What a wild weekend in college football. Several top-10 teams faltered, and in some games, the outcomes were decided on the final play. One quarterback even logged his first interception of the season in a dramatic turn of events. Below is a look at the players who rose (risers) and those who fell (sliders) based on Week 7 action. The focus spans star veterans, breakout contributors, and a standout punter who made a decisive impact.
Risers
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Claimed by many as the top draft prospect for 2027, Smith nevertheless delivered a performance that underscored his value to the Buckeyes in a tight victory over Indiana. He finished with four receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown, including a spectacular catch that sealed the late lead. Indiana repeatedly double-teamed Smith, which, paradoxically, opened opportunities for his teammates and highlighted the confidence OSU has in using him as a catalyst for the offense. Smith is widely regarded as a premier college player and a perennial contender for national honors, including the Heisman Trophy, as the season progresses.
Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Even in a losing effort, Becker stood out with a standout first half and throughout the game. He hauled in nine receptions for 165 yards, repeatedly delivering big plays during critical moments. Becker has consistently shown strong size, speed, and reliable hands since his breakout season, and he remains a primary weapon for Indiana’s passing game. With a few other receiving options facing struggles, Becker has established himself as a premier target, ranking among the top receivers in the conference entering Week 7.
Cade Uluave, LB, BYU
Uluave sparked attention in BYU’s dramatic upset of Notre Dame, one of several closely contested games in week seven. He led the team with nine tackles and added a tackle for loss, along with several pressures against the Irish, disrupting their quarterback on blitzes. A fierce, explosive presence on the field, Uluave has long been considered NFL-caliber by scouts since his Cal days and is currently viewed as a Day 2 prospect on major draft boards.
Alec Clark, P, Florida
Special-teams impact is often overlooked, but Clark made a strong case for recognition with Florida’s upset win over Texas. The punter pinned the Longhorns deep repeatedly, swinging field position in Florida’s favor during a game where the offense struggled to move the ball. Averaging close to 52 yards per punt on six attempts, with a long punt of 75 yards, Clark demonstrated the ability to directionally punt, hang time, and net big field-position advantages. His performance is a reminder of how a great punter can influence outcomes in tightly contested games.
Sleeper Prospect — Ja’Marion Wayne, CB, Coastal Carolina
Wayne entered the season as a potential free-agent-type prospect, but his play has earned him more recognition. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, he plays with physicality and intelligence, diagnosing plays quickly and remaining around the ball. In seven games, he has totaled 32 tackles, four passes defended, and two interceptions. While his top-end speed remains a factor in draft evaluations, Wayne’s size, play recognition, and production merit continued attention as the season progresses.
Small School Prospect — Kellen Reed, WR, Grand Valley State
Reed has surged to national attention as a potential Day 3 selection. Across seven games, he has 48 receptions for 910 yards and 16 touchdowns, complemented by kick returns. At 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, he’s compact and explosive, with strong route running and reliable hands. Reed’s versatility as a slot receiver and return specialist could translate well to the next level for teams seeking a dynamic playmaker.
Sliders
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
The narrative around Manning remains heavily scrutinized. Week 7 did little to quiet speculation: Texas dropped a contest in which Manning struggled to generate offense when the run game stalled. He faced pressure from the pass rush, and at times looked uncertain in the pocket. Beyond a few flashes, his performance did not meet high expectations that have followed him since high school. Some evaluators and NFL scouts have compared his trajectory to past high-profile prospects who needed more seasoning, suggesting Manning may benefit from returning to college football to refine his game and decision-making.
Note: The Week 7 performances highlighted above reflect a mix of established stars, emerging talents, and special-teams heroes who shaped outcomes across the weekend. The college football landscape continues to evolve as teams adjust strategies and players develop, with several underclassmen positioning themselves for draft discussions and future opportunities.
This recap focuses on meaningful on-field impact and long-term potential without referencing any particular publication or external source.
