Week 1 was full of action and big-time plays by some of the best players in the country. The road to the 2025 NFL Draft has already started, but there’s no better way to build a draft resume than with a big-time game in a big-time game.
Week 2 has a few major matchups for prospects to elevate their draft stock or cement themselves at the top of this class. Check out the top matchups in college football that will elevate SEC prospects’ draft stock.
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
vs. Michigan defense
What To Look For: This is without a doubt one of the biggest matchups of the regular season, with College Football Playoff implications on the line in Week 2 and without a doubt a resume game for Quinn Ewers. Ewers' name has been floating around the first-round conversation since he began his collegiate career in 2020. Many people were surprised when the Longhorn signal-caller decided to come back. This matchup versus Michigan is not only a season-defining game but definitely a resume-defining game. If Ewers can go and knock out the reigning National Champions and play well, his draft stock will soar.
Ja'Quinden Jackson, RB, Arkansas
vs. Oklahoma State defense
What To Look For: Ja’Quinden Jackson is a transfer from Utah who appears to be the RB1 at Arkansas. In a conference where there is a lack of experienced backs, Jackson is one of the more experienced in the conference. This week, Arkansas faces a talented Oklahoma State defense with defenders like linebackers Nick Martin and Collin Oliver. If Arkansas wants to win, it's going to be behind a Jackson-led rushing attack.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
vs. Michigan defensive front
What To Look For: Unlike last year, the race for OT1 is wide open and Kelvin Banks Jr. has a great opportunity to make a case for the top spot. Michigan lost double-digit from last season to the NFL draft but the one position group that is the most talented and most experienced for is the defensive line. With an opportunity to go against some of the top players in the class like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart, a dominant performance will place Banks’ name squarely in the running for being the best OT in the class.
Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
vs. Cal defense
What To Look For: This may be the deepest running back class in the past decade, and for a position that has already been devalued by many, a player’s resume matters. That means every game matters. Jarquez Hunter is one of the SEC’s best-kept secrets and a talented running back. Hunter needs to take a step and get on the national radar, and what better way to do that than in front of the home crowd in a Saturday afternoon showdown against Cal? Hunter has short-area quickness, is explosive, and has natural instincts. He just needs to showcase it to the masses.
Deone Walker, IDL, Kentucky
vs. South Carolina run game
What To Look For: Early this summer, Deone Walker's name appeared in the top 10 of many mock drafts but as of late, his name has cooled off a bit. Walker has an opportunity to reheat the conversation about him being a top-10 pick as Kentucky is slated for a Saturday afternoon showdown against South Carolina. If Walker can show his quickness and be a consistent disruptor against South Carolina's run game, along with rushing the passer, expect his name to re-emerge at the top of first-round draft discussions.
