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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Malachi Moore, Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Caitie McMekin-USA TODAY NETWORK /

14. Malachi Moore, DB, Alabama

Whenever you see a true freshman start for the Crimson Tide, you have to take notice. After all, Nick Saban’s program is loaded to the brim with elite recruits who have largely been biding their time to take up a starting role. So the fact that Malachi Moore joined the program last year and was immediately on the field in a variety of secondary roles shows just how talented of a player he is.

As a true freshman, Moore notched three interceptions along with six pass defenses, 44 total tackles and four tackles for loss. He was moved all over the field and, even in the SEC, didn’t look remotely overmatched. Moore has now had a year to grow as a player via experience and time with the program, which should allow him to become one of the most versatile and special defensive talents in the country.

13. Lawrance Toafili, RB, Florida State

In the second season under head coach Mike Norvell, Florida State is one of the hardest teams in the country to try and figure out coming into the year. On paper, there is still a lot of work to do to get back to the heights the program expects to be at. Yet, it’s hard to escape the thought that Norvell and his terrific offensive mind could help the team take a bigger leap than expected and running back Lawrance Toafili is a factor in that.

As a true freshman playing in seven games last season, Toafili only had 37 carries and 12 receptions. Yet, he showed his explosiveness as a playmaker, going for 356 yards and two touchdowns on the ground along with 120 receiving yards. Now that his role should be expanded in the 2021 season with the Noles, he has the opportunity to become one of the most feared playmakers in the ACC.