-American recognition last year. However, he doesn't always land the attention of other top-tier backs because Kansas State isn't as prestigious as, say, Ohio State or Texas.

But he's certainly earned the spotlight.

Vaughn registered 1,221 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns in 2020. He exploded for 1,872 yards—with 49 receptions, a top-five mark at his position—and 22 scores last season.

Listed at 5'6" and 176 pounds, Vaughn will always be connected to his stature. His production tells a more important story, though.

Micah Bernard, RB, Utah

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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Micah Bernard #2 of the Utah Utes catches a touchdown pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first quarter in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

So far, Micah Bernard's appeal has been in efficiency.

After contributing on special teams for two years, he served as Utah's third-string back in 2021. He rushed for 529 yards on 6.1 per attempt while handling 87 carries to Tavion Thomas' 204 and TJ Pledger's 104. Bernard added 26 receptions for 251 yards and totaled four touchdowns.

This season, he should have a larger role after Pledger headed to the NFL. The increased volume may give Bernard a chance to have a true breakout year—perhaps even doubling his numbers.

And still, that would be as a backup. He's an immensely valuable piece for the Utes.

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

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OCTOBER 16: University of Texas Long Horns running back Bijan Robinson runs the ball during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on October 16, 2021, at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Bijan Robinson was the bright spot in a bad situation.

Last season, Texas endured a well-covered collapse with six consecutive losses after a 4-1 start. Nevertheless, the second-year back put together a breakout campaign and ranked seventh in the FBS with 142.2 scrimmage yards per outing.

Robinson—who even missed two games—scampered for 1,127 yards, reeled in 26 passes for 295 yards and totaled 15 touchdowns. He broke 79 tackles along the way, per PFF.

In all likelihood, 2022 will be the final season Robinson spends in Austin. NFL teams are undoubtedly coveting his explosiveness and versatility.

Johnny Richardson, RB, UCF

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ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 09: UCF Knights running back Johnny Richardson (25) runs the ball for 49 yards during the football game between the UCF Knights and East Carolina on October 9th, 2022 at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

He didn't have a huge workload in 2021, but Johnny Richardson was impressive in those limited opportunities.

Among players with at least 100 carries, he paced the FBS at 7.1 yards per run. Richardson scampered for 733 yards and three touchdowns as either the starter in place of Isaiah Bowser or his primary backup.

For good measure, Richardson nabbed 25 receptions for 226 yards and averaged 20.1 yards on 15 kick returns.

Richardson, who checks in at 5'7" and 170 pounds, also fits the profile of below-typical stature and it just not mattering.

Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville

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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - SEPTEMBER 17: Malik Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals throws a pass against the UCF Knights at Cardinal Stadium on September 17, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Malik Cunningham is one of two quarterbacks in FBS history to pass for 300 yards and run for 200 in a game.

If that doesn't meet the "exciting player" criteria, no worries. We've got plenty more numbers.

Cunningham was the only QB to surpass 1,000 rushing yards last season, ending the season with 1,034. He ran in 20 touchdowns, trailing only three players in the country.

Oh, and he threw for 2,941 yards with 19 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Cunningham held a top-20 mark in the country at 8.7 yards per pass attempt, tying big-name players Kenny Pickett and Matt Corral.

Louisville has much to improve as a team, but Cunningham ensures the offense can be dynamic.

DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB

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SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 18: DeWayne McBride #22 of the UAB Blazers runs the ball for a touchdown during a game against the BYU Cougars during the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Blazers defeated the Cougars 31-28. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

If a running back averages five yards per carry, that would safely be considered a quality year. DeWayne McBride has taken the stat to a different level.

Since his debut in 2020, according to Pro Football Focus, he's notched 5.2 yards after contact per attempt.

As at true freshman, McBride rushed for 439 yards and four touchdowns while backing up Spencer Brown. Last year, he registered 1,371 yards—the 13th-most in the FBS—and 13 scores.

Few running backs are more consistently powerful than McBride.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 30: TreVeyon Henderson #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball past Ji'Ayir Brown #16 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half of their game at Ohio Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

TreVeyon Henderson headed to Ohio State with major expectations, yet he immediately surpassed them.

As a true freshman, the 5-star prospect jumped past 2020 starter Master Teague III and earned the featured role. Henderson scored in his first eight games and finished in the top 10 nationally with 19 touchdowns.

For the season, he rushed for 1,255 yards and caught 27 passes for 312 yards. Henderson forced 50 missed tackles, per Pro Football Focus.

By the time he leaves Ohio State for the NFL, Henderson will likely have been an All-American selection.