In last week’s preview the top player on my list was Michigan Wolverines RB Kalel Mullings, who continued to raise his draft stock against the USC Trojans. Mullings scampered for 159 yards on 17 carries, and reached paydirt twice, in what was a potentially season-saving win against USC.

I’ve talked about Pittsburgh’s running back situation frequently in these write-ups, which I understand isn’t their most pressing need. However, with Najee Harris set to be a free agent, it certainly merits consideration.

Let’s look at another back to keep an eye on this week, along with some other dudes I’ll be watching:

Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State – vs. Illinois, 7:30 PM ET on NBC

Singleton and his Nittany Lions will face a stiff test with the 19th-ranked team in the country coming to Happy Valley. The experienced running back has feasted on his first three opponents of the season, rushing for 314 yards on just 37 attempts, good for an average of 8.5 yards per carry. The 226-pound mauler’s unique size and agility make him the key for the Nittany Lions to make a run at the college football playoff. The former Gatorade National Player of the Year in high school has been as advertised on the big stage, jumping into the top 20 of Penn State’s all-time leading rushers in just two years.

He projects as a second or third round pick ino the 2025 NFL Draft who can contribute on three downs from day one, making him a salivating prospect for teams in need of backfield help.

2. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama – vs. Georgia, 8:00 PM ET on ABC

In what could be the premier matchup of the college football season, two top-five blue-chip programs will battle for pole position in the SEC.

The fight for QB1 in this upcoming draft could also be on the line, as Milroe will be opposed by Georgia’s Carson Beck, another talented signal-caller, who has gotten off to a slow start this season.

That gives the Alabama leading man a chance to close the gap.

Milroe is an elite runner, but I’ll be watching to see if he has growth in the passing game.

There’s no questioning his athleticism and ability to escape the pocket — but reading coverage pre-snap and making the right decisions have been his kryptonite. If he can fix these things, he’s got a real chance of overtaking Beck in the pecking order. What better opportunity than against the Georgia Bulldogs in primetime?

3. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia – vs. Alabama, 8:00 PM ET on ABC

Starks is someone who will look to put the kibosh on Milroe’s draft stock if he can force the often-erratic quarterback into some turnovers. The Steelers don’t have a pressing need at safety, but I can safely say Starks is one of the best players in the 2025 draft class.

Last year he earned First Team All-SEC honors, finishing the campaign with three interceptions and seven pass breakups. He has impressive length, speed, and the versatility to line up all over the field. His experience playing at a high-level school like Georgia is also a huge plus.

The Steelers have drafted Georgia standouts OT Broderick Jones, TE Darnell Washington, and WR George Pickens over the past three years. Could they add another Bulldog to the mix?

4. Tetairota McMillan, WR, Arizona – at Utah, 10:15 PM ET on ESPN

You really think I’d create a list without including the biggest positional need on the black and gold?

Speaking of big, the 6’5. 210 lb. dynamo, McMillan, had the best single game for a receiver in school history in Arizona’s opening-game win. He hauled in 10 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns in a resounding win over New Mexico. Plain and simple – when he’s on the field – he’s must-see TV.

This week McMillan and his squad will head on the road to take on 10th-ranked Utah in a Big 12 clash. Utah is giving up roughly just 20 points per game this season, so it won’t be an easy task for the star pass-catcher.

McMillan is the type of playmaker who could change the outlook for the Steelers offense for the next decade. He will get a chance to put on another show on Saturday in front of a national audience in a game the Wildcats desperately need to stay relevant.

5. Kobe Hudson, WR, UCF – vs. Colorado, 3:30 ET on FOX

Tuning in to watch Coach Prime and his Colorado Buffaloes is always a treat, and it’s even tastier when a player of Hudson’s caliber is on the other side of the field. Hudson is UCF’s best playmaker and will likely be shadowed by one of the best players in the country – Buffaloes CB Travis Hunter.

Hudson is coming off a six-catch, 145-yard performance against TCU, in which he also snagged two TDs in a 35-34 road victory.

He didn’t transition to wide receiver until the 2021 season after originally being recruited as a dual-threat quarterback. He’s raw but has demonstrated big-play ability, including a stretch of three 100-yard games in the 2023 season. He doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s an above-average route runner with experience in multiple offensive systems.

Who will you be keeping an eye on this Saturday? Let us know in the comments section!