We are headed into Week 6 of the season and we are deep into conference play. This is usually where players begin to build key resume games for their NFL draft profile. In the Big Ten, they have quite a few under-the-radar matchups with Iowa vs. Ohio State taking the front seat. Check out who has an opportunity to build their NFL draft resume with their matchup this week.
Abdul Carter, LB, Penn State
vs. UCLA offense
What To Look For: The 2025 NFL Draft class is looking to be a lot more shallow than we initially thought with some of the premier names not producing to the level they were initially projected to. Last week, Abdul Carter turned up the intensity by recording two sacks and getting his name back buzzing. I'm looking forward to seeing Carter commute to turn up the production, making tackles and creating pressure on the quarterback to prove that he is indeed one of the best pass rushers in the class. This UCLA team has struggled offensively due to some of the issues upfront that Carter should be able to take advantage of. Look for Carter to make some game-changing plays.
Sebastian Castro and Xavier Nwankpa, DBs, Iowa
vs. Ohio State Run game
What To Look For: Sebastian Castro and Xavier Nwankpa are two versatile secondary defenders for Iowa and one of the best duos in the country. This week, they go against a vaunted Ohio State offense and run game that has arguably the best combination of running backs in Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson in tandem with one of the best interior offensive linemen in college football, Donovan Jackson. The belief is that Ohio State will try to establish the run to help get quarterback Will Howard comfortable and that's where Nwankpa and Castro come in. These secondary defenders are not only going to have to defend the pass, but they will be asked to play in the box, fill gaps for the defense, and make open-field tackles. Ohio State has a well-balanced team as far as talent in the run game and pass game, so it is a must that these two Hawkeyes step up and make plays in the run game and begin to make Ohio State one-dimensional.
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
vs. Ohio State defense
What To Look For: For what seems like more than two decades, the Iowa Hawkeyes have been about playing good defense and running the football. They are the ultimate ball control team and never change. That recipe has had a certain element of success over the years and I don't believe it will change this week against Ohio State. Kaleb Johnson is the lead back for Iowa who is proving he can make plays in the run game. If Iowa can pull out this win, it is going to be the result of Johnson making plays in the run game, so look for Johnson to be the lead playmaker.
Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Willaims, DL, Ohio State
vs. Iowa rushing attack
What To Look For: This feared trio of Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, and Tyleik Williams has their first big test of the year as they face off against a tough and gritty Iowa team. Sacks are the plays that get on your ESPN highlights, but for this matchup, this trio will help their team win by stopping the run. The entire game lies on the shoulders of this Ohio State front. If they can stop the run and be dominant, Ohio State wins with no problem. Look for this trio of guys to dominate in the trenches and show why Ohio State is one of the most versatile defenses in the entire country.
