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College Football: 25 breakout players to watch in 2016

By John Buhler

Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) enters the field before the game at Memorial Stadium for the contest against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. King has been suspended from the first quarter of play due to a team violation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) enters the field before the game at Memorial Stadium for the contest against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. King has been suspended from the first quarter of play due to a team violation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Sam Hubbard (6) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Sam Hubbard (6) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Losing defensive playmakers like defensive end Joey Bosa and linebacker Darron Lee to the NFL might cause some defensive confusion for the 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes early on. However, they are still being coached by arguably the best in-game tactician in the game today in Urban Meyer and should have suitable replacements to offset Bosa and Lee’s departures the NFL.

Raekwon McMillan could be something special at linebacker for the Buckeyes, but the one player to keep an eye on this season for a breakout year on the defensive side of the ball has to be sophomore defensive end Sam Hubbard.

As a freshman in 2015, Hubbard still managed to rack up some impressive statistics as a pass rusher for the 2015 Buckeyes. In 13 games, Hubbard had 28 total tackles, eight for a loss of yardage, 6.5 quarterback sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

With Ohio State being a preeminent College Football Playoff contender out of the Big Ten this fall, could Hubbard be the breakout star for the Buckeyes at defensive end? Ohio State is fortunate to have the best quarterback in the Big Ten in J.T. Barrett, but could be as good as they have been the last few years on defense should Hubbard ascend to national prominence in his sophomore campaign.

Next: 6. Brad Kaaya.

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