The 2017 college football season is a mere seven-and-a-half months away.
OK, that's depressing. Here's what isn't: the list of the nation's top 50 returning players, finalized after Monday's deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft.
There's always a degree of subjectivity in these rankings, so go right ahead and blame me if you'd like. Selections are based on production at the college level and, in some cases, the potential for top production in 2017. I also strongly considered All-America honors, all-conference honors and position awards. Input from coaches and my ESPN.com colleagues also went into the rundown.
Here's the first batch of the returnee rankings, Nos. 26-50, which include four big-name quarterbacks. The top 25 comes your way Friday.