​The NFL Draft is for the actual best players in college football, at least talent-wise, so who are the actual best and most important players through the first quarter of the college football season?They’re the national leaders in some categories, big-game performers in others, and overall, these ten have been the standouts so far.The 10 Best Players in College Football, Week 4Aug 29, 2026; Dublin, Co. Dublin, IRL; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Xavier Lewis (90) against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Laszlo Geczo-Imagn Images10. Kingston Lopa, S CalThe Oregon transfer strong safety has been a dominant force under new head coach Tosh Lupoi. Lopa leads the nation with five interceptions, broken up passes with six, and he took one of three picks back for a score in the 21-18 win over Syracuse.9. Jeremiah Smith, WR Ohio StateHe’s Jeremiah Smith – he’s almost always going to be the best player on the field. He wasn’t needed much against Kent State, and his stats might not be off the charts, but he made eight catches for 164 yards and a score against Texas in the biggest game of the year so far. He has lived up to the hype.8. Wayne Knight, RB UCLAUCLA has a few running backs in the rotation, but so far, Knight has been the tone-setting fourth-quarter hammer under new head coach Bob Chesney, averaging 8.9 yards per carry and tying for the national lead with eight touchdown runs. He’s taking over games.7. Malachi Toney, WR MiamiThe competition hasn’t been anything amazing so far, but 28 catches for 444 yards and five scores in three games were dynamic. He made 12 catches against both Wake Forest and Stanford, with everyone trying to stop him.6. Xavier Lewis, DT North CarolinaThe nation’s leader in sacks and tackles for loss is a 6-0, 260-pound wrecking ball in the middle of the North Carolina line. He’s made 17 tackles, six sacks, and 8.5 tackles for loss. He dominated TCU in the opener and has remained steady.Sep 5, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Sammy Omosigho (10) reacts after a tackle against the California Golden Bears during the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images5. Sammy Omosigho, LB UCLAThe best all-around defensive player in the first three games, the former Oklahoma Sooner has made 33 tackles with three sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. He was everywhere in the wins over Cal and Purdue.4. Gunner Stockton, QB GeorgiaNo, Georgia hasn’t played anyone yet, but when it comes to setting a tone for the season on an attack that needed to come out humming, Stockton has been flawless. He leads the nation in passer rating, completing 84% of his throws for 583 yards and nine scores with no picks, and against Arkansas he ran for 97 yards.3. Jaden Baugh, RB FloridaNate Sheppard of Duke leads the nation in rushing, averaging 176 yards per game, but Baugh has been the franchise-chan