There are only five contests in the Big 12 this weekend with several programs on a Week 10 bye, including Shedeur Sanders (No. 8 overall), Travis Hunter (No. 1 overall), and the Colorado Buffaloes. The most exciting games on the condensed schedule include Arizona State at Oklahoma State and TCU at Baylor. Afternoon matchups include Arizona at UCF.
Big 12 talents around the nation will utilize these opportunities to increase their pre-draft stock. The road to the 2025 NFL Draft is a weekly journey that is crucial to the resume-building process. We've identified five talents in particular worth analyzing in Week 10.
Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
vs. Iowa State defense
What To Look For: Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks ranks third in the conference in rushing yards with 925. A violent and physical downhill runner, Brooks is averaging an effective 5.2 yards per carry this season, and he's already rushed for nine touchdowns. He's rushed for 100-plus yards in every showing, most recently torching TCU for 121 on the ground, and has scampered for touchdowns in six of seven contests.
The Red Raiders are multi-score underdogs against No. 11 ranked Iowa State. Controlling the clock through Brooks and keeping the Cyclones' explosive offensive on the sidelines is a must if Joey McGuire's program hopes to execute the upset.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
vs. UCF defense
What To Look For: Before last Saturday's loss to West Virginia, Tetairoa McMillan (No. 4 overall) had been fairly inconsistent since recording 304 yards and four touchdowns in Arizona's debut 2024 game versus New Mexico. He followed that up by being held to 78 or fewer receiving yards in four of six contests. That drought ended versus the Mountaineers, with McMillan exploding again for 10 catches, 202 yards, and a touchdown.
The opponent on Saturday is a UCF secondary that ranks 13 of 16 against the pass in the conference, allowing 247.3 air yards per contest. Arizona versus UCF is going to be a shootout. McMillan should dominate for a second consecutive week.
Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
vs. Houston offense
What To Look For: Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish is entering Saturday's game versus Houston looking for more ball production. A borderline top-100 prospect, Parrish has recorded just one interception and two pass breakups in eight appearances this season. He's an instinctual corner with outstanding footwork in coverage, but a boost in numbers is required to improve his pre-draft stock.
Luckily for Parrish, Houston quarterback Donovan Smith has been a turnover machine this year. Smith has thrown double as many interceptions (eight) as touchdowns (four) and is fresh off a three-interception game against Kansas. Parrish will be lurking in the defensive backfield for the right opportunity.
Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
vs. Arizona State offense
What To Look For: Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin (No. 47 overall) is an electric athlete and is one of the most impressive overall prospects in the Big 12. He's a sideline-to-sideline defender who projects as a true three-down defender at the next level. Martin will be in contention to be the first off-ball linebacker drafted in April.
Martin will command a Cowboys defense that faces a difficult test against Arizona State on Saturday. Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo has rushed for 848 yards and 10 touchdowns this campaign. Martin will receive an opportunity to display his violent trigger against a future NFL running back.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
vs. Texas Tech defense
What To Look For: Iowa State has two NFL-caliber wide receiver prospects in Jaylin Noel (No. 88 overall) and Jayden Higgins. Noel ranks fourth in the conference in receiving yards after dominating UCF last weekend for eight catches and 153 yards, averaging an explosive 19.1 yards per reception.
The Red Raiders are allowing a conference-worst 308.3 passing yards per contest. Noel is a decent bet to enjoy his fourth 100-yard showing of the campaign. Noel's short-area explosion is going to give Texas Tech difficulties all afternoon long.
