Best College Football Player in Every State
One of the great things about college football in America is its near-universal appeal. From Seattle to Miami, Phoenix to New York City, Americans are invested in college football, whether they’re watching it in a raucous SEC stadium, a scenic Pac-12 venue or a bucolic Ivy League campus.
Forty-eight states boast FBS and/or FCS football teams, with Alaska and Vermont the only exceptions. We took a look at the college football landscape and made an attempt to pick the best college football player from each state. Players were chosen for their statistical and real-life impact on their programs, and stats were taken from ESPN.com and schools’ official sites (for defensive stats). Players were picked according to their college, not their hometown.
We’re sure you’ll have disagreements, but there’s no doubt that college football is a truly American game.
Alabama
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The state of Alabama loves its football from Huntsville to Mobile, Auburn to Tuscaloosa. The Yellowhammer State is always full of talented players at Alabama, Auburn and elsewhere. This fall, Alabama is clearly the best team in the state, with a 10-1 record and No. 2 nationally entering Saturday’s Iron Bowl showdown with Auburn.
While the Crimson Tide’s roster is loaded, one of the biggest factors in its strong 2015 has been junior tailback Derrick Henry. In his first (and perhaps) only season as Alabama’s lead back, Henry has been excellent. He has 1,526 yards and 21 touchdowns on the season and is a leading Heisman Trophy candidate.
He rushed for 200-plus yards three times in a four-game span against Texas A&M, Tennessee, LSU and Mississippi State, vaulting him into the forefront of the Heisman Trophy race. Henry stands 6’3”, 242 pounds and runs with power and speed. It'll be on display into the month of January in an Alabama uniform.
Arizona
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Let’s be honest. This hasn’t been Scooby Wright’s year. Last year, Wright put together one of the most impressive defensive seasons in NCAA history. He had 163 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and six forced fumbles. He won three awards given to the nation’s top defender—the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Lombardi Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award.
But Wright has enjoyed some horrible injury luck. He suffered a torn meniscus in Arizona’s opener, and after sitting for over a month suffered a sprained foot and hasn’t played since. Wright could possibly play in Arizona’s bowl game, but if he doesn’t he’ll have played about five quarters this season.
Still, when Wright is right, he’s a sight to behold, making plays from sideline to sideline. It’s clear that, when he’s healthy, he’s the best player within Arizona’s borders.
Arkansas
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Under Bret Bielema’s watch, Arkansas has been known for its power run game, and that run game is a big reason why the Razorbacks are bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season. Tailback Alex Collins has over 1,200 yards rushing. But while fellow standout back Jonathan Williams missed this season with a foot injury, the Hogs have picked up the slack through the air.
Senior quarterback Brandon Allen has consistently improved in his three seasons as a starter, and his final collegiate season is his best yet. Allen has thrown for 3,023 yards with 29 touchdowns against six interceptions, establishing career highs in both touchdowns and yardage.
He has three games of 400-plus passing yards this season, and while two have come in defeat, he has more than proved his worth to Bielema’s bunch.
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California
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It can be easy to overlook California football. Some of the Golden State’s best games are played long after the eastern half of the country has gone to bed or otherwise finished its college football day, making standout performances easy to miss.
But if you’re missing Stanford sophomore tailback Christian McCaffrey, you’re really missing out. The son of former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey, Christian has enjoyed a breakout season as one of the best players in college football.
McCaffrey leads the nation in all-purpose yards. He has 1,546 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, as well as 34 receptions for 416 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Stanford has benefited; the Cardinal is 9-2 and clinched a spot in the Pac-12 title game with a 35-22 win over rival Cal on Saturday.
It was his best performance. McCaffrey rolled up a Stanford single-game record 389 all-purpose yards with 29 carries for 192 yards, a 49-yard touchdown reception and a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown.
If he doesn’t at least make it to New York for the Heisman ceremony, voters simply aren’t paying attention.
Colorado
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Colorado State has slipped a bit in coach Mike Bobo’s first season, but as the regular season wraps up, the Rams are bowl-eligible at 6-5. Former coach Jim McElwain left Bobo a huge prize in junior receiver Rashard Higgins.
Without Garrett Grayson on hand, Higgins’ stats have slipped a bit from 2014, when he had 96 receptions for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has 65 receptions for 909 yards and eight touchdowns this fall, and also missed a game with injury. Higgins is a fast, explosive, prolific receiver.
Higgins has five 100-yard receiving games this season, and has 242 receiving yards and three scores in his last two games against UNLV and New Mexico. He’ll look to finish up strong against Fresno State on Saturday night.
Connecticut
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UConn has taken a big step forward in Bob Diaco’s second season. The Huskies’ 20-17 upset of unbeaten Houston was the program’s sixth win this season, ensuring a bowl bid. UConn’s offense has struggled at times but couldn’t have survived without tailback Arkeel Newsome.
Newsome is a versatile, talented all-around player. He has 759 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground, and his 38 receptions for 426 yards and two touchdowns rank second on UConn’s roster. He leads the American Athletic Conference in all-purpose yards and ranks No. 16 nationally in the category. The Huskies are headed to a low-level bowl game, but Newsome will be worth seeking the game out.
Delaware
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Delaware is a small state, but Delaware has a historically strong FCS program, boasting Joe Flacco, among others, as an alumnus. The Blue Hens were 4-7 this season but have a strong young tailback in Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson was elevated to the starting role following a pair of early-season injuries, and finished with 890 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, averaging five yards per carry. It was the second-highest rushing total in Delaware history, and he earned co-offensive rookie of the year honors in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Florida
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This season has been one of transition for Florida State’s offense. The Seminoles lost top overall NFL draft pick Jameis Winston, four starting offensive linemen, all-time leading receiver Rashad Greene and rugged tight end Nick O’ Leary. But the Noles still have Dalvin Cook, and that’s helped them get by and then some this fall.
The sophomore tailback has developed into a star. He has enjoyed an excellent sophomore season, with seven games of at least 100 yards rushing and a pair of 200-yard games, and has 1,475 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns as well as 19 receptions for 207 yards and a touchdown.
Cook is a strong candidate to become a Heisman Trophy finalist, and his speed and power should scare any defense he faces. He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and the most amazing part is that he’s been hampered with hamstring and ankle injuries. Imagine what he could do if he was fully healthy.
Georgia
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Georgia is 8-3 entering its regular-season finale against Georgia Tech, but a lingering feeling of disappointment hangs over the program, especially since the Bulldogs won’t make the SEC title game again this season. The Dawgs’ season turned in early October with losses to Alabama and Tennessee, and it’s no surprise that the offense has struggled since the loss of sophomore tailback Nick Chubb to a season-ending knee injury.
Chubb burst into the spotlight last fall with a 1,547-yard, 14-touchdown effort, and he was on pace for even bigger things in 2015 with 745 yards and seven scores through five games. But he suffered the injury on his first carry against Tennessee, ending his season.
If Chubb returns healthy next fall, it’ll give the Bulldogs’ attack some serious bite, which it currently lacks.
Hawaii
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Hawaii is one of college football’s toughest jobs, and 2015 has shown the Rainbow Warriors’ fans why. Entering Saturday’s season finale against Louisiana-Monroe, Hawaii is 2-10 and coach Norm Chow has been fired.
One bright spot? Junior tailback Paul Harris. Harris has 966 yards rushing and five touchdowns. He has five 100-yard rushing games and is finishing the season strong, with 100-plus yard efforts in each of his last three games, including a career-high 190-yard effort in a loss to UNLV.
Idaho
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2015 has been a bit of a step back for Boise State. Following 2014’s Fiesta Bowl win, the Broncos are 7-4 and won’t make the Mountain West title game this season. However, the Broncs’ offense has been solid, even with new quarterback Brett Rypien stepping in following a season-ending injury to expected starter Ryan Finley.
Rypien’s favorite target has been receiver Thomas Sperbeck. Sperbeck has 76 receptions for 1,289 yards and eight touchdowns. He had an incredible 20 receptions for 281 yards and no touchdowns in a loss to New Mexico. The 6’0”, 175-pound receiver will be a key piece of the Broncos’ passing attack next fall as well.
Illinois
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Northwestern’s charge from back-to-back 5-7 seasons to a 9-2 record entering this week’s regular-season finale against Illinois is impressive, and the Wildcats have their defense to thank. Northwestern is allowing 16.6 points per game, No. 9 nationally, and has boasted a nasty front, except for giving up a total of 78 points in losses to Iowa and Michigan.
The leader of that defense? Sophomore linebacker Anthony Walker. Walker has been all over the field. He has 99 tackles (16 for loss), four pass breakups, two sacks and an interception. Without his play, the Cats wouldn’t be nearly as fearsome on D and certainly wouldn’t be as impressive overall.
Indiana
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Notre Dame has been significantly improved this fall, and the Fighting Irish find themselves right in the hunt for the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame is No. 6 in the latest CFP Top 25, with a 10-1 record and its only defeat a 24-22 setback at No.1 Clemson.
The Irish’s defense has been very impressive, and a key building block has been linebacker Jaylon Smith. Smith has made plays all over the field with excellent athleticism and instincts, making 98 tackles (eight for loss) as well as five pass breakups, a forced fumble and a sack.
Smith will be an attractive commodity to the NFL, but first he’d love to help Notre Dame win a national title.
Iowa
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Who expected the season that Iowa has put together in 2015? Quite frankly, no one outside the Hawkeyes’ training facility. Following a lackluster 7-6 campaign, Iowa is 11-0, the Big Ten West champion and in position to make the College Football Playoff if it can beat Nebraska and win the Big Ten title game.
The Hawks have won with a great run game and strong defense. That defense has been keyed by junior cornerback Desmond King. King has eight interceptions (tied for the national lead) as well as 54 tackles and 18 pass breakups. He is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back, and has made contributions all over the field on both defense and special teams. If the Hawkeyes wind up as kings of college football, they’ll have a King to thank.
Kansas
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It’s been a tough season for Bill Snyder and Kansas State. The Wildcats needed a stunning late comeback to edge Iowa State 38-35, ending Paul Rhoads’ ISU career in the process. That was K-State’s first Big 12 win this season, but with games against lowly Kansas and West Virginia left, the 4-6 Cats can still get bowl-eligible.
Junior quarterback Joe Hubener has done admirable work learning on the job this season. The dual-threat quarterback has 1,619 yards passing with nine touchdowns against seven interceptions, as well as 510 rushing yards (second-best on K-State’s roster) and 11 rushing touchdowns (best on the roster). Hubener has shown potential and can help the Cats build on this season.
Kentucky
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Western Kentucky doesn’t get on national TV often, and that’s a shame. National viewers deserve to see more of Hilltopper senior quarterback Brandon Doughty. Doughty is one of the nation’s most prolific passers. He has 3,814 passing yards with 38 touchdowns against six interceptions.
He has seven 300-yard passing games and four 400-yard passing games for 9-2 WKU, and his stats would likely be better if the Toppers didn’t pull him late in blowout games. He has a strong arm and an NFL profile, and with WKU on pace for the C-USA title game and a good bowl, national audiences will get a better view of him soon.
Louisiana
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Leonard Fournette is a perfect example of what a homegrown star can mean for a state. The New Orleans native, considered the nation’s top recruit when he signed with LSU two years ago, has lived up to the hype and then some for the Tigers.
Following a 1,000-yard rushing season as a freshman, Fournette has gone from good to great this fall.
He leads the nation with 1,582 rushing yards and also has 17 touchdowns. Fournette began the season with seven consecutive games of at least 150 rushing yards, and while his pace has slowed in the last three LSU defeats (230 rushing yards), he has clear talent, speed and power.
He’ll likely be a Heisman Trophy finalist and a strong Heisman candidate heading into his junior season at LSU.
Maine
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It can be easy to forget about Maine in the college football world, but the Black Bears do have a respected FCS-level program. This season, Maine had a very solid defensive line, led by senior defensive end Trevor Bates.
Bates earned first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors following a very productive season. He had 57 tackles, 7.5 sacks (best on Maine’s roster) and ranked third in the league in tackles for loss with 14.5. He also had two pass breakups, a forced fumble and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Maryland
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Saying that Navy has made an impression in its first season of American Athletic Conference play is an understatement. The Midshipmen are 9-1 and in position to win the AAC and take the Group of Five bowl slot in the New Year’s Six bowl games, with their only loss coming to Notre Dame.
A cornerstone of Navy’s success? Senior quarterback Keenan Reynolds. An option quarterback, Reynolds sails a bit under the radar at times. He has just 652 yards passing with five touchdowns and no interceptions, but has real value as Navy’s leading rusher. He has 1,009 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
He has set the NCAA record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and is two scores away from breaking former Wisconsin tailback Montee Ball’s all-time NCAA touchdown mark. He indeed gives the Midshipman offense options.
Massachusetts
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UMass has struggled in its final season in the Mid-American Conference, rolling up a 2-9 record entering its regular-season finale. But the Minutemen have a gem in senior receiver Tajae Sharpe. Sharpe has put up his second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, making 105 catches for 1,181 yards and five touchdowns.
He has five 100-yard receiving games and six games with at least 11 catches. It’s hard to get attention on such a bad team, but Sharpe certainly deserves his share.
Michigan
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Michigan State enters the final week of the regular season in excellent shape. The Spartans, coming off an upset win at previously unbeaten Ohio State, are 10-1 and ranked No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
They’re 34-4 over the past two-plus seasons, and while a strong defense led by defensive end Shilique Calhoun has helped, one of the biggest forces has been senior quarterback Connor Cook. Cook missed the Ohio State game with a shoulder injury, but he has 2,482 yards passing with 21 touchdowns against four interceptions this fall.
He has four 300-plus yard passing games this season and has a solid arm and excellent leadership skills. He’ll likely get a hard look at the NFL level as well, but he and the Spartans have business to take care of first.
Minnesota
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2015 has been a tough season for Minnesota. The Gophers enter Saturday’s regular-season finale against Wisconsin at 5-6 and hoping to get bowl-eligible by upsetting their border rivals. They’re already playing for their second coach, as Jerry Kill resigned due to health concerns and was replaced by defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys.
Claeys built his reputation with a solid defense, and this season the best part of that unit was the secondary. Safety Briean Boddy-Calhoun is the standout in that group. He has 39 tackles, two interceptions and is the kind of player who opposing quarterbacks throw away from. He’ll be looking to make some big plays against the Badgers and quarterback Joel Stave on Saturday.
Mississippi
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It wouldn’t have been a surprise if Mississippi State took a step back this season. Following a 2014 season that saw the Bulldogs spend four weeks at No. 1 in the national polls, they lost significant amounts of talent, with the most notable exception being quarterback Dak Prescott, who chose to return for his senior season.
It’s a good thing he did. The Bulldogs are 8-3 and a 10-win season remains within their grasp. Prescott is a huge reason why. Despite having a significantly greener supporting cast around him, he has been excellent. Prescott has 3,159 yards passing with 23 touchdowns against three interceptions and is also MSU’s leading rusher with 478 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Prescott wrote an excellent first-person piece for SI.com, explaining what Mississippi State had meant to him:
"In the past few years here, we've been able to transform the expectations around Mississippi State. And while people have given me credit for helping change the football culture, what they don't understand is how appreciative I am of my teammates, coaches, the university and the city of Starkville for the role they've played in changing me.
Saturday will be my last game at Davis-Wade Stadium, the last time I'll be able to play in front of my home fans. It's difficult to quantify how much the support of everyone here has meant to me. I came here as a 17-year-old in the spring of 2011, and so much has happened since. On the field, I went from an anonymous redshirt to a short-yardage specialist to a Heisman Trophy candidate. Off the field, I showed up as a wild kid and grew up.
"
His versatility and toughness have set an example for his teammates, and in a talent-rich state he stands out.
Missouri
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It has been a turbulent season, to say the least, for Missouri. Following consecutive SEC East titles, the Tigers must beat Arkansas in Friday’s regular-season finale just to go bowling. They also hope to extend the career of veteran coach Gary Pinkel, who announced his retirement after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
The Tigers’ offense has struggled, but Missouri’s defense has held its own. A big reason why? Linebacker Kentrell Brothers, who has been one of the nation’s most prolific defenders. Brothers has an eye-popping 140 tackles (9.5 for loss), 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. While they haven’t translated to great success for Mizzou this season, they’ll get the attention of NFL scouts without question.
Montana
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Unless you follow FCS football closely, you might not know who Tyrone Holmes is, and that’s unfortunate. Holmes, a Montana senior defensive end, has put up very impressive numbers for the Grizzlies’ defense.
Holmes has an FCS-best 14 sacks, 77 tackles, seven quarterback hits and a pair of forced fumbles. He has 30.5 sacks for his career and 43.5 tackles for loss. He is a finalist for the FCS Defensive Player of the Year Award, and might be a good value pick for a team looking for a pass-rusher in next spring’s NFL draft.
Nebraska
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It’s been a frustrating debut season in Lincoln for Mike Riley. Nebraska is 5-6, and must upset unbeaten and No. 4 Iowa on Friday just to avoid missing a bowl game for the third time since 1969. Junior quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. has transitioned from Bo Pelini’s spread scheme into Riley’s pro-style attack and has had his ups and downs, but has been a mostly productive player.
He has 2,560 yards passing with 21 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, including four 300-yard passing games. The mobile passer also has 278 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Armstrong is a bit of a work in progress in this offense, but is clearly very talented.
Nevada
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Nevada is bowl-eligible at 6-5 under coach Brian Polian, and the Wolf Pack has leaned on a strong run attack that should have a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. The leader is sophomore James Butler, a 5’9”, 200-pound back who has taken the No. 1 role in Nevada’s backfield.
Butler has 1,136 yards rushing and eight touchdowns and has come on strong over the past month. Butler has seven 100-yard rushing games on the season, and has four consecutive games with at least 100 yards rushing. He has six touchdowns in that span. It’s no coincidence that Nevada is 3-1 in that stretch.
New Hampshire
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New Hampshire has a strong FCS football program. The Wildcats are back in the FCS playoffs this season for the 12th consecutive year, and they have players like cornerback Casey DeAndrade to thank.
DeAndrade was named to the Colonial Athletic Association’s first team as both a cornerback and punt returner. He leads UNH in tackles (70) and pass breakups (nine) and also has 6.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two sacks and a fumble recovery.
As a punt returner, he leads the CAA in punt return yards, including a 90-yard punt return score at William & Mary. His versatility is a huge plus for New Hampshire.
New Jersey
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2015 has been a very trying season for Rutgers football. Following a bowl appearance in its first Big Ten season, the Scarlet Knights are 4-7 following a fall full of controversy, highlighted by coach Kyle Flood’s three-game university suspension for attempting to influence a player’s academic status.
That controversy engulfed star receiver Leonte Carroo as well. He was suspended two games following an arrest on an assault charge following a September home game and has missed two more games with injuries.
Still, when Caroo has been on the field, his talent has been undeniable. He is Rutgers’ all-time receiving touchdowns leader, including nine this season. Six of those scores came in a two-game span.
Caroo has 32 receptions for 626 yards and nine touchdowns, and has at least one more game to add to his totals this week. His game-breaking talent should get him a shot at an NFL career.
New Mexico
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New Mexico State is struggling through a difficult 3-7 season in the Sun Belt, although the Aggies have won their last three games following an 0-7 start.
There are many reasons for the Aggies’ struggles, but tailback Larry Rose III should give New Mexico residents cause for enchantment. The sophomore tailback has built on an 1,100-yard freshman season, rushing for 1,481 yards and 12 touchdowns through 10 games. That yardage total ranks fifth nationally among FBS rushers. Rose is currently riding a four-game streak of at least 180 yards rushing, including a pair of 200-yard efforts. That’s mighty impressive.
New York
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Suggesting it’s been a difficult season at Syracuse would be an understatement. Following a 3-0 start, the Orange has lost eight consecutive games heading into Saturday’s regular-season finale against Boston College, and coach Scott Shafer was fired earlier this week.
Syracuse has struggled defensively, but it does have a bright spot in emerging star linebacker Zaire Franklin. The sophomore has 74 tackles, best on Syracuse’s roster, as well as nine tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception this season. His presence will give the next coach, whoever that may be, a solid starting point.
North Carolina
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Duke is staggering down the stretch with a four-game losing streak entering Saturday’s regular-season finale against Wake Forest. But the Blue Devils boast one of college football’s best defenders in senior safety Jeremy Cash.
Cash returned for his senior season rather than head to the NFL and has made a big impact on Duke’s defense. He has 94 tackles (18 tackles for loss), 2.5 quarterback sacks, eight QB pressures and four pass breakups. He has five games with 10 or more tackles and has played well all over the field.
He is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to college football’s top defensive back, as well as for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the game’s top overall defender. For the Blue Devils, Cash has been money.
North Dakota
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In North Dakota, FCS power North Dakota State gets plenty of attention, but rival North Dakota had a player steal the offensive spotlight this fall.
Freshman tailback John Santiago led all FCS freshman runners with 1,459 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. He set a North Dakota single-season record with 2,159 all-purpose yards and became the first true freshman ever to lead the Big Sky in rushing, rolling up nine 100-yard rushing efforts. He was the Big Sky Offensive Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-league selection. His future is bright.
Ohio
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Saturday was not Ezekiel Elliott’s finest moment. Following Ohio State’s surprising 17-14 loss to Ohio State, a defeat that dealt the Buckeyes’ hopes of another national title a serious blow, Elliott ripped his team’s offensive plan after receiving just 12 carries for 33 yards. He also told reporters that it would be his final home game as a collegiate player.
That moment shouldn’t take away from the excellent 2015 season that Elliott has enjoyed. Until Saturday, he was the most consistent part of Ohio State’s offense, a talented, speedy back capable of making a game-breaking play at any moment.
Elliott has 1,458 yards and 17 touchdowns, and Saturday was his first sub-100-yard effort. He’ll make an NFL team very happy next spring, without question.
Oklahoma
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Oklahoma is No. 3 in the new College Football Playoff rankings, a remarkable turnaround from 2014’s ugly 8-5 season capped by a 40-6 Russell Athletic Bowl loss at Clemson’s hands. The Sooners are 10-1 and can take a big step toward solidifying a playoff berth with a Bedlam win over rival Oklahoma State on Saturday.
How have the Sooners made such an impressive rebound? The Air Raid offense, which is piloted by Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield, deserves plenty of credit. After sitting out 2014, Mayfield has shown that he belongs at college football’s highest level.
He has 3,209 yards with 33 touchdowns against five interceptions, as well as 343 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Mayfield is tough and not afraid to scramble for a key first down. Without him, the Sooners barely hung on against TCU. He’s the key to their surprising success and one of college football’s best players as a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, given to the game’s top quarterback.
Oregon
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Life after Marcus Mariota didn’t start so smoothly for Oregon. The Ducks got off to a 3-3 start this season, including an embarrassing 62-20 home loss to Utah and a double-overtime loss to Washington State. Since then, however, Mark Helfrich’s team has strung together five consecutive wins, putting another 10-win season well within reach.
The play of senior transfer quarterback Vernon Adams has been important, but the most impressive player on the Ducks’ roster has been sophomore tailback Royce Freeman. After rushing for 1,365 yards and 18 touchdowns as a freshman, “Rolls” Royce has been even better this fall.
He has 1,539 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns and averages 6.7 yards per carry, up from 5.4 a year ago. He also has 21 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Freeman runs with speed and power, taking pressure off Adams and Oregon’s receivers. He’s a challenge for any front seven to stop (or a secondary, once he speeds past the front seven).
Pennsylvania
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This season, Penn State has taken another step toward national relevance. The Nittany Lions are 7-4 and can improve on 2014’s win total by either beating Michigan State or winning their bowl game.
The Lions’ defense has been impressive, and a keystone has been defensive end Carl Nassib. The former walk-on has been an absolute terror for opposing offensive lines to contain. He leads the nation in both sacks (15.5) and tackles for loss (19.5) and should be a fixture on All-America teams in the month ahead.
Rhode Island
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Rhode Island is our nation’s smallest state by land mass, but it does boast an FCS football team. Rhode Island went 1-10 this season, but the Rams did have an exciting player in sophomore tailback Harold Cooper.
Cooper earned two spots on the Colonial Athletic Association’s All-Conference team, garnering first-team honors as a kick returner and third-team honors as a tailback.
Cooper led the CAA with 23.7 yards per kick return, including a 92-yard kick return score against Brown. He also led Rhode Island with 746 rushing yards, six touchdowns, 29 receptions and 1,582 all-purpose yards. He accounted for 72 percent of the Rams’ rushing yards and 42 percent of their total yards, and ranked 10th in the FCS in all-purpose yards.
The Rams are struggling, but Cooper’s play is worth buzzing about.
South Carolina
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Entering Saturday’s rivalry showdown with South Carolina, Clemson has a firm grasp on a College Football Playoff berth. The Tigers are 11-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally for the first time since 1981, their only national title season. A huge reason why? Sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson.
After a freshman season that saw him flash potential but suffer multiple serious injuries, including a torn ACL, Watson has stayed healthy and served as the engine that makes Clemson’s high-powered offense go. He has 2,944 passing yards with 26 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, completing 70.8 percent of his passes and adding 642 rushing yards with six touchdowns.
Watson is a strong Heisman candidate who can hurt teams with his arm or his legs and fits perfectly with an offense full of dynamic weapons. If Clemson wins its second national title, it’ll be with Watson leading the way.
South Dakota
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South Dakota State has an excellent FCS program. The Jackrabbits are FCS playoff qualifiers and own a win at Kansas this season. They have a potent offense, and sophomore receiver Jake Wieneke plays a big role.
He has rolled up his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, making 66 catches for 1,344 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ranks second in the FCS in receiving yards and is a finalist for the FCS Offensive Player of the Year award.
Tennessee
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Memphis has been one of the best stories in college football this season. The Tigers were ranked as high as No. 13 in the College Football Playoff rankings, and coach Justin Fuente is one of the hottest names on the coaching carousel.
Memphis has a second consecutive 10-win season within its grasp, and junior quarterback Paxton Lynch has been a huge factor. Lynch has 3,448 yards passing with 21 touchdowns against three interceptions, proving his worth as a talented pocket passer.
While the Tigers have lost three consecutive games, Lynch has given NFL scouts plenty to think about this year with eight 300-yard passing games. He could be a popular commodity in next spring’s NFL draft if he chooses to leave early.
Texas
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How good is Baylor’s offense? The Bears have used three different quarterbacks this season but still average 54 points per game, best nationally. They’re a serious challenge to any defense they face, and a good bit of that credit can be given to receiver Corey Coleman.
The Baylor junior has developed into the nation’s most dangerous receiver. With two games remaining, he has 66 receptions for 1,306 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns (six more than any other receiver in the nation). He has seven games this season with at least 100 yards receiving and seven multiple-touchdown games.
Coleman has excellent deep speed and ability. Teamed with fellow wideout KD Cannon, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Utah
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Utah has enjoyed a very solid 2015 season. The Utes are 8-3 and were as high as No. 3 nationally before falling to Southern California. They built on a good nine-win season in 2014, but will have to finish strongly without their best player in senior tailback Devontae Booker.
Booker rushed for 1,261 yards and scored 11 touchdowns this season, but will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. They’ll miss him. He was the key to a rush-based offense, and ranked No. 3 in the Pac-12 in rushing yards and No. 2 in rush touchdowns before suffering the injury. He’s the best player in Utah.
Virginia
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Virginia is 4-7 entering its season finale against Virginia Tech, and it could be UVA coach Mike London’s last run with the Cavaliers. If it is, London leaves his successor some talented pieces on defense, including linebacker Micah Kiser.
Kiser has been a revelation in his first season as a starter. He has played very well as the Cavs’ starting middle linebacker, rolling up an ACC-best 107 tackles to go with 6.5 sacks. He has been relentless in the middle of UVA’s defense, and while the season hasn’t gone the way the Cavs hoped, they have an excellent building block in Kiser.
West Virginia
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West Virginia is finishing 2015 on a tear. The Mountaineers are riding a four-game win streak and are once again bowl-eligible entering Saturday’s regular-season home finale against Iowa State. While Dana Holgorsen’s Air Raid offense has been successful with quarterback Skyler Howard, junior tailback Wendell Smallwood has provided a major push.
Smallwood has 1,234 rushing yards with eight touchdowns this season, his first 1,000-yard rushing season of his collegiate career. He has seven 100-yard rushing games and is riding a current four-game 100-yard streak. The 5’11”, 201-pound back isn’t the biggest player on the field, but he’s making a huge impact.
Washington
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Washington State has made a very impressive turnaround this fall. Mike Leach’s group went from 3-9 a year ago to 8-3 entering this weekend’s Apple Cup game against Washington, and the Cougars’ Air Raid offense is humming at an electric pace.
Give plenty of credit to sophomore quarterback Luke Falk. Falk has fully embraced his first full season as a starter in Leach’s system. He has 4,266 passing yards, which leads the FBS, with 36 touchdowns against eight interceptions while completing 70.7 percent of his passes.'
Falk has a pair of 500-yard passing games and has passed for less than 300 yards just twice, including last week’s win over Colorado in which he left in the third quarter on a backboard following a potential head injury (Washington State doesn’t comment on injuries).
Falk is the engine that makes the Cougs’ system go. His durable arm might be the difference between a bowl bid and another holiday season at home. It’s that good.
Wisconsin
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Paul Chryst’s first season has largely been a success. The Badgers have struggled at times offensively, but at 8-3 entering the regular-season finale against Minnesota, they still have a 10-win season within their grasp.
Credit for that can go to the defense. Wisconsin has been positively stingy all season long. The Badgers allow 12.4 points per game, best among FBS teams, and rank fourth nationally in total defense, allowing 266.3 yards per game.
An excellent linebacker corps has been a key, and senior linebacker Joe Schobert has been a rock. He has 71 tackles, second-best on the team, and has 18.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks (both best on Wisconsin’s roster). Schobert has made plays all over the field, and the Badger defense is the better for it.
Wyoming
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Craig Bohl’s second season at Wyoming has been utterly forgettable. Bohl won three consecutive FCS national titles at North Dakota State, so trying times like this season’s 1-10 record are quite foreign to him.
However, Bohl has found a gem in sophomore tailback Brian Hill. Hill has 1,399 yards (ninth-best nationally) and five touchdowns. He has six 100-yard rushing games and a trio of 200-yard rushing games. Moving the ball on the ground with Hill hasn’t been a problem. Bohl just needs more talent around him.
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