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Brett Rypien, QB, Boise State: A two-year starter, Brett Rypien will be asked to hold Boise State together in a season of transition. The Broncos lost three top contributors in Jeremy McNichols, Thomas Sperbeck and Chaz Anderson. Rypien has tossed 44 touchdowns to just 16 interceptions over 24 games, while his backup—Jake Constantine—has never attempted a pass.

Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern: Justin Jackson is a workhorse. Northwestern's offense has run through the powerful back for three years, considering he's never logged fewer than 20 carries per game in a season. The Wildcats are a contender in the Big Ten West Division as long as Jackson is healthy.

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA: We've already seen UCLA without Josh Rosen and it's not good. The Bruins finished 1-5 in games last season while he recovered from shoulder surgery. Since OddsShark lists UCLA's over/under for wins in 2017 as 6.0, Rosen falls short of the main section. But if the Bruins soar past that number, the junior quarterback will be the primary reason.

Jake Browning, QB, Washington: The 2017 campaign will be an important case study on Jake Browning's ability to lead a team. He was terrific while guiding Washington to the College Football Playoff last year, but an elite receiver and menacing defense played key roles. However, it's unwise to suggest any other QB on the roster could easily replicate what Browning has done.

Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming: After surging to the Mountain West Championship Game in 2016, Wyoming needs to replace more than 75 percent of its production at receiver. Josh Allen has garnered hype as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, but matching the praise with a revamped offense will be a challenge.