Ranking the top 50 players in college football: 30-21
theScore's top 50 college football players list was voted on by Mike Alessandrini, Dane Belbeck, Alex Chippin, Mike Dickson, and Michael McClymont.
Ranking the top 50 players in college football:
50-41, 40-31, 30-21, 20-11, 10-1
As we move into the top half of our list, here are players 30-21:
30. QB Justin Herbert - Oregon
Herbert will be a popular name in draft circles next spring, and could be ready to break out in 2018. The Oregon pivot accounted for 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions as a sophomore in eight starts, displaying high-level athleticism and the ability to deliver quality touch passes anywhere on the field. The Ducks also went 6-1 in the regular season with Herbert under center.
29. QB Drew Lock - Missouri
One of the SEC's top quarterbacks, Lock is another 2019 first-round hopeful. He's coming off a productive junior season in which he led the nation with 44 touchdowns passes. Lock is blessed with a cannon arm and could compete for an All-American selection if he fixes his inconsistencies as a senior.
28. OT Jonah Williams - Alabama
Whoever emerges from Alabama's quarterback competition will sleep easy knowing their blind side will be well-protected in 2018. Williams has stonewalled numerous SEC pass-rushers over the last two seasons at both tackle spots, and is a mauler in the run game as well.
27. S Jaquan Johnson - Miami
As the leader of Miami's "Turnover Chain" defense, Johnson may impact his team more than any other defensive back in the country. The senior simply makes plays - he accumulated four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a team-high 96 tackles in 2017. Johnson is an instinctual safety who excels defending against both passing and rushing attacks.
26. OT Dalton Risner - Kansas State
Risner is already an accomplished collegiate player, so it isn't shocking to see him make our list. A model of consistency, Kansas State's left tackle is a stud in pass protection, shutting down his opponents week in and week out. Risner will once again provide defensive coordinators with headaches during his senior season.
25. DE Austin Bryant - Clemson
Bryant is the first of Clemson's deadly front four to feature on our list, and broke out to the tune of 8.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss as a junior last year. Few defensive ends convert speed to power the way Bryant does. He's also set for a senior campaign rich with one-on-one matchups due to the other talent along the Tigers' line, so expect another uptick in production.
24. QB Jake Fromm - Georgia
Fromm's freshman season was a special one, as he led Georgia to the national championship game with 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. The young signal-caller displayed poise well beyond his years, and is ready to ascend into the top tier of SEC quarterbacks in 2018.
23. LB Devin Bush - Michigan
When tuning into Michigan games last year, it was impossible to miss No. 10 on defense. Bush's pursuit speed is comparable to the NFL's best linebackers, and he was a stat-stuffer in his sophomore campaign, accumulating 95 tackles (10 for loss), 5.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, and one interception. He'll be a key member of Jim Harbaugh's defense once again in what could be his final collegiate season.
22. OLB Montez Sweat - Mississippi State
The SEC is ripe with dominant pass-rushers, but the best one just might play for the Bulldogs. Sweat is a terror for opposing offensive tackles, consistently wreaking havoc on pass plays and penetrating into the backfield on runs. The senior notched 15.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 2017, his first year at Mississippi State after transferring from Michigan State.
21. RB Devin Singletary - FAU
Singletary was one of college football's best running backs in 2017, and there's no reason that should change this fall. He makes oncoming tacklers miss with ease, and ranked third in the nation with 2,116 scrimmage yards as a sophomore. In Lane Kiffin's second season leading the Owls' offense, Singletary will continue to torch every team that stands in his way.
Ranking the top 50 players in college football:
50-41, 40-31, 30-21, 20-11, 10-1
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)