Prior to the season starting, we ranked the top 50 newcomers, including both true freshmen and first-year transfers who we thought would see the field in 2023.
Without much evidence or stats to rank them, these were educated guesses on which players would make the biggest impact. Through eight weeks of the college football season, we can better see which new players are making the biggest impact for their respective teams.
We reranked the top 50 newcomers based on their performances thus far and how important they have been to their new teams. The list is a combination of Class of 2023 high school recruits in their first season and transfers who joined their new programs in the offseason.
These are the 50 first-year players who have helped their teams the most:
1. QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes
Transferred from Jackson State to Colorado
Previous rank: 3
Sanders has been a huge part of Colorado's rebuild this season, and while the team has seen its fair share of ups and downs, Sanders has been consistent. He is fourth among FBS quarterbacks in passing yards (2,420) with 21 touchdowns, three interceptions and a 72.3% completion rate. He has done all of that while playing behind an offensive line that has given up 34 sacks. Sanders has been sacked more times than any other quarterback this season and has faced a 38.1% pressure rate on his drop backs. Despite the heavy pass rush he has faced, he has the seventh-best off-target percentage (6.4%) through seven games. Sanders' impact on this offense has been tremendous and he has been the best first-year transfer quarterback this season.
2. DB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado Buffaloes
Transferred from Jackson State to Colorado
Previous rank: 1
Hunter missed three games after suffering a lacerated liver during the Buffaloes' Week 3 game against Colorado State. That hasn't stopped him, however, from being one of the most impactful transfers this season. He made an immediate impact in Week 1 against TCU, playing 146 snaps combined on offense and defense. In that win over the Horned Frogs, Hunter had an interception on defense and 11 receptions for 119 yards on offense. He had four tackles and a pass breakup against Nebraska in Week 2, to go along with three receptions for 73 yards. In his return against Stanford, Hunter had 13 receptions, 140 yards and two touchdowns and five total tackles while playing over 100 snaps.
3. WR Jamari Thrash, Louisville Cardinals
Transferred from Georgia State to Louisville
Previous rank: Unranked
Louisville's offense has been thriving under Jeff Brohm this season and Thrash has proved to be one of the best transfer receivers from this past offseason. His 639 receiving yards ranks 16th best among all FBS receivers and his six touchdown passes puts him at No. 17 overall. He's averaging 91.29 receiving yards per game and 16.38 yards per reception on 39 catches through seven games. Thrash was an All-Sun Belt receiver at Georgia State and had 12 touchdowns over three seasons from 2020 to 2022. His production this season has been a big part of Louisville's success on offense and the 6-1 start.
4. WR Keon Coleman, Florida State Seminoles
Transferred from Michigan State to Florida State
Previous rank: 21
Coleman led Michigan State in both receiving yards and touchdowns in 2022 with 798 yards and seven touchdowns. Coleman now leads Florida State in both categories as well, and through seven games has 472 yards and seven touchdowns. He's No. 14 in touchdown receptions among all FBS receivers and has been a big part of Florida State's 7-0 start. He has also shown a knack for big plays in big moments. In the season-opening win against LSU, Coleman had 122 yards and three touchdowns. He had 86 yards and two touchdowns against Clemson, including the game-winning score in overtime.
5. WR Xavier Weaver, Colorado Buffaloes
Transferred from USF to Colorado
Previous rank: Unranked
Weaver had a good career at USF, bringing in 1,735 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over four seasons, but wasn't a national name. He transferred to Colorado and now leads the team with 631 receiving yards on 50 catches. He's tied for most receiving touchdowns on the team with four and is averaging 90.14 receiving yards per game. He's ranked 19th among all FBS receivers in total receiving yards despite the fact that Colorado has five other players with 200 or more receiving yards this season.
6. S Caleb Downs, Alabama Crimson Tide
ESPN 300 No. 11 overall recruit
Previous rank: 26
Downs was the No. 11 recruit overall in the 2023 class and, because of his size, skill level and talent, there was a strong chance that Downs would contribute this season. He has more than contributed. Downs, who has played 441 snaps on defense, leads the team in tackles (63) and interceptions (2). He also has a pass breakup and a forced fumble through eight games. His 63 tackles are fourth most for all FBS defensive backs while ingraining himself in Alabama's defense.
7. QB TJ Finley, Texas State Bobcats
Transferred from Auburn to Texas State
Previous rank: Unranked
Finley is a name that might have been lost in the transfer mix, going from LSU to Auburn and now playing for Texas State. But with Finley at the helm this season, Texas State has gone 5-2, including a win over a Power 5 team in Baylor. Finley is No. 17 among all quarterbacks in passing yards with 1,941 yards and has 14 passing touchdowns with three interceptions. He has also been accurate, posting an 83% catchable pass attempt rate. Finley's team hasn't been in the national spotlight, but he is quietly putting up impressive numbers and has been instrumental in his team's success.
8. QB Sam Hartman, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Transferred from Wake Forest to Notre Dame
Previous rank: 2
Hartman was widely considered one of the best transfer quarterbacks this offseason based on his career up to this point. He was also joining a Notre Dame team that badly needed help at quarterback and a veteran presence that could help guide the offense. So far, Hartman has done just that for the Irish. Through eight games, Hartman has thrown for 1,838 yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions. Through eight games during the 2022 season, Notre Dame quarterbacks threw for 1,571 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Hartman has helped improve on most offensive categories this season and is a big part of why Notre Dame is 6-2, and made big plays in Notre Dame's biggest wins - Duke and USC. In that win against the Trojans, Notre Dame scored 48 points, the fourth-most against an AP top-10 opponent since 1936. That wasn't all from Hartman, but he has provided the Irish with stability and consistency at the position.
9. WR Zachariah Branch, USC Trojans
ESPN 300 No. 7 overall recruit
Previous rank: 27
Branch was a five-star prospect in the 2023 class and was deemed as an excellent fit for Lincoln Riley's offense given his playmaking ability, explosiveness and speed. He has not disappointed thus far, making an impact on offense and special teams. Branch has dealt with an injury that limited his participation in two games, but he still has 197 yards receiving and two touchdowns on offense. On special teams, he has 303 punt return yards and a touchdown, as well as 310 kickoff return yards and a touchdown. He showed off his versatility in Week 1 against San Jose State when he had 58 yards receiving and a touchdown, along with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
10. OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami Hurricanes
ESPN 300 No. 6 overall recruit
Previous rank: 34
It's often difficult for true freshman offensive linemen to start in their first season because there can be a gap in strength and knowledge of the position. Mauigoa, however, has stepped in and played as if he has been on a college campus for multiple years. He was a five-star prospect in the 2023 class and had offers from Alabama, Georgia, USC, Tennessee, Ohio State, Oklahoma and plenty of other big schools. He has played 370 snaps this season, which is third most among the Miami offensive linemen, and has allowed just one sack.
11. LB Jamil Muhammad, USC Trojans
Transferred from Georgia State to USC
Previous rank: Unranked
Despite the Trojans' defensive struggles, Muhammad has been a bright spot. He is currently first on the team in tackles for loss with 10 and in sacks with six. He has four quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup through eight games. His six sacks are ranked 13 among all FBS defenders and he is ranked No. 16 in pressure percentage for the number of pressures he has had on the quarterback per pass rush at 14.1 percent.
12. OC Drake Nugent, Michigan Wolverines
Transferred from Stanford to Michigan
Previous rank: Unranked
Nugent was one of two Stanford offensive line transfers for Michigan, along with Myles Hinton. Nugent was a two-time All-Pac-12 honorable mention center for the Cardinal and a team captain. Michigan was replacing Olu Oluwatimi, who was a transfer prior to the 2022 season and won the Rimington Trophy with Michigan as the nation's best center. Nugent has stepped in and been the starter from Day 1, playing in 355 snaps at center for the Wolverines. On 163 pass blocking snaps, Nugent has allowed just one pressure and has blown just one block on 192 run block snaps. He has been an excellent addition up front for Michigan and its talented offensive line.
13. OT Matt Lee, Miami Hurricanes
Transferred from UCF to Miami
Previous rank: Unranked
Lee was regarded as one of the best centers in 2022 while with UCF and was all-conference as a freshman in 2020. He transferred to Miami and has played 366 snaps at center this season for the Hurricanes. He has allowed just three pressures on 194 pass block snaps and has had just one blown block on 172 run blocks.
14. LB Nick Jackson, Iowa Hawkeyes
Transferred from Virginia to Iowa
Previous rank: Unranked
Jackson started in 33 games in four seasons at Virginia, where he had 354 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He joined a stout Iowa defense this offseason and is now second on the team in total tackles with 65 tackles and also has 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two pass breakups. The 65 tackles have him tied for 20th among all FBS linebackers and while he has played 447 snaps this season for the Hawkeyes, Jackson has missed just three tackles all season. The Iowa offense is still a work in progress, but the defense has been stifling opposing teams and Jackson has played a part in that success.
15. RB Quinton Cooley, Liberty Flames
Transferred from Wake Forest to Liberty
Previous rank: Unranked
Cooley had just four touchdowns and 402 yards in three seasons at Wake Forest. In eight games, he has 802 yards and seven touchdowns on 139 carries. He ranks No. 10 among all FBS backs in total rushing yards and is averaging 5.77 yards per carry. He has been the workhorse of the Liberty offense this season and has played a part in the team's 8-0 start.
16. RB Ray Davis, Kentucky Wildcats
Transferred from Vanderbilt to Kentucky
Previous rank: Unranked
Davis is on his third team after starting his career at Temple, transferring to Vanderbilt and now to Kentucky. At the end of the 2022 season, Davis ranked No. 30 in the NCAA's active career rushing yards with 2,497. In 2023, Davis has flourished. He is No. 11 among all FBS running backs in rushing yards with 781, and No. 12 in touchdowns with eight. He's averaging 111.6 yards per game for the Wildcats and has also contributed in a big way to the passing game. Through seven games, Davis leads the team in receiving touchdowns with five. Davis ran for 280 yards and three scores in Kentucky's win over rival Florida.
17. WR Malik Washington, Virginia Cavaliers
Transferred from Northwestern to Virginia
Previous rank: Unranked
At Northwestern, Washington accumulated 1,281 receiving yards over the past two seasons. He could pass those numbers at the end of this season if he stays on a similar pace. Through the first seven games, Washington leads the team in receiving yards with 783, and he leads the team in receiving touchdowns with six. He is currently No. 5 among all FBS receivers in total receiving yards and No. 8 among all receivers in yards after catch (383 yards). In Virginia's 31-27 upset win over No. 10 North Carolina, Washington hauled in 12 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
18. RB Ismail Mahdi, Texas State Bobcats
Transferred from Houston Christian to Texas State
Previous rank: Unranked
Mahdi has been a surprise this season for Texas State, after rushing for 568 yards and two touchdowns last season for Houston Christian. Mahdi now has 726 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023 for Texas State. He's No. 14 among all FBS backs in rushing yards and No. 13 in touchdowns, as well as No. 7 in yards per rush with 7.41 yards. Mahdi has also had an impact on the passing game with 183 receiving yards and a touchdown and has 280 kick return yards and a touchdown. He's putting together the best season of his career and has been an integral part of the offense so far.
19. RB Logan Diggs, LSU Tigers
Transferred from Notre Dame to LSU
Previous rank: Unranked
Diggs played for coach Brian Kelly at Notre Dame and followed him to LSU this past offseason. In 2022, Diggs rushed for 822 yards and four touchdowns on 165 carries in 12 games. This season, playing in seven games, he has 611 yards and six touchdowns. He's No. 32 in rush yards among all FBS backs and No. 28 in rush yards per game. Knowing Kelly's offensive system has made it a seamless transition for Diggs and he has excelled so far this season as part of one of college football's best offenses.
20. WR Jimmy Horn Jr., Colorado Buffaloes
Transferred from USF to Colorado
Previous rank: Unranked
Horn had success at USF in the pass game and on special teams prior to joining Colorado. He is now second on the Buffs team in receiving yards with 436 yards and four touchdowns. Horn is averaging 9.91 yards per catch and 62.29 yards per game. Of his 436 yards, 211 have come after the catch. Horn is part of an exciting wide receiver corps for Colorado and has had the opportunity to put up some big numbers so far this season.
21. WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas Longhorns
Transferred from Georgia to Texas
Previous rank: 12
Mitchell won two national championships with Georgia and had 560 yards with seven touchdowns over his time with the Dawgs. He transferred to Texas and has made some important plays this season for the Longhorns. He had two touchdowns and 78 yards in the big win against Alabama, and 141 yards and a touchdown in the win against Kansas. He is second on the team in receiving yards with 368 and leads the team with five receiving touchdowns.
22. DL Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech Hokies
Transferred from Florida to Virginia Tech
Previous rank: Unranked
Powell-Ryland spent three seasons at Florida and started five games during the 2022 season. He has played in all seven games this season for Virginia Tech and leads the team in tackles for loss with 9.5 and sacks, with seven. His sack total puts him at No. 8 among all FBS defenders and his 25 pressures ranks fifth in the country.
23. WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss Rebels
Transferred from Louisiana Tech to Ole Miss
Previous rank: Unranked
At Louisiana Tech, Harris was a first-team All-Conference USA player with 1,529 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns over 31 games. He has produced immediately for Ole Miss this season and is now tied for No. 17 among all receivers in receiving touchdowns with six. He's third on the team in receiving yards with 367 and is averaging 21.59 yards per catch, which ranks No. 10 in the country in that category.
24. OT Walter Rouse, Oklahoma Sooners
Transferred from Stanford to Oklahoma
Previous rank: Unranked
Rouse started 39 of 40 games during his four years at Stanford, mainly at left tackle, and has played 439 snaps at left tackle this season for the Sooners. He has allowed just two pressures on 234 pass blocking snaps and is credited for two blown blocks on 205 run blocks. He has given Oklahoma a stout presence at left tackle and has been consistent all season.
25. DJ Uiagalelei, Oregon State Beavers
Transferred from Clemson to Oregon State
Previous rank: Unranked
The change of scenery has worked well for Uiagalelei. During a dismal season at Clemson in 2022 that saw him replaced by quarterback Cade Klubnik, Uiagalelei had 2,521 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He ranked 67th in passing yards on the year and 37th in touchdown passes. He currently has 1,573 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Beavers are 6-1, with big games ahead against Oregon and Washington.
26. QB Jordan McCloud, James Madison Dukes
Transferred from Arizona to James Madison
Previous rank: Unranked
In JMU's 7-0 start, McCloud has 1,683 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has three rushing touchdowns and 197 rushing yards. His best game of the season came in the 45-38 win against Utah State, when McCloud had 364 yards passing, four touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns. McCloud is No. 8 among all FBS quarterbacks in touchdown percentage of passing touchdowns per attempt.
27. QB Jack Plummer, Louisville Cardinals
Transferred from Cal to Louisville
Previous rank: Unranked
It seemed like a natural fit when Plummer transferred to Louisville from Cal this past offseason. He played under Jeff Brohm at Purdue prior to transferring to Cal and is now reunited with the coaching staff. Plummer has been excellent for the Cardinals, throwing for 1,901 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. In Louisville's win against Boston College, Plummer threw for 388 yards and five touchdowns on just 18 completions. He had no turnovers in the win against Notre Dame and had 350 passing yards against Pitt. He is No. 25 among all FBS quarterbacks in passing yards and No. 15 in yards per attempt. Plummer is No. 18 in percentage of pass attempts at 20 or more yards and has been an integral part to Brohm and the team's early success.
28. DB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina Gamecocks
Three-star recruit
Previous rank: Unranked
Kilgore was a prospect out of Eatonton, Georgia, and had offers from Clemson, Oklahoma, Florida, Florida State and other big-time programs. He chose South Carolina and has now played in all seven games this season. He leads the team in tackles with 61, and also has one interception and four pass breakups on the season. The 61 tackles ranks fourth among all FBS defensive backs this season and Kilgore has a 90.4% tackle rate thus far. He wasn't the highest ranked recruit in the Gamecocks' recruiting class, but he has certainly made an impact this season.
29. WR Malik Fleming, Houston Cougars
Transferred from East Carolina to Houston
Previous rank: Unranked
Fleming was an excellent corner at East Carolina, where he had 105 tackles and six career interceptions. He was a second-team all-conference player in 2022, and he has continued his success at Houston this season. Through seven games, Fleming has three interceptions and three pass breakups. His three interceptions rank No. 14 among all defensive backs, the highest for all Houston defenders.
30. DL Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Transferred from Ohio State to Notre Dame
Previous rank: Unranked
Jean-Baptiste played in 13 games for Ohio State last season and had 19 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He graduated and transferred to Notre Dame, where he has been featured more within the defense than he was at Ohio State. He's tied for fifth on the team in total tackles with 33, he also has three tackles for loss and his 18 pressures are tied for 35th among all FBS defenders.
31. RB Blake Watson, Memphis Tigers
Transferred from Old Dominion to Memphis
Previous rank: Unranked
At ODU, Watson had 2,144 career rush yards and 14 attempts from 2018 to 2022. He was honorable mention for all-conference three years in a row and is now excelling for the Tigers. He leads the team in rush yards and rushing touchdowns. From his 593 rush yards, 405 have come after first contact and he has been able to break 21 tackles this season. In addition to his rushing numbers, Watson is third on the team in receiving yards with 248, and also has one receiving touchdown on the year.
32. QB Mikey Keene, Fresno State Bulldogs
Transferred from UCF to Fresno State
Previous rank: Unranked
Keene threw 83 passes for 647 yards, six touchdowns and an interception last season for UCF as John Rhys Plumlee took most of the snaps. Keene transferred to Fresno State and is now leading a 6-1 team and putting up impressive numbers along the way. So far this season, he has 1,692 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. He came out of the gates swinging in Week 1 when he completed 70.5% of his passes and threw for 366 yards and four touchdowns in a 39-35 win against Purdue. He hasn't thrown for less than 218 yards in a game this season and has had just one game where he has thrown fewer than two touchdowns.
33. LB Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss Rebels
ESPN 300 No. 18 overall recruit
Previous rank: Unranked
Perkins, a five-star prospect, was the highest-ranked prospect in Ole Miss' 2023 class. He had offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami and plenty of other big-name schools. Perkins has played in all seven games for the Rebels at linebacker this season and is tied for fourth on the team in tackles with 29. He has five tackles for loss and three sacks to go along with one pass breakup, as well.
34. DL Bear Alexander, USC Trojans
Transferred from Georgia to USC
Previous rank: 25
Alexander was the No. 56 prospect in the 2022 class and signed with Georgia out of high school. He played as a true freshman, but transferred to USC to get a fresh start. Alexander has played in all eight games for the Trojans this season and has 24 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups. Alexander has been able to help create pressure on the quarterback this season and has been a disruptive player up front. USC continues to need help on defense, but Alexander has been a welcomed addition to the unit in 2023.
35. LB Anthony Hill, Texas Longhorns
ESPN 300 No. 16 overall recruit
Previous rank: 29
Hill was the No. 1 inside linebacker and the No. 3 recruit in the state of Texas. He has played 171 snaps this season and participated in all seven games. He is currently fourth on the team in total tackles with 30, and also has four tackles for loss, three sacks, a pass breakup and two quarterback hurries. Last season, the Texas defense was ranked No. 54 in yards allowed per game, giving up 368.4 yards and is currently ranked No. 37 this season, giving up 333.1 yards per game. Hill has played a role in that improvement and is part of a Texas team that is seemingly on the rise.
36. S Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma Sooners
ESPN 300 No. 17 overall recruit
Previous rank: 37
Bowen, a freshman, initially committed to Notre Dame, decommitted from the Irish to commit to Oregon and then flipped from Oregon to Oklahoma and signed with the Sooners. He was a five-star prospect and a big win for an Oklahoma team looking to improve its defense. During the 2022 season, Oklahoma's defense ranked No. 122 among all FBS teams in yards allowed per game (461), No. 82 in yards allowed per play (5.75), No. 106 in rush yards allowed per game (187.5) and 119 in pass yards allowed per game (273.5). Through the first half of this season, the Sooners are averaging 100 fewer yards per game (359.9) and are ranked No. 55 overall in the category. Rush yards allowed per game are down over 70 yards (119.4) and pass yards allowed are down over 30 yards (240.4). Bowen is fifth on the team in total tackles with 25, and also has four pass breakups and a forced fumble this season. The staff added some important transfers, but Bowen is one true freshman who has made a mark already this season.
37. RB Dylan Edwards, Colorado Buffaloes
ESPN 300 No. 140 overall recruit
Previous rank: 46
Edwards had been committed to Notre Dame during his high school recruitment, but once Deion Sanders was hired at Colorado, Edwards flipped to play for the Buffs. He made a splash in the first game of the season against TCU, when he had 135 receiving yards and three touchdowns, along with 24 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. He has split rushing duties with multiple players, but still has 250 yards and a touchdown on 56 carries. He's fourth on the team in receiving yards with 217 and has three receiving touchdowns on the year. Edwards has fit in nicely within the offense and his versatility in the run game and pass game has made him a threat, though he has seen his usage go down in recent weeks.
38. DB Khyree Jackson, Oregon Ducks
Transferred from Alabama to Oregon
Previous rank: Unranked
Jackson played at Fort Scott Community College in 2019, transferred to Alabama for the last two seasons before going to Oregon. He leads the Ducks in interceptions with two and has four pass breakups in six games played. Jackson is allowing just 30.8% of passes completed when he's the targeted defender and is an integral part of an Oregon defense that is allowing 5.13 yards per drop back this season, which ranks No. 16 nationally among all FBS teams.
39. LB Jaheim Thomas, Arkansas Razorbacks
Transferred from Cincinnati to Arkansas
Previous rank: Unranked
The season has not gone well for Arkansas, but Thomas has been a bright spot on the defense. He leads the team in tackles with 74, which puts him in the top-15 nationally for tackles. Thomas has 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two pass breakups this season. He has already surpassed his total number of tackles from last season with Cincinnati (70) and is tied for the number of tackles for loss he had. The team hasn't been winning games, but Thomas has been a force on the defense through eight games.
40. WR Tez Walker, North Carolina Tar Heels
Transferred from Kent State to North Carolina
Previous rank: Unranked
Walker was initially deemed ineligible this season by the NCAA after he transferred from Kent State, because he had already transferred once, utilizing the one-time waiver for eligibility. He missed the first four games, but the NCAA reversed its decision and Walker has played in the Tar Heels the past three games. Walker eased into his return with six receptions for 43 yards against Syracuse, but then exploded against Miami, when he had 132 yards and three touchdowns in the 41-31 win. He followed that performance up with 146 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Virginia. Had he been eligible for the whole season, he might have been ranked higher.
41. QB JT Daniels, Rice Owls
Transferred from West Virginia to Rice
Previous rank: Unranked
Daniels started his career at USC after graduating a year early and started for the Trojans in 2018. He suffered an injury in 2019 and then transferred to Georgia prior to the 2020 season. He played through the 2021 season for the Dawgs before transferring to West Virginia and left for Rice this past offseason. Daniels has played in seven games this season for Rice and is currently No. 10 in passing yards among all FBS quarterbacks with 2,173 yards. He's also No. 10 in touchdowns thrown with 17 and is averaging 310.43 pass yards per game. Rice is 4-3 this season, but the offense ranks 31 among all FBS teams in points scored with Daniels at the helm.
42. OT Ajani Cornelius, Oregon Ducks
Transferred from Rhode Island to Oregon
Previous rank: Unranked
Cornelius made a name for himself at Rhode Island, starting 11 games in each of the past two seasons. He was one of the more sought-after offensive linemen in the transfer portal this offseason and has played 374 snaps at right tackle for the Ducks this season. On 229 pass blocking snaps, he has allowed just two pressures.
43. DL Rueben Bain Jr., Miami Hurricanes
ESPN 300 No. 69 overall recruit
Previous rank: 45
He was tabbed as a recruit who had a chance at playing early and he has now played in all seven games for the Hurricanes. He is eighth on the team in total tackles with 19 but has been able to create pressure on the quarterback. Bain has five tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, along with two forced fumbles.
44. RB Darius Taylor, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Three-star recruit
Previous rank: Unranked
Minnesota was looking for help at running back as last season's starter Mohammed Ibrahim is now in the NFL. Taylor has played in five games this season for the Gophers and leads the team with 591 rushing yards and four touchdowns, ranking No. 37 among all FBS running backs and his 118.2 rush yards per game is good for fourth in the country.
45. OT Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M Aggies
ESPN 300 No. 61 overall recruit
Previous rank: Unranked
Bisontis was the No. 5 tackle in the class and was the starter at right tackle for Texas A&M in the season opening win against New Mexico. He has played 345 snaps this season at right tackle and has allowed two sacks through seven games. In addition to his pass blocking, Bisontis has just one blown block in 139 run block snaps.
46. DB Jordan Castell, Florida Gators
ESPN 300 No. 139 overall recruit
Previous rank: Unranked
Castell was an important addition to Florida's 2023 recruiting class as the staff was looking for help on defense. Castell was the No. 10 safety in the class. He has played in all seven games this season, starting six and is second on the team in total tackles with 32. He has 1.5 tackles for a loss and a pass breakup in his first season for the Gators.
47. QB Graham Mertz, Florida Gators
Transferred from Wisconsin to Florida
Previous rank: Unranked
Mertz was a highly ranked recruit out of high school and came to Wisconsin with a lot of fanfare. His first game for the Badgers was nearly flawless, but he never really gained any traction after that. Mertz ranked No. 81 in pass yards for the 2022 season and No. 104 in completion percentage, completing just 57.3% of his passes. This season, for Florida, Mertz has improved his numbers, completing 76.2% of his passes, good for No. 3 among all FBS quarterbacks, and has 1,897 yards, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. One of the more impressive stats for Mertz is that he leads all quarterbacks in off target percentage with just 4.6% of his attempts off target. At this point in the season last year, Mertz completed 63.5% of his passes and had thrown for 1,427 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions.
48. DB Josh DeBerry, Texas A&M Aggies
Transferred from Boston College to Texas A&M
Previous rank: Unranked
DeBerry played at Boston College for four seasons, where he had 19 pass breakups and four interceptions. In seven games for the Aggies at corner, DeBerry, who has played in 341 total snaps, is fourth on the team in tackles with 31, first on the team with two interceptions and also leads the team with seven pass breakups. He has allowed opposing offenses a 48.4 completion percentage when he is the targeted defender.
49. DL Prince Dorbah, Arizona State Sun Devils
Transferred from Texas to Arizona State
Previous rank: Unranked
Dorbah played in five games last season for Texas and had seven tackles with one tackle for loss. In seven games for Arizona State, Dorbah has racked up six sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss with 26 total tackles. He has not missed a tackle this season and is credited with 15 quarterback pressures.
50. DB Daijahn Anthony, Ole Miss Rebels
Transferred from Liberty to Ole Miss
Previous rank: Unranked
Anthony was at a Division II school prior to transferring to Liberty in 2021. He played in 24 games over two seasons for Liberty and had three interceptions for the Flames. He has played in seven games for Ole Miss this season and has 26 total tackles, one interception and five pass breakups. He ranks No. 14 among all FBS defensive backs with a 28.6% completion percentage allowed when he's the targeted defender and has allowed just one passing touchdown this season.