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Week two of the 2024 college football season will provide us with some intriguing games to watch, led by the game of the week: Michigan vs. Texas in Ann Arbor at Noon on Saturday. Both College GameDay and Fox's Big Noon Kickoff will be outside of The Big House for one of the most anticipated games of the year. With plenty of NFL talent on both teams, this will be a massive game for Texas QB Quinn Ewers.
Another notable matchup includes Colorado at Nebraska. The Buffaloes head to Lincoln to face a much-improved Nebraska team in year two of the Matt Rhule era. Can Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter come out of Lincoln 2-0, or will the Cornhuskers get a Week 2 statement win?
Week Two Top Matchups In College Football
Texas at Michigan (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. ET, FOX)
Tennessee at NC State (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Oklahoma State vs. Arkansas (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. ET, ABC)
Boise State at Oregon (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET, Peacock)
Iowa at Iowa State (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)
Colorado at Nebraska (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC)
10 Key Players to Watch in Week 2 of College Football
1. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas at Michigan (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. ET, FOX)
Ewers faces a significant test on the road against Michigan, a top-ranked team with an elite defense. This game will likely be one of the toughest matchups of his college career. Ewers has displayed impressive arm strength and pocket presence, but he will need to improve his consistency, particularly with deep throws, to cement himself as a top quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan vs. Texas (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. ET, FOX
Johnson is considered one of the best cornerbacks in college football, and he will be tasked with covering Texas’ speedy wideouts like Isaiah Bond. After a strong performance in Week 1, which included a pick-six, Johnson will look to solidify his standing as a top-three prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to match up against Texas’ deep receiving corps will be key.
3. James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee at NC State (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Pearce enters Week 2 as a highly-touted pass rusher, and this game will give him a chance to showcase his elite burst and bend off the edge. He will be facing an NC State offensive line anchored by Anthony Belton. After a relatively quiet Week 1, Pearce needs to step up and prove why he is considered a top-10 talent for the 2025 NFL Draft.
4. Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State vs. Arkansas (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. ET, ABC)
Gordon’s ability to create big plays through his vision and stride control will be put to the test against Arkansas' stout run defense. With his knack for breaking tackles and forcing missed tackles, Gordon could be a draft riser. His ability to navigate a tough defensive front and put up big numbers could catapult him into the national spotlight.
5. Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee at NC State (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Sampson’s speed and ability to hit the home run play make him a dangerous weapon for Tennessee. He faces a tough NC State defense, and his performance will be closely watched by NFL scouts. Known for his quickness and acceleration, Sampson is poised to emerge as one of the top running back prospects in this draft class if he continues his strong start.
6. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas at Michigan (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. ET, FOX)
Banks is Texas’ anchor on the offensive line, and his matchup against Michigan’s talented defensive front will be a critical factor in this game. Banks excelled in Week 1, but facing Michigan’s pass rush, led by Josaiah Stewart and Mason Graham, will be a true test of his ability. A strong performance could solidify his status as one of the top offensive tackle prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
7. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State at Oregon (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET, Peacock)
Jeanty is coming off an eye-popping 267-yard, six-touchdown performance in Week 1. He will face a stiffer test against Oregon, and how he handles the elevated competition will be critical for his draft stock. Known for his quickness and elusiveness, Jeanty can continue to make his case as one of the top running backs in the 2025 class with another standout performance.
8. Sebastian Castro, CB, Iowa at Iowa State (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)
Castro’s coverage skills and versatility as a hybrid nickel corner/safety will be tested against a capable Iowa State passing attack. After a strong Week 1 showing, Castro will have the opportunity to elevate his draft stock in the intense Cy-Hawk rivalry game. His ability to shut down key passing plays could make him a key defensive player to watch for NFL scouts.
9. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado at Nebraska (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC)
Hunter’s ability to play both wide receiver and cornerback at a high level makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in college football. After a dynamic two-way performance in Week 1, Hunter will look to build on that against Nebraska. His performance on offense and defense will be critical for Colorado, and he has the potential to rise into the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
10. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan vs. Texas (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. ET, FOX)
Loveland is one of the most athletic tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft class. After a strong Week 1 performance, he will face a tough Texas defense. Loveland’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties will be crucial for Michigan’s passing attack. A standout performance in this high-profile game could boost his draft stock significantly.