Putting together ESPN's annual preseason ranking of the top 100 players in college football is a tricky task. It highlights the biggest returning stars based on past success and production, while factoring in expectations for who's poised to shine in 2026.

In an era of extreme roster turnover, this feels like more of a guessing game than ever. Last year's preseason top 100 missed players like Trinidad Chambliss, Kewan Lacy, Malachi Toney, and Arvell Reese, and didn't include Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. That shows how quickly new stars rise.

This time, there was no debate at the top, but tough calls filled the rest of the list. Oregon led with eight players, while defending champ Indiana and Texas each had seven.

The postseason version will surely feature rising transfers and freshmen, but for now here's the ranking. -- Max Olson