It will be a fun slate of college football games this Saturday, including six matchups between ranked opponents. Who are the best NFL prospects in those games? Which players have the most to gain? Is there any talent flying under the radar?
Let’s break the top-25 showdowns. (Games are listed in chronological order; all times are ET.)
(Note: Only draft-eligible prospects are included. An asterisk indicates a draft-eligible underclassman.)
No. 10 Penn State at No. 5 Michigan (Noon, Fox)
Best prospect: Olu Fashanu, LT, Penn State*
Considering Fashanu has started only six games at the college level, it might feel premature to call him the top NFL prospect here. But the redshirt sophomore has played really well in those six games, and I am a believer in his traits. At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Fashanu has outstanding body control and hand strength, which will be tested against Michigan’s deep defensive line. Buy his stock now, while it is affordable.
Prospect with the most to gain: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State*
Porter has been a shutdown corner in 2022. He leads the FBS in passes defended per game (2.0) and has allowed only three receptions for 23 yards (with zero penalties) over his last four games. However, he has been somewhat of a liability in run support with multiple missed tackles. For Porter to be drafted as high as his coverage skills suggest, he must become more reliable against the run and Michigan will certainly test that aspect of his game.
Most underrated prospect: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan*
Corum has garnered more attention with his hot start, but I don’t know that he is as well-known nationally as he should be. He ranks third in the country in rushing yards (735) and second in rushing touchdowns (11). However, Penn State is allowing only 79.6 rushing yards per game, fifth-best in college football.
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