The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Building the Beast: The NFL Draft prospects to know from Indiana, Texas A&M, and this season's CFB surprise teams
Oct 15, 2025
Indiana is shaking up the rankings, now sitting at #3. The hosts dive into standout players like Fernando Mendoza and Elijah Surratt, delving into Indiana's unexpected rise. Texas A&M's surprising success is spotlighted with Marcel Reed and a versatile offensive line. They also assess Missouri's emerging defensive talent and the impact of James Franklin's firing on Penn State's prospects. With a look ahead to Week 8, it's an insightful discussion on draftable talents from college football's underdogs.
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Why Indiana's Offense Scales Without A Superstar QB
- Indiana won at Oregon without elite QB play because their defense and timing-route receivers carried them.
- Reliable chain-movers like Elijah Surratt and Omar Cooper Jr. amplify a QB's impact even on average days.
Chain-Mover: Elijah Surratt's Draft Case
- Elijah Surratt leads the FBS in first-down catches and consistently moves the chains for Indiana.
- His timing with Mendoza and route quickness make him a probable top-100 draft candidate.
Aiden Fisher: The Defensive Spark
- Aiden Fisher is the defensive heartbeat for Indiana despite being undersized at 6'0" 230.
- His instincts, play speed, and leadership project him as an early day-three NFL target.