This week in college football is crucial for a handful of NFL Draft prospects. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer faces a major test, as he’ll need to perform against a top-tier defense, while Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III aims for a standout performance to help Missouri potentially upset Alabama. In Saturday's NFL Draft Daily Dish, we’re spotlighting five key prospects to keep an eye on.
Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has been having a stellar season but remains under the radar in NFL Draft discussions. Altmyer ties for the lead in the Big Ten with 15 touchdown passes and has thrown only one interception, leading all Big Ten starting quarterbacks. However, he struggled last week against Michigan’s defense, completing just 50% of his passes for 90 yards. This Week 9 matchup against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks offers another chance for Altmyer to prove himself as a potential NFL-caliber player.
Dillon Gabriel and Luke Altmyer lead the B1G with 15 touchdown passes each heading into Week 9 play.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 25, 2024
Who will pull ahead Saturday? 🤔#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/BqO5VjGS8J
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Once ranked as the top wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Missouri’s Luther Burden III has seen a drop in production this season. After averaging 93.2 receiving yards per game last year, he’s down to 63.9 yards this season, with fewer receptions per game as well. Facing Alabama in Week 9, Burden’s performance could be pivotal if Missouri hopes to pull off a major upset in Tuscaloosa.
Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
Nebraska had a disappointing showing last week as Nebraska suffered a 56-7 loss to Indiana. This week, the Cornhuskers face the fourth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, and if Nebraska hopes to stay competitive, Ty Robinson will need to anchor the defensive line. Currently projected as a fifth-round draft pick, Robinson could boost his stock by replicating his two-tackle-for-loss performance against Rutgers to help contain Ohio State’s ground game, which averages 209 rushing yards per game.
Noah Fifita, QB, Arizona
While Luke Altmyer has impressed, Arizona’s Noah Fifita has struggled to meet expectations. After throwing for 25 touchdowns and six interceptions last season, he has only 10 touchdowns this season and more interceptions than scores. Once compared to Russell Wilson, Fifita’s draft stock has taken a hit. A strong performance against West Virginia could either revive his NFL prospects or make him an attractive transfer portal candidate, with programs like Florida State potentially in the mix.
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
This Week 9 showdown between LSU and Texas A&M will feature an exciting battle in the trenches, with LSU’s offensive tackle Will Campbell at the forefront. Campbell, the top offensive tackle prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, has yet to allow a sack over the last two seasons.