College Football Power Rankings: The 50 Best Players of the 2000s

Sports—and college football in general—are the best to follow because you can rank the elite of the elite.

These lists are never easy and they will always be subjective. Feel free to list who you love and hate on this list.

Without further ado, here are your top 50 players during the 2000s.

Note: This is only from 2000-2009 so greats such as Cam Newton, Kellen Moore or Peter Warrick would not be included

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No. 50 Carlos Rogers, Auburn, DB

This stud defensive back led Auburn on defense to a 13-0 season. He also won the Thorpe Award and was a finalist for the Nagurski Award.

No. 49 Eric Crouch, Nebraska, QB and Ken Dorsey, Miami FL, QB

Any quarterback who can win as much as Ken Dorsey will find a way to crack my list.

Dorsey wasn’t the most talented player during the 2000s, but he cracked the top 10 of the Heisman twice and ended up with a BCS title and a career record of 38-2!

Eric Crouch certainly deserves to be on this list for having won the 2001 Heisman on top of leading the Huskers to a 33-5 record.

No. 48 Brandon Spikes, Florida, LB

The two-time SEC and BCS champ also was a consensus All-American twice.

The linebacker was everywhere on the field at times and was vital in the Gators domination of college football under Urban Meyer.

No. 47 Mike Williams, WR, Southern California

“BMW” was Matt Leinart’s main guy in the red zone and the results did not disappoint.

Mike Williams had 30 touchdowns in just two seasons and was a consensus All-American in 2003 (he also holds the Pac-10 record for most WR TDs—16).

No. 46 Sean Taylor, Miami FL, DB

The Canes were arguably one of the top three dynasties per se in college football during the 2000s and he was a freshman backup safety on arguably the greatest team ever in 2001.

Taylor was a consensus All-American in 2003 and ended up being selected fifth overall by the Redskins.

No. 45 Cedric Benson, Texas, RB

Cedric Benson was as consistent of a back as you will see in the Big 12. As a guy who found paydirt 67 times in his four-year career and over 5,500 yards, Benson was too good to take a pass on this list.

No. 44 Brady Quinn, Notre Dame, QB

Tied for the most wins in school history is impressive, but breaking 36 different records while in South Bend is flat out absurd.

Maybe he never had a virtuoso performance in January, but his team was not up to par with the elite in college football. Brady Quinn still ranks in the top 10 in the history of the FBS in both passing yards (11,762) and passing touchdowns (95).

No. 43 Colt Brennan, Hawaii, QB

Throwing for the most touchdowns in a single season (58) and leading your underdog team to a perfect regular season and eventual BCS bowl is spectacular regardless of the system.

No. 42 Pat White, West Virginia, QB

Finishing in the top 10 of the Heisman twice is not too difficult, but leading your team to a pair of BCS victories is. White also has the current record for most total touchdowns in Big East history (103), and his 4,480 rushing yards are the most ever in FBS history.

No. 41 Paul Posluszny, Penn State, LB

Linebacker U was led by Paul Posluszny and his two All-Americans and Bednarik awards were legit. He also led the Nittany Lions back to the national scene as they appeared in their first BCS bid in a decade. 

No. 40 Roy Williams, Oklahoma, DB

A Jim Thorpe and Bronko Nagurski winner in 2001, Roy Williams was a heavy-hitter for the Boomer Sooners. He was also a consensus All-American, which is rare to come by. 

No. 39 Mike Hart, Michigan, RB

Besides bringing Michigan to a 11-0 start before a tough loss to the Buckeyes, Mike Hart was the heart-and-soul for the program.

He finished fifth in the Heisman (2006), but he currently ranks atop Michigan’s all-time program record for career rushing yards (5,040).

No. 38 Patrick Willis, Ole Miss, LB

Playing for the Rebels may not seem like that big of a deal, but Patrick Willis was worth every dime of praise he received.

The two-time All-American and Butkus winner also was named to the First Team All-SEC twice. The guy has since been named to the All-Pro Team five times.

No. 37 Glenn Dorsey, LSU, DT

Mr. Dorsey became the first player in the game to ever win the Lombardi, Outland, Nagurski and Lott Trophy all in the same season.

Leading the Tigers to a BCS National Championship isn’t a bad thing to add to his accomplishments, either.

No. 36 Jason White, Oklahoma, QB

Jason White went bonkers with the Sooners as he won the Heisman in 2003 on top of appearing in two BCS titles before his illustrious career came to an end.  

No. 35 Eric Berry, Tennessee, DB

A consensus All-American safety in 2008 and 2009, Berry was as good of a safety as we saw during the 2000s.

No. 34 C.J. Spiller, Clemson, All-Purpose

C.J. Spiller currently has the most touchdowns for a kick returner (eight), but his 52 total touchdowns are not too shabby either.

Spiller is the current ACC career leader in all-purpose with 7,588 yards (second in FBS history).

He was also the first in ACC history with at least 1,000 yards rushing, 500 receiving in a season and he also broke the ACC record for all-purpose yards per game (191). The guy was machine and didn’t get nearly enough credit.

No. 33 Mark Ingram, Alabama, RB

Another sophomore Heisman winner (2009), Mark Ingram became the first ever Alabama player in its storied program to hoist the trophy.

Plus, he led Alabama to a BCS title...and the All-American was a big reason why.

No. 32 Kellen Winslow, Miami FL, TE

The two-time First Team All-American really was one of the best players in college football during his stay (2001-2003).

No. 31 Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech, WR

Calvin Johnson was a freak of nature as soon as he stepped foot on campus at Georgia Tech. Had he stayed an extra year and or received better quarterback play, Johnson would be even higher on the list.

Still, the 2006 Biletnikoff was enough hardware in itself (on top of filthy home run catches) to garner extra attention.

No. 30 Robert Gallery, Iowa, OT

The 2003 All-American and Outland winner was one of the best Hawkeyes to ever don the black and gold jersey. 

No. 29 A.J. Hawk, Ohio State, LB

A.J. Hawk was a stud linebacker for the Buckeyes as he never lost a bowl game and his defense ranked among the best in college football every season.

Hawk was another one of those two-time All-Americans, and team success certainly helps make his case.

No. 28 Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR

Winning the Biletnikoff in 2007 and 2008, Michael Crabtree’s dream moment occurred when he caught the game-winning touchdown against Texas in 2008.

It knocked out the Longhorns of a national title appearance and Crabtree gained a once in a lifetime moment.   

No. 27 Tommie Harris, Oklahoma, DT

A two-time All-American and Lombardi winner (2003) for the Sooners, Tommie Harris was a hog in the interior of the line. 

No. 26 Carson Palmer, Southern California, QB

His 2002 Heisman put the Trojans back on the national map. When Carson Palmer finished his career at USC, he was the all-time passing leader.

No. 25 Charles Rogers, Michigan State, WR

Winning the 2002 Biletnikoff by averaging 20.4 yards per career reception is staggering. Throw in 125 receptions for his career with 2,551 yards and 25 TDs, and this 2002 All-American will always have a spot on my list.

No. 24 LaDainian Tomlinson, Texas Christian University, RB

It was his senior season in 2000 where he nearly did it all. He finished fourth in the Heisman, won the Doak Walker and his record for rushing yards in a single game won’t be forgotten (406).

No. 23 Dan Morgan, Miami FL, LB

The superstar linebacker won nearly every award possible during his final season with the Canes. Morgan won the Butkus, Nagurski and Bednarik on top of being selected to the All-American team.

No. 22 Bryant McKinnie, Miami FL, OT

One of the better linemen during the 2000s, Bryant McKinnie was a consensus All-American in 2001 and also won the Jim Parker and Outland Trophy.

He was the main guy keeping Ken Dorsey clean as a whistle back in the pocket and he certainly earned his stripes.

No. 21 Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, QB

Throwing for 4,721 yards and 50 touchdowns during his redshirt sophomore season won him the Heisman, but he also got his team to the BCS title. Holding a few records isn’t bad in just three seasons either.

No. 20 Chris Weinke, Florida State, QB

Chris Weinke led them to a BCS title in 1999, but he wasn’t too shabby in the 2000s on account he won the Heisman in 2000.

Going 32-3 is seemingly impossible to accomplish these days, which makes you respect the former Seminoles.

No. 19 Braylon Edwards, Michigan, WR

The game against Sparty where he played like a god was something to never forget. Hauling in 11 passes for 189 yards and three TDs was a game for the ages, but Edwards made a name for himself by winning the Biletnikoff Award in 2004.

Oh, wait, he also currently leads the Wolverines in career receiving yards as well (3,541).

No. 18 Michael Vick, Virginia Tech, QB

As a redshirt freshman Mr. Vick led the Hokies to the BCS title and albeit it ended up being a loss to Florida State, Virginia Tech became a national powerhouse.

Michael Vick then left early for the NFL draft the following season and was selected No. 1 by the Atlanta Falcons. More importantly, the guy defied all odds and his game-breaking ability was incredible to witness.

No. 17 Troy Smith, Ohio State, QB

Totaling for 68 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions is amazing, but don’t forget his 2006 Heisman Trophy.

Arguably the greatest Buckeye signal-caller (at least most productive) should be on this list for bringing the Buckeyes to two straight BCS bowls (22-3 final two seasons). 

No. 16 Joe Thomas, Wisconsin, OT

This two-time All-American (Pro Football Weekly) was a stud in Madison as his Outland Trophy (2006) suggests that in itself.

Still, most will argue that he was easily the best lineman overall (easily in Big Ten) during the 2000s. 

No. 15 Ed Reed, Miami FL, DB

One of the greatest defensive backs in the history of football, Ed Reed was that superstar safety who put the Canes into the 2001 BCS title after bringing back an interception against Boston College.

The former Cane has the record for career interceptions, career interception yardage and pick sixes. 

No. 14 Julius Peppers, North Carolina, DE

A two-sport athlete for the Tar Heels, Julius Peppers is one of your studs who was an All-American on top of winning the Bednarik and Lombardi Awards. One of the most athletic linemen we have ever seen, Peppers brought it every Saturday.

No. 13 Jake Long, Michigan, OT

The two-time consensus All-American was also a two-time Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and he was the one Wolverine who carried this team.

People may remember Lamarr Woodley, Mike Hart or Chad Henne, but it was Long that put Lloyd Carr close to the top of the mountain.  

No. 12 Terrell Suggs, Arizona State, DE

"T Sizzle" was a freak in Tempe thanks to his relentless ability of coming after the passer.

Being selected to the All-American Team in 2002, he also won the Lombardi and Bronko Nagurski Award. Suggs was the 10th pick in the 2003 NFL draft and made his mark while terrorizing guys in the Pac-10.

No. 11 James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, LB

Another three-time All-American automatically puts him high on this list. Just because he wasn’t the most talented linebacker of all time should not cost him dearly.

He was as productive as it got with the Buckeyes, and still to this day remains the only player to ever win two Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards (in both coaches and media).

No. 10 David Pollack, Georgia, DE

This defensive end has a case for being the best defensive player during the 2000s thanks to being named as an All-American three times. It was during his senior season where he won the Chuck Bednarik Award as well as the Lombardi Award. 

No. 9 Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, DT

The most dominant defensive player is that boy named Suh. He became the first ever defensive player to win the AP Player of the Year (2009) and his relentless game in the Big 12 title against Texas may never be outdone (4.5 sacks). 

No. 8 Colt McCoy, Texas, QB

Before Kellen Moore broke the record for most wins (50), Colt McCoy was formerly the greatest winner (45) and the competition he faced was a bit tougher.

The kid was an amazing leader and was as consistent as it got. However, McCoy also set the record for the highest completion percentage at 76.7 percent (2008), which broke Daunte Culpepper’s record (73.6).

No. 7 Darren McFadden, Arkansas, RB

“Run DMC” pulled off many upsets in his day, though none better than dethroning the top-ranked Bayou Bengals on the road.

McFadden ran it 32 times for 206 yards in the upset, but it wasn’t just one game that made him. Darren McFadden was a two-time All-American and two-time Doak Walker Award winner, but he also finished in the Heisman twice.

No. 6 Reggie Bush, Southern California, RB

Many argue that Vince Young deserved the Heisman over Reggie Bush, but No. 5 was truly the most electrifying player in college football during the 2000s.

Everybody wanted to run as fast as Reggie because nobody could touch him in the open field, and though he baffled us with that lateral in the 2006 Rose Bowl against Texas, his memorable games will never be forgotten.

It was on November 19th, 2005 where he totaled for 513 yards of total offense against Fresno State in USC’s 50-42 victory.

Bush made real life seem like a video game at times, and though he had to give back his Heisman in 2005, the votes showed he was indeed the best in the country that season. 

No. 5 Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh, WR

“We’re all going to Fitz” was one of the many phrases that Larry Fitzgerald brought out of us, but the kid was easily the top wide receiver during the 2000s.

One of the greatest records for a receiver has to be his consecutive streak of 18 straight games with a touchdown.

No. 4 Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma, RB

Toting the rock 339 times for 1,925 yards as a freshman is borderline not human. “All Day” finished second in the Heisman that season (2004) and led his Sooners to a BCS title appearance.

Though he left as a junior like several of the players on this list, Peterson was as complete of a back as we have seen.

No. 3 Vince Young, Texas, QB

Talk about performing best when it matters most, Vince Young put together two of the best individual Rose Bowl games we have ever seen.

VY combined for 839 yards of offense in victories over Michigan and USC, but pulling off the upset over the Trojans was epic.

It was and still is arguably the greatest national championship game to ever be played, and on a critical fourth down (26 seconds left), Young scampered to paydirt to give the Longhorns the BCS National Championship. 

No. 2 Matt Leinart, Southern California, QB

Competing for three straight national titles (winning one outright, splitting another) while going 37-2 is something we may never see again, but the Trojans were as good as it got.

The savvy southpaw was always at his best during the biggest games and he will always be known for completing that pass to Dwayne Jarrett on a 4th-and-9.

It was the “Bush Push” game that he will be known for the most arguably, but he had several virtuoso performances in his illustrious career (he also won the Heisman in 2004). 

No. 1 Tim Tebow, Florida, QB

Arguably the most accomplished and decorated player in the history of college football, Tim Tebow was as good as it got in college and then some.

Becoming the first ever sophomore to win the Heisman was special on a four-loss squad, but his Gators won two BCS titles (one as backup).

The two-time All-American still holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in SEC history (57), which might be a record that does not get broken for quite some time.

Tebow wasn’t the most talented player we saw during the 2000s, but he was certainly the most inspirational and productive player on and off the gridiron.

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