College Football Network released the top 100 college football players for the 2024 season, and the Group of Five has found eight players from the conferences gracing the list.
Who are the standouts as the Group of Five looks to send a team to the newly expanded College Football Playoff, and how high did they land on the list? Let’s take a look!
Which Group of Five Players Were Included in the CFN Top 100 College Football Players?
The newly expanded College Football Playoff moves to 12 teams in the 2024 season, with at least one Group of Five conference champion guaranteed entry under the 5+7 format.
As such, there will be plenty to watch as we look to see which teams and players establish themselves as the best in the Group of Five.
Of the players making the list, a surprising six of them will take snaps on the offensive side of the ball, with only one of those being a quarterback. The rest of the list is rounded out with a high-powered group of skill players headlined by UNLV wide receiver Ricky White.
This is what CFN College Football Analyst James Fragoza had to say about White and the other top players from the Group of Five to make the list.
Ricky White, WR, UNLV (19th)
Losing Jayden Maiava stings, but Holy Cross transfer Matthew Sluka is a proficient passer in his own right. After starting slow against Bryant and Michigan, Ricky White III exploded for 12 receptions and 165 yards vs. Vanderbilt and never looked back.
He can take any play to the house, hitting a top speed of 21.2 mph in Week 12 against Air Force. But the UNLV WR simply knows how to win on his routes, creating separation at an impressive rate.
Kaidon Salter, QB, Liberty (25th)
In his first season as Liberty’s full-time starter, Kaidon Salter showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 2,876 yards, 32 TDs, and just six INTs while rushing for another 1,089 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
He led the team to a CUSA title and the program’s first-ever New Year’s Six bowl game. Despite a quick stint in the transfer portal, Salter is back in Lynchburg and ready to flame defenses once again.
Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State (28th)
Tory Horton gave Colorado State fans a transfer portal scare but ultimately returned to the Rams for the upcoming campaign. There are few holes in his game, as he can win before the catch, at the catch point, and after the catch. Prepare for a third straight 1,000+ yard season from Horton in 2024.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (32nd)
What’s left to be said about the CFN first-team All-American? A terror in the open field, he broke a ridiculous amount of tackles last season and reached a top speed of 21.5 mph. Ashton Jeanty isn’t just the best RB in the Mountain West; he’s in the conversation for the best RB in all of college football.
Ben Bell, EDGE, Texas State (41st)
Despite splitting time and starting only seven games, Ben Bell set Texas State’s FBS program records with 16 TFLs and 10 sacks. He could not be stopped when on the field, and with several upperclassmen off the depth chart, Bell’s playing time will only increase. Sun Belt QBs better buckle their chin straps because their bells will be ringing against Texas State.
Full List of Group of Five Players in the CFN Top 100 College Football Players
- Ricky White, WR, UNLV (19th)
- Kaidon Salter, QB, Liberty (25th)
- Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State (28th)
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (32nd)
- Ben Bell, EDGE, Texas State (41st)
- Jason Henderson, LB, Old Dominion (52nd)
- Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green (58th)
- Terion Stewart, RB, Bowling Green (92nd)
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