Every year, there are thousands of student-athletes that suit up to play college football across the country. Playing college football — particularly for a top program in Division 1 — is basically a young player’s best chance to try out for a highly sought after spot in the NFL. Throughout the history of the football programs which play in what is called the Power Five conferences, they have produced many good players. We have chosen the greatest players ever to have played for each program, focusing heavily on the football careers they had. In case you were wondering, the Power Five is comprised of 65 schools and includes the SEC, Pac-12, Big 12, Big Ten and ACC. Take a look and decide if you agree with our list.
The Greatest Player Every Power Five Conference School Has Produced
Derrick Thomas — Alabama (SEC) (1985-1988)
A massive amount of football talent has come from the Crimson Tide, including NFL legends like Ozzie Newsome and Bart Starr. But, the most feared player that the program has produced is arguably defensive end Derrick Thomas. While playing for Alabama, Thomas was tagged as a unanimous All-American and would have set a record for sacks in the NCAA’s single-season had it been an official statistic during the time he played. He was even better in the NFL, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs his entire career and making nine Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams. He also holds the record for the most sacks in one NFL game at seven, but his brilliant career ended when he tragically died at 33 years old from injuries that he suffered in a vehicular accident.
Derrick Thomas — Alabama (SEC) (1985-1988)
