With the new era of college football, there are a few players that stand out above the rest. Two of them made the prestigious list for Sports Illustrated's 50 Most Influential Figures. "The sports landscape is shaped by all kinds of power brokers: from high-achieving athletes to dealmakers to cultural influencers to icons of leadership," the description of the list said.
What does it mean in the sports world? This goes beyond trophies and sees the entire landscape for athletes pushing the limits and leading the conversation.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was featured by SI. The most dynamic playmaker in the nation will most likely be in the Heisman conversation when the dust settles. Here's Bryan Fischer's assessment of Smith.
"Ask virtually any scout who the best player in college football is and this Buckeye is the first name they will mention. Smith could have challenged the NFL’s draft rules after last season (he’s not eligible until 2027) but opted not to, despite setting freshman FBS records for receiving yards (1,315) and TDs (15) for national champion Ohio State. But with the earning opportunities he has already, what’s the rush to go pro anyway? Smith makes seven figures in NIL deals, with Adidas, Nintendo and Red Bull among his endorsements. The sophomore, who turns 20 on Nov. 29, should have two more seasons to show just how enriching today’s college experience can be."
While Arch Manning's season hasn't taken off like a rocket, he's still a favorite for SI. Whether or not he's playing injured remains to be seen, but the nephew of Peyton and Eli is making waves.
"He had thrown just 95 career passes coming into this season, but Arch Mania had gripped college football long before the latest Manning arrived on the Forty Acres," Fisher wrote. "As much as the QB wants to deflect attention due to his last name, he is one of the sport’s biggest draw this fall"
Outside of Smith and Manning, ESPN's College GameDay crew made the list in Lee Corso's farewell season. The addition of Pat McAfee and Nick Saban has brought new life to the network's longest running pregame show.
Former Heisman Trophy winner and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels leads the entire list this year. "When asked about his own concept of personal power heading into his second NFL season, Daniels’s response is both incredibly thoughtful and ambitious. “I would just say the concept of power is more so just being able to control your own narrative,” he says. “And really do what you want to do and tell your story.”
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