Welcome to week two of the college football season! I’ve had a lot of fun putting together this series over the past few years, and many of the names on the list have found their way to Pittsburgh.
Last week’s list was highlighted by two highly touted quarterbacks – Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
Nussmeier played well in one of college football’s toughest road environments, helping his Tigers pull off an upset at Clemson. His toughness and willingness to stand in the pocket were
the difference in the game. Klubnik struggled once more against an SEC opponent. In his last four starts against an SEC team, Klubnik is 0-4 with zero TDs and 7 INTs. Not great.
This story will generally feature signal-callers, as that’s where the Steelers will likely be looking early in the draft. Here are some exciting matchups this weekend with some prominent arms, as well as a few other prospects.
Eli Holstein, QB, Pitt
Plenty of Steelers fans will want to avoid Pitt quarterbacks like the plague after the failed Kenny Pickett experiment, but Holstein is starting to open up some eyeballs. Last weekend, he threw a career-high 4 TDs in a 61-9 blowout win over city rival Duquesne. I get it’s just Duquesne, but it’s his measurables that really stand out. Holstein is 6’4, 225 lbs., and has above-average athleticism for a quarterback his size.
This weekend, Holstein will take on Central Michigan in another game where they are a heavy favorite. I’d encourage you to focus not so much on the outcome but utilize the eye-test for Holstein when it comes to his NFL future.
Austin Simmons, QB, Ole Miss
In one of the biggest games of the weekend, Simmons will look to build upon an incredible debut for the Runnin’ Rebels as they travel to Kentucky for an SEC showdown. He went 20-31 with 341 yards and three TD tosses, but did throw two picks in their 63-7 blowout over a capable Georgia State squad. Remember, this is his first year starting and his first game.
Ole Miss was completely overlooked in the polls after losing Jaxson Dart and many other starters, but Simmons appears to be the real deal.
He spread the ball around to eight different receivers and showed the ability to make quick reads and display poise in the pocket.
It’s also worth noting that at 19 years old, he has already achieved his bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies and is working on his master’s in sports management.
As a redshirt sophomore, he is eligible for the NFL Draft. It will be fun to watch his ascension.
Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Leavitt has been mocked frequently in the first round after helping Arizona State reach the college football quarterfinals last season. This season would be a huge test given the fact that his all-world RB, Cam Skattebo, is now in the NFL.
Leavitt wasn’t perfect in ASU’s opening game against Northern Arizona, going 25-39 for 257 yards, 2 Tds plus an INT – averaging just 6.76 yards per attempt. But he made up for it with his legs, scampering for 73 rushing yards and two scores – displaying his dual threat ability.
He’ll face a much larger test this Saturday as his Sun Devils will travel to Mississippi State.
Omari Kelly, WR, Michigan State
Let’s take a step away from the quarterbacks and focus on a few skill players, and a guy that I’ll be watching is the Spartans’ Omari Kelly.
The Senior pass-catcher had a strong 2024 season, finishing the campaign with 53 grabs for 869 yards and four TDs. He continued that momentum last week against New Mexico State, hauling in seven passes for 75 yards.
His athleticism won’t jump off the page, but he’s a steady and reliable safety blanket. He’s a polished, above-average route runner with an incredibly high floor.
In another Power-5 showdown, his Spartans will take on Boston College this weekend.
Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan
I wanted to throw in a player who isn’t draft-eligible, but is must-see TV. Underwood was the consensus number one overall-ranked high school football player and secured one of the biggest NIL deals in recent memory.
The youngster looked like the real deal last week, tossing 251 yards, setting the new Michigan record for passing yards by a true freshman. The velocity at which he throws the ball made national headlines, and his mechanics are ridiculously advanced for an 18-year-old.
He’ll face a huge test this weekend as his Wolverines travel to Norman to take on the Oklahoma Sooners and Head Coach Brett Venables, who is widely regarded as one of the best defensive minds in college football.
I’m curious as to how Underwood will navigate the complexity of his defense.
What players will you be watching in week two? Let us know in the comments section!
