If you’re new to this College Prospects article, the goal is to provide you with the names of the top college prospects in nationally televised college football games. It’s never too early to take a look forward. Who will be the sleepers of upcoming rookie drafts? Check back here every week as you get ready to watch each game.
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7
Feel free to reach out on Twitter (X) @THEtristancook if you have college prospects you think deserve to be mentioned in next week’s article.
Saturday Early College Prospects to Watch
South Carolina @ #7 Alabama
Saturday, 10/12 | 12:00 PM ET | ABC
South Carolina
Raheim Sanders | #5 | RB | 2025 | 6’0” | 230 lbs.
It was nice to see that Raheim Sanders was able to return to the field last week against Ole Miss. Sadly for the Gamecocks, that was about the only good thing that happened for them. This week they get the honor of facing Alabama after an embarrassing loss last week against Vanderbilt. I think it’s going to be a challenge for South Carolina to do much offensively, but if they are going to have any success, Raheim Sanders will be at the center of it.
#7 Alabama
Jalen Milroe | #4 | QB | 2025 | 6’2” | 225 lbs.
Jalen Milroe and the Alabama offense enter this game after one of the worst losses in recent memory for the Crimson Tide. While defensive struggles are largely to blame for the loss, Milroe’s two turnovers really hurt Alabama. He threw a pick-six in the first quarter and was sacked and fumbled mid-way through the fourth quarter.
When Milroe is forced to be one-dimensional, he often struggles. I do expect Alabama to bounce-back in a big way this week, but if he wants to move up into the discussion with the top quarterbacks in this class, he needs to become a more consistent and better passer.
Ryan Williams | #2 | WR | 2027 | 6’0” | 175 lbs.
The best player on the field in this game may be the phenomenal freshman, Ryan Williams. Despite the loss, Williams was able to add to his reel of highlight plays with this impressive touchdown:
His body control, effortless ball skills, and breakaway speed are going to be fun to watch for the next few years. Get used to hearing his name because Ryan Williams is on the fast-track to the top of 2027 draft boards.
#21 Missouri @ Massachusetts
Saturday, 10/12 | 12:00 PM ET | ESPN 2
#21 Missouri
Luther Burden III | #3 | WR | 2025 | 5’11” | 208 lbs.
The reason to tune into Missouri traveling to take on Massachusetts is the Tigers’ star receiver, Luther Burden III. He is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands after the catch. Expect to see him lined up all over the field where his combination of speed and quickness make him incredibly difficult to guard. I expect Burden to be taken in the first round of the NFL draft and early in the first round of your rookie drafts. He is currently my WR3 in the 2025 class.
Theo Wease Jr. | #1 | WR | 2025 | 6’2” | 192 lbs.
The other name on this Tigers’ team to know is Theo Wease Jr. He is in his sixth collegiate season after struggling to stay healthy for much of his collegiate career. So far in 2024, he is keeping up with Burden’s production as the top receiver for Missouri. His ceiling is not at the same level as his teammate, but at worst, I expect he will be drafted sometime on the final day of the NFL Draft.
Saturday Afternoon College Prospects to Watch
#1 Texas @ #18 Oklahoma
Saturday, 10/12 | 3:30 PM ET | ABC
#1 Texas
Quinn Ewers | #3 | QB | 2025 | 6’2” | 210 lbs.
One of the top college prospects in this game on either side of the ball is Texas’ Quinn Ewers. Despite dealing with an injury that has kept him off the field for nearly a month, Ewers is my QB2 in the 2025 class. You can find a more in depth analysis along with my entire 2025 QB rankings here. Ewers has all of the skills you look for in an NFL quarterback, so if he can remain healthy from now until the NFL Draft, I expect he’ll hear his name called early.
Jaydon Blue | #23 | RB | 2025 | 6’0” | 200 lbs.
The other two players to watch for on the Texas offense are less well-known but should absolutely be on your radar. The first of those is junior running back Jaydon Blue. He is an explosive runner with the speed to take any touch to the house. His collegiate career has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but if Blue can finish this season strong, he could vault himself up draft boards come Spring.
Isaiah Bond | #7 | WR | 2025 | 5’11” | 180 lbs.
The final player of note in this game is junior speedster and former Alabama receiver, Isaiah Bond. He came to Texas prior to the 2024 season and has stepped right into the role that was previously occupied by Xavier Worthy. Bond may not set a new combine record for the 40-yard dash, but he has legitimate track speed and can take the top off any defense. He was taken 5th overall in the recent Dynasty Nerds 1QB Rookie Mock Draft.
#4 Penn State @ USC
Saturday, 10/12 | 3:30 PM ET | CBS
#7 Penn State
Nicholas Singleton | #10 | RB | 2025 | 6’0” | 227 lbs. *INJURED*
In a running back class where Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty dominates the headlines, Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton might end up sneaking under the radar. It didn’t help that he was forced to miss last week’s game due to injury, but Singleton is expected to be back this week. He has a versatile skill set that makes him a weapon running inside or outside and catching passes out of the backfield. Singleton is also a very explosive athlete who I think will get a big boost from his athletic testing metrics.
Drew Allar | #15 | QB | 2025 | 6’5” | 238 lbs.
Next up for the Nittany Lions, quarterback Drew Allar, who is in the midst of a draft stock resurgence. Through 5 games in 2024, Allar is completing 70.9% of his passes but still hasn’t been asked to do very much to carry the offense. He has demonstrated a noted improvement in anticipation and accuracy. Presently, I have Allar as my QB8 in the class. It wouldn’t shock me if he is ascending up my board by season’s end.
Tyler Warren | #44 | TE | 2025 | 6’6” | 257 lbs.
The final player on the Penn State offense to know is their athletic tight end, Tyler Warren. He has been the favorite target for Drew Allar this year, leading the team in receptions, yards receiving, and receiving touchdowns. I have Warren as my TE3 among draft-eligible college prospects. You can read more about him and see my 2025 TE Rankings here.
USC
Miller Moss | #7 | QB | 2025 | 6’0” | 227 lbs.
For the Trojans, the main player I’ll have my eye on is their quarterback Miller Moss. He started the season strong, leading USC to an opening weekend victory over LSU. However, over the last 3 games, Moss completed only 60.4% of his passes with 4 INTs. He is eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, but I expect him to return to college for another year.
Saturday Evening College Prospects to Watch
#2 Ohio State @ #3 Oregon
Saturday, 10/12 | 7:30 PM ET | NBC
#2 Ohio State
TreVeyon Henderson | #32 | RB | 2025 | 5’10” | 208 lbs.
The debate around Ohio State is which of their two star running backs is better suited for the NFL. My money is on TreVeyon Henderson to take that title. His game translates to the modern NFL much better than that of Quinshon Judkins. In fact, I think Henderson is going to be one of the best running back college prospects in this class. I have Henderson as my RB2 in the class, behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
Quinshon Judkins | #1 | RB | 2025 | 6’0” | 219 lbs.
Many people, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper, have Judkins higher than Henderson. I am not one of those people. I have Henderson at RB2 and Judkins at RB3 (Kiper also has Judkins at RB3). The interesting thing about these two backs is that they play the position in very different ways. Judkins runs with violence and power (think Marshawn Lynch), while Henderson runs with much more finesse (think Le’Veon Bell). When it comes down to it, I like both running backs and they should both be drafted before the 1st round ends of any rookie draft this upcoming season.
Emeka Egbuka | #2 | WR | 2025 | 6’1” | 205 lbs.
Emeka Egbuka surprised most of the NFL Draft world when he decided to return to Ohio State for his senior season. Through 5 games, it looks like it may have been a wise choice. After a lackluster start to the season against Akron, Egbuka has put up strong weekly performances and most importantly, stayed healthy. I think there’s a chance that Egbuka gets drafted on the first night of the NFL Draft but I think sometime on Day 2 is more realistic.
Jeremiah Smith | #4 | WR | 2027 | 6’3” | 215 lbs.
If not for the explosive start to the year for Alabama’s Ryan Williams, Jeremiah Smith would be the talk of the town. I know I’ve shown this clip before, but it just highlights how effortless that Jeremiah Smith makes it look.
The battle between Williams and Smith has all the makings of an epic battle for the WR1 spot in 2027.
#3 Oregon
Evan Stewart | #7 | WR | 2025 | 6’0” | 175 lbs.
Arguably, one of the college prospects whose draft stock has dropped the most since the start of this season is Oregon’s Evan Stewart. He came into the season with aspirations of being the top receiver in the class. Now, he’s fourth in receiving on his own team. At this point, Evan Stewart should return for the 2025 season rather than test the NFL waters. I think the talent is there, but outside of the Boise State game, Stewart hasn’t eclipsed 30 receiving yards in any of the 4 other games.
Terrance Ferguson | #3 | TE | 2025 | 6’5” | 255 lbs.
On the other side of the coin, tight end Terrance Ferguson has seen his stock rise in 2024 and is my current TE6. You can find my full tight end rankings here. Ferguson is not going to astonish you with elite athleticism, but he is a reliable receiving option that can create mismatches in the red zone. There are many factors that go into the success for tight ends at the NFL level, but if he goes to a scheme that relies on the tight end, I’ll be very interested in Ferguson as a value pick in rookie drafts.
#9 Ole Miss @ #13 LSU
Saturday, 10/12 | 7:30 PM ET | ABC
#9 Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart | #2 | QB | 2025 | 6’2” | 225 lbs.
After the heartbreaking loss to Kentucky two weeks ago, Jaxson Dart had one of his worst statistical games last week on the road against South Carolina. He completed a mere 51.9% of his passes, without a touchdown. Despite the statistical struggle, the game was never in question as Ole Miss cruised to a 27-3 victory over the Gamecocks. I have him as QB6 in the projected 2025 QB class, but he’ll need to improve his play down the stretch if he wants to hold or raise that ranking.
Tre Harris | #9 | WR | 2025 | 6’3” | 210 lbs.
Despite also having his worst statistical performance last week, Tre Harris is still leading the country in receiving by over 150 yards. Harris is a physical, dominant receiver that stands out from many of the others near the top of this class. As of now, I expect Harris to be drafted early on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. However, if he continues to produce on the field, he could sneak into the 1st round.
#13 LSU
Garrett Nussmeier | LSU | 6’2” | 200 lbs.
On LSU’s side, there is another quarterback hoping to ascend up draft boards with a strong finish to the season. Garrett Nussmeier has quietly put himself on the fringe of the First Round NFL Draft discussion. He has a little slighter of a build than the other top QB college prospects, but also has one of the strongest arms in this class. If he’s able to look good against a strong Ole Miss defense and close the season out well, the calls for 1st Round draft capital will get louder.
Mason Taylor | #86 | TE | 2025 | 6’5” | 255 lbs.
The other player to know in this game is the son of Dolphin great and Hall of Famer, Jason Taylor. Mason decided to play on the opposite side of the football from his dad and is flourishing. He is on pace for the best season of his career and is currently leading LSU in receptions. I have Mason Taylor as TE5 in this class.
Saturday Evening College Prospects to Watch
#18 Kansas State @ Colorado
Saturday, 10/12 | 10:15 PM ET | ESPN
#18 Kansas State
DJ Giddens | #31 | RB | 2025 | 6’1” | 212 lbs.
This game features an exciting matchup with running back DJ Giddens facing an inconsistent Colorado rush defense. Unsurprisingly, the Kansas State offense is heavily run-oriented, with Giddens leading the charge. His 604 yards rushing is 9th most in the entire country. I expect to see him be heavily featured once again. Giddens is a junior, so it’s possible that he will declare for the NFL Draft this year, but I expect him to return to Manhattan, KS for his senior season in 2025.
Colorado
Shedeur Sanders | #2 | QB | 2025 | 6’2” | 215 lbs.
After a week without a Colorado game, college football fans will have a chance to tune it to a late-night kickoff from Boulder, CO. At this point, you’re probably quite familiar with the names to know for the Buffs. I am interested to see how Shedeur Sanders and the entire offense look after their bye week. Sanders is my QB1 and is a lock to be taken in the 1st Round of the NFL Draft. The remaining question is where in the round will he be taken.
Travis Hunter | #12 | WR | CB | 2025 | 6’1” | 185 lbs.
It’s hard to find new ways to describe what we get to see from Travis Hunter on a weekly basis. There have never been college prospects who have done what Hunter is currently doing. We’ve seen many players play on both sides of the football, but we’ve never seen someone play as many snaps and at such a high level of production.
I have Hunter as my WR1 in this class and probably would also have him as CB1 if I ranked defensive players. Before you accuse me of homerism, ESPN’s Mel Kiper has also ranked Hunter as the top receiver and cornerback in his most recent positional rankings. But beyond that, Kiper has Travis Hunter ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s not a perfect prospect by any means, but his unique ability puts him in rare air.
#17 Boise State @ Hawaii
Saturday, 10/12 | 11:00 PM ET | CBSSN
#17 Boise State
Ashton Jeanty | #1 | RB | 2025 | 6’0” | 210 lbs.
If staying up until 10:15 pm wasn’t late enough, you can wait another 45 minutes to watch the best running back in the nation. In any other year, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty would be running away with the Heisman (pun intended). One of the wildest stats you’ll read is that Jeanty hit 1,000 yards rushing before he hit 100 rushing attempts. We have not seen this kind of running back performance since the likes of Barry Sanders.
Unfortunately for Jeanty, this looks like it’s going to be a showdown between a Bronco and a Buffalo for who will take home the hardware. Either way, Ashton Jeanty is a fantastic prospect that could very well be drafted in the 1st Round of the NFL Draft. We know that drafting RBs on the first night is largely a thing of the past, but so is Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones. It would not shock me if my RB1 ended up making the transition from Boise State Bronco to Dallas Cowboy.
For more on these college prospects, check out my QB and TE Rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft class:
