Five “Stock Up” Prospects Four Weeks into College Football

 As the first quarter of the college football season is in the rear view mirror, and, as games get played and conference schedules begin in earnest, the NFL Draft boards are bound to get shaken up. 

While the season is still early, here are five prospects who have helped themselves early on:

QB Cam Ward, Miami – Draft Nation pegs this as a weak QB Class overall, but Cam Ward, a possible late round pick in 2024, is absolutely making the most of every opportunity to position himself toward the top of the pecking order. The transfer to Miami has the second most passing yards in college football and is firmly in the Heisman conversation. There was, perhaps, some concern over whether the 5th year starter could really move up in a significant way, but he’s in the first-round conversation now. Though lacking a tough schedule, look for October road games against Cal (10/5) and Louisville (10/19) to be heavily scrutinized.

QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss – While Ward has gotten more attention early on due to a slightly tougher and more featured schedule, Jaxson Dart is putting together the most statistically-popping season of any QB in college football. He’s thrown for 377 or more yards in all four contests this season, and, like Ward, only has two interceptions to his record. An innovative playmaker lining up for one of football’s best playcallers and QB developers, Dart begins SEC competition with Kentucky at home this week followed by trips to South Carolina and LSU. The Rebels will be favored in all of those games, but strong performances by Dart could keep him rapidly climbing boards.

RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State – One of the clearest examples of a “pure NIL” transfer decisions was Judkins departure from Ole Miss to Ohio State. Playing relatively close to his native Alabama, he was the unquestioned feature back in a system that had served him incredibly well since his impressive freshman season. When he wanted more money, he made the risky decision to transfer to a loaded Ohio State roster. So far, that decision has paid off. While he’s had to share the workload with Treveyon Henderson, it has arguably allowed for less “wear and tear,” and he’s still managed 336 yards on 9.3 ypc through 3 games. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s outperforming his teammate, also a top prospect, as well as some highly heralded backs like Ollie Gordon II. 

DE Kyle Kennard, South Carolina – After four seasons at Georgia Tech, where he finished with six sacks his senior season (a total of 12.5 over four years) Kennard was seen as a fringe draft prospect despite his long frame and consistent production. Rather than taking his chances—as he would have done pre-NIL—Kennard sought to boost his draft stock while making money playing college football. The decision has paid off in a big way. Through four games, the Gamecock has 5.5 sacks and proved instrumental in the team’s opening win and in a surprisingly narrow loss to LSU. Now, he’s firmly in consideration as a mid-round selection and could move higher with continued production. He will be off this week, but the 10/5 matchup against Dart and the Rebels could give him a real chance to shine.

S Nohl Williams, Cal – Another prospect benefitting from the modern college football era, Nohl Williams was a solid starter at UNLV before last season’s transfer to Cal. The versatile defensive back was a strong performer in the last year of the PAC 12, but he has gotten off to a torrid start in 2024. Leading the nation in interceptions, he was especially impressive when the Bears traveled to Auburn. During that game, he managed 2 picks and was highly disruptive in the road win. Likely a safety in the NFL, he has spent some time playing CB, and his speed, versatility, and ball skills has him moving up from a fringe prospect before the season to a mid-round target now.