We are close to the halfway point in the 2024 college football season. The picture is getting clearer by the day as to who the top teams are and who the best prospects in the country might be. Heading into this weekend, here are the players to watch as they continue to build their NFL Draft resumes.
Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver, Missouri v. Texas A&M (12 PM on ABC): Missouri is undefeated to start the season, but has had some close calls against Boston College and Vanderbilt. As the Tigers look for a signature win against Texas A&M, they will rely on their star receiver Luther Burden III to carry the team. Burden has been a steady playmaker for Mizzou this year and will likely see the ball a lot in this contest.
Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss v. South Carolina (3:30 PM on ESPN): The former Florida defender and fifth year senior has quietly been one of the better defensive linemen in the SEC this season. After an upset loss last week, Ole Miss will look to rebound against a scrappy South Carolina team. Umanmielen will need to show up for three downs and four quarters to keep the Gamecocks from staying in this game.
Kaleb Johnson, Running Back, Iowa v. Ohio State (3:30 PM on CBS): Kaleb Johnson has been the most dominant running back in the Power 5 this year and now he has his biggest test yet. The Ohio State defense will be a stingy opponent for Johnson while the Buckeyes offense will put pressure on Iowa to score often in this game. Johnson could really make his mark on the season with a big game against the third ranked team in the country.
Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan v. Washington (7:30 PM on NBC): Will Johnson is having another dominant season as one of many first round caliber defenders on the Michigan defense. Washington will try to air it out against the Wolverines, giving Johnson plenty of chances to lock-in and lock-down the Huskies passing game.
