The most important player on any team is the starting quarterback, given the importance of the position. The most valuable, on the other hand, is a different story.

In many cases, that MVP is still a signal-caller. The country's top programs tend to have a high-level QB leading the way.

However, there are plenty of rosters that instead will be showcasing a versatile running back, playmaking wide receiver or elite defender. The reality is those schools will not be nationally competitive—otherwise, naturally, we'd probably be talking about the quarterback—but various schemes and play styles can place a non-QB in the spotlight, too.

The list is entirely subjective but based on projected contributions while considering positional value.

ACC

Clemson Tigers: Cade Klubnik, QB

The once-touted recruit's debut as a starter didn't go extremely well. Cade Klubnik managed 6.3 yards per attempt—which ranked 93rd in the nation—as Clemson slumped to a 4-4 record. Even during the Tigers' five straight wins to close 2023, Klubnik never topped a 6.8-yard average in a game. Long story short: This is reasonably bold. But I, a stubborn human, continue to believe in his upside with coordinator Garrett Riley and a veteran offensive line.

Florida State Seminoles: DJ Uiagalelei, QB

DJ Uiagalelei is a prime example of what an experienced quarterback, in theory, can do for a team. Florida State must replace a few core contributors on offense, especially in a receiving corps thin on previous production. Because of Uiagalelei, however, FSU remains a threat to win an ACC title and make the College Football Playoff.

Miami Hurricanes: Xavier Restrepo, WR

If history is any indication, two things will happen: Cam Ward struggling with week-to-week consistency and Miami getting mired in close games. One helpful solution? Having an ultra-reliable wide receiver. Xavier Restrepo, who caught 85 passes last season, is a terrific third-down and red-zone target because of his quickness and intelligence. He can be the difference between a couple of wins and losses.

North Carolina State Wolfpack: Grayson McCall, QB

Wide receiver KC Concepcion is a very deserving option after collecting 71 receptions for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman. No other NC State player even had 300 yards. For the Wolfpack to really contend in the ACC, though, they need improved play behind center. Grayson McCall flourished at Coastal Carolina and brings a downfield element that NC State lacked in 2023.

Virginia Tech Hokies: Kyron Drones, QB

If we're completely honest, the defense as a whole may be Virginia Tech's realistic MVP. It's a very experienced group that seems poised to serve as the backbone of the Hokies in 2024. Pair an upgraded defense with a dual-threat like Kyron Drones, and the best-case scenario is Tech can finally be a notable factor in the ACC again.

• Boston College Eagles: Thomas Castellanos, QB
• Cal Golden Bears: Jadyn Ott, RB
• Duke Blue Devils: Maalik Murphy, QB
• Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Haynes King, QB
• Louisville Cardinals: Ashton Gillotte, Edge
• North Carolina Tar Heels: Omarion Hampton, RB
• Pitt Panthers: Donovan McMillon, S
  
• SMU Mustangs: Preston Stone, QB
• Stanford Cardinal: Elic Ayomanor, WR
• Syracuse Orange: Kyle McCord, QB
• Virginia Cavaliers: Malachi Fields, WR
• Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Jasheen Davis, Edge

Big Ten

Michigan Wolverines: Donovan Edwards, RB

To me, few storylines are as interesting as U-M's title defense after an offseason of coaching and roster transition. The team's philosophy, however, will probably be very familiar: Run the ball. Run it again. And then run it some more. That responsibility will largely fall on Donovan Edwards, who tallied 497 rushing yards and caught 30 passes as a backup in 2023.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Emeka Egbuka, WR

The defense should be spectacular. The offense likely won't match that, but a stout offensive line and elite backfield give the Buckeyes a high floor. Ohio State's main obstacle could be that a hugely talented yet minorly experienced receiving corps doesn't play to its potential. Emeka Egbuka can silence that concern by turning into the clear-cut No. 1 receiver he looked capable of becoming in 2022.

Oregon Ducks: Dillon Gabriel, QB

This explanation is very simple: My preseason pick to win the Heisman Trophy is Dillon Gabriel. If he's the most valuable player in the country, seems logical to anoint him as Oregon's MVP, no?

Penn State Nittany Lions: Abdul Carter, Edge

Penn State is stacked at linebacker but needs to replace Adisa Isaac, Chop Robinson and the edge-rushers' 23.5 combined tackles for loss. So, the fix is simple: Move an All-Big Ten linebacker to the defensive front. Abdul Carter's versatility is a major advantage for the Nittany Lions as they pursue a very obtainable CFP trip.

USC Trojans: Jonah Monheim, C

Jonah Monheim, similarly, is moving positions (again) for USC's O-line. The former right tackle, right guard and left tackle has shifted to center for 2024. If that allows the Trojans to put their best possible unit in front of Miller Moss and stick in the Big Ten race, the switch was totally worth it.

• Illinois Fighting Illini: Dylan Rosiek, LB
• Indiana Hoosiers: Elijah Sarratt, WR
• Iowa Hawkeyes: Xavier Nwankpa, S
• Maryland Terrapins: Roman Hemby, WR
• Michigan State Spartans: Aidan Chiles, QB
• Minnesota Golden Gophers: Max Brosmer, QB
• Nebraska Cornhuskers: Dylan Raiola, QB
• Northwestern Wildcats: AJ Henning, WR/KR
• Purdue Boilermakers: Dillon Thieneman, S
• Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Kyle Monangai, RB
• UCLA Bruins: J.Michael Sturdevant, WR
• Washington Huskies: Will Rogers, QB
• Wisconsin Badgers: Ricardo Hallman, CB

Big 12

Arizona Wildcats: Noah Fifita, QB

I'd like to make the argument for Tetairoa McMillan, who might be the country's best receiver. After seeing how much Noah Fifita elevated the Cats in 2023, though, he's the undeniable pick. Fifita, who tossed 25 touchdowns in nine starts, propelled Arizona to seven straight victories to close the year and the program's fourth-ever 10-win record.

Kansas Jayhawks: Jalon Daniels, QB

Jalon Daniels' unfortunate injury last season led to Jason Bean becoming the Jayhawks' unexpected MVP. Hopefully, a health setback won't plague Daniels for a third year in a row—especially since Bean is gone. Nevertheless, at his best, Daniels is an electric dual-threat QB. We saw that clearly when he was the catalyst of KU's initial surge in 2022.

Kansas State Wildcats: Avery Johnson, QB

If I'm not conducting the hype train, I've definitely bought a first-class ticket. Avery Johnson showed terrific upside last year, throwing for 479 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions while rushing for 296 yards and seven scores in a limited role. Obviously, there's a danger of trusting a small sample size. My friends, I am launching caution into the wind and blaring this metaphorical locomotive's horn.

Oklahoma State Cowboys: Ollie Gordon II, RB

Following an ugly September, Oklahoma State quickly found itself leaning on Ollie Gordon II. He became one of the preeminent breakout stars of 2023, rushing for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns en route to winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back. Similar production is expected out of Gordon since OSU returns all five starters on the offensive line and multiple key reserves.

Utah Utes: Cam Rising, QB

With him leading the offense in 2021 and 2022, Utah won Pac-12 titles and appeared in consecutive Rose Bowls. But as Cam Rising recovered from a knee injury in 2023, the Utes scraped out eight wins and lost to Northwestern in the Las Vegas Bowl. Case closed!

• Arizona State Sun Devils: Cam Skattebo, RB (and punter sometimes!)
• Baylor Bears: Richard Reese, RB/KR
• BYU Cougars: Ben Bywater, LB
• Cincinnati Bearcats: Dontay Corleone, DT (pending health)
• Colorado Buffaloes: Travis Hunter, WR/CB
• Houston Cougars: Donovan Smith, QB
• Iowa State Cyclones: Rocco Becht, QB
• TCU Horned Frogs: Bud Clark, S
• Texas Tech Red Raiders: Tahj Brooks, RB
• UCF Knights: Kobe Hudson, WR
• West Virginia Mountaineers: Garrett Greene, QB

SEC

Alabama Crimson Tide: Jalen Milroe, QB

Put simply, no argument can convince me Jalen Milroe wasn't the single-most important reason Alabama went from "2-1 with a worrying post-USF outlook" to "12-1, SEC champs and Rose Bowl-bound" last season. Milroe was an extremely efficient passer and dynamic runner, and he'll probably be asked to shoulder a heavier load as Bama rebuilds its skill positions.

Georgia Bulldogs: Carson Beck, QB

While I believe he's respected, Carson Beck may be underappreciated. In his first year as UGA's starter, Beck totaled 4,058 yards—the nation's sixth-highest output—and 28 touchdowns. Georgia's roster is supremely talented, but Beck is the driving force of the team's success.

Missouri Tigers: Luther Burden III, WR

Last year, Luther Burden III caught a go-ahead touchdown in a tight win against Kansas State, reeled in a stunning 4th-and-17 conversion to ultimately beat Florida and sealed the Cotton Bowl triumph over Ohio State with a late score. When the stakes were highest, Mizzou went to Burden. It should be the same story this season.

Ole Miss Rebels: Jaxson Dart, QB

The program had never reached 11 wins until Jaxson Dart carried the Rebels to that number last season. Similar to Milroe at Alabama, Dart flashed tantalizing mobility to complement his efficient passing game. Factor in roster upgrades via the transfer portal, and a Dart-led Ole Miss should make the CFP.

Texas Longhorns: Quinn Ewers, QB

Completing the QB trend is Quinn Ewers, who guided Texas to a Big 12 title in its farewell season. However, he'll also be the stabilizing presence for an offense that is completely rebuilt at the skill positions—even as Texas landed some established weapons at receiver and tight end.

• Arkansas Razorbacks: Taylen Green, QB
• Auburn Tigers: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR
• Florida Gators: Shemar James, LB
• Kentucky Wildcats: Barion Brown, WR/KR
• LSU Tigers: Harold Perkins Jr., LB
• Mississippi State Bulldogs: Kelly Akharaiyi, WR
• Oklahoma Sooners: Jackson Arnold, QB
• South Carolina Gamecocks: Raheim Sanders, RB
• Tennessee Volunteers: James Pearce Jr., Edge
• Texas A&M Aggies: Conner Weigman, QB
• Vanderbilt Commodores: CJ Taylor, LB/S