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As the 2024 college football season enters Week 1, the spotlight shines on a new crop of potential NFL stars. From quarterbacks like Conner Weigman (Texas A&M) and Riley Leonard (Notre Dame), both returning from injuries, to standout defensive talents like Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison, these matchups will set the tone for the season and begin to paint a picture of who will be at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft order come next April.
2025 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Week 1 CFB Action
1. Conner Weigman, QB, Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., ABC)
Conner Weigman, a redshirt junior with a high ceiling, returns to the field after a foot injury cut his 2023 season short. Known for his arm strength and mobility, Weigman has shown flashes of brilliance, including a standout five-touchdown game against New Mexico. Notre Dame’s defense, led by defensive coordinator Al Golden, will be a significant test for Weigman, especially with All-American cornerback Benjamin Morrison in the secondary. A strong performance could solidify Weigman’s status as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame at Texas A&M (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., ABC)
After transferring from Duke, Riley Leonard is set to lead Notre Dame’s offense in 2024. Leonard’s 2023 season was marred by an ankle injury, but he showed promise in 2022 with nearly 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. Now fully healthy, Leonard will look to reestablish himself against a tough Texas A&M defense featuring edge rushers Nic Scourton and Shemar Turner. With a revamped offense under new coordinator Mike Denbrock, Leonard’s ability to handle pressure and deliver in key moments will be crucial.
3. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia vs. Clemson (Saturday, Noon, ABC)
Carson Beck is poised to take the reins as Georgia’s starting quarterback, entering the season with high expectations. At 6’4” and 220 pounds, Beck has the prototypical size and arm talent to excel at the next level. However, his Week 1 matchup against Clemson’s stout defense, led by linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart, will be a true test. Beck’s performance in this high-stakes game could significantly impact his standing as a top quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
4. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame at Texas A&M (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., ABC)
Benjamin Morrison, an All-American cornerback, enters 2024 as one of the top defensive back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his ball-hawking skills and ability to lock down top receivers, Morrison will have his hands full against Texas A&M’s talented receiving corps. His ability to disrupt Conner Weigman’s passing game will be crucial in this primetime showdown, and a standout performance could solidify his status as a first-round pick.
5. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford vs. TCU (Friday, 9:00 p.m., FS1)
Elic Ayomanor made waves in 2023 with a dominant performance against Colorado, but the 2024 season will be about proving his consistency. Facing TCU’s well-regarded secondary, including multiple NFL Draft prospects, Ayomanor’s ability to win at all three levels of the field will be closely scrutinized. With a big year in 2024, Ayomanor could elevate himself into being one of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects.
6. Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL) vs. Florida (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ABC)
Cameron Ward is a quarterback with exceptional arm talent, capable of making difficult throws look effortless. However, his inconsistency in processing and decision-making has held him back. Ward’s Week 1 matchup against a talented Florida defense will be crucial as he looks to prove he can maintain discipline and make smart decisions under pressure. A strong showing could elevate Ward’s draft status.
7. Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan vs. Fresno State (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., NBC)
Jaishawn Barham, a physical specimen who transferred from Maryland to Michigan, is set to make an impact in his debut for the Wolverines. Known for his hard-hitting style and versatility, Barham will be key in shutting down Fresno State’s offense. Michigan’s first-year defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who has coached some of the NFL’s best linebackers, believes Barham is just scratching the surface of his potential. A dominant performance in Week 1 could establish Barham as one of the top linebacker prospects for 2025.
8. Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State at Texas (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ESPN)
Tory Horton is aiming for his third consecutive 1,000-yard season, starting with a tough matchup against Texas. Horton’s physicality, strong hands, and ability to win contested catches will be crucial as he faces a formidable Texas secondary, including standout safety Andrew Mukuba and cornerback Jahdae Barron. This game will be a major test for Horton’s NFL readiness, and a strong performance could elevate his draft stock.
9. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State vs. West Virginia (Saturday, Noon, FOX)
Drew Allar, one of the most talented prospects in the Big Ten, has yet to fully live up to his potential. Penn State’s offense struggled last season, finishing 77th in the NCAA in passing yards per game. New offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is expected to help Allar improve, particularly by narrowing his base in the pocket to enhance accuracy. Allar’s Week 1 matchup against West Virginia will be a key opportunity for him to showcase his development and prove he can fulfill his blue-chip billing.
10. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson at Georgia (Saturday, Noon, ABC)
Cade Klubnik, Clemson’s highly-touted quarterback, faces a formidable challenge in Week 1 against Georgia. Despite a solid 2023 season, Klubnik must improve his performance in road and neutral games, where he struggled with a 5-6 TD-INT ratio. This game is an opportunity for Klubnik to demonstrate his growth and ability to handle pressure from an elite defense, featuring players like Mykel Williams and Malaki Starks. A strong performance could significantly boost his draft stock.
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