By: Steve Smith
Week two of the college football season has passed, and per usual, a week without many “marquee” games on the schedule still proved to be plenty entertaining. We had upsets, we had blowouts, we had heroes, we had goats. We even had a trend of spitting on an opponent trickle down from the pro ranks. With that being said, the lesson here remains: every weekend of college football is must-see television. There are no “bye weeks” for the fully committed. Those are for the offseason. Oklahoma, South Florida, Oregon, and Mississippi State were some of the big winners from the weekend, while Iowa, Florida, and Arizona State took clear steps backwards in Week 2.
Enough with the team talk, though. As far as the top individual performers go, there was no shortage of players who continued great starts and could ultimately find themselves in New York City in mid-December. It is only Week 2, however, with each passing Saturday, we should get a clearer view of who the truly elite players of 2025 are. Next week will be our first “Heisman Power Rankings” checkpoint, as we will start to consider who appears to be in this discussion for the long haul. In the meantime, here are the Week 2 top performers…
Dylan Raiola – QB, Nebraska. The ‘Huskers are off to a 2-0 start, and a big reason for that is the play of the sophomore signal caller. Raiola has six touchdowns and has yet to turn the ball over this season. He was 24-31 for 364 yards and four scores versus Akron in Week 2 and looks to have another stat-padding game on Saturday versus Houston Christian. Nebraska has improved as a team, has a manageable schedule, and its Head Coach, Matt Rhule, has the kind of juice (and a new podcast) that could really make Raiola one of the biggest names in college football. Watch out here.
Dante Moore – QB, Oregon. The Ducks predictably opened up a can on an overmatched Oklahoma State team after the head coaches traded barbs leading up to the game. Moore has the pedigree and the ability to not only make noise in the Heisman race but also to compete for Oregon’s first-ever national championship. Moore threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns against the ‘Pokes, effectively securing the win before halftime.
Marcel Reed – QB, Texas A&M. Reed put on a show against Utah State in Week 2, throwing for three scores and running for another. His athleticism can shake up a defense, and he will get a perfect test as the Aggies travel to South Bend to take on defensive guru Marcus Freeman and his hungry Notre Dame squad. It will likely take a herculean effort from Reed for A&M to get out of this one 3-0, and it could really open some eyes for both him and Mike Elko’s Aggies.
Jonah Coleman – RB, Washington. Finally, a non-QB. Coleman ran wild against UC-Davis, to the tune of 111 yards and five touchdowns. This upped his season total to 288 yards rushing and a nation-leading seven touchdowns through two games. Coleman will have to keep this same energy against more formidable opponents throughout the year, and he gets his first crack at that in the Apple Cup after a Week 3 bye.
Taylen Green – QB, Arkansas. While the Hogs have yet to be tested, their senior quarterback is posting ridiculous numbers through a couple of blowout victories. Green has thrown for 561 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for another 192 yards and a score. He accounted for almost 400 total yards and five touchdowns against Arkansas State in Week 2. Green will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents in big games, with a full SEC schedule to navigate and a non-conference tilt against Notre Dame in late September.
Quick Hits:
Aamaris Brown – DB, UNLV. A defensive guy on the list! Brown has an interception in every game this year (3), including returning one for a score. He also has two sacks and 17 tackles, proving he can do a little bit of everything for new coach Dan Mullen.
Beau Sparks – WR, Texas State. 5 touchdowns and 20 yards per catch for the Bobcat Junior. These numbers could be entertaining by November.
Robert Henry Jr. – RB, Texas-San Antonio. A true roadrunner among Roadrunners, Henry is averaging an absurd 10.2 yards per carry against solid competition (Texas A&M / Texas State) thus far. He can finish as well, having scored twice in each game. He’ll look to stay hot in Texas this week versus Incarnate Word.
