by Justin Melo
2025 NFL Draft
5 Big Ten Players Who Can Raise 2025 NFL Draft Stock In Week 2
The college football game of the week is undoubtedly No. 3 Texas versus No. 10 Michigan. Other appetizing matchups including Big Ten programs this weekend will see Iowa and Iowa State renew their annual rivalry. Elsewhere, a must-watch quarterback matchup will take place between Nebraska's Dylan Raiola and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders.
We've identified five Big Ten prospects who can increase their pre-draft stock this weekend, with some help from our Draft Network 100 rankings.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Can a consensus top-10 prospect like Michigan CB Will Johnson do anything to continue raising his already high pre-draft stock? Of course he can, especially when the upcoming matchup is against Texas and their explosive wide receiver Isaiah Bond. Johnson versus Bond may be the best player-versus-player battle we'll get this college football season.
Johnson had an outstanding pick-six against Fresno State last week that displayed his high-level ability to diagnose pre-snap. Bond caught five balls for 61 yards and a touchdown, and added 25 rushing yards to his offensive totals in a tune-up versus Colorado State last week. Forget good on good, Johnson vs. Bond is elite on elite.
WILL JOHNSON SEALS THE DEAL FOR THE WOLVERINES WITH A PICK 6!! 🏈 #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/cr0bqxcml0
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 1, 2024
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The defending National Champion Wolverines are underdogs versus the Longhorns. Michigan lost a ton of outstanding players to the 2024 NFL Draft, not to mention losing head coach Jim Harbaugh. If Michigan is going to keep pace with Texas' high-scoring offense, it will take a terrific effort from superstar tight end Colston Loveland.
Loveland is a smooth route-runner and technically advanced in-line blocker. The versatile chess piece was a workhorse in Week 1, recording eight receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. Loveland versus Texas linebackers and safeties is a matchup that NFL evaluators have circled.
Sebastian Castro, CB, Iowa
Iowa cornerback Sebastian Castro made an impact in last week's win over Illinois State. The Oak Lawn, Illinois native forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive lineman Caden Crawford. On Saturday, Castro will draw a much tougher matchup in coverage against Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins.
Higgins enjoyed a fruitful 2024 season debut in Week 1, totaling five receptions for 75 yards and one score. Higgins is a big-framed receiver prospect with a sizable catch radius on the boundary. Castro will have to rely on his technique while dealing with the Cyclones' go-to playmaker all afternoon long.
Sebastian Castro rips the ball loose FUMBLE pic.twitter.com/YOyzwFMjf6
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) August 31, 2024
Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
One of this weekend's closer matchups involving a Big Ten program pits Illinois against No. 19 Kansas. The Jayhawks are considered slight favorites. The best prospect in this game is Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant.
Bryant is an athletic perimeter receiver who was recently named to this year's Senior Bowl watchlist. Bryant made an instant impact in Week 1, scoring touchdowns of 15 and 28 yards in a blowout win over Eastern Illinois while totaling five catches for 63 yards. Kansas' defensive backs will pose a much tougher matchup.
Dante Trader Jr., SAF, Maryland
Maryland safety Dante Trader Jr. is a two-sport playmaker who also stars in lacrosse. He recorded 58 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions last season. In Week 1, Trader Jr. helped the Terrapins dust UConn aside 50-7.
Saturday afternoon's matchup against Michigan State should be significantly tighter. The Spartans are certainly capable of upsetting Maryland if they play their best football. Terrapins defensive coordinator Brian Williams will put Trader Jr. in positions to make plays.