The Week 7 schedule in the Big 12 begins on Friday with an appetizing matchup between 16th-ranked Utah and Arizona State. The marquee matchup on Saturday evening sees No. 18 Kansas State travel to Colorado. Elsewhere, UCF hosts Cincinnati, and Iowa State faces a sizable hurdle versus West Virginia.
Big 12 talents around the nation will utilize 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 7.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
vs. Kansas State defense
What To Look For: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders faces one of his biggest tests of the season against a stiff Kansas State defense. The Wildcats are allowing 19.6 points per contest, fourth-lowest among Big 12 defenses. It qualifies as a resume-builder for Sanders.
Sanders has been outstanding this season, completing 70.1% of his passing attempts with 1,630 yards, 17 touchdowns, and three interceptions in five appearances to date. Sanders' off-script playmaking ability and deep ball accuracy have been on display weekly. Our current top-ranked quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, a strong showing versus Kansas State would further his agenda.
Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
vs. Colorado offense
What To Look For: One of the defenders tasked with slowing Sanders and the explosive Buffaloes offense is Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish. A Senior Bowl watchlist corner, Parrish pairs excellent instincts with quick-twitch athleticism. Patience and footwork allow the Olathe, Kansas native to remain in phase with his assignments.
Parrish could be tasked with covering dynamic Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter. Kansas State’s premier cover man has 25 tackles, two pass breakups, and one interception this year. A stout showing versus Hunter would help Parrish start capturing top-64 buzz.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
vs. West Virginia defense
What To Look For: Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel has been on a heater. After opening the season with consecutive 100-yard showings against North Dakota and Iowa, Noel recently torched Baylor 98 more receiving yards. He's now the Cyclones' leading receiver, overtaking Jayden Higgins for now.
Noel is an explosive route runner in close quarters. Head coach Matt Campbell utilizes the versatile wideout as a spark plug in the passing game. The Mountaineers secondary will be tasked with limiting Noel's impact.
Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado
vs. Kansas State defense
What To Look For: If Parrish and Hunter help cancel each other out, Jimmy Horn Jr. could become Sanders’ preferred target. The Buffaloes must consistently get Horn Jr. involved. After a 198-yard showing in his campaign debut, he’s been limited to 41 or fewer yards in every appearance since.
Horn Jr. is an extremely dangerous slot receiver. Sudden breaks and acceleration help the speedy undersized playmaker manipulate defenders in coverage. Horn Jr. is due for another breakout game.
RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
vs. Cincinnati defense
What To Look For: UCF running back RJ Harvey is powering a Knights offense that is rushing for a conference-best 282.4 yards per game. Harvey himself ranks fourth in the Big 12 in rushing. The speedy undersized back has galloped for 600 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 6.6 yards per attempt this season.
The Bearcats have the fourth-worst run defense in the Big 12, forfeiting 157.2 ground yards per outing. The matchup highly favors Harvey and the UCF offense. Harvey’s highly talented skill set should be on full display.
