With the college football season fast approaching, the year 2026 promises to showcase a wealth of elite talent. Signal-callers are expected to dominate the conversation once more, as standout prospects such as Dante Moore, Arch Manning, and CJ Carr prepare to contend for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
In its latest rankings of the top 50 players for the upcoming 2026 campaign, Pro Football Focus selected non-quarterbacks for the top three spots on the board.
The Ten Best Athletes in College Football
PFF’s evaluations place a pair of players from both Texas and Ohio State within the top ten. Notably, Buckeyes signal-caller Julian Sayin emerges as the highest-ranked quarterback, a fascinating choice given the other high-profile passers in the nation.
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Julian Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State
Elite Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Wideouts
College Football: Oregon taking on Indiana in the Peach Bowl
January 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks passer Dante Moore (5) launches a throw in the final quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Modern-day football enthusiasts crave high-octane offenses and frequent scoring. While grit-and-grind defensive struggles once defined the sport—particularly in the Big Ten—contemporary college football is marked by high-scoring track meets across every major conference.
This shift highlights the importance of PFF’s evaluations of quarterbacks and key offensive weapons.
Five Best Quarterbacks for 2026
Five Best Running Backs for 2026
Five Best Wide Receivers for 2026
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Ohio State wideout Jeremiah Smith
Shedding Light on the Defensive Stars
Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore runs back an intercepted pass for a touchdown during the first half of a college football game against
Notre Dame defensive back Leonard Moore races back an intercepted pass for a score during the first half of a collegiate football matchup against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Even though dynamic offenses and rapid scoring command the spotlight today, defensive dominance was once the hallmark of the sport. Nonetheless, college football still boasts premier defensive game-changers, many of whom are destined to hear their names called on NFL Draft Sunday in the near future.
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Leonard Moore, Cornerback, Notre Dame
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Colin Simmons, Edge Rusher, Texas
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