While the 2025 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 4 Recap.
Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 4
Utah lost to Texas Tech and there was a lot of ugly offense involved. Their offensive line played decently, but skill position players kept turning the ball over. The Utah offensive line gave up just one sack on the day. Fano had an uneven game, winning some reps, but also losing others.
Against Texas Tech, Fano was up against some good speed rushers. He was able to show off solid run blocking, but there were some uneven moments in pass protection that will bring up some concerns. Fano still has a chance to be the first tackle selected in the 2026 NFL Draft with plenty of football left to play.
Texas Tech was able to get the win on the road over Utah and a lot of credit has to go to their defense. Edge rusher David Bailey had a good game and specifically got a chance to show his pass rushing prowess with the Red Raiders leading in the second half. He finished the game with three tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack.
Bailey had some good pass rush reps even more than just notching a sack. He has plenty of pass rush talent, but he also showed some improvements against the run in this game. For him to be an every down player in the NFL, his run defense will need to continue to develop. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Auburn had a tough task on their hands, playing at Oklahoma this week. They lost a close game, but their defense did a great job of keeping the team in the game. Oklahoma running backs notched just 13 yards on the ground, which helped. Keldric Faulk was a big factor in the game, registering two tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack and one pass defended.
Even when he didn’t make a play, Faulk played hard and made an impact. He was around the ball and specifcally helped the run defense. His pass rush is still developing, but getting a sack really helped Auburn. Faulk has the size and the talent, so being drafted in the first round is likely going to happen.
Oklahoma didn’t have the prettiest offensive game, but they were able to defeat Auburn. John Mateer had a tall task going up against a skilled defense, but he performed well. He passed for 271 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He also rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown.
Mateer showed off his ability to make throws out of structure and his athleticism. He showed good accuracy and arm talent as well. For Oklahoma to win this game he had to protect the football, which he delivered on, as he didn’t throw an interception. Mateer has had a good start to the season and is currently projected to be a day two pick.
Illinois had a rough game against Indiana, as they were blown out. The defense could not stop Indiana and the Hoosiers scored 63 points total, with one touchdown coming on a punt block. Gabe Jacas had a solid game, even in the loss, tallying four tackles and two tackles for loss.
Jacas didn’t get a sack, but he has proven to get after the quarterback well in other games. He has great power and athleticism, which he’ll hope to use to have a bigger impact in the coming weeks. Jacas is a bright spot on the Illinois defense and is currently projected to be a day two pick.
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