ESPN released its top 100 players for the 2025-26 college football season. Names like Jeremiah Smith, Cade Klubnik, and Anthony Hill Jr. make up to the top of the list. There was one Cincinnati Bearcat to make the list, and it was fifth-year senior Dontay Corleone coming in at No. 49.
The list was put together by a group of 5 ESPN college football analysts, David Hale, Adam Rittenburg, Chris Low, Paola Ugetti, and Bill Connelly.
Putting "The Godfather" at No. 49 wasn't one of their hardest decisions to make. He is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country, has made multiple all-conference teams, and has been an All-American selection.
They do note that his blood clot issues last offseason caused him to take a step back but with a full year to come back healthier, then every he should be back to top form that we have seen in 2022 and 2023.
Corleone is the No. 5 defensive tackle on the Top 100 list, being ranked behind T.J. Parker of Clemson, Peter Woods of Clemson, Reuban Bain Jr. of Miami (FL), and Caleb Banks of Florida.
ESPN ranked the top 100 college football players ahead of the 2025 season
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) August 20, 2025
The highest ranked defensive player in the Big 12: Dontay Corleone 💪 pic.twitter.com/EroH1hAQqf