The ESPN Top 100 ranking features several potential breakout stars following in the footsteps of last year's surprise performers.

With less than a week to go until the 2025 college football season kicks off Week 0, ESPN released its list of the top 100 players in the sport. As usual, Alabama was well represented. The Crimson Tide had five players on the list.

Starting this Saturday, college football’s dreaded stretch of dormancy will officially end. Football—real, actual football—will commence in the form of an abbreviated (but much appreciated) Week 0 slate.

You can make a realistic case for four or five teams to win the SEC and contend for the national title. Eric Froton (@CFFroton) of NBC Sports takes an indepth look at each of these contenders for glory in the SEC offering an overview of each along with a look at players to watch,