2025 College Football Insights: Top 5 Performances from Western Players in NFL Week 5

  By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports

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NFL logo” width=”50″ height=”69″ src=”https://superwestsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/nfl2Blogo.png”/>Week Five in the NFL saw some phenomenal performances from players who played collegiately in the West.

Each week, we highlight the region’s best pro performances from the standout alumni veterans and rookies

Here are my choices for the best of them.

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Top NFL Performances

1. Sam Darnold, QB, Seahawks/USC

Seattle came up short to the Buccaneers, but Darnold put up huge numbers.

The former USC star threw for 341 yards and four TDS while completing 82.4% of his passes. It was his third straight game with a rating north of 100, as he finished this one with a rating of 135.4.

He and Baker Mayfield put on a show as this was the first game in NFL history in which opposing quarterbacks each recorded at least 325 passing yards and completed over 80 percent of their passes.

2. Kendrick Bourne, WR, 49ers/Eastern Washington

The Portland native and former EWU Eagle broke out for San Francisco in their win over the Rams on Thursday Night.

Bourne caught double-digit passes for the second time in his nine-year career as he matched his career high with 10 receptions for a career high 142 yards.

This was the second time in his career that he reached the century mark in receiving yards.

3. Nate Landman, LB, Rams/Colorado

The former Colorado LB had one of the most productive nights of his four-year career in the Rams OT loss to the 49ers last Thursday.

He finished the night with a career-high 14 tackles with one for a loss.

In coverage, he added three passes defended.

4. Rashid Shaheed, WR, Saints/Weber St

Shaheed went over the 100-yard mark in receiving yards for the second time in his career as the Saints finally got in the win column with a 26-14 win over the Giants.

The former Wildcat finished the day with four receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown.

He posted an impressive 28.5-yard average per reception in large part due to the 87-yard connection with Spencer Rattler for a TD.

5. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders/Arizona (R)

The rookie from Arizona topped 100 yards on the ground for the first time in the NFL.

He ran for 111 and two touchdowns on 14 carries.

He also added another 39 yards receiving on two receptions in the 27-10 win over the Chargers.

6. Bo Nix, QB, Broncos/Oregon

Nix threw for 242 yards and a TD in the upset win for the Broncos in Philadelphia.

The former Duck superstar also added 22 yards on the ground.

7. Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers/Stanford

McCaffrey totaled 139 yards from scrimmage with a receiving TD in the 49ers win over the Rams last Thursday Night.

It marked the third time in five games this season that the former Stanford star has tallied at least 100 scrimmage yards and a TD.

8. Teddye Buchanan, LB, Ravens/California (R)

The Ravens had a very rough afternoon with Cooper Rush stepping in for Lamar Jackson.

The same could not be said individually for the rookie out of Cal.

Buchanan had the most productive game as a pro with 15 tackles and one stop in the backfield in the loss to Houston.

9. Troy Dye, LB, Chargers/Oregon

Dye had a phenomenal game in the Chargers’ loss to Washington.

The former Oregon Duck finished the day with 11 total tackles, including a career-high seven solo stops.

Entering Sunday, the six-year veteran had three tackles for loss in his career; he doubled that with three stops in the Commanders’ backfield in the game.

10. Bobby Wagner, LB, Commanders/Utah State

Wagner recorded 14 tackles in the win.

The former Aggie of Utah State made things difficult for Justin Herbert all afternoon with a pressure and a hit on the QB.

11. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo/Utah

The Bills fell to the Patriots on Sunday Night, but the former Ute TE posted his first 100-yard game of his three-year career.

Kincaid finished the night with six receptions for 108 yards.

12. Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers/Arizona State

White ran for 41 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win over Seattle.

The former Sun Devil also added four receptions for 30 yards.

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Other Notable Veteran Performers and Rookies

Devin Lloyd, LB, Jaguars/Utah—intercepted Patrick Mahomes and ran it back 99 yards for a TD in the win over the Chiefs.

Jared Goff, QB, Lions/California—258 yards and three TD passes.

Puka Nacua, WR, Rams/BYU —Ten receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown.

Cameron Skattebo, RB, Giants/Arizona State (R)—104 total yards on 21 touches.

Dillon Gabriel, QB, Browns/Oregon (R)—Threw for 190 yards and 2 TDS in his first NFL start.

Carson Schwesinger, LB, Browns/UCLA (R)—11 tackles, one TFL and a QB hit.

Mekhi Blackmon, CB, Colts/USC—5 tackles, one pass defended and an interception returned for 32 yards.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders/Boise State (R)—109 total yards in the loss to Colts.

writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).

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NFL Week 5 saw several former college football stars from Western programs deliver standout performances. This article, brought to you by archyde.com, breaks down the top 5, analyzing their impact and highlighting how their collegiate experiences translated to professional success. We’ll focus on key stats, game-changing plays, and future outlooks for these rising NFL talents. Expect insights into players from the Pac-12, Big Sky, and Mountain West conferences – regions consistently producing high-level NFL prospects.

1. Caleb Williams (USC) – chicago Bears: Quarterback Precision

Caleb Williams, the former USC trojan, continues to impress in his rookie season with the Chicago bears. In Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings,Williams completed 28 of 41 passes for 315 yards,2 touchdowns,and a crucial interception avoidance.

* Key Stats: 315 Passing Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 0 Interceptions, 78.0% Completion Rate (adjusted for drops).

* College Connection: Williams’s pocket presence and ability to extend plays, honed during his time at USC under Lincoln Riley, were on full display. His speedy decision-making, a hallmark of Riley’s offense, allowed him to navigate pressure effectively.

* NFL Impact: Williams is quickly becoming the focal point of the Bears’ rebuilding efforts, demonstrating the potential to be a franchise quarterback.

2. Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) – Atlanta Falcons: Deep Threat Growth

Michael Penix Jr., the Washington Husky standout, is finding his rhythm in Atlanta. While not a starter, Penix Jr. saw meaningful playing time in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to an injury to the starting quarterback. He threw for 185 yards and 1 touchdown on 14 of 23 attempts.

* Key Stats: 185 Passing Yards, 1 Touchdown, 60.9% Completion Rate,Average Depth of Target: 11.2 yards.

* college Connection: Penix Jr.’s arm strength and accuracy on deep passes, developed under Washington’s offensive scheme, were evident in his limited action. He consistently targeted receivers downfield, showcasing his willingness to take risks.

* NFL Impact: Penix Jr. provides a valuable backup option for the Falcons and demonstrates the potential to develop into a reliable starter.

3.Bo Nix (Oregon) – Denver Broncos: Efficient Game Management

bo Nix, the former Oregon Duck, is steadily improving as the denver Broncos’ starting quarterback. In Week 5 against the New York Jets, nix completed 22 of 30 passes for 247 yards and 1 touchdown, leading the Broncos to a narrow victory.

* Key Stats: 247 Passing Yards, 1 Touchdown, 73.3% Completion Rate, 88.5 Passer Rating.

* College Connection: Nix’s ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate throws, refined during his time at Oregon, translated well to the NFL. His pre-snap adjustments and understanding of coverage schemes were crucial to the Broncos’ success.

* NFL Impact: Nix is establishing himself as a reliable game manager, minimizing turnovers and maximizing offensive efficiency.

4. Troy Franklin (Oregon) – Houston Texans: Emerging Receiver

Troy Franklin, another product of the Oregon Ducks’ high-powered offense, is making an impact as a receiver for the Houston Texans.In Week 5 against the Pittsburgh steelers, Franklin caught 5 passes for 78 yards, including a crucial 32-yard reception on a key drive.

* Key Stats: 78 Receiving Yards, 5 Receptions, Average Yards per Reception: 15.6 yards, 1 contested catch.

* college Connection: Franklin’s route-running ability and hands, honed during his time at oregon, are quickly making him a favorite target for the Texans’ quarterback.His ability to create separation and make contested catches is a valuable asset.

* NFL Impact: Franklin is emerging as a reliable receiving threat, providing the Texans with a much-needed boost in their passing game.

5. Jaxson Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) – Seattle Seahawks: Slot Receiver Excellence

While not strictly a “Western” player, Jaxson Smith-Njigba (Ohio state) deserves recognition for his performance. He’s consistently delivering for the Seattle Seahawks. In Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers, Smith-Njigba had 8 receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown.

* Key stats: 65 Receiving Yards, 8 Receptions,