What is this? Folks who cover the USMNT drop lists like this projecting the 23 guys who end up on the next World Cup team. Brian appropriated it, dropped it for a few years, and then I stole it from him. This year's spring update isn't going to be very different from last winter, especially at the top. How many tickets? Typically 22 starters on offense and defense + 2 specialists and three FLEX positions. This can vary somewhat to get everyone a ticket. Previously: Post-Bowl 2023, Spring 2022, Post-Bowl 2022. PACK YOUR BAGS You will see them on the field a lot, whether or not they’re technically getting the start. 1. QB JJ McCarthy (Jr/Jr) [Last time: 2] Moves up a spot because he's the most irreplaceable. Zen-master 5-star who sent Cade McNamara to Iowa, advances to the Henson 2000/Henne 2006 phase of 5-star quarterbackdom. Legs a major threat but left mostly on the shelf (see: irreplaceable). 2. RB Blake Corum (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 1] As foretold by Fred Jackson, Mike Hart But Fast, coached by Mike Hart. Heisman candidate until an injury against Illinois. Gave up some top-end speed to become a complete back. Sees everything, sets up everything, breaks everything. Reason Duo is the base play. 3. DT Kris Jenkins (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 6] Huge UFR scores for his quick get-off and disruptive play, now the star, probably no longer coming off for passing downs. May moonlight as Mike Morris-style DE. Turned down NFL, looked like an NFL 3-4 DE in spring. 4. RB Donovan Edwards (Jr/Jr) [Last time: 3] Ascended in Corum's absence despite broken hand. Cut 75- and 85-yard swathes through the souls of OSU. Fixed vision/decision issues that previously annoyed in comparison to Corum. Could be a pure receiver if he wanted, plan on offense designed to use both. 5. RG Zak Zinter (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 4] Mauler has been starting since he was a true freshman, arguably 2nd best player on last two Joe Moore Award-winning OLs. Great puller, great zone blocker, extremely good in pass pro, freakishly athletic for size (once reach-blocked a Georgia DT). Turned down NFL, Outland watch. 6. CB Will Johnson (So/So) [Last time: 7] Five-star film rat, authoritatively ARRIVED late in true freshman year. Marlinesque size, Woodsonesque playmaking, baits interceptions he shouldn't be able to get to, plus-plus tackler, Woodson's 1996 season: Go. 7. Nickel/CB Mike Sainristil (Sr/5th) [Last time: 5] Pictured: Play of the decade. Slot WR convert/team captain who gave the in-game speech of the decade. Also a better nickel (to our grading) than Dax Hill was, but without the physicality. Could also play CB. [After THE JUMP: The further down the more movement.]