Players can rise and fall quickly in any sport, but the constant roster turnover in college football often makes that ascension or decline occur dramatically.
This can even happen to players who are considered among the best in the sport.
This first article in a two-part series aims to identify the top candidates in ESPN's #CFBRank project who could rise from their current spot to an even higher position on a future list (or increase their standing prior to entering the NFL draft).
Here are the 10 likeliest candidates to rise up the list as a result of their play this season.
1. Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh Panthers
Current #CFBRank: tied for No. 93
Key upside opportunity: Add more games with eight or more receptions
Boyd won a spot on the second-team All-ACC team in part due to his 85 receptions, a mark that ranked third in the conference. He built that impressive catch total largely on the strength of six games with eight or more receptions. According to ESPN Stats & Information, only 17 receivers had as many games with eight or more receptions and only 12 had more. For Boyd to move into first-team All-ACC contention, or even All-American contention, he'll need to move up into the top 10 in that category.
2. Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Current #CFBRank: tied for No. 86
Key upside opportunity: Maintain high Total QBR numbers over a large volume of play