ESPN ranks the 25 players with the greatest impact on the CFP race

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on from the sideline in the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The 2024 season will be special for the simple fact it’s the first time in 17 years that the legendary Nick Saban will not be on the sideline. However, with just 19 days until the start of the season, the excitement for the new head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide Kalen DeBoer is palpable.

Another major change coming to college football this year is the expansion of the College Football Playoff from four to 12 teams. The Crimson Tide qualified for the four-team Playoff in eight of the ten years, so the larger pool size means they’ll be in the Playoff basically every single year.

The Alabama roster will look slightly different this year after several players followed Saban’s exit such as S Caleb Downs to Ohio State and WR Isaiah Bond to Texas. However, the Tide will still be one of the most talented rosters in the sport with a number of future NFL players.

Bill Connelly of ESPN broke down the 25 most important players in 2024’s College Football Playoff race (subscription required). Connelly ranked C Parker Brailsford No. 17 on the list as well as CBs Domani Jackson or/and DaShawn Jones at No. 15. The former Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond ranked No. 14 as well.

WR Kobe Prentice is still waiting for his breakout season in Tuscaloosa after posting 49 grabs for 651 yards and four touchdowns through his first two years. ESPN sees Prentice having a massive impact on this year’s CFP race ranking him No. 10 and saying,

“The vast number of former blue-chippers on the roster is unlike anything DeBoer has worked with to date, but…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-ranks-25-players-greatest-215056802.html

Author : Roll Tide Wire

Publish date : 2024-08-12 21:50:56

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