After Georgia’s thrilling 33-18 win against Alabama to claim their first College Football Playoff National Championship since 1980, their fans are getting excited at the possibility of a repeat. Their roster looks stronger than ever and they’ve posted some impressive performances since the season kicked off on September 3rd, not least the 49-3 demolition of Oregon on opening day.
It’s hard to argue with Bulldog fans optimism right now, but according to the latest college football odds, this years Championship will be closer than ever, with the likes of Ohio, Clemson, Alabama, USC and Michigan all in the conversation. But who are the players that are going to make the difference between victory and defeat? We take a closer look at the college stars to watch out for this season.
Bryce Young: QB, Alabama
2021 stats: 4,872 yards, 47 TDs
The former five-star prospect won the Heisman Trophy after his first season as a starter last season. He produced a school-record 47 total touchdowns, and an impressive passing yardage of 4,872. After only five games this season, Bryce had thrown 1202 yards for 14 touchdowns, proving that the QB and his team mates are desperate to put right last year’s Championship Playoff defeat to Georgia.
Bijan Robinson: RB, Texas
2021 stats: 1,127 rushing yards, 15 TDs
After only five games in to the season, Robinson already had rushing 515 yards and 9 TDs to his name. One of college football’s most exciting runners, he brings power, speed, and agility to the position. An improved roster at Texas will definitely benefit his displays and push this Heisman Trophy contender into the spotlight.
His fumble against Texas Tech that cost his team the game in a tight 37-34 defeat, led the RB to walk around campus with a football in his hands in order to rectify his rare mistake. That kind of attitude will see Robinson go far.
Brock Bowers: TE, Georgia
2021 stats: 882 yards, 14 TDs
Many experts considered Bowers the best tight end in the country last season, so in only his second season with the Bulldogs, fans are expecting big things. A school-record 13 touchdown receptions and 56 catches last season – double the next Georgia player – make him the go to man for quarterback Stetson Bennett. He has the speed to outpace linebackers and the strength to break the defensive backs, making the sophomore Georgia’s most explosive offensive player. Expect Bowers to help power the Bulldogs all the way.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
2021 stats: 1,912 yards, 21 TDs
Williams biggest strength is his ability to handle the hype around him. His start to the season was explosive, with the first five games seeing him record an impressive 1,402 yards and 12 TDs. A key member of Lincoln Riley’s rebuild at USC, Williams has the ability to single-handedly lead this team to success, and explains why USC are among many peoples favourites for the Championship.
C.J. Stroud: QB, Ohio State
2021 stats: 4,435 yards, 44 TDs
A Heisman Trophy finalist last season, Stroud will no doubt be challenging for honors again this season, as he looks to take the Buckeyes all the way. A dominant opening five games of the season racked up five wins, and saw Stroud record 1,376 yards and 18 TDs.
The QB has impressive arm strength, great mechanics, and is able to push the ball all over the field. His coach expects an improved and more mature player this season, and with Ohio’s impressive offensive line, Stroud and Ohio State are ones to watch.
Will Anderson Jr.: OLB, Alabama, Junior
2021 stats: 101 tackles (57 solo), 17.5 sacks
Last season’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner is tipped to be next year’s No. 1 overall draft pick. A former Freshman of the Year, Anderson was one of the best players in college football as a sophomore, leading the country in sacks and tackles for loss.
After the first five games of this season, Anderson had already recorded 27 tackles (12 solo) and 5 sacks. Alabama’s impressive run to the finals last season, in what coach Nick Saban labelled a rebuild year, prove this team have the talent. Now older and wiser, Anderson and his teammates are on a mission to put right last year’s playoff defeat.
TreVeyon Henderson: RB, Ohio State
2021 stats: 1,248 yards, 15 TDs
As a true freshman, Henderson ran for 1,272 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, including 27 receptions. With a year of experience under his belt, expect Henderson to be even better this season, and yet another name in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy.
Other names to look out for include Kayshon Boutte, WR at LSU, Dillon Gabriel, QB at Oklahoma, Braelon Allen, RB at Wisconsin, Anthony Richardson, QB at Florida and Deuce Vaughn RB at Kansas State. But with so much exciting talent to around, this College Football season is already shaping up to be better than ever.