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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C.J. Stroud, Ohio State Buckeyes. Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports/The Columbus Dispatch /

24. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

In the simplest of terms, we’ve barely seen C.J. Stroud on the field at the college football level. Backing up Justin Fields in 2020 for the Buckeyes, the then-freshman appeared in only one game and didn’t even attempt a pass — though he did notch a 48-yard rushing touchdown. But now he figures to be the starter for Ohio State and, as a highly-touted recruit, that sets the stage for a big year.

Many people believe in Stroud’s talent given that he was a high 4-star recruit and that is a great starting point. More importantly, though, he’s stepping into what can best be described as a foolproof offense under Ryan Day and has the luxury of throwing to the best wide receiver group in the country. When you put all of that together, it’s hard not to think that Stroud could immediately step in and be a prolific quarterback in Columbus.

23. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

Health is the only reason that Boye Mafe isn’t already a household name. He’s struggled to stay on the field for the Golden Gophers to this point as he enters his redshirt senior season but what he offers when he’s able to play is truly fantastic. At 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, the way that Mafe can move is rare for a player his size, which could make him an absolute nightmare for Big Ten offensive linemen.

Mafe has only played in 19 games over the past three seasons with 8.0 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. However, he’s coming into the 2021 season healthy and, if he can stay that way, he has the opportunity to become a legitimate high-end NFL Draft prospect. He should be the most dominant presence on the Minnesota defense in 2021 and has the potential to be an easy double-digit sack producer what will likely be his final season in the program.