We are already into Week 3 of college football with some big-time matchups to look for. The picture for who is QB1, QB2, or QB3 is just as cluttered as it was when we started the season, but I believe this week can help clear some things up.
We have a few in-conference matchups along with some non-traditional matchups that should be fun. Check out the top five SEC players to look for in Week 3 who need to have big-time performances to put on their draft resumes.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
vs. South Carolina defense
What To Look For: Garrett Nussmeier is playing some of the best football of any quarterback in college football right now. But heading into Week 3 of the season, he may have the most pressure on him as well. A 1-1 LSU team is heading to play a tough and gritty South Carolina team that may be more talented than what people initially thought coming off of a dominant win against Kentucky last week. Nussmeier is going to have to put this offense on his back and play high-level football as the LSU rushing attack appears to still be trying to figure itself out. He also has to be prepared for a shootout as LSU’s defense has already had some significant injuries. Nussmeier is a gunslinger but he is going to have to make calculated decisions with the football with a high volume of throws. Look for the connection of Nussmeier to wide receiver Kyren Lacy in this game. If LSU wins it's probably because Nussmeier throws for more than 300 yards.
Will Campbell and Emery Jones, OTs, LSU
vs. South Carolina front seven
What To Look For: This is the first tandem to make the list and I couldn't think of a more important tandem for Week 3 of college football. Will Campbell and Emery Jones are both considered first-round picks in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. And this week may be the biggest matchup for the duo. They face off against what appears to be the heart and soul of that South Carolina team, the defensive front, which caused complete havoc last week for Kentucky's offense. Whether its freshman phenom edge rusher Dylan Stewart or veteran IDL TJ Sanders and Tonka Hemingway, both Campbell and Jones are going to have their hands full. They’ll need to play at a high level constantly to protect their starting quarterback.
Brady Cook, QB, Missouri
vs. Boston College defense
What To Look For: Last year, I gave Brady Cook my Gamer of the Year award for his tough and gritty play against Ohio State in the bowl game, pulling out a win. Cook is going to have to take some of that grit with him on the road for what will be one of the loudest environments this week for Boston College’s Red Bandana game. Cook operates a Missouri offense that likes to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally, so look for Cook to get the ball out to his playmakers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. When pass protection breaks down, Cook will also have to make some plays with his legs. This is a good resume game for Cook to elevate his draft stock.
Conner Weigman, QB, Texas A&M
vs. Florida defense
What To Look For: There may not have been a player in college football whose stock was as elevated based on a limited sample size from 2023. Thus far, Conner Weigman's performance has not been up to par with the first-round projections, but he has the opportunity to correct that this week against Florida. This is a conference matchup against an opponent who appears to be struggling and on its last legs. Weigman has the arm talent to make all the throws, so look for him to get on track this week and be a key reason why the Aggies win this game against Florida.
Deone Walker, IDL, Kentucky
vs. Georgia OL
What To Look For: This is the first payer to make the list in back-to-back weeks but it’s definitely warranted. Last week, Kentucky had an embarrassing loss to South Carolina. While the defense statistically didn't have a bad game, there was a lack of impactful defensive plays. Deone Walker's ability to make impactful plays will determine the outcome for some of Kentucky's matchup. This week against Georgia, if Kentucky wants any shot at winning this game, they need their best players to play well. Georgia's offensive line is one of the best in the country with a few potential top-50 picks on the offensive line (Dylan Fairchild, Tate Ratledge, Jared Wilson). I'm looking for Walker to have some dominant reps against the run but also when Georgia decides to pass the football. NFL talent evaluators love to use high-caliber, talented matchups like this as a resume game. This will definitely be one for Walker.
