With the 2026 college football season just around the corner, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the standout players of the 21st century. A panel of over 10 college football writers and editors from USA TODAY Sports has compiled an all-2000s team, showcasing the most exceptional talents who have graced the field since the turn of the millennium.
The selection process was no easy feat, as numerous legendary figures competed for a spot on the first and second teams. The list includes Heisman Trophy winners, future NFL stars, and Hall of Famers, all of whom left an indelible mark on college football. Nineteen different universities are represented on the first team, with Alabama and Miami (Fla.) leading the way, each boasting three players.
The first-team offense features standout names, starting with quarterback Cam Newton from Auburn. Despite being a starter for only one season, Newton made a significant impact, leading his team to a national championship in 2010 while amassing 4,327 total yards and 50 touchdowns. His unique combination of athleticism and skill earned him the Heisman Trophy, marking him as one of the most influential quarterbacks in modern college football history.
Joining Newton in the backfield are running backs Adrian Peterson from Oklahoma and Reggie Bush from USC. Peterson burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2004, rushing for 1,925 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Bush became a national sensation during his time at USC, accumulating 2,218 total yards and 18 touchdowns in his Heisman-winning season of 2005. Both players showcased remarkable talent and versatility, contributing significantly to their teams' successes.
Wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald from Pittsburgh and DeVonta Smith from Alabama also made the cut. Fitzgerald, known for his incredible catches, recorded 1,672 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in 2003. Smith, who played a pivotal role in Alabama's national championship run, finished his collegiate career with 1,856 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, becoming the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since 1991.
The offensive line features elite talents such as Joe Thomas from Wisconsin and Bryant McKinnie from Miami. Thomas, a two-time first-team All-American, is regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in college football history, while McKinnie was a key player on Miami's legendary 2001 team, winning the Outland Trophy and never allowing a sack throughout his college career.
On defense, the all-2000s team includes formidable players like Ndamukong Suh from Nebraska and Aaron Donald from Pittsburgh. Suh's senior season was particularly memorable, as he recorded 85 tackles and 12 sacks, while Donald dominated during his time at Pittsburgh, earning multiple prestigious awards in his final year. Other notable defensive players include linebacker Manti Te'o from Notre Dame and cornerback Patrick Peterson from LSU, both of whom were recognized for their exceptional performances and leadership on the field.
Specialists such as Devin Hester from Miami and kicker Roberto Aguayo from Florida State also earned spots on the first team. Hester is celebrated for his electrifying returns, while Aguayo's accuracy and consistency made him a standout kicker during his time at FSU.
The second team includes additional stars like Baker Mayfield, Derrick Henry, and Luke Kuechly, showcasing the depth of talent that has emerged in college football over the past 25 years. As the new season approaches, this all-2000s team serves as a reminder of the incredible athletes who have shaped the landscape of college football in the 21st century.
Leave a Comment