1. QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Previous ranking: 1
No player impacts the game more. The only way he has been slowed down the last two seasons is injury: his (in 2013) and numerous on his offensive line (2014).
2. RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
Previous ranking: 3
When he’s playing — and we still don’t know how many games he’ll miss while the NCAA investigates a possible rules violation — he’s a throwback to offenses of days gone by. In the era of the spread, he’s a true, bruising, game-breaking tailback.
3. QB Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Previous ranking: Unranked
Take your pick on the comparisons (Tebow or Newton); it doesn’t really matter. The important thing is he’s a significantly improved thrower and still runs with power.
4. LB Hau’oli Kikaha, Washington
Previous ranking: Unranked
Six games into 2014, and Kikaha is closing in on his sack total (13) from last season. He has 10 already this fall, and has developed into more of a presence in defending the run.
5. QB Jameis Winston, Florida State
Previous ranking: 2
No matter what you think of him away from the field — and opinions vary greatly — he’s an elite talent on the field. The only criticism: he hasn’t added any new wrinkles to his game. Not that he needs it.
6. DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Previous ranking: 5
Another elite pass rusher who stayed in school to work on completing his game, and has become more diverse in the way he rushes the passer and situational coverage.
7. RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
Previous ranking: 18
Was once considered a outside the tackles runner because of his speed to reach the perimeter (and beyond), he now clearly has become a tailback who can move the pile between the tackles.
8. WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
Previous ranking: Unranked
After a season of nagging injuries in 2013 looked like a regression, his bounce-back season has made him the game’s best receiver. Speed and athleticism — and all in a fluid motion.
9. DT/DE Leonard Williams, USC
Previous ranking: 4
A combo D-lineman who can rushed the passer off the edge, and move inside to stuff the run. No matter where he’s playing, the most difficult matchup for any offensive lineman in the game.
10. CB Senquez Golson, Ole Miss
Previous ranking: Unranked
Four years in, Golson finally is figuring out the commitment it takes to play at a high level game after game — and it’s showing every Saturday. Has five interceptions, including the game-winner against Alabama.
11. QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Previous ranking: Unranked
The worst part of Watson’s finger injury is we can’t watch this true freshman, only six games into his college career, further develop into the one of the most dynamic players in the game.
12. QB Bryce Petty, Baylor
Previous ranking: 6
Still throws the prettiest (and most accurate) deep ball, and finally is getting healthy after a back bruise from Week 1. His knowledge and command of the offense makes Baylor even more dangerous.
13. RB Tevin Coleman, Indiana
Previous ranking: Unranked
Leads the nation in rushing (already over 1,000), and is averaging more than eight yards a carry. A physical runner and the perfect changeup in coach Kevin Wilson’s spread offense.
14. QB Everett Golson, Notre Dame
Previous ranking: Unranked
Still makes some confounding decisions with the ball — but his ability to make plays anywhere on the field overshadows any negative. A terrific leader, he’s unbeaten as a starter in the regular season.
15. DT Danny Shelton, Washington
Previous ranking: Unranked
The best true interior lineman in the game. A massive presence in the middle in both run and pass games, and still routinely collapses the pocket in pass situations despite regular double teams.
16. DE Vic Beasley, Clemson
Previous ranking: 9
There’s no quicker player off the edge, and no one chases a play like he can. He’s further developing drop coverage ability, and allowing Clemson to do more with situational defenses.
17. DE Shilique Clahoun, Michigan State
Previous ranking: 17
The most complete end in the game; just as gifted as a rush or anchor end. A talented, punishing grinder.
18. S Gerod Holliman, Louisville
Previous ranking: Unranked
A part-time starter in 2013, Holliman has developed quickly in new coordinator Todd Grantham’s defense. He leads the nation in interceptions (7) and is a strong presence in run defense.
19. WR Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma
Previous ranking: Unranked
OU’s passing game and QB Trevor Knight have struggled much of the year, yet Shepard still is averaging 21 yards per catch. A dangerous deep threat, and dynamic after the catch.
20. LB Myles Jack, UCLA
Previous ranking: 11
Has cut back significantly on carries at tailback, but is still an elite linebacker. Always a big hitter in the run game, Jack might also be the game’s best linebacker in coverage.
21. DE/LB Leonard Floyd, Georgia
Previous ranking: Unranked
Led the team in sacks last year (6.5) as a freshman, and has become the SEC’s best pass rusher as a sophomore. He’s not the biggest end (230 pounds), but his speed and agile, sinewy frame make him difficult to block.
22. S Landon Collins, Alabama
Previous ranking: 23
A big-hitting presence in the back end who is becoming a more significant factor in the passing game. His leadership and talent have solidified a young, inexperienced Alabama secondary.
23. QB Nick Marshall, Auburn
Previous ranking: 20
Still not a gifted thrower, but a dual-threat quarterback who runs the zone read better than anyone. With the talent Auburn has on the outside, Marshall will get better as a passer as the year progresses,
24. OL Andrus Peat, Stanford
Previous ranking: 22
The best offensive lineman in the game. Has played to his five-star recruiting status since he stepped on the field as a freshman and played left tackle. A massive, physical pass protector.
25. DE Shawn Oakman, Baylor
Previous ranking: Unranked
A physical freak (6-feet-9, 280 pounds) whose game has significantly developed as both a pass rusher (more than one move) and a run stopper (more engaged).