I asked Google Gemini: "Who are the 4 Best College Football Players at each position that will be playing in 2025-26?"

I asked Google Gemini to list the top 4 players at each position. Note that in the first run Gemini included Will Campbell who I know was an LSU offensive lineman that was drafted #4 overall in this years NFL draft.  I asked Gemini to redo the list and exclude players that had been included in the most recent NFL draft. Gemini may still have glaring mistakes, like Campbell, please point them out in the comments if you like. Here is the list that Gemini generated:

prompt 1: Who are the best 4 college football players at each position that will be playing in 2025-26?

prompt 2: Replace players who were drafted in the most recent NFL draft, like Will Campbell.

You are absolutely correct to point that out! Will Campbell was a projected first-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, specifically the fourth overall pick to the New England Patriots. Kelvin Banks Jr. and Shemar Stewart were also drafted in the first round. Here are updated suggestions for top college football players at each position for the 2025-26 season, considering players who are expected to return:

 

Quarterbacks

• Cade Klubnik, Clemson: Ranked as the top returning quarterback, he showed significant improvement in 2024, raising his passing grade and touchdown production.

• Sam Leavitt, Arizona State: Completed 62% of his passes for 24 TDs and 6 INTs in 2024, leading Arizona State to a successful season.

• Carson Beck, Miami (FL): Despite an injury, he was productive in 2024 and is expected to be a top QB in 2025 if healthy.

• Drew Allar, Penn State: Improved under a new offensive coordinator in 2024 and is considered a top returning quarterback. 

Running Backs

• Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame: An explosive and versatile back who was highly effective in the run and passing game in 2024.

• Nicholas Singleton, Penn State: A big-play threat with strong yards per carry in 2024.

• Kaytron Allen, Penn State: Reached 1,000 rushing yards in 2024 and forms a dynamic duo with Singleton.

• Isaac Brown, Louisville: A record-setting freshman in 2024, he led the ACC in runs of 40+ yards. 

Wide Receivers

• Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State: Widely regarded as the best returning player in college football, he had a dominant freshman season in 2024.

• Ryan Williams, Alabama: An outstanding freshman in 2024 with elite speed and body control.

• Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State: A breakout performer in 2024, ranking second among returning Power Four receivers.

• Antonio Williams, Clemson: Led the Clemson wide receivers in 2024 and is a quick and shifty player. 

Tight Ends

• Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt: A top returning tight end who excels as a receiver and after the catch.

• Jack Endries, Cal: Led the California Golden Bears in receptions and receiving yards in 2024.

• Max Klare, Ohio State: Expected to be a focal point in the Ohio State passing game after a strong 2024 season.

• Tanner Koziol, Houston: A transfer from Ball State with a successful 2024 season, he adds receiving threat to Houston. 

Offensive Tackles

• Spencer Fano, Utah: Led FBS tackles with a 93.0 PFF grade in 2024, strong in run blocking.

• Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL): A powerful and reliable lineman who didn't allow a sack in 2024.

• Kadyn Proctor, Alabama: A massive tackle with strong potential, who improved in 2024.

• Austin Barber, Florida: Started at left tackle in 2024 with good pass protection and run blocking skills. 

Interior Offensive Linemen

• Jake Slaughter, Florida: A stellar redshirt junior in 2024, he received high grades in both pass and run blocking.

• Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M: Ranked as a top interior offensive lineman.

• Iapani Laloulu, Oregon: Ranked as a top interior offensive lineman.

• Parker Brailsford, Alabama: Held his own in the SEC and is a top returning center. 

Edge Rushers

• Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State: A versatile edge rusher with a strong frame and recent sack production.

• Dylan Stewart, South Carolina: A talented freshman in 2024 with impressive stats and NFL potential.

• T.J. Parker, Clemson: An explosive and high-motor edge rusher who recorded 11 sacks in 2024.

• Colin Simmons, Texas: A top freshman in 2024 who recorded nine sacks and has elite pass-rushing moves. 

Interior Defensive Linemen

• Peter Woods, Clemson: Ranked as the highest-graded and most valuable returning Power Four defensive tackle.

• Zane Durant, Penn State: Ranked among the top interior defensive linemen.

• Tim Keenan III, Alabama: A physical anchor with strength against the run and leadership skills.

• Christen Miller, Georgia: An explosive interior lineman with a strong first step and powerful hands. 

Linebackers

• Anthony Hill Jr., Texas: The top-ranked linebacker, he had a stellar sophomore season in 2024.

• Whit Weeks, LSU: An All-SEC selection in 2024 and a top linebacker prospect.

• Xavian Sorey, Arkansas: A productive transfer from Georgia who made significant tackles in 2024.

• Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh: A First Team All-American in 2024 with impressive tackle and sack numbers. 

Cornerbacks

• Leonard Moore, Notre Dame: Named Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and is a top corner.

• Jermod McCoy, Tennessee: A strong press corner with excellent ball skills.

• D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana: A quick and feisty cover man with good ball skills.

• Avieon Terrell, Clemson: A versatile corner with speed and production. 

Safeties

• Caleb Downs, Ohio State: Considered the best defensive back in college football, he's a playmaker with elite instincts.

• Koi Perich, Minnesota: A true sophomore who had an incredible freshman season.

• Dillon Thieneman, Oregon: Consistently reached over 100 tackles and led freshmen in interceptions in 2023.

• KJ Bolden, Georgia: A former top safety recruit who showed elite potential as a freshman in 2024. 

AI responses may include mistakes.

5

Penn St: 5 - QB, 2RBs, Edge, DL

Clemson: 5 - QB, WR, Edge, DL,CB

Opening Big Game:

LSU @ Clemson When: Sat/Aug 30/6:30pm ABC Line: Clemson - 3.5

4

Alabama: 4 - WR, OT, IOL, DL

Opening Big Game:

Alabama @Florida State When: Sat/Aug30/2:30pm ABC Line: Bama -13.5

3

Ohio St: 3 - WR, TE, S

Opening Big Game:

Texas @Ohio St. When: Sat/Aug30/11am FOX Line: Ohio St. -2.5

2

Arizona St: 2 - QB, WR

Miami: 2 -  QB, OT

Notre Dame: 2 - RB, CB

Florida: 2, OT, IOL

Oregon: 2, IOL, S

Georgia: 2 - DL, S 

Texas: 2, Edge, LB

Opening Big Games:

Notre Dame @Miami When: Sun/Aug31/6:30pm ABC  Line: ND -2.5

Texas @Ohio St. When: Sat/Aug30/11am FOX Line: Ohio St. -2.5

1

Louisville: 1 - RB

Vanderbilt: 1 - TE

Cal: 1 - TE

Houston: 1 - TE

Utah: 1 - OT 

Tx A&M: 1, IOL

South Carolina: 1 - Edge

LSU: 1 - LB

Arkansas: 1 - LB

Pitt: 1 - LB

Tennessee: 1 -CB

Indiana: 1 - CB

Minnesota: 1 - S

Opening Big Games:

LSU @ Clemson When: Sat/Aug 30/6:30pm ABC Line: Clemson - 3.5
California @Oregon State When: Sat/Aug30/9:30pm ESPN Line: ORST - 3
Utah @UCLA When: Sat/Aug30/10pm FOX Line: -6.5
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina When: Sun/Aug31/2pm ESPN Line: SC -8
Syracuse vs Tennessee When: Sat/Aug30/11am ABC Line: Tenn -14

Note: All "Opening Big Game" information source ESPN.