College Football: Stars of Week 1

College football is back with a bang after an incredible week one slate in which players up and down the country showcased their incredible abilities. We are planning on keeping track of the best performances from individuals each week of the college football season, so make sure to check in each week and see who are the best players during each week’s games.

UGA has found another gem in Malaki Starks with the junior safety producing one of the best interceptions you will see this season against Clemson. He only recorded two tackles, but he was part of a defensive unit that looked almost impenetrable through one game.

Per Sports Illustrated, Sanders went 26/34 for 445 passing yards and four passing touchdowns in Colorado’s week one win against North Dakota State, showcasing poise, touch, and creativity in a performance that will catch the eye of NFL evaluators.

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Possibly the most insane stat line you will have ever seen from a running back, Jeanty racked up 267 yards and six TDs on just 20 carries. Dane Brugler, an NFL draft analyst for The Athletic, called Jeanty “RB1” on X (formerly Twitter). Jeanty’s teammate, Sire Gaines, did put up 110 yards on 12 carries himself, so maybe the Georgia Southern D has some work to do…

Honestly, there are a few Georgia players who could be on this list, but we decided to leave them out so it’s not too Bulldog-heavy. However, Carson Beck deserves a mention due to his accuracy, timing, and all-round command of the Dawg’s offense. UGA has an unending supply of talented pass-catchers, and if Beck can keep finding them, good luck.

Somehow, Tetairoa McMillan has stats that rival Ashton Jeanty, with the 6’5” wideout catching 10 passes for 304 yards and four scores in Arizona’s 61-39 win over New Mexcio. Something about those stats and that scoreline really encapsulates everything good about college football. McMillan is a stud and will continue to be so until he hangs his boots up, he’s that good.

Ole Miss will face tougher opponents than Furman over the course of the season, but they did what good teams do and crushed a weaker opponent. Their 76-0 victory was in no small part due to Jaxson Dart’s 418 passing yards on 22 completions (27 attempts), with four passing TDs, he added another with his legs.

Per Sports Illustrated, Banks allowed, “zero hurries, pressures, quarterback hits, or sacks,” during Texas’ week one beatdown of Colorado State. There’s a reason why NFL Draft Buzz describes him as a “dominant force.” Texas are set to compete for a National Championship this season, and Banks will be a big part of that.

Ryan Williams was born in 2007 making him 17 years old, and he just caught 139 yards and two TDs on two (2!) receptions for Alabama. According to 247 Sports, Williams accounted for 4,600 all-purpose yards and 65 touchdowns during his final two years in high school and now looks to be the next great Bama receiver. 

Dillon Gabriel was perhaps the biggest prize of the transfer portal in the offseason, moving to Oregon from Oklahoma. In his first game as a Duck, Gabriel went 41/49 for 380 yards and two TDs in a ridiculous individual performance. Bizarrely, Oregon only won 24-14 against Idaho despite Gabriel's incredible efforts.

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