PFF College 101: The 101 best players in college football in 2023 | College

Now that the college football season has concluded, it’s time to go over the best players from the year. Here is the PFF College 101, highlighting the 101 best players from the 2023 college football season.

This ranking is based on various factors, including PFF grades and other stats available only to PFF+ subscribers. Please note that the players’ NFL potential doesn’t factor into this ranking.

Stay tuned for the full release of the PFF College 101:

• Monday: Nos. 81-100
• Tuesday: Nos. 61-80
• Wednesday: Nos. 41-60
• Thursday: Nos. 21-40
• Friday: Nos. 1-20

101. S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy-winning Watts led the country with seven interceptions and posted a solid 75.1 coverage grade in 2023. His best game, by far, came against USC when he picked off Caleb Williams twice and posted a career-high 88.1 run-defense grade. He’ll return to school in 2024, along with several other key Notre Dame starters, to lead a potentially elite defense.

100. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas Longhorns

Sanders’ 682 receiving yards in 2023 ranked third among all tight ends in college football. Twenty-two of his catches went for 15-plus yards, tied for the most among FBS tight ends. While Sanders could stand to improve as a run blocker, his receiving ability and athleticism make him one of the top tight ends in the 2024 NFL Draft.

99. WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU Tigers

Thomas’ 17 touchdowns in 2023 led all wide receivers as he emerged as a legitimate second threat for LSU alongside Malik Nabers. Thomas’ route tree isn’t as dynamic as Nabers’, but he was equally as explosive down the field. His 99.9 deep receiving grade tied for the national lead, as did his 12 touchdowns on deep targets.

98. CB Jarrian Jones, Florida State Seminoles

Jones was the star of one of college football’s best secondaries in 2023. His 90.1 PFF grade ranked fifth among all cornerbacks, and he allowed only a 25.3 passer rating when targeted, placing fourth in the FBS at the position.

97. S Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa’s cornerbacks get the headlines, but the Hawkeyes have an excellent safety in Xavier Nwankpa. He ranked eighth in the nation in overall grade and led all safeties in PFF WAR in 2023. Nwankpa plays several roles for Iowa, having logged at least 200 snaps in the box, in the slot and at free safety.

96. EDGE Jalen Green, James Madison Dukes

Despite missing time due to a knee injury, Green led the nation in sacks (18) through nine games. His 19.6% pressure rate in 2023 placed eighth among FBS edge defenders.

95. EDGE Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina Tar Heels

Rucker finished the 2023 regular season leading the ACC in pressures. That helped him earn an outstanding 88.9 pass-rush grade through the postseason. With Jared Verse departing to the NFL, Rucker is arguably the best pass rusher returning to the ACC next…