Every Sunday, the DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the NCAA championship and the players eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft.
NCAA Player of the Week 6 – Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
His game (against Iowa): 9 receptions, 71 yards, 3 touchdowns
Ohio State is a university providing many receivers for the NFL (Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, etc.). The most recent is Marvin Harrison Jr., drafted in the top 5 by the Cardinals. The next to come out of this prestigious university could be Emeka Egbuka.
A former high school baseball player, his ability to catch balls is also effective in football. Injured for a good part of last season, he returned for another year. Quoted in the first round of our first 2025 mock Draft, Emeka Egbuka has his match referenced to the number of touchdowns scored. A match punctuated by a hat-trick which he achieved for the first time in his career. Moreover, he does it against a renowned defense, that of Iowa.
The receiver is in full possession of his means this season. Along with his freshman teammate Jeremiah Smith, he forms a terrifying receiver duo (again) for the NCAA. Less explosive than Marvin Harrison Jr., Egbuka is a player of good height (1.85m), with good receiving skills. We could compare him to Chris Olave for his very extensive plot tree. He is not expected to stay in college for another year, and should be one of the leading candidates called up in the first round at receiver.
EMEKA EGBUKA IS HIM.
pic.twitter.com/cfKWw86slq— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 5, 2024
Players of the Week 6 – Honorable Mentions
- Cameron Ward (QB, Miami (FL)): 35/53, 452 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
- Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): 13 carries, 186 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Jack Sawyer (EDGE, Ohio State): 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
- Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss): 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 fumble covered
- Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Bowling Green): 9 receptions, 172 yards, 1 touchdown
Miami is coming back from hell. Led by 25 points by the Califorinia Golden Bears, the Hurricanes won thanks to the resilience of Cameron Ward. His last offensive series leading to a touchdown from tight end Elijah Arroyo could take him to the top 10 of the draft, and also to the title of the Heisman Trophy (best university player).
The routine for Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State runner is the 8th player in NCAA history to surpass 1,000 yards after just 5 games. Thus, he joins runners like Ricky Williams or Leonard Fournette. In addition, he did this in one half with 2 touchdowns of 63 and 75 yards. Too easy!
On the defensive line, they can be terrifying. In the near future, he could be on the same NFL team. If that happens, NFL offensive coordinators might tremble. Jack Sawyer and Walter Nolen undermine the opposing offensive lines. In addition to this, they cause ball losses. In a vintage rich in pass rushers, both players can have a say in being taken in the first round.
Finally, a focus on a tight end who is rising in the reports. In a position struggling to renew itself in the league, NFL teams could find the solution in Bowling Green. This university located in the state of Kentucky has a real phenomenon at the tight end position. In his qualities, he can catch balls, stand out, and can also… run. Harold Fannin Jr. already has 5 touchdowns on the clock, and could be the first tight end called up next April.
Could have been cited: Carson Beck (QB, Georgia), Jay Higgins (LB, Iowa), Donovan Edwards (RB, Michigan), Aireontae Ersery (OT, Minnesota), Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson), James Pearce Jr. ( EDGE, Tennessee), Nic Scourton (EDGE, Texas A&M), Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State), Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona), Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State), Xavier Restrepo (WR, Miami (FL))
The revelation of Week 6 NCAA – Le'Veon Moss (RB, Texas A&M)
His game (against Missouri): 12 carries, 173 yards, 3 touchdowns
Like Emeka Egbuka, he too sees triple. And like the Ohio State receiver, he's realizing that for the first time in his career.
Le'Veon Moss hasn't always been the leading rusher on the College Station side. After 2 difficult first years, the runner has already exceeded his total of yards and touchdowns in one season. He also broke his career record for rushing yards in a game.
Former high school athlete, running the 100m in 10 seconds 84, he has a standard height (1.80m), but he is very powerful. His ability to read his offensive line's blocks is progressing, as is his ball protection. Although he has lost a little in acceleration, he remains an agile runner. In a very rich crop of runners, he is still far from the best. However, with a performance of this type against a quality opponent, NFL recruiters could quickly look at his profile.
LE'VEON MOSS OFF TO THE RACES 🔥
A 75-YARD TD TO START THE HALF 👏 pic.twitter.com/W6rWTwZgto
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 5, 2024
Week 6 Revelation – Honorable Mentions
- Diego Pavia (QB, Vanderbilt): 16/20, 308 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Jordan James (RB, Oregon): 24 carries, 170 yards, 1 touchdown
- Oronde Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse): 10 receptions, 142 yards
- Desmond Reid (RB, Pittsburgh): 18 carries, 11 receptions, 210 yards, 1 touchdown
- Jalen Catalon (S, UNLV): 17 tackles, 1 pass defended
Vanderbilt and Diego Pavia shock the NCAA. The quarterback is the unlikely hero of the match against Alabama (see later). Effective in his throws and in his pocket management, he puts Alabama defenders through an ordeal. There is no doubt that the former New Mexico State player is giving his young career a real boost.
Jordan James comes to the rescue for quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Oregon. The Ducks player could be the successor to Bucky Irving (RB, Buccaneers) to be the next drafted runner from the University of Eugene.
Could this be the rebirth of Oronde Gadsden II? Considered a few years ago as a prospect who could go in the first round, the Syracuse Orange tight end lacks nothing. If he stays healthy, NFL scouts could take a chance.
Small, but fast and elusive. Desmond Reid walks on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Pittsburgh is still undefeated, and can thank its pocket runner. A wisp on the run, but also very effective on yards after reception.
Finally, like Oronde Gadsden II, he could once again show himself to NFL recruiters. Victory may elude UNLV. But, former Texas and Arkansas player Jalen Catalon is showing he hasn't lost his football. Experienced, he can be of service to an NFL squad that may lack defensive depth.
Could have been cited: Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana), Baylon Braxton (QB, Marshall), Bruson Daily (QB, Army), Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech), Trevor Etienne (RB, Georgia), , Jerjuan Newton ( WR, Toledo), Hahsaun Wilson (RB, Charlotte), Tawee Walker (RB, Wisconsin), Demond Clairbone (RB, Wake Forest), Jaden Nixon (RB, Western Michigan), Gavin Williams (RB, Northern Illinois), TJ Sheffield (WR, UConn), Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DT, Georgia)
The flop of week 6 NCAA – Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
His game (in Washington): 3 tackles
Bad performance at the wrong time. His penalty at the end of the match cost his team a comeback.
Still considered one of the best prospects at the cornerback position, Will Johnson is not having a bad start to the season, far from it. However, in the remake of last season's NCAA Finals, Will Johnson doesn't show himself at his best.
On the Huskies' running plays, the Wolverines' cornerback is not at ease. Not considered a weak point, his tackling technique can leave recruiters skeptical. Missing several tackles to stop Washington's overthrow plays, he does not contribute to the defensive stability of his team.
Considered excellent in coverage, he struggled more than once this week in that area. He had trouble keeping up with Huskies receiver Denzel Boston's changes in direction. Fortunately for him, opposing quarterback Will Rogers often missed the target.
An individual poor performance which should not erase a very good start to the season, and its very good rating. The good news for Johnson is that the other competitors at his position didn't perform well this week either.
Could have been mentioned: Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama), Miller Moss (QB, USC), Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss), Tacario Davis (CB, Arizona), Malachi Moore (S, Alabama)
NCAA Week 6 Summary
Number 1 this week, Alabama collapses at Vanderbilt! After its victory against Georgia, the Crimson Tide is falling from a height and should lose its number 1 place next week.
Alabama isn't the only top 5 team to fall, as Tennessee (4) is also trapped by the Arkansas Razorbacks at home. This is the first time since 2012 that two top 5 teams in the same conference lost in the same week.
Georgia (5) and Carson Beck rebound. The Bulldogs won against Auburn, and should return to the top 3. Unlike Michigan (10) and USC (11), defeated by Washington and Minnesota respectively, the leaders of the Big Ten have no problem . Ohio State (3), Oregon (6) and Penn State (7) won and remained undefeated, as did Miami (FL) (8) which came back from nowhere against California.
Outside of the top 10, the other top 25 teams still undefeated are Iowa State (16) and Indiana (23). The Cyclones won at home against Baylor, while the Hoosiers won away at Northwestern.
Unfortunately, Missouri (9) is no longer in this category. The Tigers lose their invincibility at Texas A&M (25) despite Luther Burden III (7 REC, 82 yards). While Florida State continues to struggle with their 5th defeat of the season on the field of Clemson (15), Ole Miss (12) rules the field on South Carolina. In the process, Clemson Tigers coach Dabo Sweeney becomes the winningest coach in ACC history with 174 victories.
Finally, another ranked team also lost. This is Louisville (22), the former team of Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens). The Cardinals lost to the SMU Mustangs, the former team of Rashee Rice (WR, Chiefs).
Finally, the surprise of this start of the season is to be found in the AAC conference (American Athletic Conference). At the top of the conference, the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen are still undefeated. These 2 Army teams are on a 5-game winning streak, and could still surprise.
Week 6 action
UConn hosts Temple. UConn leads, but Temple is close to winning with two seconds remaining with a small yard to go for the winning touchdown. Unfortunately, the technique of tush push is not for everyone.
UCONN UCONN UCONN!!!
Fumble recovered and returned for 96 yards to seal the deal! pic.twitter.com/c8QrFPRSeM
— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) October 5, 2024
The week 6 bonus
The posts from Vanderbilt's victorious game against Alabama were found after they were sent… into a river. The magic of college football.
Nashville firefighters pull Vanderbilt Stadium poles from the Cumberland River back to campus. 🙃#CFBpic.twitter.com/Gh3B8EkZxV
— TBP College Football (@thebluepennant) October 6, 2024