The best of the Power 5 conferences this season

As we get ready to hit bowl season, let's take a look at the best of the regular season in each Power 5 conference. In addition to all-conference teams, we roll out awards for Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and Freshman of the Year.[br /][br /][i]Note: The positional breakdowns vary by conference, so the pass-happy Big 12 will have more wide receivers on its team than the Big Ten.[/i][br /][Ads /][br /]Click on the link to see your conference:[br /][br /][b][url TARGET="_blank" HREF="#acc" ]ACC[/url] | [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="#big12" ]Big 12[/url] | [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="#bigten" ]Big Ten[/url]| [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="#pac12" ]Pac-12[/url] | [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="#sec" ]SEC[/url][/b][br /][br /]ACC[/h2][br /][b]OFFENSE[/b][br /][b]QB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/546288/ryan-finley" ]Ryan Finley[/url], NC State[/b][br/][br /]His 24 touchdown passes tied for the league lead and his 151.9 passer rating ranked second, but his 3,789 passing yards was the most through 12 games by an ACC quarterback since [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/11237/matt-ryan" ]Matt Ryan[/url] in 2007.[br /][br /][b]RB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4239996/travis-etienne" ]Travis Etienne[/url], Clemson[/b][br/][br /]In the past decade, no Power 5 back with as many rush yards as Etienne (1,463) has had a higher yards-per-carry average (8.31).[br /][br /][b]RB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4239934/aj-dillon" ]AJ Dillon[/url], Boston College[/b][br/][br /]He wasn't healthy for half the season and he missed two games completely, but Dillon still finished with 1,108 yards and 10 touchdowns.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4036163/kelvin-harmon" ]Kelvin Harmon[/url], NC State[/b][br/][br /]Harmon finished with more than 1,000 yards receiving for the second consecutive season -- one of just seven ACC receivers to do that in the past decade.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4239993/tee-higgins" ]Tee Higgins[/url], Clemson[/b][br/][br /]His numbers might've been better if Clemson needed to throw the ball more or if he wasn't sharing targets with a deep receiving corps. Still, Higgins finished the season with an ACC-high 10 touchdown grabs.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4037235/greg-dortch" ]Greg Dortch[/url], Wake Forest[/b][br/][br /]Dortch tied for the league lead in catches and was second in touchdowns, yards and yards after the catch.[br /][br /][b]OT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3728250/mitch-hyatt" ]Mitch Hyatt[/url], Clemson[/b][br/][br /]The left side of Clemson's line allowed just three sacks all season while opening up massive running lanes for the ground game.[br /][br /][b]OG: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3672833/chris-lindstrom" ]Chris Lindstrom[/url], Boston College[/b][br/][br /]Finished the season with a pass-blocking grade of 90.9, the highest by any guard in the country, allowing just three QB hurries and no sacks on 370 snaps.[br /][br /][b]C: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3116729/garrett-bradbury" ]Garrett Bradbury[/url], NC State[/b][br/][br /]In three years, Bradbury went from converted tight end to the Rimington Trophy winner as the nation's top center.[br /][br /][b]OG: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3116740/terronne-prescod" ]Terronne Prescod[/url], NC State[/b][br/][br /]In 636 snaps, Prescod had 32 knockdowns and didn't allow a sack for one of the best passing offenses in the country.[br /][br /][b]OT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3125877/stefano-millin" ]Stefano Millin[/url], Pitt[/b][br/][br /]Millin was the top lineman on a unit that rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and played for an ACC championship.[br /][br /][b]DEFENSE[/b][br /][br /][b]DE: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3728258/clelin-ferrell" ]Clelin Ferrell[/url], Clemson[/b][br/][br /]Ferrell led the league with 10.5 sacks, and tied for second in the ACC with 17 tackles for loss and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year.[br /][br /][b]DT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3728266/christian-wilkins" ]Christian Wilkins[/url], Clemson[/b][br/][br /]The on-field and off-field leader for the Tigers, Wilkins had 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 11 quarterback pressures and two touchdown runs.[br /][br /][b]DT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/559562/gerald-willis-iii" ]Gerald Willis III[/url], Miami[/b][br/][br /]Willis led the ACC with 18 tackles for loss and finished fourth on his team with 59 total tackles in a season-long performance that got people to sit up and take notice.[br /][br /][b]DE: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035631/brian-burns" ]Brian Burns[/url], Florida State[/b][br/][br /]Burns was dominant, with 10 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. He's already declared for the NFL draft.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035474/tre-lamar" ]Tre Lamar[/url], Clemson[/b][br/][br /]Lamar is the stalwart in the Tigers' linebacker group, with 74 tackles on a defense that leads the ACC in run defense and ranks second in total defense.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4037468/shaquille-quarterman" ]Shaq Quarterman[/url], Miami[/b][br/][br /]Quarterman has been a mainstay in the Hurricanes' linebacker group and finished with 76 tackles and six sacks.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3116724/germaine-pratt" ]Germaine Pratt[/url], NC State[/b][br/][br /]Pratt emerged to have a sensational senior season, ranking second in the league with 9.45 tackles per game.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035339/hamp-cheevers" ]Hamp Cheevers[/url], Boston College[/b][br/][br /]Cheevers tied with Andre Cisco for the interceptions lead and allowed just 35 receptions this season.[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3672862/jaquan-johnson" ]Jaquan Johnson[/url], Miami[/b][br/][br /]Johnson might have missed a few games this season, but he still had a performance to remember, leading Miami with 79 total tackles while forcing two fumbles.[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4361939/andre-cisco" ]Andre Cisco[/url], Syracuse[/b][br/][br /]What a true freshman season for Cisco, who is tied for the national lead with seven interceptions.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4037584/bryce-hall" ]Bryce Hall[/url], Virginia[/b][br/][br /]Hall ranks No. 1 in the nation with 20 pass breakups and No. 2 with 22 passes defended.[br /][br /][b]SPECIAL TEAMS[/b][br /][b]K: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4258620/andre-szmyt" ]Andre Szmyt[/url], Syracuse:[/b] No kicker in the past decade has connected on more field goals through 12 games than Szmyt (28), and he was 3-of-3 from beyond 50 yards.[br /][br /][b]P: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4240485/pressley-harvin-iii" ]Pressley Harvin III[/url], Georgia Tech: [/b]Led the ACC in punting average (44.26), net punting (41.03) and percentage of punts downed inside the 10 (19.4 percent).[br /][br /][b]RS: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3915296/michael-walker" ]Michael Walker[/url], Boston College:[/b] His 1,020 kick-return yards were 202 more than any other player in the country, while his 274 punt-return yards ranked seventh nationally.[br /][br /][b]Player of the Year: Christian Wilkins, Clemson[/b][br/][br /]Wilkins came back for his senior season for one more chance at a championship and turned in the best performance of his career.[br /][br /][b]True Freshman of the Year: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4360310/trevor-lawrence" ]Trevor Lawrence[/url], Clemson[/b][br/][br /]Lawrence already is a star for the Tigers, throwing for 2,606 yards, 24 touchdowns and four interceptions.[br /][br /][b]Coach of the Year: Dabo Swinney, Clemson[/b][br/][br /]Coaches with the best teams often get overlooked for these awards, but not this season. Swinney had the most dominant team in the league and found the right way to manage a quarterback change five games in to make his team even better.[br /][br /][img SRC="http://a.espncdn.com/i/mlb/infographics/greyline.png" /][br /][br /]Big 12[/h2][br /][br /][b]OFFENSE[/b][br /][br /][b]QB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3917315/kyler-murray" ]Kyler Murray[/url], Oklahoma[/b][br/][br /]Quarterbacked the Sooners into the playoff while posting the best FBS QBR (96.0) since ESPN began tracking the metric in 2004.[br /][br /][b]RB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035538/david-montgomery" ]David Montgomery[/url], Iowa State[/b][br/][br /]Heart and soul of the Cyclones attack, led the Big 12 with 710 rushing yards after contact.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4241424/tylan-wallace" ]Tylan Wallace[/url], Oklahoma State[/b][br/][br /]A Biletnikoff finalist who finished the regular season ranked third nationally in receiving yards per game while saving his best performances for the biggest games.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4241372/marquise-brown" ]Marquise Brown[/url], Oklahoma[/b][br/][br /]Another game breaker in the nation's top offense, "Hollywood" is averaging 8.7 yards after the catch per reception, tops among Big 12 wide receivers.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3871102/david-sills-v" ]David Sills V[/url], West Virginia[/b][br/][br /]Sills has 33 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons; no other player in college football has more than 25 over the same span.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3917940/hakeem-butler" ]Hakeem Butler[/url], Iowa State[/b][br/][br /]Leads FBS with an average of 22.1 yards per catch to go along with 1,126 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.[br /][br /][b]OT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3707061/cody-ford" ]Cody Ford[/url], Oklahoma[/b][br/][br /]The anchor of one of the best lines in college football.[br /][br /][b]OG: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4037650/ben-powers" ]Ben Powers[/url], Oklahoma[/b][br/][br /]Also named a Walter Camp All-American.[br /][br /][b]C: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4039042/zach-shackelford" ]Zach Shackelford[/url], Texas[/b][br/][br /]Texas made big strides on the line, particularly in the run game, and Shackelford -- the leader up front -- was the biggest reason why.[br /][br /][b]OG: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3821678/dru-samia" ]Dru Samia[/url], Oklahoma[/b][br/][br /]Was the Big 12 coaches' Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year.[br /][br /][b]OT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3125082/dalton-risner" ]Dalton Risner[/url], Kansas State[/b][br/][br /]A four-year starter, also an ESPN first-team All-American.[br /][br /][b]AP: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4039057/lil'jordan-humphrey" ]Lil'Jordan Humphrey[/url], Texas[/b][br/][br /]Big, physical receiver was a Swiss army knife for the Longhorns, accounting for touchdowns as a receiver, runner and passer.[br /][br /][b]DEFENSE[/b][br /][br /][b]DE: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3122420/jordan-brailford" ]Jordan Brailford[/url], Oklahoma State[/b][br/][br /]A talented edge rusher who is second in the league with nine sacks and third in tackles for loss with 16.[br /][br /][b]DT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3133368/daniel-wise" ]Daniel Wise[/url], Kansas[/b][br/][br /]Finished with 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks as the league's most disruptive interior lineman.[br /][br /][b]DT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4241259/ray-lima" ]Ray Lima[/url], Iowa State[/b][br/][br /]The key to Iowa State's three-man front, Lima is the underrated linchpin of the Big 12's top defense.[br /][br /][b]DE: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3929865/charles-omenihu" ]Charles Omenihu[/url], Texas[/b][br/][br /]Leads the conference with 9.5 sacks and registered at least a half tackle for loss in each of Texas' past nine games to finish with 16.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3916074/david-long-jr" ]David Long Jr.[/url], West Virginia[/b][br/][br /]The Big 12 coaches' Defensive Player of the Year, Long tops the league with 18.5 tackles for loss and is top five in both sacks and tackles.[br /][Ads /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4259349/gary-johnson" ]Gary Johnson[/url], Texas[/b][br/][br /]A big hitter who wreaked havoc in opposing backfields, with 15.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3139453/dakota-allen" ]Dakota Allen[/url], Texas Tech[/b][br/][br /]Was a consistent asset in both run defense and pass rush until a knee injury hindered him in the season's final month.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3676819/jeff-gladney" ]Jeff Gladney[/url], TCU[/b][br/][br /]A shutdown corner for the Horned Frogs, usually tasked with guarding the opposing team's top receiver, Gladney was third in the league with 14 passes defended.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3929845/kris-boyd" ]Kris Boyd[/url], Texas[/b][br/][br /]Leads the Big 12 with 18 disrupted dropbacks (sacks/interceptions/passes defended/batted or tipped passes).[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035289/greg-eisworth" ]Greg Eisworth[/url], Iowa State[/b][br/][br /]Among the league's most reliable tacklers, ranks seventh in the conference, and first among defensive backs, with 7.6 tackles per game.[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4362077/caden-sterns" ]Caden Sterns[/url], Texas[/b][br/][br /]Showed up big time in several big games for the Horns and is second in the conference with four interceptions; also blocked a field goal that led to a touchdown.[br /][br /][b]SPECIAL TEAMS[/b][br /][br /][b]K: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3139465/clayton-hatfield" ]Clayton Hatfield[/url], Texas Tech[/b][br/][br /]Led the league in field goal accuracy, making 17 of 19 attempts (89.5 percent); he was also perfect on 55 extra-point attempts.[br /][br /][b]P: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3821683/austin-seibert" ]Austin Seibert[/url], Oklahoma[/b][br/][br /]Opponents have averaged just 3.5 yards per return against Seibert, tops in the Big 12 among qualifying punters; Seibert also nailed 15 of 17 field goals.[br /][br /][b]RS: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4241389/ceedee-lamb" ]CeeDee Lamb[/url], Oklahoma[/b][br/][br /]A 1,000-yard receiver, who led the Big 12 in punt return yardage, had three returns of 20-plus yards -- tied for most among Big 12 returners -- and didn't muff a single punt.[br /][br /][b]Player of the Year: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma[/b][br/][br /]Oklahoma's seventh Heisman Trophy winner, he is primed to shatter [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3052587/baker-mayfield" ]Baker Mayfield[/url]'s FBS passing efficiency rating.[br /][br /][b]Coach of the Year: Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma[/b][br/][br /]Despite losing a Heisman winner and No. 1 overall NFL draft pick in Mayfield, Riley produced an even more lethal offense behind Murray to propel the Sooners to a record fourth Big 12 title and return trip to the College Football Playoff.[br /][br /][b]True Freshman of Year: QB [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4361741/brock-purdy" ]Brock Purdy[/url], Iowa State[/b][br/][br /]Since taking over in October, Purdy ranks sixth nationally in passer rating, and with him as the starter, Iowa State is 7-1.[br /][br /][img SRC="http://a.espncdn.com/i/mlb/infographics/greyline.png" /][br /][br /]Big Ten[/h2][br /][b]OFFENSE[/b][br /][b]QB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4040616/dwayne-haskins" ]Dwayne Haskins[/url], Ohio State[/b][br/][br /]His passing numbers as a third-year sophomore eclipsed the greats in Big Ten history. Haskins threw for more than 400 yards five times after every Ohio State quarterback before him combined to do it once.[br /][br /][b]RB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4242335/jonathan-taylor" ]Jonathan Taylor[/url], Wisconsin[/b][br/][br /]The fourth Wisconsin back to win the Doak Walker Award, Taylor is the fourth player in FBS history to post consecutive 1,900-yard rushing seasons. His 3,966 yards in two seasons are the most ever for an individual before his junior season.[br /][br /][b]RB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3929927/karan-higdon" ]Karan Higdon[/url], Michigan[/b][br/][br /]The workhorse as a senior for the Wolverines' powerful running game, his 1,178 yards on the ground ranked third in the Big Ten.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3121410/parris-campbell" ]Parris Campbell[/url], Ohio State[/b][br/][br /]Haskins' top target, the speedy Campbell heads to Pasadena as the Big Ten's third-leading receiver with 79 catches for 992 yards and 11 touchdowns.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/246044/tyler-johnson" ]Tyler Johnson[/url], Minnesota[/b][br/][br /]His consistent and often spectacular play helped spur the Gophers' late-season surge as Johnson accumulated 1,112 receiving yards, second in the league this season and the second-highest figure ever at Minnesota.[br /][br /][b]TE: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4036133/tj-hockenson" ]T.J. Hockenson[/url], Iowa[/b][br/][br /]The Mackey Award winner as the nation's top tight end, Hockenson followed in the footsteps of ex-Iowa great Dallas Clark, catching 46 balls for 717 yards in his breakout redshirt sophomore season.[br /][br /][b]G: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3121537/beau-benzschawel" ]Beau Benzschawel[/url], Wisconsin[/b][br/][br /]The senior stalwart has started 48 consecutive games for the Badgers, who averaged 6.28 yards per rush to lead the league and rank fourth nationally.[br /][br /][b]G: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3121541/michael-deiter" ]Michael Deiter[/url], Wisconsin[/b][br/][br /]The versatile lineman has started a Wisconsin-record 53 games at three positions up front over four seasons.[br /][br /][b]T: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4036135/alaric-jackson" ]Alaric Jackson[/url], Iowa [/b][br/][br /]The anchor of Iowa's always-stout front five, Jackson protected the blind side for [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4036149/nate-stanley" ]Nate Stanley[/url] as the Hawkeyes allowed a Big Ten-low 10 sacks.[br /][br /][b]T: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3917660/david-edwards" ]David Edwards[/url], Wisconsin[/b][br/][br /]Another of the big bodies to open holes for Taylor in his quest to reach 2,000 yards, Edwards thrived even while fighting a shoulder injury throughout the fall.[br /][br /][b]C: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4040622/michael-jordan" ]Michael Jordan[/url], Ohio State[/b][br/][br /]A converted left guard, he's started 27 consecutive games and has picked up where [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2976295/pat-elflein" ]Pat Elflein[/url] and [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3051407/billy-price" ]Billy Price[/url] left off the past two seasons in providing strong play in the middle of the Ohio State O-line.[br /][br /][b]AP: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4372485/rondale-moore" ]Rondale Moore[/url], Purdue[/b][br/][br /]The Big Ten's leader in receptions and receiving yards, Moore won the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player nationally and enters bowl season with 2,048 all-purpose yards.[br /][br /][b]DEFENSE[/b][br /][b]DE: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3115974/chase-winovich" ]Chase Winovich[/url], Michigan[/b][br/][br /]At one point this season, Winovich led the nation in tackles for loss thanks to relentless effort and some much-improved technical skills.[br /][br /][b]DE: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3929833/kenny-willekes" ]Kenny Willekes[/url], Michigan State[/b][br/][br /]The former walk-on had 20.5 tackles for loss as the most dynamic player on the nation's best rush defense.[br /][br /][b]DT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4046523/rashan-gary" ]Rashan Gary[/url], Michigan[/b][br/][br /]Injuries slowed Gary's production this season, but the future first-round draft pick was always on the minds of opposing offensive coordinators.[br /][br /][b]DT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3915525/dremont-jones" ]Dre'Mont Jones[/url], Ohio State[/b][br/][br /]The redshirt junior picked up 8.5 sacks and became the Buckeyes' top defensive playmaker after Nick Bosa's season ended early due to injury.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4036261/devin-bush" ]Devin Bush[/url], Michigan[/b][br/][br /]The fast and brash centerpiece of Michigan's defense made 79 tackles and recorded five sacks in the regular season.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4036507/joe-bachie" ]Joe Bachie[/url], Michigan State[/b][br/][br /]The Spartans' captain is six tackles shy of back-to-back 100-stop seasons heading into the postseason and has put himself near the top of an impressive list of middle linebackers to play for Mark Dantonio.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035641/paddy-fisher" ]Paddy Fisher[/url], Northwestern[/b][br/][br /]Fisher's consistency in 2018 edged him past Wisconsin's [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3121544/tj-edwards" ]T.J. Edwards[/url] for our last linebacker spot during a season crowded with candidates.[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4036134/amani-hooker" ]Amani Hooker[/url], Iowa[/b][br/][br /]One of the more underrated defensive backfields in the country produced another standout this season. Hooker filled up the stat sheet with seven breakups and four interceptions.[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3915419/darnell-savage-jr" ]Darnell Savage Jr.[/url], Maryland[/b][br/][br /]Quarterbacks started avoiding Savage after his fourth pick in six games to start the season, but he continued to have an impact as a downhill run-stopper and hard hitter.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4046538/lavert-hill" ]Lavert Hill[/url], Michigan[/b][br/][br /]One of a few shutdown cornerbacks in the league, Hill helped the Wolverines play aggressively all season. He broke up six passes and was rarely targeted.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3116175/amani-oruwariye" ]Amani Oruwariye[/url], Penn State[/b][br/][br /]The veteran starter had a knack for big plays, recording three interceptions to go with a forced fumble.[br /][br /][b]SPECIAL TEAMS[/b][br /][b]K: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3150744/chase-mclaughlin" ]Chase McLaughlin[/url], Illinois[/b][br/][br /]The Texas native hit 20 of his 25 field goal attempts, including a school-record four from 50 yards or longer.[br /][br /][b]P: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4040607/drue-chrisman" ]Drue Chrisman[/url], Ohio State[/b][br/][br /]The Buckeyes' punter has not had as many chances as others to shine in the past couple years, but with more than half of his punts this season pinning teams inside the 20, he flipped the field whenever his team needed it.[br /][br /][b]KR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4240573/ihmir-smith-marsette" ]Ihmir Smith-Marsette[/url], Iowa[/b][br/][br /]The fastest man on Iowa's team was a big-play threat on offense and special teams, averaging 29.3 yards per kick return.[br /][br /][b]Player of the Year: Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State[/b][br/][br /]Haskins broke record after record and became a Heisman finalist after throwing for 4,580 yards and 47 touchdowns.[br /][br /][b]True Freshman of the Year: Rondale Moore, Purdue[/b][br/][br /]The electric all-purpose player showed his versatility and value to the Boilermakers in his first season on campus.[br /][br /][b]Coach of the Year: Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern[/b][br/][br /]Pushing through injuries and three early losses in the season, Fitzgerald and his team finished the season with eight wins and their first appearance in the Big Ten championship game.[br /][br /][img SRC="http://a.espncdn.com/i/mlb/infographics/greyline.png" /][br /][br /]Pac-12[/h2][br /][b]OFFENSE[/b][br /][b]QB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4038524/gardner-minshew" ]Gardner Minshew[/url], Washington State[/b][br/][br /]The East Carolina transfer threw for 4,477 yards with 36 touchdowns with nine interceptions and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.[br /][br /][b]RB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4242873/eno-benjamin" ]Eno Benjamin[/url], Arizona State[/b][br/][br /]Led the Pac-12 with 1,524 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.[br /][br /][b]RB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3910544/joshua-kelley" ]Joshua Kelley[/url], UCLA[/b][br/][br /]UC Davis transfer rushed for 135.1 yards per game in Pac-12 play and was second in the conference with 12 rushing touchdowns.[br /][Ads /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4047839/nkeal-harry" ]N'Keal Harry[/url], Arizona State[/b][br/][br /]One of the top NFL draft prospects in the country, Harry caught 73 passes for 1,088 yards in his final season for the Sun Devils.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3931397/jj-arcega-whiteside" ]JJ Arcega-Whiteside[/url], Stanford[/b][br/][br /]Tied for third nationally with 14 touchdown receptions.[br /][br /][b]TE [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3932936/caleb-wilson" ]Caleb Wilson[/url], UCLA[/b][br/][br /]Wilson declared for the draft after catching 60 passes for 965 yards.[br /][br /][b]OT [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3127264/andre-dillard" ]Andre Dillard[/url], Washington State[/b][br/][br /]One of the main reasons Minshew was sacked just 11 times in 652 dropbacks this season.[br /][br /][b]OG [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3915142/shane-lemieux" ]Shane Lemieux[/url], Oregon[/b][br/][br /]Lemieux graded out as one of the best guards in the country, according to Pro Football Focus data.[br /][br /][b]C: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4039016/nick-harris" ]Nick Harris[/url], Washington[/b][br/][br /]Harris made a seamless transition from guard and became the conference's best center.[br /][br /][b]OG: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4042828/gus-lavaka" ]Gus Lavaka[/url], Oregon State[/b][br/][br /]Lavaka was an obvious bright spot on a team that struggled most of the season.[br /][br /][b]OT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3915147/calvin-throckmorton" ]Calvin Throckmorton[/url], Oregon[/b][br/][br /]Throckmorton might end up at guard in the NFL, but he has been a fixture at tackle for the Ducks for three seasons.[br /][br /][b]DEFENSE[/b][br /][br /][b]DL [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3127294/greg-gaines" ]Greg Gaines[/url], Washington[/b][br/][br /]A block-eating tackle, Gaines finished with 52 tackles, including 5.5 for loss.[br /][br /][b]DL: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035660/bradlee-anae" ]Bradlee Anae[/url], Utah[/b][br/][br /]Anae led the conference with eight tackles and added 13.5 tackles for loss.[br /][br /][b]DL: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4243257/john-penisini" ]John Penisini[/url], Utah[/b][br/][br /]Penisini finished 36 tackles and seven tackles for loss playing on the interior of Utah's defensive line.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3886816/ben-burr-kirven" ]Ben Burr-Kirven[/url], Washington[/b][br/][br /]Led the Pac-12 with a remarkable 155 tackles and forced four fumbles.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/531024/chase-hansen" ]Chase Hansen[/url], Utah[/b][br/][br /]Hansen led the Pac-12 with 22 tackles for loss after converting from safety.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035866/jordan-kunaszyk" ]Jordan Kunaszyk[/url], Cal[/b][br/][br /]Finished third in the conference with 133 tackles and forced a league-high five fumbles.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4245685/colin-schooler" ]Colin Schooler[/url], Arizona[/b][br/][br /]One of the most productive players in the country, Schooler finished the season with 119 tackles and 21.5 tackles for loss.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4038999/byron-murphy" ]Byron Murphy[/url], Washington[/b][br/][br /]An All-America-caliber cornerback, Murphy has a bright NFL future.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4242547/paulson-adebo" ]Paulson Adebo[/url], Stanford[/b][br/][br /]Recorded four interceptions and 60 tackles as a redshirt freshman.[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4039007/taylor-rapp" ]Taylor Rapp[/url], Washington[/b][br/][br /]Arguably the top safety in college football.[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3858271/ashtyn-davis" ]Ashtyn Davis[/url], Cal[/b][br/][br /]A key piece on a defense who was statistically one of the best in the country.[br /][br /][b]SPECIAL TEAMS[/b][br /][br /][b]K: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4249087/matt-gay" ]Matt Gay[/url], Utah[/b][br/][br /]The 2017 Lou Groza Award winner connected on 24 of 29 field goal attempts and made 10 from 40-plus yards.[br /][br /][b]P: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035685/mitch-wishnowsky" ]Mitch Wishnowsky[/url], Utah[/b][br/][br /]Led the Pac-12 in net yards per punt (42.8).[br /][br /][b]RS: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3886841/tony-brooks-james" ]Tony Brooks-James[/url], Oregon[/b][br/][br /]Averaged more than 26 yards per kickoff return and a third went for 30-plus yards.[br /][br /][b]Player of the Year: Gardner Minshew, Washington State[/b][br/][br /]Minshew Mania took over Pullman this fall as the East Carolina transfer took the Cougars to within one game of the Rose Bowl.[br /][br /][b]Coach of the Year: Mike Leach, Washington State[/b][br /][br /]A victory in the Valero Alamo Bowl would set the Washington State single-season record for wins (11).[br /][br /][b]True Freshman of the Year[br/][br /]WR [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4374302/amon-ra-st-brown" ]Amon-Ra St. Brown[/url], USC[/b][br/][br /]St. Brown finished 10th in the Pac-12 with 750 receiving yards catching passes from another true freshman, [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4374303/jt-daniels" ]JT Daniels[/url].[br /][br /][img SRC="http://a.espncdn.com/i/mlb/infographics/greyline.png" /][br /][br /]SEC[/h2][br /][b]QB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4241479/tua-tagovailoa" ]Tua Tagovailoa[/url], Alabama[/b][br/][br /]When you throw for 3,353 yards, 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions, not only are you a mortal lock for all-conference honors, you're a Heisman finalist.[br /][br /][b]RB [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035072/benny-snell-jr" ]Benny Snell Jr.[/url], Kentucky[/b][br/][br /]The Wildcats could finish with 10 wins for the first time in decades, and Snell's 1,305 yards and 14 touchdowns rushing are a big reason for that.[br /][br /][b]RB [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035222/trayveon-williams" ]Trayveon Williams[/url], Texas A&M[/b][br/][br /]Williams was the most productive back in the SEC, with a conference-high 1,524 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing.[br /][br /][b]TE: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3917962/jace-sternberger" ]Jace Sternberger[/url], Texas A&M[/b][br/][br /]Only one tight end finished in the top 10 in the SEC in receiving yards, and it was Sternberger, who hauled in 47 passes for 804 yards and 10 touchdowns.[br /][br /][b]WR:[url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4241463/jerry-jeudy" ]Jerry Jeudy[/url], Alabama[/b][br/][br /]The sophomore from South Florida averaged an eye-popping 18.7 yards per reception. Every fifth catch he made resulted in a touchdown.[br /][br /][b]WR: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4047646/aj-brown" ]A.J. Brown[/url], Ole Miss[/b][br/][br /]The junior has been a star from the minute he set foot on campus, and he capped his career with the most receptions (85) and receiving yards (1,320) in the conference.[br /][br /][b]OT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4047661/greg-little" ]Greg Little[/url], Ole Miss[/b][br/][br /]Like his teammate Brown, Little has stood out and looked like a future NFL tackle since he arrived in Oxford. His pass protection powered one of the most entertaining offenses in the SEC.[br /][br /][b]OG: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3126330/bunchy-stallings" ]Bunchy Stallings[/url], Kentucky[/b][br/][br /]He twice earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week and helped pave the way for Snell's 1,300-plus yards rushing.[br /][br /][b]C: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3126364/ross-pierschbacher" ]Ross Pierschbacher[/url], Alabama[/b][br/][br /]The senior shifted from guard to center seamlessly, anchoring perhaps the best and most balanced offense in the SEC.[br /][br /][b]OG: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/559661/deion-calhoun" ]Deion Calhoun[/url], Mississippi State[/b][br/][br /]The Bulldogs had the second-most-productive rushing attack in the conference, and the physical blocking of Calhoun was a big reason for that.[br /][br /][b]OT: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4032481/jonah-williams" ]Jonah Williams[/url], Alabama[/b][br/][br /]He protected a Heisman finalist quarterback and was one of the best run-blocking linemen in the country.[br /][br /][b]DEFENSE[/b][br /][br /][b]DL: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4040982/quinnen-williams" ]Quinnen Williams[/url], Alabama:[/b] There wasn't a more consistently disruptive lineman in the country than Williams, who posted double-digit sacks as an interior rusher.[br /][br /][b]DL: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4034967/jachai-polite" ]Jachai Polite[/url], Florida:[/b] He posted an eye-popping 38 pressures and finished second in the SEC with 11 sacks.[br /][br /][b]DL: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3134690/montez-sweat" ]Montez Sweat[/url], Mississippi State:[/b] He's been one of the best defensive linemen in the conference for two years now, and he finished the regular season with 48 tackles, eight sacks and a forced fumble.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3915239/josh-allen" ]Josh Allen[/url], Kentucky:[/b] The Chuck Bednarik Award winner -- given to the best defensive player in the country -- not only registered 84 tackles, he led the SEC in sacks (14) and forced fumbles (five).[br /][br /][b]LB:[url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035434/devin-white" ]Devin White[/url], LSU:[/b] Linebackers shouldn't have this guy's speed. And it showed from sideline to sideline with 115 tackles, three sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3121578/deshaun-davis" ]Deshaun Davis[/url], Auburn: [/b]The Tigers' defense slipped a bit this season, especially late, but Davis wasn't the reason why, with 93 tackles and three sacks.[br /][br /][b]LB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4241471/dylan-moses" ]Dylan Moses[/url], Alabama:[/b] Outside of White, there isn't a more athletic linebacker in the conference. A Butkus Award finalist, he posted 76 tackles and four sacks.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3915163/deandre-baker" ]Deandre Baker[/url], Georgia:[/b] The Jim Thorpe Award winner is the definition of a shutdown corner, with 18 pass breakups, five interceptions and three tackles for a loss during the past two seasons.[br /][br /][b]CB: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035437/greedy-williams" ]Greedy Williams[/url], LSU:[/b] He has the game to back up his name and his trash talk. His numbers might not be awe-inspiring (11 passes defended this season and two interceptions), but that's because most quarterbacks wouldn't throw his way.[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4242208/grant-delpit" ]Grant Delpit[/url], LSU: [/b]At one point, LSU coach Ed Orgeron called Delpit the team's most dominant player. He did it all, with 75 tackles, five sacks, five interceptions and 14 passes defended.[br /][br /][b]S: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3859100/deionte-thompson" ]Deionte Thompson[/url], Alabama:[/b] You want to know how the Crimson Tide defense overcame losing its entire secondary, including star [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3925345/minkah-fitzpatrick" ]Minkah Fitzpatrick[/url]? Look no further than Thompson, who has first-round potential despite just one year as a full-time starter.[br /][br /][b]SPECIAL TEAMS[/b][br /][br /][b]K: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3145491/cole-tracy" ]Cole Tracy[/url], LSU:[/b] The transfer from Assumption College was arguably the MVP for LSU, making 25 of 29 field goals, including the winner against Auburn that put the Tigers on the map this season.[br /][br /][b]P: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035239/braden-mann" ]Braden Mann[/url], Texas A&M:[/b] Only one player in the SEC averaged more than 50 yards per punt, and it's Mann, who went 51.1 yards per attempt and even notched one beauty of a punt that traveled 82 yards.[br /][br /][b]RS: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3126486/deebo-samuel" ]Deebo Samuel[/url], South Carolina:[/b] He could have been one of our two receivers, but instead the Gamecocks' Mr. Everything gets the nod as a specialist, where he led the SEC in kick return yards with 570.[br /][br /][b]Player of the Year: Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama[/b][br/][br /]A singular talent, Tagovailoa took the enormous expectations that followed his star turn in last season's CFP National Championship and actually improved upon them, making himself a Heisman finalist and his offense the best in program history.[br /][br /][b]Coach of the Year: Nick Saban, Alabama[/b][br/][br /]Saban shouldn't be overlooked just because he has the No. 1 team in college football. This season, he had to juggle a tricky quarterback situation with Tagovailoa and [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4040715/jalen-hurts" ]Jalen Hurts[/url]; rebuild his defense, including four new starters in the secondary; and get a retooled coaching staff, including three new coordinators, up to speed.[br /][br /][b]True Freshman of the Year: [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4372016/jaylen-waddle" ]Jaylen Waddle[/url], Alabama[/b][br/][br /]Waddle is perhaps the most electric of Alabama's receivers, and that's saying something when you consider Jeudy, [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4241475/henry-ruggs" ]Henry Ruggs III[/url] and [url TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4241478/devonta-smith" ]DeVonta Smith[/url]. The Texas native is eighth in receiving yards in the SEC (803) and averages a whopping 19.6 yards per catch.