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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
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Andrew Harbaugh

2025 NFL Draft: Players Vikings fans should watch in CFB Week 12

The Minnesota Vikings bounced back with a good win and the complete Sam Darnold experience which left some folks worried if they could close the game out. Each year around the NFL, rookies step up immediately for their teams and make a difference.

Jordan Addison scored a touchdown in Week 1 last year for Vikings fans. This year, we saw Xavier Worthy score two touchdowns on opening night. Rookies impact the league every year, and the Vikings need to keep hitting on their first-round picks. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had a rough first two rounds in 2022, but 2023 and 2024 have looked good thus far.

Here are some players to watch this weekend before the Vikings kickoff while you enjoy some college football. We will lay out the ultimate viewing guide to maximize the best players this weekend during each time slot.

Running Backs to Watch

Nov 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs as Campbell Fighting Camels linebacker Monchovia Gaffney (4) and linebacker Taylor Behl (17) defend in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot

  • Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State) vs. Northwestern on Big Ten Network

Player to watch during 4:00 P.M./3:00 P.M. Time Slot

  • Nick Singleton (Penn State) vs. Purdue on CBS

Player to watch during 8:00 P.M./7:00 P.M. Time Slot

  • Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) vs. Wake Forest on ACC Network

Guards to Watch

Nov 18, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (66) at the line of scrimmage against the Missouri Tigers during the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot

  • Seth McLaughlin (Ohio State) vs. Northwestern on Big Ten Network

Player to watch during 3:30 P.M./2:30 P.M. Time Slot

  • Jake Slaughter (Florida) vs. LSU on ABC

Player to watch during 8:00 P.M./7:00 P.M. Time Slot

  • Luke Kandra (Cincinnati) vs. Iowa State on FOX

Defensive Linemen to Watch

Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman DeMonte Capehart (19) reacts after tackling Georgia Bulldogs running back Branson Robinson (not pictured) during the first quarter of the 2024 Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot

  • Demonte Capehart (Clemson) vs. Pittsburgh on ESPN

Player to watch during 3:30 P.M./2:30 P.M. Time Slot

  • Thor Griffith (Louisville) vs. Stanford on ACC Network

Player to watch during 7:45 P.M./6:45 P.M. Time Slot

  • Shemar Turner (Texas A&M) vs. New Mexico State on SEC Network

Cornerbacks to Watch

Louisville Cardinals defensive back Quincy Riley (3) runs the ball down the field during their game against the Austin Peay Governors on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Ky.

Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot

  • Jahdae Barron (Texas) vs. Arkansas on ABC

Player to watch during 3:30 P.M./2:30 P.M. Time Slot

  • Quincy Riley (Louisville) vs. Stanford on ACC Network

Player to watch during 7:30 P.M./6:30 P.M. Time Slot

  • Jabbar Muhammad (Oregon) vs. Wisconsin on NBC

Safeties to Watch

Nov 11, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Florida Gators tight end Hayden Hansen (89) catchers a pass against LSU Tigers safety Major Burns (8) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot

  • Lathan Ransom (Ohio State) vs. Northwestern on Big Ten Network

Player to watch during 3:30 P.M./2:30 P.M. Time Slot

  • Major Burns (LSU) vs. Florida on ABC

Player to watch during 7:30 P.M./6:30 P.M. Time Slot

  • Hunter Wohler (Wisconsin) vs. Oregon on NBC
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