Top 25 breakout players who will be household names in 2021

College football: Top 25 breakout players who will be household names in 2021

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Bijan Robinson #5 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball during the first half of the college football game against the Texas Longhorns on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

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Devon Achane, Texas A&M Aggies. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller is among the best at his position in college football entering 2021. However, one of his backfield mates might actually be a more exciting and certainly more explosive player: Devon Achane. Entering his sophomore season with the Aggies and as Jimbo Fisher breaks in a new quarterback, Achane could be in for more touches and that could yield special results.

Overall last season, Achane managed only 43 carries in six appearances but notched four touchdowns and 364 yards in addition to five receptions for 97 yards and a score. But the best glimpses of his ability came at the Orange Bowl when he ran all over North Carolina with 12 totes for 140 yards and two scores. With elite speed in the open field, Achane is lightning in a bottle you won’t want to miss.

5. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

This one was a pretty obvious inclusion for this list. Sure, we’ve not seen Bryce Young take a meaningful snap for the Crimson Tide yet but the hype train is already rolling for the sophomore quarterback and for good reason.

For one, Young came to Tuscaloosa with an immense pedigree as a recruit. The former 5-star possesses a high-level arm in addition to enthralling athleticism that could make him an elite dual-threat as a signal-caller. Beyond that, we’ve also seen him flash in the Alabama spring game.

More than anything, though, we’ve seen the new era of Bama offenses allow their quarterbacks to put up big numbers, especially with the talent of the pass-catchers in the offense. Thus, Young is taking over in a phenomenal situation and has the requisite tools to thrive.