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USA TODAY Sports ranks top 100 college football players for 2026

ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 9:35 AM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

USA TODAY Sports ranks top 100 college football players for 2026

Summary

USA TODAY Sports released its rankings of the top 100 college football players ahead of the 2026 season., Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, tops the list after a successful season at Indiana following his transfer from Cal. The rankings consider past performance, future projections, and NFL draft prospects. Other players listed include Evan Tengesdahl from Cincinnati, who is recognized for his standout performance on the offensive line, and DeSean Bishop of Tennessee, a walk-on turned 1,000-yard rusher. The list emphasizes the unpredictability of player development, especially for newcomers.

Source Links

ESPN Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Fernando Mendoza ranked as the top player.
•Evan Tengesdahl recognized for outstanding offensive line play.
•DeSean Bishop emerged as a 1,000-yard rusher for Tennessee.
•Rankings consider past production and NFL draft potential.

Latest Updates

12:17 PMESPN — College football Player Rank: The top 100 players ahead of the 2026 season
9:35 AMYahoo Sports — Who's too high, too low? USA TODAY Sports' Top 100 College Football Players for 2026

What they're saying

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Who are the best players in college football ahead of the 2026 season? Here's a ranking of the top 100, with a non-quarterback taking the top spot.
— Yahoo Sports