An edge rusher making a strong case to be a first-round lock, a pair of Cincinnati Bearcats who will be drafted earlier than we initially thought, the latest star receiver on the Ohio State conveyor belt, a Michigan safety who looks back on track and an emerging Baylor tight end — here are six risers from this past weekend of college football:
David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
Ranked No. 29 on my preseason top 50, Bailey was considered one of the transfer portal’s prizes this offseason after a move from Stanford to Texas Tech. Through five games, the Red Raiders’ investment has looked like a smart one, as Bailey currently leads the FBS with 31 pressures.
Bailey demolished Houston’s offensive tackles on Saturday using burst, speed to power and a variety of moves to blow up the backfield.
There are still questions about Bailey’s instincts and hand use as a run defender. But he is disruptive as a pass rusher with his explosive get-off and bend, which is why NFL scouts believe he will be a first-round pick.
Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
A former FCS defensive end, Golday transferred to Cincinnati last season and made the move to off-ball linebacker. At 6 feet 4 and 237 pounds with 4.5 speed, his range and ability to close jumps off the screen.
In Saturday’s upset win over Iowa State, Golday finished with 12 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble — but I was more impressed by some of his reps in coverage. Not only does he have the athletic balance to flip his hips, but his cover awareness helps him find passing lanes.
Last month, I highlighted Golday as a senior prospect who had put himself in the top-100 mix. As he develops out in space and puts more impact plays on tape, he will continue to rise and could entice NFL teams in the early rounds.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
If you’re going to give Tate a runway and not protect over the top, you’re playing with fire — as Minnesota found out on Saturday night. But with Jeremiah Smith also on the field, it is like picking your poison for any defense facing the Buckeyes.
Tate is above average in several areas, but his vertical ability, especially on one-cut routes or double moves, is outstanding. With catches of 41, 48 and 49 yards against the Gophers, Tate is up to an FBS-best six receptions of 40-plus yards this season.
Because of his length and awareness, Tate is also one of the better receiver prospects I’ve scouted the past few years when it comes working the sideline — he has yet to register a drop in 2025. Tate started the season as WR3 (and No. 31 overall) on my board but has only exceeded expectations.
Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
Trigg has been teasing his talent since he enrolled at USC five years ago. After leaving Southern Cal and spending two years at Ole Miss, he has found a home at Baylor. He already has career bests this season in both receiving yards (439) and touchdown grabs (four).
Trigg posted 155 receiving yards against Kansas State, including this two-play sequence in the fourth quarter:
At 6-3 3/8, 250 with plus speed, he can make plays down the seam, and he shows off his basketball background with body control and hand strength at the catch point. Trigg was labeled as an underachiever by scouts as an underclassman and is still proving himself in several areas (on and off the field), but his talent is undeniable and improved consistency in 2025 will help suppress any concerns.
Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati
Sorsby flashed his arm talent on Saturday.
In the first quarter, I liked how he used his eyes to keep the middle-field safety honest before throwing a perfect strike down the sideline for a 36-yard gain (on a fantastic catch by his receiver). Then in the fourth quarter, this javelin throw clinched the game for the Bearcats — Sorsby hits the slot post in stride for the 82-yard touchdown.
A fourth-year junior, Sorsby entered the season with mid-round draft grades from NFL scouts. Aside from an inconsistent performance in the 2025 opener, he hasn’t disappointed. His throws will spray at times, usually when he gets too loose with his mechanics, but Sorsby is an athletic passer with tools worth developing.
Rod Moore, S, Michigan
After helping the Wolverines to a national championship two seasons ago, Moore was graded as a future top-100 draft pick by NFL teams. But a left knee injury in March 2024 changed his football trajectory. He tore his ACL, MCL, both menisci and required multiple surgeries to get back on track. After missing the ’24 season and the first month of the 2025 schedule, Moore finally returned to the field against Nebraska on Sept. 20.
Then on Saturday against Wisconsin, he looked more like his old self.
These three plays against the Badgers will help remind scouts of his NFL promise. On play one, Moore reads the tight end throwback pass and disrupts the catch (or else the tight end might still be running). On play two, Moore sniffs out the reverse from deep alignment, takes a sharp angle to the ball and makes the open-field stop. And on play three, Moore shows his range from the hash to make an interception near the sideline.
Despite seeing just 18 snaps Saturday, Moore made an impact. Obviously, the medicals will be a major factor in his final draft grade, but it was good to see Moore back on the field making plays.