A quarterback making his first FBS start after transferring from the DII level. An all-purpose juggernaut who upset the apple cart. A defensive tackle whose unique athleticism translates to dominance on the field. A kicker born with the clutch gene. Introducing the Week 3 PFSN College Football Team of the Week, powered by our suite of College Impact metrics.
Quarterback of the Week: Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Week 2 PFSN College QBi Grade: 87.4 (B+)
One of the best players at the DII level in 2024, Trinidad Chambliss led Ferris State to a national title in 2024 before entering the transfer portal. He landed with the Ole Miss Rebels as a backup to Austin Simmons, but when called into action as injury relief, he proved that his talent translates across levels with a sensational performance in a gritty Week 3 win.
Chambliss completed 71.4% of his passes for 353 yards and a score while flashing his dual-threat ability with 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Arkansas got regular pressure on the first-time FBS starter, but the Rebels’ passer revelled in the tough spots with a 0.86 pressured EPA per dropback and a 1.22 scramble EPA per rush when forced out of structure. Composed.
Running Back of the Week: Ismail Mahdi, Arizona
Week 2 PFSN College RBi Grade: 90.2 (A-)
Ismail Mahdi established himself as one of the top players in the country with the Texas State Bobcats in 2023, but after a relatively quiet season last fall, he came back with a bang as the catalyst to a statement Arizona Wildcats’ win over Kansas State. The senior back is one of the most versatile and dangerous weapons in the country, and he showed it on Friday night.
Although he snagged two receptions for 32 yards in the win (100% pass success rate), it was his work as a pure rusher that did the damage, averaging 8.6 yards per carry for 189 total yards. Only one Week 3 running back had more than Mahdi’s 7.1 yards per carry before contact, while he boasted a 54.5% offensive rush success rate and 0.37 EPA per rush.
Running Back of the Week: Dontae McMillan, Eastern Michigan
Week 2 PFSN College RBi Grade: 87.9 (B+)
The Eastern Michigan Eagles didn’t cause an upset against the Kentucky Wildcats, but running back Dontae McMillan put together a performance as complete as anyone with a tick in the win column. Averaging 6.5 yards per carry for 84 yards, he boasted a 61.5% elusive rate, 15.4% boom or bust rate, was a factor in the passing game, and even allowed zero pressures on six pass block reps.
Wide Receiver of the Week: Ryan Williams, Alabama
Week 2 PFSN College WRi Grade: 93.0 (A-)
Ryan Williams took media criticism in the run-up to college football Week 3 and promptly answered with a dominant performance against the Wisconsin Badgers.
Demonstrating his ability as one of the best after-the-catch playmakers in the country, 109 of his 165 yards came with the ball in his hands, while only one other receiver topped his 8.68 yards per route run.
Wide Receiver of the Week: Mario Craver, Texas A&M
Week 2 PFSN College WRi Grade: 89.1 (B+)
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mario Craver was the second-highest graded pass catcher who teed off against an FBS opponent, booking his place on our college football team of the week by terrorizing a strong Notre Dame secondary to the tune of 207 yards and a score. No other receiver registered more yards after the catch over expectation (105.5 yards) in Week 3.
Tight End of the Week: Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
Week 2 PFSN College TEi Grade: 85.9 (B)
Former Louisiana standout Terrance Carter Jr. had a national emergence in Week 3, leading all college football tight ends with 102 yards and a touchdown in a comfortable win over Oregon State. 10.7 of his 19.0 yards per catch came after he plucked the ball out of the sky, while he was dominant as a blocker, paving the way in the run game, and allowing zero pressure on one pass block rep.
Offensive Tackle of the Week: Trevor Goosby, Texas
Week 2 PFSN College Individual OLi Grade: 92.8 (A-)
There was so much focus on what Arch Manning did poorly in college football Week 3 that people might have missed the stellar job that Trevor Goosby did. Although he was penalised twice, he was credited with allowing zero sacks or pressures. It’s no surprise that the Texas Longhorns quarterback found success in the ground game as his offensive tackle was a continuous force.
Offensive Guard of the Week: Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
Week 2 PFSN College Individual OLi Grade: 92.0 (A-)
On a difficult night for Notre Dame football, Billy Schrauth reminded us that the Fighting Irish consistently produce top-tier offensive linemen. He allowed zero sacks or pressures on 34 pass blocking reps, helping CJ Carr to throw for 293 yards and a score. The only remaining member of the interior that went to the title game a year ago was also pivotal in a three-score rushing outing. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to get the win.
Center of the Week: Jackson Carsello, Northwestern
Week 2 PFSN College Individual OLi Grade: 90.3 (A-)
While the Northwestern Wildcats succumbed to another defeat, it was far from a demolition job against the Oregon Ducks, and there were some bright spots to take away from Week 3. Center Jackson Carsello allowed zero sacks or pressures on 21 true dropback snaps, while also being a strong force in the run game.
The Wildcats outstripped the Ducks in total rushing yards, mainly thanks to two late scores, including a 79-yarder from Dashun Reeder.
Offensive Guard of the Week: Tellek Lockette, Texas State
Week 2 PFSN College Individual OLi Grade: 90.9 (A-)
Tellek Lockette has been one of the best interior offensive linemen in college football in recent years, and he proved his talent isn’t restricted to that level with an impressive display against the Arizona State Sun Devils late on Saturday night. Lockette kept Brad Jackson clean all night while paving the way for another 50+ yard game for running back Lincoln Pare.
Offensive Tackle of the Week: Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
Week 2 PFSN College Individual OLi Grade: 90.8 (A-)
Considered one of the top offensive linemen in the country ahead of the season, Caleb Tiernan has gotten more impressive every week, culminating in a Week 3 showing that earns him a spot on our college football team of the week. No sacks? Check. No pressures? Check. No penalties? Check. What those numbers don’t tell you is that he achieved them against standout Oregon pass rusher Mateo Uiagalelei.
Edge Defender of the Week: Keyshawn James-Newby, New Mexico
Week 2 PFSN College EDGEi Grade: 90.0 (A-)
The New Mexico Lobos pulled off one of the upsets of the college football season, and part of the reason why was Keyshawn James-Newby’s constant pressure off the edge. While he didn’t log a sack or tackle for loss, the New Mexico standout’s 37.9% pressure rate on true dropbacks led the nation this weekend. He was also fifth in quick pressure rate in Week 3 (16.7%).
Defensive Tackle of the Week: Landon Robinson, Navy
Week 2 PFSN College DTi Grade: 89.7 (B+)
Landon Robinson began the 2025 college football season with national recognition for his insane athleticism. He’s very quickly reinforced the notion that he’s one of the best defensive tackles in the country by translating incredible testing numbers into on-field performance. He put together a devastating display to guide the Navy Midshipmen past Tulsa in Week 3.
MORE: Project the Entire 2025 Season With the PFSN College Football Playoff PredictorÂ
Robinson compiled a 1.5 sack, one tackle for loss night, but a dive beyond the basic box score stats makes for even more impressive reading. The Navy defensive tackle caused pressure on 23.1% of the dropbacks he was on the field for, including two quick pressures while he ceded zero yards per run tackle. Complete and utter dominance.
Defensive Tackle of the Week: Thomas Collins, Oregon State
Week 2 PFSN College DTi Grade: 88.3 (B+)
The Oregon State Beavers might be in a bad spot right now, but so is any offensive lineman who had to line up opposite their defensive tackle, Thomas Collins, in Week 3. A dominant run stopper and professional backfield penetrator, the standout Beaver tallied two tackles for loss while forcing the Texas Tech ground game back two yards with every run tackle. He also ranked sixth in the nation with an 8.7% quick pressure rate.
Edge Defender of the Week: J’Mond Tapp, Southern Miss
Week 2 PFSN College EDGEi Grade: 88.2 (B+)
J’Mond Tapp helped power one of the biggest surprises of Week 3, securing his place on our college football team of the week as the Southern Miss Golden Eagles soared over the Appalachian State Mountaineers. A rotating App State quarterback room was taken down three times by the versatile Golden Eagles defensive lineman, who also had eight total pressures (10.3% quick).
Linebacker of the Week: Ray Coney, Tulsa
Week 2 PFSN College LBi Grade: 88.0 (B+)
Playing against Navy as a linebacker can be a nightmare, facing a continuous, unrelenting rushing attack. However, Tulsa Golden Hurricanes backer Ray Coney parlayed his opportunity into a place on our college football team of the week. He tallied 15 total tackles, caused pressure on 100% of his pass rush snaps, and allowed a quarterback rating of just 39.6 when targeted.
Linebacker of the Week: Arion Carter, Tennessee
Week 2 PFSN College LBi Grade: 87.8 (B+)
Arion Carter has been one of the most ferocious linebackers in the country this fall, and his play against the Georgia Bulldogs was no exception. He was relentlessly targeted by Gunner Stockton and kept busy by Mike Bobo’s multiple run game, but he only missed one tackle despite leading the Vols in tackles.
Carter caused pressure on 50% of his pass rush reps, with one splash play. A 44-41 slugfest doesn’t scream “defensive standout,” but Carter continues to play at an elite level.
Linebacker of the Week: Jaxton Eck, New Mexico
Week 2 PFSN College LBi Grade: 87.6 (B+)
With defensive juggernauts like Jaxton Eck flying around the field, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that New Mexico was able to take down a poor UCLA team. The Lobos linebacker makes our college football team of the week for the second successive week after leading the nation in tackle percentage against the Bruins’ ground game. Eck brought the run to an end on 43.8% of rushing snaps faced.
Cornerback of the Week: Mansoor Delane, LSU
Week 2 PFSN College CBi Grade: 99.9 (A+)
For the last few seasons under Brian Kelly, a potent LSU Tigers offense has been let down by some defensive difficulties. Not anymore. That unit is carrying the program right now, and at the heart of some dominant displays is a playmaker who is beginning to earn attention as one of the very best in the nation.
Look up the dictionary definition of a lockdown cornerback and you’ll find a picture of Mansoor Delane against the Florida Gators. The former Virginia Tech Hokie didn’t account for any of the five interceptions of DJ Lagway, but only allowed a 22.2% catch percentage, 0.3 yards per coverage snap, and the second-year Gators quarterback had a 16.4 QB rating when targeting a player who should be considered the Thorpe Award frontrunner.
Cornerback of the Week: Michael Coats Jr., West Virginia
Week 2 PFSN College CBi Grade: 96.9 (A+)
The Backyard Brawl is one of the best rivalries in college football, and West Virginia cornerback Michael Coats Jr. rose to the occasion in his first exposure. The former Nevada Wolfpack standout was barely targeted, a testament to his ability, and that was a mistake, as he forced an incompletion while only allowing a two-yard reception on 35 coverage snaps.
Safety of the Week: D’Mon Brinson, UConn
Week 2 PFSN College SAFi Grade: 95.6 (A)
The UConn Huskies played out one of the most closely fought games of Week 3 against the Delaware Blue Hens, and despite defeat, D’Mon Brinson was a standout in the secondary. On 11 targets, he logged three pass breakups without allowing a touchdown. Brinson is more than just a coverage force, logging a tackle for loss among eight total tackles as a multiphase weapon.
Safety of the Week: Mister Clark, FIU
Week 2 PFSN College SAFi Grade: 91.8 (A-)
Mister Clark appears on our college football team of the week for the second time this season after helping the FIU Golden Panthers lift the Shula Bowl. Clark had some difficulties in coverage, allowing 10 receptions and 5.3 yards per reception on 12 targets. However, he snagged a crucial interception, allowed just a 50.3 QB rating when targeted, and tallied eight tackles.
Kicker of the Week: Aidan Birr, Georgia Tech
Aidan Birr, sir. If that line sounds like something from the hit musical ‘Hamilton’, then it’s right at home in the description of this standout member of our college football players of the week, because the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets kicker was absolute theater in college football Week 3.
He nailed the field goal that gave the program a famous win over the Clemson Tigers that could ultimately power an ACC Championship Game appearance.
Punter of the Week: Oliver Straw, West Virginia
West Virginia punter Oliver Straw boomed a season-high 45.7 yards per punt during the Mountaineers’ Backyard Brawl win, consistently flipping the field in a display that would have made Pat McAfee proud. Yet, it was his game-changing, heads-up play to save a safety during the first quarter that earned his spot on our college football team of the week. If Pitt gets two points, the game never goes to overtime, and West Virginia doesn’t win.
Kick Returner of the Week: Vinny Anthony II, Wisconsin
Not a lot went right for the Wisconsin Badgers against the Alabama Crimson Tide, but wide receiver and kick returner Vinny Anthony II made one of the most spectacular plays of the game, nay, the entire week. The Badgers’ kick returner’s subtle movements and high legs shook off early attention before his speed kicked in to outrun the Alabama return team for a 95-yard score.
Punt Returner of the Week: Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
Only 11 players have returned a punt for a touchdown this season, and in Week 3, Kaden Wetjen added his name to that list. The Iowa standout, who led the Big Ten in punt return yards and the nation in kick return yards last fall, tallied four returns for 182 yards against the UMass Minutemen, including an electric 95-yard touchdown. He also had a 34-yard kick return and a 20-yard rushing score in a complete, all-around performance.
