There have been so many head coaches fired in the past 12 hours that it’s easy to forget that we’ve just witnessed an incredible slate of action, with the best players in the country producing remarkable feats of athletic achievement.
Week 7 was remarkable, and our college football players of the week, powered by the PFSN suite of impact metrics, highlight greatness.
Quarterback of the Week: Brad Jackson, Texas State
Week 7 PFSN College QBi Grade: 88.6 (B+)
The Texas State Bobcats suffered a setback in their quest for Sun Belt success with a 48-41 overtime loss to the Troy Trojans. However, the defeat wasn’t without at least a little reward, as quarterback Brad Jackson continued his progress as a legitimate game-changer under center for GJ Kinne’s team, engineering a 28-point first-quarter assault before the Trojans rebounded.
Jackson completed 86.4% of his pass attempts for 248 yards and zero interceptions, posting a 0.96 EPA when kept clean from pressure and converting 71.4% of his “money down” attempts. Yet, the Texas State standout was at his best using his legs, rushing for 77 yards and a score, with a 0.72 per scramble EPA, showcasing his dangerous out-of-pocket capability.
Honorable mentions: Devon Dampier, Utah; Demond Williams Jr., Washington; Ty Simpson, Alabama; Cade Klubnik, Clemson; Byrum Brown, South Florida.
Offensive Player of the Week: Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
Week 7 PFSN College RBi Grade: 94.6 (A)
This isn’t the first time that Emmett Johnson has graced our college football players of the week, and it almost certainly won’t be the last. The Nebraska Cornhusker is establishing himself as one of the top running backs in the country, producing week in and week out. In Week 7, his contributions helped Matt Rhule’s team secure a fifth win of the year in a close-fought clash.
Johnson took his 21 carries for 176 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per carry. While a stellar offensive line helped, he created 3.76 yards per carry post-contact, while boasting a 57.1% elusive rate. He also averaged 0.95 yards per route run, while allowing zero pressure on three protection snaps. An all-round contributor, Johnson is getting better with every game in the 2025 season.
Honorable mentions: LJ Martin, RB, BYU; Demarcus Lacey, WR, Marshall; Joseph Williams, WR, Colorado; Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU; Eric King, G, Temple; Fernando Carmona, G, Arkansas.
Defensive Player of the Week: Aiden Fisher, Indiana
Week 7 PFSN College LBi Grade: 90.6 (A-)
In a game that was billed as a clash of two potential NFL Draft QB1 options, it was Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Aiden Fisher who made the most impact, the most noise, and the most plays. The former James Madison Duke has been an unstoppable force throughout his time at the FBS level, and performances like the one he put together in Week 7 are earning national attention.
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There aren’t many players in the country who fly to the football with the ferocity Fisher does on every down. He played every single defensive snap for the Hoosiers, logged 12 tackles with a tackle for loss and 1.5 sacks, while getting pressure on 50% of his pass rush snaps. The Indiana linebacker led the charge for a unit that held Oregon under 30 points for the first time this year.
Honorable mentions: Tyson Dunlap, DT, Kennesaw State; David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech; Desmond Purnell, LB, Kansas State; CJ Allen, LB, Georgia; Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU; Dylan Hasz, SAF, Appalachian State.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Oscar Doyle, P, Boise State
Shout to Garrison Rippa for a game-winning field goal and Texas’ Ryan Niblett for a game-changing punt return, but did either of them break a long-standing record? No.
You know who did? Oscar Doyle, who became the first kicker or punter to throw a touchdown pass in the FBS since 2023, and the first in the Mountain West since 2004. He also averaged 43.0 yards per punt.
Honorable mentions: Garrison Rippa, K, Western Kentucky; Da’Realyst Clark, KR, Kent State; Rylan Niblett, PR, Texas
Freshman Player of the Week: Mason Heintschel, Pittsburgh
For the second consecutive week, Mason Heintschel earns a spot on our college football players of the week. The true freshman Pitt Panther has been a revelation since taking over the QB1 role from Eli Holstein, looking cool, calm, composed, and calculated as he has chopped up both defenses he has faced.
The Florida State Seminoles had no answer for his talent on Saturday, as he completed 72.4% of his passes for 321 yards and two scores with another 64 yards on the ground. Although he threw the first interceptions of his career, he rebounded to lead the Panthers to a 34-31 win.
