Written by Adam Silverstein at CBSSports.com
With just five weeks until the start of the 2016 college football season, CBS Sports takes a look at the top players in the game — the names you should know who will impact the outcome on the field and be featured on highlight packages all year long.
In conjunction with Beckett Sports, the top 50 players below are broken down in greater detail inside in our 2016 CBS Sports season preview magazine “2016 College Football 50 Impact Players” — on newsstands now.
The top 50 was compiled through a voting average including ballots from CBS Sports senior writer Dennis Dodd; writers Tom Fornelli, Robby Kalland, Ben Kercheval and Chip Patterson; analyst Matthew Coca; and 247Sports.com’s Chance Linton.
With that, let’s take a look at the best players in college football.
50. Will Likely, CB/KR, Maryland: Heart over height. The 5-foot-7 cornerback is one of the most electrifying players in college football. Likely is a special talent when it comes to returning the football. As a junior, he totaled 1,197 kick return yards and led the Big Ten with an average of 17.7 yards per punt return. In his sophomore season, he broke Maryland’s record for most interception return yards in a season (170) and interception returns for a touchdown (2). In his junior season, he had 11 pass breakups in his 11 games. — Matthew Coca
49. Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA: After playing in only game his junior season before tearing his ACL, Vanderdoes is back to make a statement. The 305-pound defensive tackle will be a difference maker for the Bruins, which lost linebackerMyles Jack and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to the NFL. More of a run-stuffer than a pass-rusher, Vanderdoes should showcase his power. As a sophomore, he recorded 50 tackles — including 5.5 for loss — and was ready to make waves as a junior. He will be a leader for the defensive unit and should return and dominate opposing offenses once again. — MC
48. Arden Key, DE, LSU: A fast, long edge rusher at 6-foot-6, 231 pounds, Key uses that length and a devastating first step to dominate. Like many tall defensive ends, he will play a bit too high at times and get stood up, but he’s at his best when he gets good bend to get leverage and turn the corner on the tackle. His long strides and closing speed make him a threat on long, looping stunts to the inside while chasing down run plays as well. Paired with Lewis Neal, the two will cause serious problems for opposing offensive lines. — Robby Kalland
47. DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State: Walker is one of the most experienced players on FSU’s defense its most producitve pass rusher with 10.5 sacks in 2015. His decision to come back for his senior season not only boosts the Seminoles’ defense, but it provides an opportunity for him to improve on his draft stock. This past draft was heavy on defensive ends at the top. Another year in school can cement Walker as one of the best pass rushers in college football and in the 2017 draft. — Ben Kercheval
46. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State: Despite running behind a poor offensive line as a freshman, Barkley rushed for 1,076 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. That was basically the best season any freshman running back has had in Penn State history, as Barkley broke or matched D.J. Dozier’s marks from 1983. Oh, and he accomplished this while missing two games to injury. The expectations are raised for Barkley headed into 2016. Penn State’s offense will basically revolve around Barkley this year, and he’ll be the player that defenses key in on. — Tom Fornelli
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