Week 6 of the college football campaign officially begins on Thursday with appetizing matchups between Texas State and Troy, and Sam Houston and UTEP. With the NFL pre-draft process already kicking into high gear, this weekend's slate of college contests presents several must-watch showdowns. The Senior Bowl will have scouts in attendance at multiple games.
The Senior Bowl recently released its watchlist, and several talents could increase their chances of receiving an invite to Mobile by boosting their pre-draft stock this weekend.
We've identified five must-watch talents for Week 6.
Brady Cook, QB, Missouri
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook is among the more underrated performers at his position this season. Cook has the Tigers rolling at a perfect 4-0, including consecutive wins over Boston College and Vanderbilt. The St. Louis native has thrown for 946 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception this year.
Cook and the ninth-ranked Tigers will encounter their stiffest test this weekend when they travel to College Station for a road date with No. 25 Texas A&M. The Aggies are considered slight favorites based on home-field advantage. Jim Nagy and his staff will evaluate whether or not Cook successfully handles the pressure in a hostile environment.
Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
The current campaign has gone nowhere near according to plan for the Florida State Seminoles and defensive end Patrick Payton. Once considered a first-round prospect during the preseason, Payton has endured a slow start to his 2024 season. The uber-athletic pass rusher finally broke out with a three-sack game versus California in Week 4.
FSU is a three-score underdog against Clemson this weekend. If they're to keep the score within striking distance, they'll require a big-time showing from Payton versus the likes of quarterback Cade Klubnik and running back Phil Mafah. It could be a resume game for Payton.
Antwane Wells Jr., WR, Ole Miss
Ole Miss wide receiver Antwane Wells Jr. is off to a slightly slower start than expected. The alignment-versatile wideout is yet to surpass 100 receiving yards in any single game this season, and currently ranks third on the offense in receptions (14) and receiving yards (274). Tre Harris has been the Rebels' workhorse, with 49 catches for 804 yards and five touchdowns.
Wells Jr. and the 12th-ranked Rebels have a fun matchup against South Carolina on Saturday afternoon. Ole Miss is coming off an extremely disappointing defeat to Kentucky. Wells Jr. did not record a reception in that shortcoming. The vertical playmaker is hoping for a bounce-back performance versus the Gamecocks.
Makari Paige, SAF, Michigan
Michigan safety Makari Paige has been a do-it-all weapon for the Wolverines' defense this season. The versatile defensive back ranks third in tackles (20) and has recorded two pass breakups and one interception. Paige is a physical defender with high football IQ.
The struggling Wolverines are underdogs versus the unranked Washington Huskies this weekend. A veteran leader like Paige, who is returning from injury, will view that as downright disrespectful. If Paige plays to his potential, he should power Michigan to victory.
Ja’Quinden Jackson, RB, Arkansas
Arkansas running back Ja'Quinden Jackson has been an absolute monster this campaign. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound contact-balance back has rushed for 509 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging an explosive 6.4 yards per carry. Jackson torched Oklahoma State for 149 yards and three rushing scores earlier this season.
The Razorbacks are two-score underdogs versus the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers this weekend. If Arkansas hopes to offer Tennessee a scare, they'll have to keep their high-powered offense on the sideline by controlling the time of possession with an effective Jackson as their workhorse.
