As the college football season begins, here’s a look at players who are going to have to step up big time for players who are now making a living in the NFL:
Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson to replace Bryce Young
Any up-and-coming Alabama quarterback has a tough act to follow with the recent outputs of Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones.
This season, one will be plucked from the depth chart to take over from Young, who left for the NFL after winning the Heisman in 2021 and was the No. 1 pick this spring by the Panthers.
Nick Saban will decide between Milroe and Simpson as the Tide’s next leader with the hope one will bring them to another national title.
Both were top recruits for Alabama, but Milroe takes the edge on Simpson in experience, with 12 appearances between 2021 and 2022, when he threw for a total 338 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.
His quickness outside of the pocket stands out as well with 31 carries for 263 yards (8.5 yards per carry) in 2022.
Carson Beck to replace Stetson Bennett
Georgia is looking to Beck to keep things on the uptick after former quarterback Bennett, who was drafted by the Rams, led the Bulldogs to back-to-back championships for the first time in school history.
The senior has made 10 appearances the past two seasons, completing 486 yards for six touchdowns and two interceptions.
Mykel Williams to replace Jalen Carter
The vaunted Georgia defensive line needs a new leader.
Seniors Zion Logue, Naz Stackhouse, and Warren Brinson are expected to have solid seasons, but Williams, a sophomore, might have the most potential.
Across 15 games as a freshman, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound lineman recorded 28 total tackles (15 solo) with 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
In Carter’s senior year before being drafted by the Eagles in the first round (ninth overall), he had 32 total tackles (16 solo), seven tackles for loss, and three sacks over 13 games.
Esaias Furdge to replace Emmanuel Forbes
Mississippi State has the task of replacing Forbes, who holds the FBS record for most pick-sixes (six in the 2022 season) and was drafted by the Commanders in the first round (16th overall).
Furdge, a graduate student, is likely to fill Forbes’ shoes. He played in 10 games last season with 12 total tackles including half a tackle for loss.