Who are best college football players this century? See who made our all-2000s team

We are days away from Week 1 of the 2026 college football season. With 25 previous seasons in the books this century, it's a great time to look back and selected the best players of this millennium.

The challenge was difficult. There were all-time greats in competition for spots on the first and second team. Heisman winners, Hall of Famers and future NFL superstars were among those left out in the voting by more than 10 college football writers and editors at USA TODAY Sports.

Nineteen schools are represented on the first team that includes spots for specialists. Six teams have multiple players among that group with Alabama and Miami (Fla.) leading the way with three apiece.

So with out further ado, read all about those that comprise the list.

Newton was only a college starter for one season, but he certainly made it count. On his way to the Heisman Trophy in 2010, he racked up 4,327 total yards and 50 touchdowns while leading Auburn to a national championship despite playing on offense with no players who ever recorded a rushing or receiving yard in the NFL. There are other passers with gaudier career numbers, but no college quarterback…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/