I’ve recently included Texas QB Quinn Ewers and Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart on this list – but there’s been an interesting development at the quarterback position in Pittsburgh over the past few weeks. Justin Fields has the Steelers at 2-0 and has potentially unlocked a blend of consistency with big play ability – something that has yet to be seen from the 25-year-old.

I’m going to take the pressure off him this weekend and exclude a quarterback from this list for the first time. Here we go!

All times listed are ET.

1. Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan – vs. USC, 3:30 p.m. on CBS

In what appears to be the game of the weekend, I’ll be keeping an eye on a running back that has burst onto the scene the past few weeks. The Wolverines entered the season with Donovan Edwards, who was literally on the cover of a video game, as their lead back. But the Senior from West Roxbury, Massachusetts, is starting to steal his thunder. So far this season he has 36 carries for 270 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry — and has reached paydirt twice.

For Michigan to have a chance against the high-powered Trojans offense, they will have to control time of possession and dominate the ground game. I don’t think Mullings will be a first or second-round pick, but Pittsburgh will be looking to add to the running back room if Najee Harris is not brought back. He is a player that could be of interest on day two.

2. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina – vs. James Madison, 12 p.m. on ACC Network

You probably don’t have UNC-James Madison high on your watch list this Saturday, but at least make sure you check out the highlights. Hampton, a bruising back, is a perfect fit in Steelers’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s downhill running offense. Standing at 6’0, 220 lbs., he leads the NCAA in rush yards after contact. He’s an absolute bulldozer whose stock will continue to rise.

3. Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU – vs. UCLA, 3:30 p.m. on ABC

What do Odell Beckham Jr., Jamarr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Malik Nabers all have in common? They all were standouts in the Bayou. The wide receiver factory that is LSU has another star on the horizon, and Lacy is the exact type of playmaker that could change the trajectory of the Steelers’ offense.

Lacy was third in the pecking order last year as he was behind now NFL starting WR’s Brian Thomas Jr. and the Nabers, but still managed to haul in seven TD receptions and caught at least one pass in all ten games. The 6’2 playmaker has a wide frame and is a constant threat to break tackles and pick up yards after the catch. His polish makes him a day-one starter in the NFL.

4. Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami – vs. South Florida, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN

How about some love for the defense? A rare showing here, as the Steelers are stacked at the position as they currently roster TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and budding star Nick Herbig. HOWEVER – this team can rarely pass up an EDGE that they fall in love with.

Baron and his Hurricanes are one of the most exciting teams in the country right now and he’s a large reason why. He has 4.5 sacks through three games and is a phenomenal athlete. To play outside linebacker in the NFL in 2025 you have to be an alien, and Baron, a 6’5, 260 lbs. wrecking ball, fits that description —- in a flattering manner.

5. Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami – vs. South Florida, 7:00 PM ET, ESPN

Why not kill two birds with one stone when watching this battle of South Florida squads?

Restrepo enters this game as the Canes’ leading pass-catcher, already registering 14 catches for 263 yards and 4 touchdowns. He went off for 7-112 in Miami’s season-opening win against their rival, the Florida Gators.

The senior projects to be a slot receiver in the NFL, and naturally has all the tools that a player needs to succeed at that position. He’s crafty, quick out of his breaks, and has well above-average hands.

Restrepo’s QB Cam Ward has made this list before, so this duo is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Are there any other players you will be watching this weekend? Let us know in the comments section!