We have made it. The first full Saturday of College Football is back! Starting at noon EST, there will be 68 FBS football games on Saturday. We’re going to split these games into windows, based on their start time: 12 pm – 2 pm, 3 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 8 pm, and the night owls from 8 pm onward.
We’re going to find four prospects for all four windows for Atlanta Falcons fans to watch for week one of college. Let’s not waste any time; let’s get into it!!
12 pm – 2 pm
Bray Hubbard, Safety, Alabama vs. East Carolina, 12 pm EST – ABC
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 215
Versatility is key in any defense nowadays, but Alabama’s Bray Hubbard is a football player who can, and has, played all over the defense and excel anywhere in the defensive secondary. Hubbard’s instincts and ability to read a ball carrier, receiver, quarterback, or anyone who may get him to the football and close on it instantly have been fun to watch. It should be a fun season watching him make many top-50 lists and be selected from late day one to early day two of the draft. On the other side, keep an eye on defensive linemen Preston Carr and Kendrick DuJour.
Carson Hinzman, Center, Ohio State vs. Ball State, 12:30 pm EST – Big Ten Network
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 300
It’s already been reported that the Falcons are one of five teams having multiple representatives headed to the Ohio State-Ball State game, so it’s a question of which of the many talented players on Ohio State’s roster they’re looking to see. There will be plenty of time to focus on the big names this season; one of the underrated names is center Carson Hinzman. One of the more tenured players on the roster, Hinzman has been a four-year starter for the Buckeyes at both center and guard. At 6’5”, 300 pounds, Hinzman is a stout interior lineman who could add immediate upside to an NFL team in both the run and pass games. For Ball State, 6’9” offensive tackle Chris Hood will have his work cut out for him against the likes of Kenyatta Jackson, Beau Atkinson and the rest of this Ohio State defense.
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina vs. Kent State, 12:45 pm EST – SEC Network
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 238
I won’t quit you. I can’t. LaNorris Sellers has the build and the arm to be one of the best quarterback prospects in this loaded quarterback draft. He just has to put it together. Both he and his receiver, Nyck Harbor, have a chance to do something special in South Carolina, and it starts this Saturday against Kent State. For the Golden Flashes, they have the credit of one of the best tight ends ever to grace the game, Antonio Gates; this season, they have two more to watch for: Hunter Hopperton, who is primarily a blocker, and Terik Mulder, who was named to the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List.
Lance Heard, OT, Kentucky vs. Youngstown State, 1 pm EST – SEC Network Plus
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 325
There’s nothing like when an offensive weapon is a certified weapon when he’s on the move, and that’s exactly what Lance Heard is. He’s heavy-handed in pass protection, but he’s having the most fun when he’s on the move, opening up lanes while making life hell for some poor, unsuspecting linebacker or defensive end. Heard will be making lanes for transfer running back CJ Baxter, who will be looking to up his own draft stock as well. For Youngstown State, look for Michael Wells, who was named an Honorable Mention on the AP’s Preseason All-American list.
3 pm – 5 pm
Nate Frazier, RB, Georgia vs. Tennessee State, 3 pm EST – SEC Network Plus
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 210
This Georgia offense will go as far as Nate Frazier will take it. Brian Robinson is a one-year rental, and while he can play himself into the Falcons’ plans, the need for a running back behind Bijan Robinson is large. Frazier is a decisive, bruising back that can give opposing defenses headaches. Add in his explosion and guys like Drew Bobo and Earnest Greene III in front of him, and Georgia feels ready to have one of the top rushing attacks in the nation again. For Tennessee State, quarterback Daylin Lee transferred from HBCU Winston-Salem State, where he was second in program history in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon vs. Boise State, 3:30 pm EST – CBS
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 220
The agenda starts today. Dante Moore has been seen as one of the best fits for the Kevin Stefanski offense if the Falcons quarterback situation does not pan out, and I agree. Moore’s accuracy across all three levels of the field makes him a dangerous thrower. Add in his escapability and his ability to throw on the run and outside the pocket, and Moore is my pick, at least initially, as model quarterback of the future for the Falcons. Of course, throwing to guys like Evan Stewart and Jamari Johnson helps, too. For the Broncos, EDGE rushers Max Stege and Jayden Virgin-Morgan will be a viable 1-2 punch for the Boise State defense.
Keshaun Singleton, WR, Auburn vs. Baylor, 3:30 pm EST – ABC
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 220
Following his quarterback, Byrum Brown, from South Florida, Keshaun Singleton becomes one of the more underrated receiver prospects in a class filled with great ones. Singleton can really fly, constantly stretching defenses vertically while also being quite the nuanced route runner. Singleton and Brown have a chance to do something special at Auburn this season. For the Bears, the final act of quarterback D.J. Lagway’s college career will be on full display.
Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas vs. Texas State, 3:30 pm EST – ESPN
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 325
Picking anyone else feels disingenuous. Trevor Goosby has been one of the main players you see in Falcons mock drafts, and that’s for very good reason. He’s a mauler in the run game and an extremely good pass protector, not to mention that he’s done it against some really stout competition. It will be fun to see how he blocks for Arch Manning and opens holes for Hollywood Smothers this season. For Texas State, both wide receivers Chris Dawn Jr. and Beau Sparks were on the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List.
6 pm – 7:45 pm
Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU vs. Clemson, 7:30 pm EST – ABC
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 315
Explosive, powerful, nasty and athletic. Jordan Seaton is my personal OT1 based on his pass protection alone. He still has nuances to work on in his run blocking, but if he figures that out, he will be the best tackle to come out of this class. For now, though, Sam Leavitt will have plenty of time to find guys like Eugene Wilson III and Trey’Dez Green. For Clemson, Will Heldt, Sammy Brown and Ashton Hampton will be tasked with stopping this Lane-Kiffin-led LSU offense.
D.J. Hicks, DT, Texas A&M vs. Missouri State, 7 pm EST – ESPN
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 288
When you have a coach like Nate Ollie, you have the luxury of looking at guys with high upside like Texas A&M’s D.J. Hicks. He’s still rough around the edges technically, but 288 pounds is not supposed to move that fluently or that fast. His lateral quickness and power make him an intriguing guy for the Falcons. For Missouri State, Jmariyae Robinson is the main receiving weapon for the Bears offense, and fifth-year linebacker Bird Lloyd commands the defense.
Blake Frazier, OT, Michigan vs. Western Michigan, 7:30 pm EST – NBC
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 302
Frazier is only a junior, so he may be a part of the 2028 class, but he already has a lot of athletic upside. Very quick feet and good balance to help him recover if he’s initially beaten. Doesn’t necessarily have the technique and hand placement down yet, but with some time, Frazier could be a solid tackle. Frazier, along with Andrew Sprague, should be opening holes for running back Jordan Marshall all season. For Western Michigan, Jalen Buckley will be a name to watch in the ground game, while Joshua Franklin will be tasked with holding down the Broncos’ secondary.
A.J. Holmes Jr., DT, Texas Tech vs. Abilene Christian, 7 pm EST – FS1
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 300
A Second-Team AP All-American, A.J. Holmes is an intriguing prospect for the Red Raiders. He lined up next to Lee Hunter last season and was able to show off his explosiveness and athleticism. Holmes has a fast first step that allows him to get in the backfield quickly, especially in pass-rush situations. The hope is that transfer defensive tackle Mateen Ibirogba will allow him to do the same thing again this season.
8 pm+
LJ Martin, RB, BYU vs. Utah Tech, 8 pm EST – ESPN+
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 225
The Falcons have had some success in the past with BYU running backs, so why not head back to that well? LJ Martin is a massive back who is not afraid to lay down some lumber on the way to an explosive gain. His ability in the passing game is also quite intriguing, adding 251 yards in the air last season. For Utah Tech, punter Ryan Marks was an FCS Punter of the Year Award finalist.
Dorian Fleming, TE, Maryland vs. Hampton, 8 pm EST – Big Ten Network
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 245
A potential day-three guy, Dorian Fleming is an athletic, receiving tight end who has a chance to be one of quarterback Malik Washington’s favorite targets. Maryland bringing in transfer tight end Preston Howard allows Washington to be more of a pass-catching threat in the offense. For Hampton, seniors Omari Allen and Korebe Sogbesan hold down the offensive and defensive lines, respectively.
Reed Harris, WR, Arizona State vs. Morgan State, 10 pm EST – ESPN+
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 217
This offensive infrastructure has been missing a true X receiver since Julio Jones decided to leave before the 2021 season. Reed Harris would be exactly what the doctor ordered, allowing Drake London to be the power slot he was meant to be, and opening up opportunities for London, Pitts, and Zachariah Branch to work in space. Harris’ ability to track the football downfield makes him a consistent threat. He and Omarion Miller will be transfer quarterback Cutter Boley’s favorite targets. For Morgan State, linebacker Arturo Mattocks was named to the Deacon Jones Player of the Year Watch List, given to the best player from an HBCU. Past award winners include Tarik Cohen in 2016 and Shedeur Sanders in 2022.
Tao Johnson, S, UCLA vs. California, 10:30 pm EST – ESPN
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 195
Versatility is king in Jeff Ulbrich’s defense, and Tao Johnson is as versatile as they come. With Jessie Bates going into the latter part of his career, we need to start looking at potential replacements for his range and instincts next to Xavier Watts. Now, that will be a tough task, but Johnson shows the instincts and ball-tracking ability, as a former receiver, that made Bates so tantalizing. He, Malik Hartford and Rodrick Pleasant will hold down the UCLA secondary. For California, former Rutgers receiver Ian Strong will look to find space against this experienced secondary.
