Star power: Players to watch in college football
A short but strong list starts with the returning Heisman winner and a top contender for this year's trophy.
![FILE - Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) during warm ups before the start of an NCAA college football game against Auburn on Nov. 27, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. Alabama is banking on Young and Will Anderson Jr. to lead the team back to a national championship after a tantalizingly close call last season. Both are high on the lists of preseason Heisman Trophy candidates and potential No. 1 NFL draft picks. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BPKNSAUMM7UVP5VKYLI4HB23GY.jpg?&w=712)
Players to watch in college football:
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama — Reigning Heisman Trophy winner passed for nearly 5,000 yards and 47 touchdowns with only seven interceptions as sophomore.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State — Buckeyes led the nation in total offense and scoring with Stroud guiding the attack as a freshman.
Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama — Voted college football's top defensive player last season after leading nation in tackles for loss (34.5) and sacks (17.5).
Jordan Addison, WR, USC — Portal transfer addition for the Trojans who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver at Pittsburgh after catching 17 touchdown passes.
Two offensive linemen from Lakeville, Bryce Benhart and Riley Mahlman, are standouts for Big Ten rivals of Minnesota.