Brandon Wimbush

A rocky end to the season clouds how valuable Wimbush was last year. He ran for 803 yards and 14 scores and added 16 passing TDs. The disappointing part was his passing numbers. Wimbush was a blue-chip recruit partly because of his passing ability, but he posted a 49.5 completion percentage and just 1,870 yards. He'll need to hold off some competitors to retain the starting job, but assuming he does, Wimbush will be valuable again. Wimbush's rushing ability gives him a solid floor, and a natural progression as a passer will make him even more valuable in 2018.

Wimbush arrived in South Bend as a much-ballyhooed quarterback recruit, but with DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire already on the roster at that time, he had to wait his turn. Now that Kizer is off to the NFL and Zaire is battling for the starting job at Florida, Wimbush is now ready to take over behind center for the Irish. Notre Dame will be working under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Chip Long, who has an impressive track record from his previous stops at Arizona State and Memphis. Long's philosophy should be beneficial to Wimbush's transition into the starting role as well as his production. Wimbush has a talented supporting cast, highlighted by wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown alongside tight ends Durham Smythe and Alize Mack. What's more, Wimbush's mobility should make him one of the more productive rushing quarterbacks, which bolsters his floor. If everything clicks for Wimbush, he should be one of the best first-year starters in the nation this season.