As Week 4 of the college football season approaches, which 2025 NFL Draft prospects will fall under the spotlight? Full-fledged conference play hasn’t arrived just yet, but already, the contentious gridiron contests are stacking up.
The Week 4 CFB slate will feature a number of intriguing matchups, many of which include ranked teams.
The Michigan Wolverines will look to redeem themselves after the loss to Texas. Tennessee and Oklahoma will face off in a test of SEC mettle. Clemson will host the stingy NC State Wolfpack, and scores more will play out their conference openers.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the 2025 NFL Draft prospects who command the most attention this week — in some of the more compelling team clashes.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
At 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Michigan will face off against USC in another ranked matchup. And against a Trojans offense that’s been firing on all cylinders, Will Johnson will once again be relied upon to play at his best.
Johnson is a top-five overall prospect on Pro Football Network’s Big Board, and already, his impact as a near blue-chip talent has been clear in 2024. Johnson’s turnover-generation ability is awe-inspiring, but beyond that, he’s truly a complete multi-phase player.
In support against a run game anchored by Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks and in coverage against a passing game that has new life with redshirt junior quarterback Miller Moss, Johnson will be tested again. He has the traits to come out on top.
Miller Moss, QB, USC
Following in the footsteps of Caleb Williams would be tough for most quarterbacks, but Moss has taken that responsibility in stride. His Trojans are undefeated thus far in 2024, and a statement win against Michigan is next on the list.
Moss has been a driving force for USC’s early success in 2024, and he’s earning a place on the 2025 NFL Draft board as a result.
Though Moss has close to average tools at 6’2″, 205 pounds, he’s a top-notch competitor with steely poise, sound mechanics, and impressive accuracy and touch to multiple levels. If he scores a win against Michigan, it’ll be the biggest feather in his cap yet.
Jonah Monheim, C, USC
Jonah Monheim started games at right tackle, right guard, and left tackle in his first four years at USC. Now, as a redshirt senior in 2024, he’s the team’s starting center. And at that center spot, some of his best tape yet has emerged.
In Week 4, Monheim will face a crucial test for his 2025 NFL Draft stock with Michigan defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. Graham is PFN’s current DT1, while Grant is a talented nose tackle graded near the Round 1 fringe.
At 6’5″, 310 pounds, Monheim has the athleticism, lateral mobility, flexibility, leverage acquisition skills, and awareness to hold his ground against the DT duo. But Graham and Grant will collectively test Monheim’s hand strength, core, and anchor against power.
Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
The Tennessee Volunteers’ offense has been putting up massive numbers behind the engine group of Josh Heupel, Nico Iamaleava, and breakout running back Dylan Sampson. In Week 4, however, Chris Brazzell II may be relied upon more in the passing game.
Nico Iamaleava ➡️ Chris Brazzell
What. A. Ball.
pic.twitter.com/oDEA0FEqHe— Rocky Top Now (@rockytopnow) September 15, 2024
At 6’5″, 200 pounds, Brazzell has the combined size, catch-point authority, and separation flexibility to be a major mismatch against Oklahoma’s relatively undersized secondary grouping. If he can show out on the national stage, a Round 1 ascent is possible.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. has gotten off to a very slow start in 2024, but the high-end tools are still visible. At around 6’5″, 243 pounds, he has an enthralling combination of explosiveness, length, and quickness. And against a pass-heavy Oklahoma offense, he’ll get to pin his ears back.
Oklahoma has an experienced, heavy-handed starter at tackle in Spencer Brown, who’ll challenge Pearce’s lighter frame and relative lack of strength. Pearce has the athletic tools to supersede anyone, but his matchup against Oklahoma will force him to win at contact.
Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s defense appears to be finding its stride under head coach Brent Venables. Against Tennessee’s high-powered offense, veteran safety Billy Bowman Jr. will be relied upon to keep the lid on in the intermediate and deep ranges.
Though Bowman is undersized relative to Tennessee’s receivers at around 5’10”, 189 pounds, his range, fluidity, instincts, and authoritative playmaking mentality ensure that he’ll always be available to make an impact.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Colorado is 2-1 entering Big 12 play. If they want to have a shot at taking the conference, these kinds of games — against mid-tier conference opponents — can’t be given up.
Naturally, it stands to reason that quarterback Shedeur Sanders will once again have a great responsibility on his shoulders this week. With his accuracy, distribution ability, and pre-snap prowess, Sanders can dice up Baylor’s defense, but he has to stay dialed in and efficient against the rush.
If Sanders can start to stack truly exceptional outings, it could be the first step toward him rising on the 2025 NFL Draft board again. He’s still in the conversation, but there’s a ways to go before Round 1 is in reach.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
If for no other reason, simply watch Travis Hunter because it’s the right thing to do. Because it’s enjoyable. Because it gives you the dopamine you need on a Saturday.
By now, it’s already been made clear that Hunter is a different 2025 NFL Draft prospect. He’s in the mix for WR1 on offense, and yet, he’s also an uncompromising ball hawk on the defensive side.
Against Baylor, Hunter has a chance to help kick-start Colorado’s Big 12 stretch with a bang. In the process, he can update his record as the next great two-way player.
Garmon Randolph, EDGE, Baylor
If there’s one area of Baylor’s roster to keep an eye on as the Bears approach their Big 12 matchup with Colorado, it’s the pass-rush unit. Texas Tech transfer addition Steve Linton has underrated bend and hand usage, and Garmon Randolph has the tools to feast against Colorado’s offensive line.
Despite measuring around 6’8″, 260 pounds, Randolph functions as a versatile stand-up rusher, with the lively burst off the snap and the length to pry past blocks. He still needs to put it all together, but Colorado’s OL presents an opportunity to produce and gain confidence.