Ranking the 5 best Rebels at each position since 2000

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 26: Denzel Nkemdiche #4 and his brother Robert Nkemdiche #5 of the Mississippi Rebels leave the field following a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Oxford, Mississippi. Mississippi defeated Vanderbilt 27-16. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The season is just a few short (but long) weeks away and while I prepare to place all of my hopes in dreams in the hands of some college guys on Saturdays for the next few months, I felt like looking back to when I was old enough to really start watching.

I was born in 1990 and did not really begin to watch much football until around the year 2000. Naturally I was first a fan of Deuce McAllister. As a matter of fact, my mom and Deuce graduated the same year and we took more pictures of Deuce walking across the stage than my mom. Dad and I still hear about that.

I decided to rank the 5 best players at each position since the year 2000, so a nice round 25 years of data to pull from. These rankings are based on opinion and therefore cannot be argued.

Quarterback

1. Eli Manning (2000-03)
2. Jaxson Dart (2022-25)
3. Chad Kelly (2015-16)
4. Matt Corral (2018-21)
5. Trinidad Chambliss (2025-pres)

Running Back

1. Deuce McAllister (1997-2000)
2. Quinshon Judkins (2022-23)
3. Kewan Lacy (2025-pres)
4. Dexter McCluster (2006-09)
5. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (2006-07)

Wide Receiver

1. AJ Brown (2016-18)
2. Laquon Treadwell (2013-15)
3. Donte Moncrief (2011-13)
4. Shay Hodge (2006-09)
5. Elijah Moore (2018-2020)

Tight End

1. Evan Engram (2013-16)
2. Caden Prieskorn (2023-24)
3. Dae'Quan Wright (2024-25)
4. Dawson Knox (2016-18)
5. Robert Lane (2004-07)

Offensive Tackle

1. Laremy Tunsil (2013-15)
2. Michael Oher (2005-08)
3. Greg Little (2016-18)
4. Bobby Massie (2009-11)
5. Bradley Sowell (2008-11)

Offensive Guard

1. Terrence Metcalf (1997-2001)
2. Javon Patterson (2015-18)
3. John Jerry (2006-09)
4. Tre' Stallings (2002-05)
5. Ben Brown (2017-21)

Center

1. Chris Spencer (2002-04)
2. Caleb Warren (2019-23)
3. Evan Swindall (2009-13)
4. Reece McIntyre (2019-24)
5. Ben Claxton (1999-02)

Defensive End

1. Marquis Haynes (2014-2017)
2. Greg Hardy (2006-09)
3. Sam Williams (2019-21)
4. Princely Umanmielen (2024)
5. CJ Johnson (2011-2015)

Defensive Tackle

1. Peria Jerry (2005-08)
2. Robert Nkemdiche (2013-15)
3. Jerrell Powe (2008-10)
4. Benito Jones (2016-19)
5. Walter Nolen (2024)

Linebacker

1. Patrick Willis (2003-06)
2. Suntarine Perkins (2023-pres)
3. Chance Campbell (2021)
4. Tony Fein (2007-08)
5. Denzel Nkemdiche (2011-14)

Cornerback

1. Senquez Golson (2011-14)
2. Trey Amos (2024)
3. Mike Hilton (2012-15)
4. Cassius Vaughn (2006-09)
5. Marshay Green (2006-09)

Safety

1. Cody Prewitt (2011-14)
2. Tony Conner (2013-16)
3. Trae Elston (2012-15)
4. Trey Washington (2021-24)
5. Kendrick Lewis (2006-09)

Kicker

1. Jonathan Nichols (2001-04)
2. Gary Wunderlich (2014-17)
3. Lucas Carneiro (2025-pres)
4. Caden Davis (2023-24)
5. Joshua Shene (2006-09)

Punter

1. Tyler Campbell (2009-13)
2. Mac Brown (2017-21)
3. Will Gleeson (2014-17)
4. Cody Ridgeway (2001-04)
5. Fraser Masin (2022-24)

Some positions had really difficult players to leave off the list such as defensive end, safety and receiver. Not having guys like Tre Harris, Mike Wallace or DK Metcalf on the list feel crazy. Trinidad over guys like Bo Wallace or Jordan Ta'amu may seem premature, but he just seems like a quarterback that could end up top 3 in program history talent wise.

Please chime in on your thoughts with notable omissions.