What Our Top 100 List Got Right and Wrong

The release of ESPN’s college football Player Rank has sent shockwaves through the industry. Many have questioned the absence of notable players from top programs, with Dante Moore, Oregon’s preseason Heisman Trophy contender, ranking outside the top 10.

Moore’s snub is not an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of the sport’s increasing reliance on quarterback-centric rankings. The list itself reads like a laundry list of quarterback talent, with five QBs ranked in the top 11 and 18 overall. This emphasis on quarterbacks has been growing for years, driven by the sport’s increasing popularity and desire to create exciting storylines.

However, this focus comes at a cost. Top programs are now more focused than ever on churning out elite quarterbacks rather than developing well-rounded teams. The absence of Moore is particularly telling, given his preseason Heisman contender status and opportunity to play his way into being the No. 1 pick.

The SEC and Big Ten dominate this year’s rankings, accounting for 65% of the top names. While this isn’t surprising given their historical strength in producing top-tier talent, it raises concerns about representation from outside these Power 4 conferences. New Mexico’s Jaxton Eck finds himself at No. 100, a nod to non-Power 4 programs.

The lack of Big 12 representation on the list is also noteworthy. With its reputation for wild offensive shootouts and explosive playmakers, one would expect to see more players from the region ranked among the best. Instead, we’re left with a handful of players from Texas Tech and Oklahoma State – both of whom have transfers on their rosters.

The emphasis on quarterback talent has created a culture in which only the most elite signal-callers are given a chance to shine. As the season begins, it will be interesting to see how these rankings hold up. Will other positions, like running backs and wide receivers, emerge as top performers? The Heisman Trophy may be the first casualty of this trend.

Jeremiah Smith enters the season as the best player in the country, with potential contenders like Leonard Moore and Colin Simmons on the sidelines. It’s likely that we’ll see a shift towards rewarding teams with multiple talented players rather than just one elite quarterback.

Ultimately, the Player Rank controversy is not just about Dante Moore or any one particular player; it’s about the sport’s increasing reliance on quarterback-centric rankings and the danger of neglecting other positions in favor of marketable talent. As we move forward into the season, it will be interesting to see how this plays out – and whether top programs are willing to challenge the status quo.