The fourth weekend of the college football season brings us some fun matchups. Transfer quarterbacks will take center stage in Norman, and two blue bloods will meet in Nebraska. Let’s take a look at some players to keep an eye on in those contests and others.
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
Each year, it seems like a signal-caller skyrockets up draft boards after being overlooked in the preseason. Mateer is that player this year.
The diminutive quarterback is a dual-threat who can make chicken soup out of chicken you-know-what. He
shone two weeks ago in primetime against a formidable Michigan defense, throwing for 270 yards and a TD, and scampering for 74 yards and two more scores. He continued his reign of terror last week at Temple, leading his Sooners to a 42-3 dismantling of the Owls.
He’ll face No. 22 Auburn looking to build on his momentum – a momentum that’s skyrocketed him to the top of the Heisman odds, sitting at +800 on FanDuel sportsbook.
Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn
You get to kill two birds with one stone in this big matchup, as Singleton Jr. looks to improve upon his already strong draft stock. For what it’s worth, he’s questionable to play, but appears to be on track after logging two limited practices and playing the last two games with a questionable tag.
ESPN’s Matt Miller had Singleton ranked as the third-best wide receiver prospect in the country entering the season, and the Georgia Tech transfer is making the most of his opportunity. He’s a Swiss-Army knife who has also played some running back in his college career, due to his explosive traits.
So far, he has 13 receptions for 149 yards and two TDs, to go along with five rushes for 15 yards.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Mendoza was on my list back in week 1, and he probably deserves to be on it every week given what he’s doing in his first season with the Hoosiers. The Cal transfer is 55-of-76 passing for 708 yards and has thrown nine TDs without an interception so far this season.
Mendoza will face Illinois, a top-10 outfit that returns the majority of its team from last season. They are ranked 9th in the country, so this is an early Big 10 game with major playoff implications.
He’s generally projected to be drafted in the middle of the first round by pundits, which is likely where the Steelers will land.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
The Steelers drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the NFL draft, but thus far, he appears to be lost. I’m not going to write him off after just three games, but the black and gold should turn over every stone when it comes to skill players in the 2026 draft.
Coleman broke onto the scene in 2024, rushing for over 1,000 yards with 10 TDs. He’s widely considered a top-five back in the class due to his physicality and pass-catching reliability. He reminds me of Jaylen Warren due to his contact balance and willingness to absorb contact. Of course, I’m aware the Steelers just re-signed Warren – but it can’t hurt to have another bulldozer in the backfield.
His Huskies will take on in-state rival Washington State at 7:30 PM ET on CBS.
Devon Dampier, QB, Utah
Occasionally, I’ll include a player not yet eligible for the NFL Draft, just because you never know how things will shake out.
The 5’11, 204-pound New Mexico transfer is viewed as a top prospect next season and has been linked to Heisman trophy discussions. He’s an explosive runner with an above-average arm and an accurate deep ball.
Dampier has accounted for more than 800 yards of offense and has accounted for eight TDs. He also has yet to turn the ball over. Seven of his TD passes have come on scramble drills outside of the pocket.
His Utes will face their toughest challenge thus far in Texas Tech, in what could be a potential Big 12 title game preview.
Who will you be watching this Saturday? Let us know in the comments section!
