Week 4 delivers a mix of conference battles and ranked matchups that could shake up the standings. From Big 12 clashes to classic SEC–ACC rivalries, here are the best games of the weekend — with players to keep an eye on.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Rice @ Charlotte
Preview: A battle of AAC foes, both teams are looking for early footing in conference play. Charlotte is trying to build consistency under head coach Biff Poggi, while Rice leans on experience.
Players to Watch:
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Rice – Luke McCaffrey (WR, Sr.): A versatile playmaker and former QB who’s become the Owls’ top offensive weapon.
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Charlotte – Jalon Jones (QB, Sr.): Dual-threat quarterback with the ability to extend plays with his legs.
Friday, Sept. 19
Tulsa @ Oklahoma State
Preview: Oklahoma State is breaking in a new offensive leader after Ollie Gordon’s jump to the NFL. Tulsa will try to slow them down and pull a Big 12 upset.
Players to Watch:
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Oklahoma State – Freddie Brock IV (RB, Sr.): Veteran runner expected to carry the load in the backfield.
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Tulsa – Ajay Allen (RB, Jr.): A transfer who brings burst and toughness to the Golden Hurricane rushing attack.
Iowa @ Rutgers
Preview: A Big Ten clash between two defensive-minded squads. Iowa is always stingy on defense, while Rutgers has shown grit under Greg Schiano.
Players to Watch:
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Iowa – Jaziun Patterson (RB, So.): Emerging back who can give the Hawkeyes balance.
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Rutgers – Gavin Wimsatt (QB, Jr.): Developing QB who can extend plays and take deep shots.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Texas Tech @ Utah
Preview: One of the marquee ranked matchups of the weekend. Utah’s defense is one of the toughest in the nation, while Texas Tech brings an explosive Big 12 offense to Salt Lake City.
Players to Watch:
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Utah – Cam Rising (QB, Sr.): The veteran signal-caller returns to lead the Utes in his final season.
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Texas Tech – Behren Morton (QB, Jr.): A strong-armed passer capable of challenging Utah’s secondary.
Arkansas @ Memphis
Preview: SEC meets AAC in a game where Memphis will try to prove it can hang with the big boys. Arkansas looks to lean on its run game and physicality.
Players to Watch:
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Arkansas – Raheim “Rocket” Sanders (RB, Sr.): A bruising runner who can carry the Razorbacks’ offense.
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Memphis – Seth Henigan (QB, Sr.): One of the AAC’s most experienced QBs with the ability to spread the field.
Maryland @ Wisconsin
Preview: A key early-season Big Ten matchup with major divisional implications. Wisconsin is trying to establish its new offensive identity, while Maryland’s passing attack is dangerous.
Players to Watch:
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Maryland – Billy Edwards Jr. (QB, Jr.): Mobile quarterback stepping into a bigger role post-Taulia Tagovailoa.
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Wisconsin – Braelon Allen (RB, Jr.): A power back and one of the best runners in the country.
Syracuse @ Clemson
Preview: Clemson’s defense remains elite, while Syracuse is looking for a program-defining upset in Death Valley.
Players to Watch:
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Clemson – Cade Klubnik (QB, Jr.): Developing into a more confident passer to complement the Tigers’ defense.
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Syracuse – LeQuint Allen (RB, Jr.): The centerpiece of the Orange offense, capable of big plays.
SMU @ TCU
Preview: The “Battle for the Iron Skillet” is always fiery. SMU’s high-powered offense clashes with TCU’s speed and athleticism.
Players to Watch:
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SMU – Preston Stone (QB, Jr.): Talented passer who makes the Mustangs’ offense click.
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TCU – Chandler Morris (QB, Sr.): Experienced dual-threat QB who keeps defenses on edge.
UAB @ Tennessee
Preview: Tennessee’s up-tempo offense should test UAB’s defense. The Blazers need to find ways to control tempo to keep it close.
Players to Watch:
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Tennessee – Nico Iamaleava (QB, So.): Dynamic young QB thriving in Josh Heupel’s system.
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UAB – Jacob Zeno (QB, Sr.): A steady leader who must avoid mistakes against a fast Volunteer defense.
Florida @ Miami (FL)
Preview: A primetime rivalry matchup with national playoff implications. Florida’s physicality clashes with Miami’s speed and playmaking.
Players to Watch:
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Florida – Graham Mertz (QB, Sr.): Veteran QB who must manage the game and avoid turnovers.
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Miami – Colbie Young (WR, Sr.): A big-bodied target who can stretch the Gators’ secondary.
Illinois @ Indiana
Preview: A Big Ten East showdown between two programs looking for traction. This could be a defensive slugfest.
Players to Watch:
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Illinois – Luke Altmyer (QB, Jr.): Developing passer with dual-threat upside.
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Indiana – Donaven McCulley (WR, Jr.): Athletic wideout who can turn short passes into explosive plays.
Final Takeaway
Week 4 offers a loaded slate of conference matchups and rivalry games. From Florida–Miami in primetime to Texas Tech–Utah’s ranked clash, fans will get a clearer picture of which teams are true playoff contenders — and which players are ready to step into the national spotlight.
