USC takes on Colorado today at 12 PM ET on FOX in one of the most anticipated college football matchups of the season so far. Caleb Williams vs. Shedeur Sanders. Lincoln Riley vs. Deion Sanders. The No. 8 team vs. well, Colorado, a team that has gotten all the hype but now is coming off their first loss of the season, a humbling 42-6 beatdown by Oregon. What could possibly go wrong?
As excited as the college football community is for this matchup, the NFL is also paying close attention to the Trojans vs. Buffaloes Week 5 matchup. But that’s no surprise with how many draft prospects are set to participate for both sides.
According to Pete Thamel, a total of 30 scouts representing 21 of the 32 NFL teams are on hand for the showdown in Boulder, Colorado.
Williams is currently projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After the start Sanders has had, he might be able to creep into the first round too, but how he performs in tough tests against the Trojans and other top teams will be crucial to maintaining, or improving his draft stock ahead of next April’s draft.
But it’s not just the quarterbacks that NFL scouts will be watching closely. Unfortunately, two-way superstar Travis Hunter is still recovering from the lacerated liver suffered during Sept. 16’s win over Colorado State. He’s set to miss Saturday’s game and possibly Week 6’s matchup against Arizona State, too.
Other prospects to keep an eye on include 6-foot-3 USC safety Calen Bullock, who has 14 tackles, four pass deflections, and an interception through four games this season. The junior will be eligible to enter his name in the NFL Draft once the season concludes.
Related: Heisman Watch 2023: Where do Caleb Williams Shedeur Sanders stand?