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Bill Connelly, ESPN staff writer
Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon’s Bo Nix both exceeded expectations and took the Huskies and Ducks to new levels in 2023. Cornelius Johnson and Josiah Stewart became key role players on a brilliant and ultimately undefeated Michigan team. Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Florida State’s Jordan Travis and Michigan’s JJ McCarthy all made game-changing jumps that either helped or should have helped their teams find the College Football Playoff. LSU’s Jayden Daniels leaps toward Heisman immortality. Alabama’s Jalen Milro came up with enough to lead the Tide to another CFP trip, while Ohio State’s Kyle McCord couldn’t do as much.
The 2023 Most Important Players list, in other words, has done its job. We had a lot of new QB starters and potential new star power last season, and while some shined to an unknown degree, others (Tennessee’s Joe Milton III, Penn State’s Drew Aller) fell a bit short. And it defined the national title run.
College football enters a new era in 2024, thanks to an expanded College Football Playoff and conference realignment, a concentrated balance of power. But as always, upstarts and breakout stars will determine how the national title race plays out.
I write this piece every year, have birds in hand, and have unfinished products. The annual Most Important Players list is about to end. Here are 25 players who could define seasons with moments or long spells of greatness. Some play for competitors, while others play for teams that may prevent competitors from reaching their goals. All of them will have a chance to make their mark in 2024.
Go to a category:
Transcendent stars Spoiler QBs
Non-QB transfers Who needs a breakthrough?
Prepare for a big jump | Competing QBs
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