Bralen Trahan
The Ragin’ Cajuns were one of the country’s better teams last year, and they have a lot of talent coming back for 2021. They lead FBS’ 130 teams with a 96 percent returning rating in ESPN’s “returning production” metric, which tracks how many yards, tackles, touchdowns, and other statistical totals remain on a team’s roster from the year before.
The Cajuns will also retain their head coach, Billy Napier, who had been widely expected to leave for another job. With four interceptions and seven pass breakups last year, Trahan returns as one of the best secondary players in college football. If UL’s defensive backs are as good as they were last year, the Cajuns could upset Texas in Week 1 and make another run at a Sun Belt title.