The Week 6 schedule in the Big 12 begins on Friday with Houston versus TCU. The marquee matchup on Saturday evening pits UCF against Florida. Elsewhere, Oklahoma State hosts West Virginia, Iowa State is at home versus Baylor, Arizona faces Texas Tech, and Arizona State hosts Kansas.
Big 12 talents around the nation will use these opportunities to increase their pre-draft stock. The road to the 2025 NFL Draft is a weekly journey that is crucial to the resume-building process. We've identified five talents in particular worth analyzing in Week 6.
Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
vs. Arizona defense
What To Look For: Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks is second in the conference in rushing yards with 551. The violent, physical downhill runner has galloped for 100-plus yards in all four appearances this campaign. Last week, Brooks torched Cincinnati for season-highs in yards (172) and touchdowns (2) in a thrilling 44-41 victory.
Brooks' Red Raiders are touchdown underdogs against the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday evening. With threats like Tetairoa McMillan on the opposing offense, Texas Tech must play a ball-control game if they're to execute the upset. Another workhorse performance from Brooks is required.
Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
vs. Texas Tech offense
What To Look For: One of the Wildcats defenders tasked with slowing down Brooks and the Red Raiders offense is cornerback Tacario Davis. Davis has been outstanding for Arizona's defense this campaign. His five passes defended are tied for first place in the conference through five contests.
Davis is a long and instinctual cornerback. The Long Beach, California native entered the first-round conversation with an outstanding performance in last weekend's upset victory over the Utah Utes. Davis will attempt to carry that momentum over to this week.
Brennan Presley, WR, Oklahoma State
vs. West Virginia offense
What To Look For: Oklahoma State wide receiver Brennan Presley has strung together a couple of impressive performances this season. The speedy playmaker had six catches for 70 receiving yards versus Kansas State last weekend. In a thrilling overtime victory over Arkansas earlier this year, Presley totaled nine receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown.
Presley has been an outstanding complement to De'Zhaun Stribling, who ranks fourth in the conference in receiving yards. The Cowboys are slight favorites versus West Virginia on Saturday afternoon. Quarterback Alan Bowman will expect Presley to make explosive plays.
KJ Jefferson, QB, UCF
vs. Florida defense
What To Look For: UCF is considered the favorite over the struggling Florida Gators on Saturday. The Knights always relish an opportunity to play SEC competition, and the wounded Gators are 2-2 with blowout losses to Miami and Texas A&M.
It’s a big spot for UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson. Jefferson has been inconsistent this season, completing just 60.5% of his passing attempts with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s on the Senior Bowl watchlist, and a big-time showing versus an SEC opponent would increase his chances of getting invited to Mobile.
Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas
vs. Arizona State offense
What To Look For: Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson is another prospect on Jim Nagy's watchlist and it's easy to understand why. The big-bodied boundary cornerback has recorded interceptions in back-to-back games (TCU and West Virginia). In his first game of the season, Dotson returned an interception against Lindenwood for a 33-yard pick-six score.
Arizona State currently ranks 13th of 16 in the Big 12 in passing yards per contest (213.8). Quarterback Sam Leavitt has really struggled. Dotson will believe in his ability to force a turnover in his third consecutive contest.
