The most intriguing quarterback matchup on the Week 2 college football schedule involves a Big 12 program. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders takes on Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola in a matchup that promises fireworks and points in abundance. Other appetizing matchups include the latest iteration of the annual rivalry between Iowa and Iowa State.
We've identified five Big 12 prospects who can increase their pre-draft stock this weekend, with some help from our Draft Network 100 rankings.
Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
Texas Tech played one of Week 1's most entertaining contests. The Red Raiders outlasted Abilene Christian, defeating them 52-51 in overtime. Running back Tahj Brooks rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown via 27 carries, averaging an effective 5.7 yards per carry.
Brooks is a throwback runner with a downhill, physical, and violent approach. Texas Tech is a slight underdog this week against the Pac-12’s Washington State. Another high-scoring affair is on the docket, and Brooks should use this opportunity to build on last week’s explosive performance.
Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State off-ball linebacker Nick Martin made his Draft Network 100 debut by claiming the 55th overall spot in our current prospect rankings. Martin is an electric athlete with three-down versatility. He was a workhorse in Week 1, compiling 10 tackles, one sack, and one pass breakup in a blowout win over South Dakota State.
This weekend, Oklahoma State is a touchdown favorite over Arkansas, the lone SEC opponent on their schedule. The Razorbacks are one of the more difficult programs the Cowboys will encounter. Martin will be tasked with making sideline-to-sideline plays.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins is a big-bodied boundary playmaker with a massive catch radius. The Cyclones standout totaled five receptions for 75 yards and one touchdown in a 21-3 victory over North Dakota last weekend. On Saturday, Higgins should draw a matchup versus Iowa cornerback Sebastian Castro in one of the better WR vs. CB showdowns this week.
Castro forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive lineman Caden Crawford in Iowa’s Week 1 victory over Illinois State. Both Higgins (No. 100) and Castro (No. 40) made appearances on the August version of Draft Network 100. Higgins has the size advantage, so the Iowa cover man will be forced to rely on technique.
Donovan Smith, QB, Houston
Houston quarterback Donovan Smith struggled in a blowout Week 1 defeat to UNLV. The Las Vegas, Nevada native completed just 50% of his passing attempts (15-of-30) for 135 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Smith was sacked on six occasions and fumbled once.
The Week 2 schedule doesn't get any kinder with a trip to No. 15-ranked Oklahoma. The Sooners are understandably four-score favorites. Smith is talented enough to factor into the 2025 QB class conversation, but the dual-threat athlete must start doing damage control by thriving against a big-time opponent.
Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II is a Heisman hopeful this season. Gordon scored two touchdowns in Week 1 but managed a pedestrian average of 3.9 yards per carry via 27 attempts, totaling 104 yards. He wasn't his explosive self, with his largest rush going for a gain of 12.
This weekend's opponent is a difficult Arkansas program. The Razorbacks defense pitched a shutout in last weekend's 70-0 victory over Arkansas Pine-Bluff. The Cowboys are touchdown favorites but will require a more efficient showing from Gordon if they're to avoid the upset.
