"Fernando Mendoza was a given for the top spot after winning the Heisman Trophy and ending his college career with a national championship title in what was a historic season for Indiana. Texas' Arch Manning had a slow start but picked things up as the season went on, but was his ranking justified? When looking at the rest of the list, who could've been ranked higher? Were there any players who should've made the list but didn't?"
"Jake Trotter: Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa was an absolute mauler for the Hurricanes, especially during the playoff. All season, Mauigoa made edge defenders disappear in pass protection and buried them in the run. He also allowed a pressure rate of just 1.3%, third best in the country among tackles. There's a reason he's ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s No. 4-ranked prospect. No offensive lineman made the top 10, but Mauigoa deserved consideration."
"Mark Schlabach: Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy led the Power 4 with 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry. He ran for 100 yards or more in eight games, 250 against Louisiana and 300 (on only 25 carries!) against Mississippi State. He had at least 50 yards in every game this season. I'm not sure how the sophomore was overlooked by so many other coaches coming out of high school."
ESPN's top-100 college football player rankings place Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 after a Heisman-winning season and a national championship. Texas' Arch Manning started slowly but improved late in the season, prompting debate about his placement. The list sparked questions about omissions and top-10 composition, including the absence of any offensive linemen. Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa posted a 1.3% pressure rate and is a top draft prospect, while Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy led the Power 4 with 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Several players are positioned to move into 2026 preseason rankings.
Read at ESPN.com
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