#2 WASHINGTON versus #3 TEXAS; 8:45 PM ET; ESPN: A most interesting match-up in the day’s second semi-final between two teams that come into the Sugar Bowl thinking they had something to prove as neither were ever considered virtual locks to make it this far. And very much like the story line in the Rose Bowl where Michigan’s JJ McCarthy will be very much under the gun, both QBs in New Orleans – QB Quinn Ewers (#3, 6-2, 195) of Texas and Washington’s Michael Penix (#9, 6-3, 215) – will be very much in scout’s cross hairs. Ewers, for example, remains one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s draft class. The former #1 recruit in the country, who originally signed with Ohio State before transferring home to Texas prior to the 2022 season, has elite tools including a big arm and enough athleticism to at least keep opposing defences honest, but he’s been somewhat inconsistent in his UT career, plus he’s also had some injury issues. But the talent is clearly there. Meanwhile, the Huskies’ Penix had a very Heisman type season as he threw for over 4,200 yards and 33 scores, but he’s had more than his share of serious injuries in his 6-year college career.
It certainly helps both guys that each has outstanding receiver corps to target. Ewers, for example, has WRs Xavier Worthy (#1, 6-1, 175) and AD Mitchell (#5, 6-3, 200), along with TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (#0, 6-4, 245), each of whom has at least some late first-round potential. However, the top receiving prospect in the Sugar Bowl is the Huskies’ Rome Odunze (#1, 6-3, 215), who appears to have emerged as the #2 wideout in the 2024 draft class behind Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison with legit top 5-10 potential. Odunze is supported by rising junior Ja’Lynn Polk (#2, 6-2, 205) and veteran possession receiver Jalen McMillan (#11, 6-0, 195). Meanwhile, other Huskies to watch include LT Troy Fantanu (#55, 6-4, 320), another potential first-rounder, although he may have to ultimately kick inside as he lacks prototype length for an OT, along with DEs Bralen Trice (#8, 6-4, 275) and Zion Tupuola-Fetui (#4, 6-4, 255). The Huskies also feature a really good RB in Dillon Johnson (#7, 6-0, 220) but he looks to be a game time decision. For its part, the Longhorns also have something of a rising prospect on the OL in RT Christian Jones (#75, 6-5, 325), while sophomore LT Kelvin Banks (#78, 6-4, 325) has all the look of a potential top 5 prospect for 2025. The Longhorns don’t have quite the same talent level on defence, but do have several prospects solid second-day candidates on that side of the ball including massive DT T’Vondre Sweat (#93, 6-365), LB Jaylon Ford (#41, 6-3, 245), CBs Jahdae Barron (#23, 5-11, 195) and Jerrin Thompson (#28, 6-0, 195) and S Ryan Watts (#6, 6-2, 210).
