There are only five Big 12 Conference games for Week 7 of the college football season, but there are some incredible talents that will be on the field. With a lot still to play for and the need to win, as the top of the Big 12 standings is all bunched up, it could be a major week this season.
Let's take a look at some of the biggest players who could be front and center for their respective programs.
Top five Big 12 Players for Week 7 of College Football
#1 Cameron Rising, Utah
Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising is expected to be back under center for the team after not playing since Sept. 7 due to a right hand injury. He played two games this season after missing the 2023 college football campaign.
Rising has been one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12 Conference, going 18-of-29 for 346 yards with seven touchdown passes without any interceptions. If he's on the field, the Utes should make the College Football Playoff and step up on the road against Arizona State this week.
#2 Travis Hunter, Colorado
Two-way superstar Travis Hunter is going to continue being an elite player in Week 7 as his team hosts the Kansas State Wildcats. He has been one of the frontrunners for the 2024 Heisman Trophy, recording 46 catches for 561 yards (12.2 yards per reception) with six touchdown receptions offensively.
However, he's also a star cornerback, with 15 total tackles, three pass deflections, one forced fumble and a pair of interceptions. The game against the Kansas State Wildcats is going to be critical, as this Big 12 Conference battle could be the difference in the standings when the conference title game comes around.
#3 DJ Giddens, Kansas State
Kansas State running back DJ Giddens has been a force in the running game this season and should continue doing his thing for the Wildcats in Week 7.
He has 83 rushing attempts for 604 yards (7.3 yards per rush) with a pair of rushing touchdowns, also adding eight receptions for 91 yards (11.4 yards per catch) and a receiving touchdown. Against the Colorado Buffaloes, he's going to be the massive player to watch out for in the Week 7 game.
#4 Jake Retzlaff, BYU
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is ready to be a force in this game at home against the Arizona Wildcats. He has been the team's leading passer and rusher, going 90-of-147 (61.2%) for 1,208 yards with 12 passing touchdowns to five interceptions, running 34 times for 156 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and an additional rushing touchdown.
With the Cougars on the verge of being in the College Football Playoff, they are undefeated and should continue to be a force as the Big 12 season continues on.
#5 Van Fillinger, Utah
Defensive end Van Fillinger has shown the ability to be a force on the defensive line. He leads the Big 12 Conference with 5.5 sacks.
Fillinger has recorded at least one sack in every game but the most recent one against Arizona. Against the Arizona State Sun Devils this week, the team only allowed seven total sacks, so this will be a great test.
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