The Big 12 Week 9 schedule puts forth several appetizing matchups. The afternoon window pits No. 11 BYU against UCF. Kansas travels to No. 16 Kansas State, and the evening's must-watch contest sees Shedeur Sanders (No. 8 overall) and Colorado host Cincinnati at Folsom Field.
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 9.
RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
vs. BYU defense
What To Look For: UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey displayed his best effort in last weekend's heartbreaking 38-35 defeat to Iowa State. The No. 100 overall talent in our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings update rushed for a season-high 196 yards and two touchdowns via 25 carries. Harvey was extremely effective, averaging 7.8 yards per carry.
Harvey pairs outstanding speed and burst with high-level contact balance. The 11th-ranked BYU Cougars are formidable opponents. The Knights may require a similar effort from Harvey to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.
Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State
vs. Baylor defense
What To Look For: Ollie Gordon II (No. 59 overall) entered the 2024 campaign as a preseason Heisman favorite. After a slower-than-expected start to his season, Gordon absolutely exploded versus BYU. He rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries (6.7 YPC), adding 20 receiving yards and a third touchdown to his offensive totals.
Oklahoma State has struggled this season, losing four straight contests. Baylor are touchdown favorites this weekend. The Cowboys are capable of turning their campaign around if Gordon continues rounding into his expected form.
Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
vs. Kansas State offense
What To Look For: Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant (No. 57 overall) was questionable with an injury heading into last weekend's game versus Houston. Not only did Bryant manage to suit up, but he also put forth a historically eye-popping performance. The Jayhawks' premier cover man intercepted Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith on three occasions.
Bryant is a ball-magnet with four interceptions in seven appearances this season. He was involved in five total turnovers throughout the 2023 campaign. Kansas State is another big draw for Bryant this weekend in this year’s Sunflower Showdown.
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
vs. Colorado offense
What To Look For: Shedeur Sanders (No. 8 overall) and Travis Hunter (No. 1 overall) are must-watch talents every week. Colorado is a slight favorite over the Cincinnati Bearcats this weekend. First-year defensive coordinator Tyson Veidt will rack his brain attempting to slow down the high-octane Buffaloes' offense.
Bearcats defensive tackle Dontay Corleone is their most dominant player. Corleone has totaled four tackles apiece in three consecutive contests, and that run includes a two-sack performance in an impressive victory over UCF. The big-bodied interior lineman will be tasked with disrupting Sanders' timing in the pocket.
Jack Bech, WR, TCU
vs. Texas Tech defense
What To Look For: Few wide receivers have improved their pre-draft stock in recent weeks in the manner that TCU's Jack Bech (No. 89 overall) has. Bech recently enjoyed a three-game run against UCF, SMU, and Kansas that saw him produce 497 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He has seven total scores this season.
Expect a high-scoring game between TCU and Texas Tech this weekend. The Red Raiders have struggled mightily when defending the pass this season, allowing a Big 12 second-worst 466.6 air yards per contest. Bech could be in store for another massive showcase.
