The second week of the college football season isn’t going to generate nearly the hype of Week 1 — with plenty of programs electing to play some of the weaker opponents on the schedule. This is typical for a second week of the season as we lead into conference play.
There is only one ranked matchup on tap featuring two college football blue bloods looking to claw their way back to the top. Michigan was hoisting the national title in January of 2024, but they’ve had to claw their way into the landscape
with plenty of turnover on the roster and, of course, Jim Harbaugh, darting to the NFL amidst spying controversy.
Meanwhile, it’s been quite the tedious start for Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables with a disappointing first season at the helm. After a successful second season with the Sooners in the Big 12, Oklahoma finished the 2024 season 6-7 — barely squeaking into a bowl game.
It’s a bit of a muddied week in college football. Let’s talk about a few players/matchups to watch for Week 2, and let us know what you’re watching for in the comments.
Big Skill Battle: Michigan RB Justice Haynes vs. Oklahoma LB Kip Lewis
Alabama transfer Justice Haynes had a nice afternoon for the Wolverines in his first game with maize and blue on. Haynes showed off first- and second-level vision to go along with explosive pull-away speed. Haynes looks like a legitimate back and he has a chance to climb draft boards in an uncertain running back class.
Lewis is a quiet name emerging in the linebacker class. He had multiple pick-sixes in SEC play a year ago. Lewis has range, stopping power, and the diagnosing ability of an early round NFL Draft pick.
USF QB Byrum Brown gets shot at big game redemption against Florida
The last time Byrum Brown matched up with an SEC team, it didn’t go very well. In 2024, Brown completed under 50% of his passes and struggled in an afternoon that saw the team destroyed by Alabama. Brown has a lot of traits to offer. He’s built like a truck and had himself a nice day against Boise State a week ago — imposing his will as a violent runner and showing quality efficiency as a passer.
The Florida defense has some question marks on who their true “dudes” are in 2025. Defensive tackle Caleb Banks is questionable to play in the contest, at best. There’s no doubting the Gators are a talented team — but we’re waiting to see who emerges from the pack as a potential star outside of Banks’ consistently good play in the middle. Brown is certainly a player who presents problems.
Kansas QB Jalon Daniels vs. Mizzou EDGEs Zion Young & Damon Wilson
Daniels has been one of the most difficult players to corral in all of college football. He’s slippery, creative, and dynamic. Daniels has ability to close distance as a legitimate quarterback prospect. But he’s been oft injured in his college career with 2024 overshadowed with a back injury. He will get a tough test on Saturday against Missouri’s front.
Missouri has two dynamic edge rushers who could start on any SEC team in 2025. Young is a former Michigan State transfer with freaky measurables and power. Wilson, a Georgia transfer, started the year off hot with two sacks in their opening week game. He’s lightning to the thunder that Young brings in his game. This will be one of the better edge-rushing duos in the country in 2025.
Game of the Week
No. 15 Michigan @ No. 18 Oklahoma
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
ABC
There’s plenty of talent to go around on the field for both squads who still recruit the high school ranks at a high level while poaching from the transfer portal when necessary. This game will be a story of how quickly each offense can gel together with both sides featuring veteran defensive units.
The Oklahoma offense will go as Washington State quarterback transfer John Mateer goes. He threw for a ton of yards for the Cougars at his most recent stop, but now he has a new task. The Sooners have surrounded him with some skill talent led by the likes of Cal transfer Jadyn Ott and receiver Deion Burks. Burks was injury-laden a year ago, but he now has new life as one of the team’s most talented players you can’t forget about in draft circles.
Michigan will be out one of their best defensive players with Rod Moore likely to miss the game due to injury. Jaishawn Barham is suspended for the first half of the game due to targeting that he was charged for in the second half of their opener. Defensive front line players Derrick Moore and Rayshaun Benny will have to cause havoc in the backfield for Michigan to win this contest without Barham for a half and Moore at all.
The Michigan offense is quite green with a potential star quarterback in freshman Bryce Underwood leading the helm. The No. 1 player in the 2025 recruiting class has serious arm talent and top-tier ability — but this is as tough of a first true road start you’ll find. Running back Justice Haynes will look to take some of the burden off his shoulders. Marlin Klein has breakout potential as Michigan’s next great tight end with the departure of Colston Loveland.
Oklahoma has another talented group of front four players in 2025 led by R Mason Thomas — a springy and athletic pass rusher who will be tasked with getting after Underwood. Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams are two players to watch in the middle of the defensive line for the Sooners. Kip Lewis and Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma State transfer) are the two linebackers to know while Robert Spears-Jennings plays a key role at safety with the NFL departure of Billy Bowman.
