College football’s Week 7 slate was full of action that will affect the 2024 NFL Draft. Between a rash of injuries, big performances, and surprising results, top prospects in the country are making moves.
Where do top quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Michael Penix Jr. stand after Week 7?
NFL Draft Prospects in College Football Top 25
We’re using the post-Week 7 top 25 rankings of College Football Network.
1) Washington Huskies
The week’s biggest game did not disappoint, as the Washington Huskies survived a strong challenge from the Oregon Ducks. Winning 36-33, Washington showed off they can throw vertically even against the best defense they’ll face in the regular season. That starts with quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Penix entered the season with the third-fewest throws under pressure, so he needed to show he could make off-platform throws and withstand a barrage of defenders coming at him. While he’ll never be the most athletic player or possess the most elastic arm, Penix was excellent once again throwing downfield. He’s working his way into the QB3 conversation behind Williams and Maye.
The other major star on Saturday was Rome Odunze. The big-bodied possession threat had arguably his most impressive game yet, torching Oregon’s solid cornerbacks for eight catches and 128 yards, including the winning score. He was unguardable, showing elite body control, timing, and concentration.
Washington is loaded with talent, and it’s easy to see why they’re ranked as CFN’s No. 1 team.
2) Michigan Wolverines
It’s another week where Michigan went untested. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed 14-of-17 passes, and the Wolverines cruised. While there’s not much to say about rising stock from a 52-7 beatdown of a bad Indiana team, it’s time to discuss Michigan running back Donovan Edwards.
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Edwards entered the season as a top 10 back on our 2024 running back prospect rankings but has struggled mightily each week. We don’t know of an injury, yet Edwards hasn’t shown the same explosiveness as a rusher or receiver that made him a better pro projection than Blake Corum.
At this rate, he’s much better off returning to Michigan or transferring elsewhere if he loses his RB2 role rather than entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
3) Georgia Bulldogs
Linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. continues to be all over the field for the Georgia Bulldogs. The athletic junior flew around the field and notched an impressive sack against Vanderbilt, highlighting his closing speed. Built to be a modern NFL three-down defender, expect to see more hype around Mondon.
The biggest news from Georgia’s win was Brock Bowers’ ankle injury. Bowers, the best tight end prospect in a long time, left this game early and was helped off the field with an apparent ankle injury. He’s arguably the best overall talent who can declare for the 2024 draft, so his status moving forward is a massive storyline.
4) Florida State Seminoles
Winning 41-3, Florida State had some dominant moments from their brightest stars. The best news is that QB Jordan Travis avoided a more significant injury despite heading to the locker room before halftime. With Travis healthy, everyone will stay focused on the insane one-handed catch from Keon Coleman.
Coleman has shown everything this season. The 6’4″ receiver has quickly established himself as a surefire top-three receiver in the class thanks to his elite hands, vertical leaping ability, and speed. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him taken in the top 10.
We do want to see more from some Seminoles, though. Edge rusher Jared Verse has everything needed to star every week. And yet, he finished this game with one tackle and was largely invisible for stretches. This season hasn’t been the coming out party we had expected from the potential top-five pick.
5) Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners had a bye week in Week 7.
6) Penn State Nittany Lions
The Nittany Lions essentially had a bye week, beating Massachusetts 63-0.
7) Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State made quick work of Purdue despite its past demons there, and it was no surprise that Marvin Harrison Jr. produced a huge game. With Emeka Egbuka and TreVeyon Henderson out, Harrison carried the offensive load early on, producing six catches for 105 yards and a score. Senior tight end Cade Stover also chipped in with two touchdown catches.
The Buckeyes defensive end duo of J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer also had big games, and it was a breath of fresh air. While both players have been excellent run defenders this season, neither has finished sack opportunities as many had hoped, considering their pedigrees. But with three combined sacks, maybe this was a turning point for both to see their draft stock skyrocket.
8) Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns had a bye week in Week 7.
9) North Carolina Tar Heels
While Williams struggled to find his magic against Notre Dame, Drake Maye had his own ups and downs against Miami. The Hurricanes got after Maye and rushed his process, leading to some ugly misses and sacks early on. But as the game continued, Maye wore Miami down thanks to a breakout performance from star receiver Devontez Walker.
Maye still has work to do with his decision-making and consistency with his ball placement. He’s a great prospect, but it comes in waves. We’ll look for that development throughout the second part of the season.
Walker’s emergence is a big deal. He began the season in our top 100 prospects, but his eligibility issues with the NCAA robbed him of the first month of action. He had three touchdowns and 132 yards entering the fourth quarter, showing why the 6’3″ junior was such a coveted transfer.
10) Oregon Ducks
Losing to Washington is nothing to be ashamed of. Oregon had opportunities to win, though, so the close loss will have the fans and team recounting every little mistake.
Quarterback Bo Nix answered the bell in the second half in particular. At one point, he had completed 14 of 16 second-half attempts and had the Ducks one completion away from pulling off the upset. He helped set Oregon up for a game-tying field goal that was missed as time expired.
Nix needed to show the ability to make plays under pressure and control the game. There’s still room for him to grow in those areas, but he stepped up and played well, throwing for 337 yards and two scores.
I still think he has too much game-manager in him right now, and there’s a balance of his inner chaos he can find, but this was far from a discouraging showing.
It was an even better game for familiar Oregon playmakers. Wide receiver Troy Franklin was unstoppable, catching eight passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. His speed and versatility might push him into the first round next year.
Despite the NFL’s uncertainty about running bucks, Bucky Irving is also a top-100 prospect. His speed and ability to impact the game as a runner and receiver qualify him as an explosive starter at the next level.
11) Alabama Crimson Tide
It’s still strange to say that Alabama has a limited number of top draft prospects to watch. We know likely first-rounders Dallas Turner, JC Latham, and Kool-Aid McKinstry, and each is consistently solid or better. But this wasn’t a week where anyone stood out meaningfully.
12) James Madison Dukes
James Madison has no clear NFL Draft prospects, but we love seeing the Dukes get respect at 6-0.
13) Oregon State Beavers
The Beavers continue to hammer opponents with their powerful trench play. At this point, our hype on right tackle Taliese Fuaga has spread, and he’s widely recognized as a top-40 talent in next year’s class. Beyond him, though, are a few more guys worth watching each week.
QB DJ Uiagalelei has been efficient while hunting big plays, proving to be a great fit in an offense that isn’t overly complex but needs an adult running it. He’s going to earn late-round draft consideration.
14) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
It doesn’t get much better than blowing out a rival at home. Notre Dame worked USC on both sides of the ball, proving to be much more physical and better coached. USC has major structural issues, and Notre Dame put its finger on each crack in the foundation.
Forcing Caleb Williams into a bad game took a team effort. Cornerback Cam Hart and defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste continue to play well, earning themselves Day 3 considerations.
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The team’s three best prospects are left tackle Joe Alt, right tackle Blake Fisher, and running back Audric Estimé. Alt and Fisher had solid outings, and Estimé has proven himself to be an AJ Dillon-type back who will fill a valuable role at the next level.
15) Utah Utes
It was another week without Cameron Rising on the field, meaning we’re at the point of the year where it feels as though he may not play this season. That would be a sad outcome as the senior tore his ACL in January and then worked to prepare for this year’s season opener. But clearly, that was far too aggressive of a timeline.
Utah blew out Cal nonetheless, showing off their incredible running game throughout the day. Ja’Quinden Jackson had a good, consistent outing, producing 94 yards on 22 carries. His lack of explosiveness has been more evident this season, possibly capping his draft value as a late-rounder.
16) Duke Blue Devils
Unfortunately, Duke QB Riley Leonard missed the game with his ankle injury, but we saw a stellar performance from star left tackle Graham Barton. Duke completed only four passes but ran for 194 yards on only 30 attempts. Barton was a big part of that, road-grading paths for Jordan Waters and taking on star NC State linebacker Payton Wilson a few times.
17) USC Trojans
USC had been flirting with disaster this season, relying too heavily on Caleb Williams to make the most out of a disorganized offense with NFL talent but not dominant, overwhelming star power.
Lincoln Riley put Williams and his playmakers in a bad spot against Notre Dame, refusing to integrate quicker route concepts that would protect his quarterback. Williams never looked settled in and threw three rough picks.
Beyond the scheme, my feelings about the limited explosiveness around Williams were confirmed. Notre Dame was able to limit Brenden Rice, Tahj Washington, Dorian Singer, and Mario Williams too easily for any of them to raise their draft stock. Running back MarShawn Lloyd remains the best prospect outside of Williams, but he’s also playing behind a bad line.
18) Air Force Falcons
This Air Force team is a legitimate threat to go undefeated so long as quarterback Zac Larrier plays well. The Falcons only have one real NFL prospect, safety Trey Taylor, who continues to be the backbone of the defense.
Taylor is a tackling machine, and he again hit 10 tackles this week. The 6’0″, 210-pounder can do a little of everything, showing good instincts in coverage and finishing as a help tackler. Whether he can hold his own in man coverage is still a question, but we should find out more when he hits the all-star circuit.
19) Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels had a bye week in Week 7.
20) Iowa Hawkeyes
Injuries are the worst part of the game, and Iowa tight end Erick All left Iowa’s win over Wisconsin early due to an apparent right knee injury. Head coach Kirk Ferentz said his injury was “not good,” and it’s likely All’s season is over.
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Iowa defensive tackle Yahya Black earned a sack and continues to play well, and Cooper DeJean showed up with an impressive tackle for loss. Black could settle in as an early Day 3 value, while DeJean is fighting to earn a Round 1 grade.
21) Liberty Flames
Liberty doesn’t have a notable NFL prospect, but at 6-0 with a fun dual-threat quarterback in Kaidon Salter, we’ll continue to watch the Flames.
22) Tennessee Volunteers
The Volunteers don’t have a lot in terms of 2024 prospects. Running back Jaylen Wright, averaging 7.1 yards per carry this season, had a huge performance against Texas A&M, notching 136 yards on 19 carries. The junior is now on our radar as someone who could be NFL-ready sooner than we expected.
23) Tulane Green Wave
If you missed the Friday night contest between Tulane and Memphis, you missed a great one. Tulane, featuring quarterback prospect Michael Pratt, survived a good bid from the Tigers for a home upset. Pratt was only okay, but he created enough big plays downfield to offset some misses he normally hits.
Pratt has a Day 3 grade and projects as a long-term backup in the NFL.
The other emerging Green Wave name is defensive lineman Darius Hodges. The 6’2″, 280-pound junior logged two more sacks against Memphis, bringing his total to 5 1/2 on the season. Hodges moves well for his size and has strong hands. He could be a 2025 prospect at the latest.
24) Missouri Tigers
Kentucky has a tough defense, and they limited the powerful Missouri offense to only 206 passing yards and 118 rushing yards. 2025 top receiver Luther Burden III only had two catches for 15 yards. Alas, Missouri still scored 38 and won by 17.
Tigers quarterback Brady Cook had an off day, but defensive tackle Darius Robinson did not. A top-200 player on our big board, Robinson finished with two sacks and led the team in tackles. The 300-pound senior projects well into 3-4 fronts because of his movement ability for his size.
25) Louisville Cardinals
Louisville dropped a shocker on the road as Pitt rose to the occasion to end the Cardinals’ undefeated streak. It was a rough game in the rain, with Louisville unable to get a stop after turnovers and failed fourth downs.
Few Cardinals stood out besides receivers Jamari Thrash and Jimmy Calloway. Calloway may have logged one of the year’s best catches, going vertical to haul in a jump ball, then tapping his foot in bounds before his bottom hit the ground on the sideline. He finished with 90 yards on five receptions.
Thrash is averaging over 17 yards per catch, showing good speed and sharp route-running ability. He’s only a junior, so there’s no rush for Thrash to make the leap, but he’s talented enough to do it in 2024.