Clemson Tigers

Big shoes to fill: How will teams replace college football's top stars?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

Sports Illustrated, Gabriel Baumgaertner/Sports Illustrated

With National Signing behind us and spring practice approaching (or already underway for a few early birds), preparations for the 2017 college football season are in full swing. And for programs lucky enough to boast some of the biggest stars last year, their off-season preparations will draw plenty of attention for how they are moving on for those gamechangers.

As teams begin their searches for new answers, let us speculate about the replacements. Can anybody possibly fill the shoes of Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson? Can Washington survive next season without its three star defensive backs? Get to know the players who will attempt to fill some of the biggest shoes in college football.