Ranking the 15 Best College Football Players of the Last 20 Years

College football has produced a host of legendary talents, each leaving a remarkable legacy on the sport with their outstanding performances and achievements.

This article ranks the top 15 college football players, celebrated for their contributions that have shaped the game and inspired a generation of fans and athletes. These players have set records, won prestigious awards, and led their teams to glory, cementing their places in college football history.

15. Ed Reed, S, Miami

Ed Reed, a powerhouse safety, stormed the field for the University of Miami Hurricanes, playing a pivotal role in clinching the national championship in 2001. His knack for intercepting passes was unmatched, setting an impressive record at the school.

Reed’s return yards after interceptions were equally remarkable, another record he holds at Miami. His extraordinary contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018, followed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame a year later.

14. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

DeVonta Smith, a dynamic wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been making waves in the NFL since his debut in 2021. His college career at Alabama was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a senior season that saw him amass an astonishing number of receiving yards and touchdowns.

This stellar performance earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Now, as an Eagle, Smith continues to dazzle on the field, consistently racking up impressive yardage season after season. His agility, speed, and precision have made him a formidable force in the league, and a key player for Philadelphia.

13. Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia

Guiding the Georgia Bulldogs to back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, Stetson Bennett proved himself a force to be reckoned with on the football field. His 2022 season was nothing short of spectacular, as he shattered the school record for most passing yards in a single season.

With a stellar 29-3 record as a starting quarterback, Bennett’s college career was a testament to his skill, determination, and leadership.

12. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

“Johnny Football,” as he’s fondly known, took the college football scene by storm at Texas A&M. His dynamic play earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2012, a testament to his unmatched skills. With a knack for breaking records, Manziel’s arm was a force to be reckoned with, launching countless touchdown passes.

His agility wasn’t confined to the pocket, though. He was just as likely to sprint down the field, leaving defenders in his dust, as he was to throw a touchdown pass. His college career was a thrilling spectacle of rushing and passing touchdowns, a testament to his versatility and dominance on the gridiron.

11. Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

Manti Te’o, a force to be reckoned with on the football field, dominated as a linebacker for Notre Dame from 2009 to 2012. His college career was nothing short of impressive, racking up a staggering number of tackles and a handful of sacks.

His exceptional performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he was a top contender for the prestigious 2012 Heisman Trophy. Following his remarkable college career, the San Diego Chargers eagerly scooped him up in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

10. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

In 2019, the unstoppable Joe Burrow catapulted LSU to an undefeated season and a national championship. His arm was a cannon, launching a record-breaking number of touchdown passes and racking up an astonishing amount of passing yards. His stellar performance didn’t go unnoticed, earning him the prestigious Heisman Trophy that year.

9. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Clemson’s star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, was a force to be reckoned with on the college football field. His leadership propelled the team to three appearances in the College Football Playoff and two thrilling national championship games.

Lawrence’s impressive passing accuracy and knack for scoring touchdowns were key to his success. Despite a few interceptions, his overall performance was nothing short of spectacular during his college career.

8. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

Lamar Jackson, a standout quarterback at the University of Louisville from 2015 to 2017, made waves in the college football scene. In his sophomore year, he clinched the prestigious Heisman Trophy, a testament to his exceptional skills on the field. Jackson’s record-breaking performance included an impressive 50 rushing touchdowns, a feat that set him apart from his peers.

His prowess didn’t go unnoticed, earning him the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year title in 2016. Jackson’s time at Louisville was marked by his remarkable passing and rushing yards, which were nothing short of extraordinary. His talent caught the attention of the Baltimore Ravens, who drafted him in 2018. Since then, Jackson has continued to shine, bagging two NFL MVP awards.

7. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Baker Mayfield, a standout quarterback at Oklahoma, clinched the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2017. His dynamic leadership and unmatched skills propelled his team to the College Football Playoff not once, but twice.

With his laser-sharp passing, he shattered records and set new standards for passing efficiency. Under his command, his teams boasted an impressive win-loss record, a testament to his game-changing impact on the field.

6. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

Derrick Henry, a force to be reckoned with on the football field, has made a name for himself in both college and professional football. His college career at Alabama was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a Heisman Trophy win in 2015.

He shattered SEC records, leaving a trail of awe-inspiring performances. His transition to the NFL was seamless, earning him a spot in five Pro Bowls and the prestigious title of 2020 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Now, he brings his formidable skills to the Baltimore Ravens, ready to continue his legacy.

5. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

In 2009, Nebraska’s defense was a force to be reckoned with, largely thanks to the powerhouse performance of senior Ndamukong Suh. He was a relentless force on the field, racking up an impressive number of tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss.

His exceptional skills didn’t go unnoticed, as he was honored with the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year and the prestigious Outland Trophy, recognizing him as the top interior lineman. Suh’s contributions were instrumental in Nebraska’s defense leading the nation, allowing a mere handful of points per game.

4. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

In 2010, Auburn’s star quarterback, Cam Newton, had a season for the ages. He clinched the prestigious Heisman Trophy and steered the Tigers to a coveted national championship. Newton’s arm was a force to be reckoned with, launching countless touchdowns.

On the ground, he was just as formidable, outpacing defenders and finding the end zone time and time again. His passing and rushing prowess combined to create a truly unforgettable season.

3. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

In 2007, a sophomore at the University of Florida named Tim Tebow made history. He became the first player in NCAA history to both rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a single season, earning him the prestigious Heisman Trophy. His college career was nothing short of spectacular, with a staggering number of yards thrown and touchdowns scored.

But Tebow didn’t stop at personal achievements. He led his team to victory in the national championships not once, but twice, in 2006 and 2008. His performance on the field was a testament to his skill, determination, and leadership.

2. Reggie Bush, RB, USC

From 2003 to 2005, the USC Trojans had a secret weapon on their football team: Reggie Bush. This powerhouse player sprinted his way to the Heisman Trophy in 2005, leaving spectators in awe of his speed and agility. His record-breaking average of 7.3 yards per carry still stands as an NCAA record.

Despite a controversy that led to the revocation of USC’s 2004 title, Bush’s contributions to the team’s victories cannot be overlooked. In 2023, his exceptional college career was recognized with an induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

1. Vince Young, QB, Texas

Vince Young, a standout quarterback at Texas, boasted an impressive 30-2 record as a starter. His leadership and skill propelled the Longhorns to clinch the BCS National Championship in 2006.

Young shattered records, becoming the first player to sprint past the 1,000-yard rushing mark and hurl the ball for over 3,000 yards in a single season. His college football career was nothing short of extraordinary.