Ohio State vs. Texas
S - Jaylen McClain #8
S - Earl Little Jr. #1
We could write 3,000 words on this game alone when considering the amount of future pros who will be on the field. For this week, these two Buckeye defensive backs have the most to gain among the draft eligible defenders on that team. McClain, a former cornerback, brings the kind of size (6’0 / 203) and athleticism to play in deep zone coverage with range while giving Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia the option to man him up against receivers. He allowed just a 66.8 pass rating when targeted last year with a low missed tackle rate. He leaves a mark on the playmakers he comes in contact with by the junior is still looking for his first career interception.
Little, like Downs, began his career at Alabama but made a name for himself at Florida State prior to joining the Buckeyes this past offseason. He, unlike McClain, is a proven downfield playmaker. His four interceptions led the Seminoles in 2025 as he proved he can track and pounce on the deep ball with control and precision. The son of former eight-year veteran Earl Little, “junior” does not have as much speed and burst to work with which could be an issue against this high-powered Texas passing game. The standout trait he has, however, is between the ears. His trigger is instant and it is hard to find tape where he gets caught out of position. This will be the most complex offense he faces and he can make some money with a quality game against a scheme that puts as much pressure on defenders mentally as it does physically.
QB - Arch Manning #16
WR - Cam Coleman #8
WR - Ryan Wingo #1
All three Longhorns were in my personal Preseason Top 32 (not an official Ourlads rank). Manning was the number one quarterback heading into the season but that is more about projection, less about what he’s put on tape so far. The 2025 season, his first as a starter, was a a tale of two halves albeit with a strong finish. His performance in Columbus last season was one to forget (57% completion rate, 5.7 yards per attempt, 1 TD / 1 INT, 70.1 passer rating). With the game at home and a full season under his belt, Manning is expected to take a big leap and there is no better spotlight than this to set the tone.
Coleman and Wingo both scored week one against Texas State as they ramp up for the real start to their season. Coleman, a transfer from Auburn who would be a normal WR1 in a lot of draft classes, brings the kind of size (6’3/201) and leaping ability that make him a one on one nightmare for corners. Wingo has a rare combination of speed and size (6’2/210) with a play-style that puts a ton of pressure on safeties. He can break tackles and run away from anyone if he finds space. The drop rate and lack of fluidity in his routes have been weak points so far but the junior can prove he has made strides there against a defense like this.
Oklahoma vs. Michigan
WR - Isaiah Sategna III #1
WR - Trell Harris #11
There weren’t many prospects who began the season better than Sategna, a 5’11/182 pound senior. He caught 4 passes for 82 yards including a 34-yard touchdown and added an 88-yard punt return score. A former top five national track and field recruit, Sategna has more than runaway speed. His burst, change of direction, and agility make him a credible homerun threat every time he touches the ball. Harris is a transfer from Virginia who really popped last year, proving to be a yard-after-catch threat attached to a rocked-up 205 pound frame. He scored a 48-yard touchdown in his Sooners’ debut but will now match up against future pros in this matchup. He has been on a constant ascent and if he continues that path in this game, he could approach day two territory.
CB - Jyaire Hill #0
S - Rod Moore #1
Hill’s tape jumped off the screen in 2024 when we were scouting eventual second round pick Will Johnson. At 6’2/189 with above average length and speed, the triangle numbers are ideal. Another standout trait shows up against the run especially, as he shows no hesitation in attacking from the edge. He has been in and out of the starting lineup over the last two seasons but if cleans up the consistency and proves he can shine against these two future NFL receivers, the sky is the limit. Moore has played in just three games since the end of the 2023 season because of a knee injury suffered in the spring of 2024. His career got off to a hot start, intercepting six passes over the 2022-2023 seasons as he proved to be an integral part to their National Championship squad. The aggressive downfield passing attack and versatile athletic threats Sategna and Harris present will challenge Moore and his knee early and often. Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech
LB - Arion Carter #7
After missing the week one matchup against Furman for taking $427 during the pre-draft process last spring prior to withdrawing his name, the explosive and violent middle linebacker will be back on the field. He led the SEC in tackles per game last year and he can make a case as the best athlete at the position in the conference at 235+ pounds.
RB - Justice Haynes #22
The Michigan transfer started 2025 on fire, appearing on Heisman watch lists after starting off with five straight 100+ yard games and an average of 7.7 yards per carry and eight touchdowns. Injuries slowed him down but the big play threat has a change of scenery to work with in a better offense (with NFL ties) to display what he can be at the next level. It was a fairly quiet week one against Colorado (19 attempts / 64 yards) but he can make money against this fast and physical Tennessee defense.