Every year, there are new stars who emerge in college football. The 2023 season is sure to be no different as players who aren’t yet household names in college football will turn into some of the top performers in the sport this fall.
Earlier this week, PFF released its list of 10 players it expects to have a breakout season in 2023.
Georgia, Penn State, Florida State and LSU each have two players who are a part of the group. Here’s the full list:
Williams appeared in all 15 games last season and finished the year with 28 tackles as a true freshman. He also had 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and tied for the team lead with 31 quarterback hurries. Williams should make a big leap as a sophomore and could be one of the best edge rushers in the country.
The Georgia native started all 15 games last season and had a solid year. Lassiter made 38 tackles, including five tackles for loss. He did not record an interception but did have four pass breakups. Lassiter should once again be a starter in the secondary this fall.
King started nine games at cornerback last season and was excellent, earning All-Big Ten honors for his play. The rising junior was second on the team with three interceptions and also recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Joey Porter Jr. received a lot of attention last year, but King was also really good starting opposite him. He should get plenty of attention this fall.
Robinson should be one of the best edge rushers in the country this season after posting 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2022. The Maryland transfer was one of the top defensive linemen on the team for the Nittany Lions last year.
The Seminoles were loaded at running back last season, but Benson led the way. The Oregon transfer rushed for 990 yards and nine touchdowns last year while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. With Treshaun Ward transferring to Kansas State this offseason, Benson should get even more opportunities in 2023.
A big-play threat every time he touches the ball, Wilson averaged more than 20 yards per catch last season. In total, he had 43 catches for 897 yards and five scores, leading the Seminoles in all three categories. Florida State added Keon Coleman from the transfer portal, but Wilson is sure to still be a big part of the offense.
The Arizona transfer should excel in Lincoln Riley‘s offense and with Caleb Williams throwing him the ball. Singer started 11 of the 12 games he appeared in last season for the Wildcats, catching 66 passes for 1,105 yards. He could be the go-to target for Williams this fall.
Taylor should be one of the best defensive tackles in the country in 2022. The Miami native and former five-star prospect tied for the team lead with 10.5 tackles for loss last season. He also led the Hurricanes with six quarterback hurries.
Smith suffered a season-ending injury in the 2022 season opener against Florida State after being a freshman All-American in 2021. He played in nine games, with four starts as a freshman, finishing with 19 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. He should be one of the best defensive tackles in college football this fall.
Perkins came in and was immediately one of the top players on the defensive side of the ball for the Tigers as a true freshman. He finished last season 72 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. On3 recently ranked him as the No. 6 player in college football for the 2023 season.