15 college football teams losing the most talent in 2018

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Lamont Gaillard #53 of the Georgia Bulldogs prepares to snap the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alabama defeated Georgia 26-23 for the national title. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

7 of 15

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the football 92 yards to score a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Early NFL Draft Entrants: 1 (RB Saquon Barkley)
Starters Lost: 12 (4 Offense, 8 Defense)
Two-Deep Lost: 14 (6 Offense, 8 Defense)
Passing Yards Returning: 3,736 (100 percent)
Rushing Yards Returning: 1,124 (46.9 percent)
Receiving Yards Returning: 1,404 (37.2 percent)
Tackles Returning: 302 (48.83 percent)

Penn State is in a nearly identical situation in terms of starters lost. The Nittany Lions must replace four on offense, same as Ohio State. However, Penn State will be without eight players listed atop the defensive depth chart – one more than the rival Buckeyes.

The Nittany Lions must also replace one of the most recognizable players in school history. Saquon Barkley ran for at least 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons in Happy Valley, and also averaged 5.5 yards or better per carry each year and contributed 20 or more receptions as well. Last year, Barkley ran for 1,271 yards and tied a career high with 18 touchdowns. He added 54 receptions for 632 yards and three touchdowns and also scored twice on kickoff returns.

Arguably the best all-around offensive player in the country, and expected to be taken in the first half of the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft, Barkley opted to leave school early. And he’s not the only offensive playmaker from last year’s squad who will play on Sundays in 2018. Leading receiver DaeSean Hamilton and tight end Mike Gesicki also have great pro potential.

Defensively, Penn State lost more than half its tackling production from last season and must replace its top five tacklers from last season. Linebackers Jason Cabina and Brandon Smith, safeties Marcus Allen and Troy Apke and corners Christian Campbell and Grant Haley are all out of eligibility, as are starting defensive tackles Parker Cathren and Curtis Cathran, as well as contributor Tyrell Chavis.

Home/College Football