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A Look at 2025 NFL Kickoff Weekend Rosters

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Photo Cred: USA Today

NEW YORK — Sept. 11, 2025 — A look at 2025 NFL Kickoff Weekend Rosters, including most represented colleges, quarterback information, a team-by-team player dimensions breakdown and the height, weight and age averages among Week 1 rosters.

Tide Rolling into NFL: For the ninth consecutive season, Alabama had the most or tied for the most players (60) on active NFL Kickoff Weekend rosters. The Crimson Tide also placed the most active NFL players on season-opening rosters in 2018 (44), 2019 (56), 2020 (53), 2021 (54), 2022 (58), 2023 (57), 2024 (61) and shared the league lead in 2017 (39). Ohio State (56 players) ranked second in 2025, followed by Georgia (55).

A total of 233 colleges were represented on Kickoff Weekend active rosters. The colleges with the most NFL players:

COLLEGE PLAYERS COLLEGE PLAYERS COLLEGE PLAYERS
Alabama 60 Oklahoma 31 Auburn 23
Ohio State 56 Iowa 29 Washington 23
Georgia 55 Stanford 28 Illinois 22
Michigan 43 Texas A&M 28 Miami 22
LSU 40 Tennessee 27 Mississippi 22
Notre Dame 39 Clemson 26 Maryland 20
Penn State 37 USC 26 Minnesota 20
Oregon 35 Wisconsin 25 TCU 20
Texas 34 South Carolina 24 Florida State 19
Florida 32 UCLA 24 Virginia Tech 18

A breakdown by position of colleges with the most players in the NFL:

POS. SCHOOL PLAYERS POS. SCHOOL PLAYERS
C Penn State, Wisconsin 4 DT Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State 6
G Georgia, Michigan 6 DE Georgia, Michigan 6
T Oklahoma 7 LB Ohio State 10
TE Notre Dame, Stanford 6 DB Alabama 13
QB Alabama, Oregon 4 P Florida, Penn State 2
RB Alabama 6 K Notre Dame 3
WR Ohio State 8  

QB Breakdown: A by-the-numbers look at the 32 starting quarterbacks in Week 1.

8 First or second-year players Daniels, WAS; Maye, NE; McCarthy, MIN; Nix, DEN; Penix, ATL; Rattler, NO; Ward, TEN; Williams, CHI
26 First-round draft picks Allen, BUF; Burrow, CIN; Daniels, WAS; Darnold, SEA; Fields, NYJ; Flacco, CLE; Goff, DET; Herbert, LAC; Jackson, BAL; Jones, IND; Lawrence, JAX; Love, GB; Mahomes, KC; Maye, NE; Mayfield, TB; McCarthy, MIN; Murray, ARI; Nix, DEN; Penix, ATL; Rodgers, PIT; Stafford, LAR; Stroud, HOU; Tagovailoa, MIA; Ward, TEN; Williams, CHI; Young, CAR
2 Second-round draft picks Hurts, PHI (No. 53 overall); Smith, LV (39)
4 Drafted in third round or later, or undrafted Prescott, DAL (fourth round, No. 135 overall); Purdy, SF (7, 262); Rattler, NO (5, 150); Wilson, NYG (3, 75)
9 No. 1 overall picks Burrow, CIN; Goff, DET; Lawrence, JAX; Mayfield, TB; Murray, ARI; Stafford, LAR; Ward, TEN; Williams, CHI; Young, CAR

The Tall and Short of it: On NFL Kickoff rosters, there were 306 players weighing under 200 pounds, 247 players under six-feet tall and 354 players weighing over 300 pounds.

Detroit had 13 players weighing less than 200 pounds, the most in that category. Detroit and Tampa Bay each had 13 players under six-feet tall, while New England had 14 players weighing over 300 pounds.

A team-by-team player dimensions breakdown based on 2025 Kickoff rosters:

Team Under 200 lbs. Under 6-feet Over 300 lbs.
Arizona Cardinals 12 9 10
Atlanta Falcons 11 11 6
Baltimore Ravens 10 7 11
Buffalo Bills 12 10 11
Carolina Panthers 7 5 13
Chicago Bears 8 11 12
Cincinnati Bengals 7 6 13
Cleveland Browns 11 8 11
Dallas Cowboys 8 5 13
Denver Broncos 9 10 8
Detroit Lions 13+ 13+ 11
Green Bay Packers 10 4 11
Houston Texans 9 11 11
Indianapolis Colts 9 6 10
Jacksonville Jaguars 11 8 13
Kansas City Chiefs 8 7 12
Las Vegas Raiders 9 6 10
Los Angeles Chargers 8 7 11
Los Angeles Rams 9 9 8
Miami Dolphins 12 10 10
Minnesota Vikings 9 5 10
New England Patriots 9 9 14+
New Orleans Saints 10 6 12
New York Giants 10 5 13
New York Jets 7 3 12
Philadelphia Eagles 12 8 11
Pittsburgh Steelers 9 5 9
San Francisco 49ers 9 8 11
Seattle Seahawks 10 5 12
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8 13+ 11
Tennessee Titans 11 7 11
Washington Commanders 9 10 13
+ NFL high

Height, Weight and Age Averages among Week 1 Rosters, 2025

Team Height Weight Experience Age

(Years)

 Rookie &

1st Year

 Players Aged 30

& Over
Arizona Cardinals 6.19 242.26 4.55 26.32 9 8
Atlanta Falcons 6.20 238.09 @ & 4.65 26.75 7 11
Baltimore Ravens 6.20 245.67 4.37 26.22 12 11
Buffalo Bills 6.20 242.76 4.93 26.59 7 9
Carolina Panthers 6.22 248.43 4.11 26.23 13 8
Chicago Bears 6.18 245.82 4.53 26.47 10 10
Cincinnati Bengals 6.21 250.72+* 4.07 26.09 10 8
Cleveland Browns 6.20 245.79 4.54 26.23 13* 11
Dallas Cowboys 6.23 250.05# 3.98 26.02 11 8
Denver Broncos 6.19 240.81^ 3.98 26.41 7 6
Detroit Lions 6.16  @  & 243.26 4.59 26.41 7 9
Green Bay Packers 6.24+# 247.02 3.41  @  & 25.28 @ & 9 2 @ &
Houston Texans 6.17^ 242.49 4.91 26.55 6@^ 9
Indianapolis Colts 6.23* 244.41 4.33 26.37 8 9
Jacksonville Jaguars 6.21 244.20 4.61 26.13 9 12
Kansas City Chiefs 6.21 245.22 4.41 26.13 8 7
Las Vegas Raiders 6.23* 246.15 4.09 26.13 10 6
Los Angeles Chargers 6.22 249.55 4.38 26.29 9 7
Los Angeles Rams 6.18 243.85 4.26 26.38 7 11
Miami Dolphins 6.17^ 241.26 4.72 26.46 8 9
Minnesota Vikings 6.20 243.30 4.39 26.57 15+# 10
New England Patriots 6.19 245.39 3.83^ 26.00 13* 7
New Orleans Saints 6.22 246.20 4.18 26.18 13 9
New York Giants 6.21 246.74 4.87 26.58 7 10
New York Jets 6.21 245.91 4.17 25.83^ 9 4^
Philadelphia Eagles 6.20 246.73 4.09 25.78 10 6
Pittsburgh Steelers 6.23* 247.26 5.42* 27.55* 8 15*
San Francisco 49ers 6.19 246.11 4.56 26.71 10 9
Seattle Seahawks 6.24+# 246.89 3.85 25.85 11 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6.16 @ & 242.18 4.47 26.36 9 10
Tennessee Titans 6.20 247.87 4.76 26.78 12 12
Washington Commanders 6.18 245.43 6.07+# 28.00+# 6@& 17+#
NFL Average 6.20 245.24 4.44 26.36 9.47 8.97
+ NFL high; @ NFL low … * AFC High; ^ AFC Low … # NFC High; & NFC Low

 

Media Contact: Skylar Burg, NFL; Skylar.Burg@NFL.com

Trojans Dominate Georgia Southern Behind Maiva’s Career Day

By
Emily Trevino
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0
Photo Cred: Facebook

The USC Trojans welcomed back former head coach Clay Helton on Saturday afternoon in a matchup against the Georgia Southern Eagles. Georgia Southern struck first, scoring within the opening two minutes. But once USC settled into rhythm, the Trojans took control and never looked back, cruising to a 59-20 victory at the Coliseum.

USC Football Defeats Georgia Southern 59-20: Postgame Notes & Quotes - USC Athletics

Photo Cred: USC

Quarterback Jayden Maiva wasn’t quite as sharp as in his season-opening debut, but he still showcased poise and command. Maiva completed 16 of 24 passes for 412 yards and four touchdowns—a career high that surpassed his previous best of 360 yards against Notre Dame last season, according to USC Athletics. Freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet also contributed, going 4-of-6 through the air and rushing for 34 yards in limited action.

USC’s receiving corps delivered highlight after highlight. Makai Lemon hauled in a 74-yard reception in the first quarter—the longest of his career—finishing with four catches for 158 yards. Junior wideout Ja’Kobi Lane added a one-handed touchdown grab among his three receptions, totaling 91 yards.

“At times at receiver, there are plays where that’s the only way you’re going to get it, and that’s great,” said USC head coach Lincoln Riley. “But it’s not something we want to rely on. The highlight was phenomenal, but we want the high percentage.”

On the ground, running back Waymond Jordan continued to establish himself as a leader in the Trojan offense, rushing for 162 yards on 16 carries. Jordan’s day began with a costly fumble on the opening kickoff, setting up Georgia Southern’s first score, but he rebounded strongly.

“This is kind of the first adversity that he’s had here,” Riley said. “He was disappointed about the fumble, but he’s typically very responsible with the ball. I didn’t have a problem showing confidence in him, and our guys made sure he didn’t get down. He came back ready to go.”

For Georgia Southern, quarterback JC French IV struggled under USC’s defensive pressure. He completed 19 of 35 passes and added 179 rushing yards but couldn’t keep pace with Maiva. Backup quarterback Turner Helton, son of Clay Helton, contributed 4 completions on 9 attempts for 24 rushing yards. Wide receivers Camden Brown (three receptions, two touchdowns) and Dalen Cobb (six receptions, one touchdown) provided the Eagles’ offensive highlights.

Despite the loss, Clay Helton praised his team’s growth through two tough road games.

“These first two games were kind of a training test for us—being on the road, being far away, going through some adversity,” Helton said. “Our kids handled it well. We all wanted better results, but to see their growth from week one to week two, how they bonded—that’s just going to make us a better football team.”

USC Football Game 2: Quick Look at Georgia Southern

Photo Cred: 247 Sports

Georgia Southern’s defense posed more resistance than USC’s Week 1 opponent, Missouri State, but it wasn’t enough to slow the Trojans’ high-powered attack. Linebacker Eric Gentry led the way for USC with 10 solo tackles, while redshirt senior safety Bishop Fitzgerald added six.  For Georgia Southern, linebacker Brandon Tyson tallied nine solo tackles and two assists, and veteran Brendon Harrington chipped in eight stops.

Alabama Makes Statement They are Ready to Return to Form

By
Tobias Sanders
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0
Photo Cred: IG

After a humbling loss to the Florida State Seminoles, Alabama fans were left questioning whether the Crimson Tide’s reign as a college football powerhouse was fading. In their first home game of the season, the Tide delivered a resounding answer—obliterating the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks 73-0 in a statement performance that reassured their faithful and silenced early doubts.

From the opening whistle, Alabama imposed its will. The Tide scored on every offensive possession, turning the game into a showcase of both firepower and efficiency. They piled up seven touchdowns through the air and three more on the ground, finishing with 371 passing yards and 212 rushing yards. It was the type of balanced, relentless attack that has defined Alabama football at its peak, and the Warhawks had no response.

Tide QB sets school pass record in convincing win over Louisiana Monroe | Alabama Public Radio

Photo Cred: Alabama Public Radio

Quarterback Ty Simpson stole the spotlight with a flawless display of precision. He set a new school record by completing all 17 of his first-half passes—the most consecutive completions in a half in Alabama history. His final stat line included 226 passing yards, three touchdown throws, and a rushing score, underscoring his command of the offense and ability to bounce back after a rough outing against Florida State.

With the game quickly out of reach, head coach Kalen DeBoer gave his depth chart valuable playing time. The crowd at Bryant-Denny erupted when highly touted freshman Keelon Russell entered the game. Russell lived up to the hype, completing 4-of-6 passes with two touchdowns, providing fans a glimpse of what the future of the program might look like. Redshirt freshman Austin Mack also shined, going 8-for-10 with two touchdown passes of his own, proving that Alabama’s quarterback room is stocked with talent for years to come.

Even without star wideout Ryan Williams, sidelined by a concussion suffered against Florida State, the Tide’s receivers didn’t miss a step. Alabama quarterbacks spread the ball around to perfection, enabling six different receivers to find the end zone. The performance spoke to the depth and versatility of the receiving corps, which kept the Warhawks secondary off balance throughout the night.

Initial takeaways from Alabama win over Louisiana-Monroe

Photo Cred: Touchdown Alabama

On the other side of the ball, Alabama’s defense was nothing short of suffocating. The Tide forced three turnovers, held ULM to just 148 total yards, and allowed only nine first downs. Safety Justin Jefferson produced one of the highlights of the night with an acrobatic interception that had fans comparing him to the Minnesota Vikings star who shares his name. In the fourth quarter, Alabama’s defense forced back-to-back fumbles to put the finishing touches on a complete and ruthless shutout.

Coach DeBoer emphasized the importance of responding after the loss to Florida State, saying, “It is definitely important because all that we can control is what we have in front of us.” For Alabama, that mindset is already shifting toward the future. With momentum restored and confidence rebuilt, the Tide will look to carry this dominance into next weekend’s home matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers—a game that promises to be a tougher test.

J.J. McCarthy, Nate Landman & Kameron Johnson Named Week 1 NFC Players of the Week

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Photo Cred: Big Dawg Sports
NEW YORK — Sept. 10, 2025 — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Kameron Johnson are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played on Kickoff Weekend (September 4-5, 7-8).

OFFENSE: QB, J.J. MCCARTHY, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

  • McCarthy recorded three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) as Minnesota overcame an 11-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat Chicago, 27-24. McCarthy became the first starting quarterback to overcome a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter of their NFL debut and win in regulation since Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young (Week 12, 1985). He is the first player with at least two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown in his NFL debut since Cam Newton (Week 1, 2011).
  • He becomes the third Vikings quarterback to earn the honor in Week 1, joining Daunte Culpepper (2004) and Sam Bradford (2017).
  • McCarthy joins Tom Brady as the only former Michigan quarterbacks to win Player of the Week in the past 15 seasons (2011-25).

DEFENSE: LB NATE LANDMAN, LOS ANGELES RAMS

  • Landman recorded 10 tackles and a forced fumble in the Rams 14-9 victory over the Texans. His forced fumble came in the fourth quarter with 1:51 remaining as Houston entered the red zone.
  • This is the first-career Defensive Player of the Week Award for Landman. He becomes the fourth Ram to win Defensive Player of the Week in Week 1, joining Robert Quinn (2013), Aaron Donald (2015) and Trumaine Johnson (2017)
  •  Landman becomes the first former Colorado player to win Defensive Player of the Week since Chad Brown (Week 17, 2003).

SPECIAL TEAMS: WR KAMERON JOHNSON, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

  • Johnson had a 54-yard punt return in the third quarter of Tampa Bay’s 23-20 victory at Atlanta. It was the longest punt return in the NFL in Week 1. Johnson also played 12 total special teams snaps as both a returner and a gunner.
  • This is Johnson’s first Player of the Week Award. He joins Bradley Pinion (2021) as the only Buccaneers players to win Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 1.
  • Johnson becomes the first player from Barton College to win a Player of the Week Award.
For more from NFL Communications, visit  media.nfl.com

Josh Allen, Foyesade Oluokun & Chris Boswell Named Week 1 AFC Players of the Week

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Photo Cred: Bad Dawg Sports
NEW YORK — Sept. 10, 2025 — Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played on Kickoff Weekend (September 4-5, 7-8).

OFFENSE: QB JOSH ALLEN, BUFFALO BILLS

  • Allen led the league in passing yards (394) and completions (33) in Week 1 while recording two touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns as Buffalo overcame a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Baltimore, 41-40. In the fourth quarter, he became the first player with at least 250 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns in any single quarter of an NFL game.
  • This is the 16th-career Offensive Player of the Week award for Allen and first in Week 1. His 16 Player of the Week awards are the most among any player since entering the NFL in 2018.
    • 2018: Week 17
    • 2019: Week 11
    • 2020: Weeks 2, 9, 13, 15
    • 2021: Week 3
    • 2022: Weeks 5, 6, 15
    • 2023: Weeks 2, 4
    • 2024: Weeks 3, 13, 15
    • 2025: Week 1
  • Allen becomes the eighth quarterback ever to win an Offensive Player of the Week award 16-or-more times.

DEFENSE: LB FOYESADE OLUOKUN, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

  • Oluokun registered 10 tackles, a forced fumble, a pass defense and an interception in the Jaguars’ 26-10 win over the Panthers. He was the only player in the NFL to force multiple turnovers in Week 1.
  • This is Oluokun’s third-career Player of the Week Award and his first with the Jaguars:
    • 2020: Week 9 (Falcons)
    • 2021: Week 16 (Falcons)
    • 2025: Week 1 (Jaguars)
  • Oluokun, who went to Yale University, joins Ryan Fitzpatrick (eight Player of the Week awards and went to Harvard University) as the only two former players from Ivy League schools to win three-or-more Player of the Week awards.

SPECIAL TEAMS: K CHRIS BOSWELL, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

  • Boswell converted both field goal attempts – from 56 and 60 yards – and all four of his point after attempts in Pittsburgh’s 34-32 victory at the New York Jets. The 60-yard field goal – longest in the NFL in Week 1 and in his career – gave the Steelers the lead with less than two minutes left on the clock.
  • This is the fifth-career Player of the Week award for Boswell, surpassing Jeff Reed (four-time winner) for most Special Teams Player of the Week awards by a Steeler.
    • 2015: Week 6
    • 2017: Week 13
    • 2024: Weeks 1, 11
    • 2025: Week 1
  • Boswell’s five Player of the Week awards are the third-most by a Steeler since 2015, trailing only T.J. Watt (eight-time winner) and Ben Roethlisberger (seven).
For more from NFL Communications, visit  media.nfl.com

What To Look For – Week 2

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Photo Cred: USA Today
NEW YORK — September 10, 2025 — Below are players that can set historic marks or reach career milestones in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season, including:

  • QB Josh Allen
  • QB Aaron Rodgers
  • QB Matthew Stafford
  • QB Jayden Daniels
  • RB Josh Jacobs
  • QB Lamar Jackson
  • RB Derrick Henry
  • TEs Harold Fannin & Tyler Warren
  • WR Emeka Egbuka
  • WR Justin Jefferson
  • WR Puka Nacua

QUARTERBACK TRENDS

Quarterback efficiency was a trend across the NFL on Kickoff Weekend, as there were 16 interceptions thrown in Week 1, the fewest in a season-opening week since the 1970 merger.

If 24 or fewer interceptions are thrown in Week 2, it would mark the lowest total through two weeks since 1970, surpassing the 2008 season (41 interceptions).

The seasons with the fewest interceptions thrown through the first two weeks of the season since 1970:

SEASON INTERCEPTIONS
2008 41
2020 45
2017 45
2025 16*
*in Week 1  

Also in Week 1, dual threat quarterbacks made their mark. There were 13 rushing touchdowns by quarterbacks on Kickoff Weekend, the second-most in a single week all-time, trailing only Week 15 of the 2020 season (14 rushing touchdowns).

With four rushing touchdowns by quarterbacks in Week 2, it would mark the most through two weeks of a season in NFL history, surpassing the 2021 and 2020 seasons (16 rushing touchdowns).

The seasons with the most rushing touchdowns by quarterbacks through the first two weeks of the season in NFL history:

SEASON RUSHING TDs
2021 16
2020 16
2023 14
2025 13*
*in Week 1  

Four quarterbacks – Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, the New York Jets’ Justin Fields and Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones – recorded two rushing touchdowns in Week 1, the most in a single week in NFL history.

If either player repeats their performance in Week 2, they will join Cam Newton (2020) as the only quarterbacks all-time to record multiple rushing touchdowns in each of their team’s first two games of a season.

Hurts (16 games) and Allen (13) are already first and second on the all-time list for games with at least two rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks.

With both a passing and rushing touchdown at the New York Jets on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Allen will tie Cam Newton (45 games) for the most games with a passing and rushing touchdown in NFL history.

COLTS, BRONCOS LOOK TO FOLLOW BIG WEEK 1 PERFORMANCES

Last week in their Week 1 victory, the Indianapolis Colts became the first team in at least 47 years (1978 season) to score on every offensive possession of a game.

If the Colts score on each of their first three offensive possessions on Sunday against Denver (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS), they will become the first team in NFL history to score on each of the first 10 offensive possessions of a season.

The teams to score on the most consecutive offensive possessions to begin a season in NFL history:

TEAM OFF. POSSESSIONS
2024 New Orleans Saints 9
2012 Atlanta Falcons 8
2025 Indianapolis Colts 7*
2019 Kansas City Chiefs 7
2000 Atlanta Falcons 7
*active streak  

The Denver Broncos led the NFL with six sacks in Week 1, after leading the league with 63 sacks during the 2024 season.

With six sacks on Sunday against Indianapolis, they will become the sixth team all-time to record at least six sacks in each of their first two games of a season, joining the 1998 Carolina Panthers, 1998 Seattle Seahawks, 1982 Houston Oilers, 1976 Chicago Bears and 1967 Oakland Raiders.

RODGERS & STAFFORD MOVING UP ALL-TIME PASSING TD LIST

Last week in his Pittsburgh debut, quarterback Aaron Rodgers recorded his 28th career game with at least four touchdown passes and no interceptions, tied with Tom Brady for the most in NFL history.

Rodgers enters Week 2 with 507 career touchdown passes and with two touchdown passes against Buffalo on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), will surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most in NFL history.

The players with the most touchdown passes in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAMS TD PASSES
Tom Brady New England, Tampa Bay 649
Drew Brees San Diego, New Orleans 571
Peyton Manning HOF Indianapolis, Denver 539
Brett Favre HOF Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Minnesota 508
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Pittsburgh 507

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford recorded 245 passing yards and a touchdown pass in the Rams’ Week 1 victory and now has 378 career touchdown passes.

With three touchdown passes at Tennessee on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Stafford will tie Matt Ryan (381 touchdown passes) for ninth place on the all-time list.

JAYDEN & JACOBS ON TNF

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels followed up his 2024 AP Rookie of the Year campaign with 301 total yards (233 passing, 68 rushing) in Washington’s Week 1 victory. In his first 18 career games. Daniels has 3,801 passing yards and 959 rushing yards.

With 199 passing yards and 41 rushing yards at Green Bay on Thursday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video), Daniels will become the first player in NFL history to record 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in his first 20 career games.

Daniels can also become the fastest quarterback ever (19 games) to reach 1,000 career rushing yards.

Since Week 11 of last season, Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs has recorded a rushing touchdown in 10 consecutive games, including the playoffs.

With a rushing touchdown on Thursday night, Jacobs will become the fourth player since 2000 with a rushing touchdown in 11 consecutive games, including the playoffs, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson (12 straight in 2004), Jonathan Taylor (11 in 2021) and Priest Holmes (11 in 2002).

The players with a rushing touchdown in the most consecutive games, including postseason, since 2000:

PLAYER TEAM SEASON GAMES
LaDainian Tomlinson HOF San Diego Chargers 2004 12
Jonathan Taylor Indianapolis 2021 11
Priest Holmes Kansas City 2002 11
Josh Jacobs Green Bay 2024-25 10*
*active streak      

LAMAR JACKSON, DERRICK HENRY & RUSHING RAVENS

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson totaled 279 yards (209 passing, 70 rushing) and two touchdown passes with a 144.4 passer rating in Week 1. It marked his ninth consecutive game with at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 90-or-high, including the playoffs, going back to Week 12 of the 2024 season.

This Sunday against Cleveland (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Jackson can become the seventh quarterback in NFL history to record at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 90-or-higher in 10 consecutive games, including the postseason, joining Tom Brady (12 games from 2014-15 and 10 games in 2007), Drew Brees (10 games in 2011), Patrick Mahomes (11 games in 2018 and 10 games from 2021-22), Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (13 games in 2004), Philip Rivers (13 games from 2017-18) and Aaron Rodgers (14 games from 2010-11).

Running back Derrick Henry led the NFL with 169 rushing yards and added two rushing touchdowns in Week 1. It marked his 13th career game with at least 150 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown for the most in NFL history.

With at least two rushing touchdowns on Sunday, Henry will surpass Adrian Peterson (28 games) for the third-most such games in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers LaDainian Tomlinson (38 games) and Emmitt Smith (36) have more.

The players with the most games with at least two rushing touchdowns in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM(S) GAMES
LaDainian Tomlinson HOF San Diego, N.Y. Jets 38
Emmitt Smith HOF Dallas, Arizona 36
Derrick Henry Tennessee, Baltimore 28
Adrian Peterson Minnesota, Arizona, Washington, Detroit 28
Jim Brown HOF Cleveland 27

With 150 rushing yards on Sunday, Henry will tie Adrian Peterson (19 games) for the fourth-most such games in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers Barry Sanders (25 games), Jim Brown (22) and Walter Payton (20) have more.

The players with the most games with at least 150 rushing yards in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM(S) GAMES
Barry Sanders HOF Detroit 25
Jim Brown HOF Cleveland 22
Walter Payton HOF Chicago 20
Adrian Peterson Minnesota, Arizona 19
Eric Dickerson HOF L.A. Rams, Indianapolis 18
Derrick Henry Tennessee, Baltimore 18
Emmitt Smith HOF Dallas, Arizona 18

Henry can also become the fourth player ever to record at least 150 rushing yards in each of his team’s first two games of a season, joining Alan Ameche (with the Baltimore Colts in 1955) and Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown (with Cleveland in 1963) and O.J. Simpson (with Buffalo in 1975).

Since Week 12 of the 2024 season, including the playoffs, Baltimore has recorded at least 150 rushing yards in nine consecutive games. If they reach the mark again on Sunday, they will become the third team in the Super Bowl era to record at least 150 rushing yards in 10 consecutive games, including the postseason, joining the 1972-73 Dolphins (15 games) and 1975 Steelers (11 games).

REMARKABLE ROOKIES

Rookies accounted for 76 receptions across the NFL in Week 1, the second-highest total among rookies in Week 1 all-time, trailing only the 2023 season (87 receptions).

With at least 58 receptions by rookies in Week 2, the 2025 rookie class will have among the top-three most catches through the first two weeks of a season all-time.

The seasons with the most receptions by rookies through the first two weeks of the season in NFL history:

SEASON RECEPTIONS
2023 191
2017 139
2020 133
2025 76*
*in Week 1  

Cleveland tight end Harold Fannin and Indianapolis tight end Tyler Warren each totaled seven receptions in Week 1, joining Keith McKeller (nine receptions with Buffalo on Oct. 18, 1987) and Monty Stickles (eight with San Francisco on Sept. 25, 1960) as the only tight ends in league history with at least seven receptions in their NFL debut.

With similar performances on Sunday in Week 2, both Fannin (at Baltimore, 1 p.m. ET, CBS) and Warren (vs. Denver, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS) can have among the most receptions ever by a tight end in his first two career games.

The tight ends with the most receptions in their first two career games in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM SEASON RECEPTIONS
Brock Bowers Las Vegas 2024 15
Keith Jackson Philadelphia 1988 12
Monty Stickles San Francisco 1960 11
Sam LaPorta Detroit 2023 10
John Carlson Seattle 2008 10
Oscar Roan Cleveland 1975 10
Harold Fannin Cleveland 2025 7*
Tyler Warren Indianapolis 2025 7*
*in first game

Tampa Bay wide receiver Emeka Egbuka recorded two touchdown receptions on Kickoff Weekend, including the game-winning touchdown with 59 seconds remaining. He became the second player since the 1970 merger to record a game-winning touchdown reception in the final minute of regulation or overtime in his first career game, joining Ernest Wilford (with Jacksonville on Sept. 12, 2004).

On Monday Night Football at Houston (7 p.m. ET, ABC), Egbuka can become the first player in NFL history with two touchdown receptions in each of his first two career games.

Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward is slated to make his first career home start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams (1 p.m. ET, CBS).

He can become the seventh No. 1 overall pick quarterback all-time to win his first career home start, joining David Carr (2002 with Houston), Andrew Luck (2012 with Indianapolis), Baker Mayfield (2018 with Cleveland), Jim Plunkett (1971 with New England), Michael Vick (2001 with Atlanta) and Caleb Williams (2024 with Chicago)

JUSTIN JEFFERSON

Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson enters Week 2 with 499 career receptions.

With his first reception against Atlanta on Sunday Night Football (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), Jefferson – who will be 26 years and 90 days old – will tie Larry Fitzgerald as the youngest player in NFL history to reach 500 career receptions.

The youngest players to reach 500 career receptions in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM AGE
Justin Jefferson^ Minnesota 26 years, 90 days*
Larry Fitzgerald Arizona 26 years, 90 days
CeeDee Lamb Dallas 26 years, 149 days#
^has 499 career receptions; #reached the mark in Week 1
*age as of this Sunday

PUKA NACUA

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua tied for the lead in the NFL with 10 receptions last week and ranked second with 130 receiving yards. Entering Week 2, Nacua has 194 receptions and 2,606 receiving yards in 29 career games.

With six receptions at Tennessee on Sunday (4 p.m. ET, CBS), Nacua will become the second player in NFL history with 200 receptions in his first 30 games, joining Odell Beckham Jr. (206 receptions).

With 131 receiving yards, Nacua will tie Justin Jefferson (2,735 receiving yards) for the second-most receiving yards by a player in his first 30 career games in NFL history, trailing only Odell Beckham Jr. (3,035 receiving yards).

The players with the most receiving yards in their first 30 career games in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM REC. YARDS
Odell Beckham Jr. N.Y. Giants 3,035
Justin Jefferson Minnesota 2,735
Lance Alworth HOF San Diego 2,666
Bill Groman HOF Houston Oilers 2,648
Puka Nacua L.A. Rams 2,606*
*in 29 games    
For more from NFL Communications, visit  media.nfl.com

Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Player of the Week

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo Cred: S.I.

 
Each week during the 2025 season the Maxwell Football Club will recognize an outstanding performance by a college freshman with the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week award. The Shaun Alexander Player of the Week will be recognized for overall performance on offense, defense or special teams and players selected do not have to be represented on the Shaun Alexander Award preseason watch list.

Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award- Player of the Week

WR – Parker Livingstone

Texas

Freshman WR Parker Livingstone has been named the Shaun Alexander Player of the Week after his breakout performance in Texas’ 38-7 home-opening victory against San Jose State. The Texas native caught four passes for 128 receiving yards and two touchdowns, averaging an explosive 32.0 yards per reception. His 83-yard reception stands as the fourth-longest by a Texas freshman in program history and the longest since 2015.

Livingstone’s two touchdowns came within just under three minutes of each other in the first quarter, sparking the Longhorns to an early 14-0 lead. Livingstone is the third Longhorn to have multiple receiving touchdowns in the first quarter of a game in the last 30 years. He now leads Texas with 175 receiving yards, 29.2 yards per reception, and three touchdown receptions this season. His Shaun Alexander Player of the Week honor highlights both his immediate impact in the Longhorns’ offense and his potential as one of college football’s most exciting young receivers.
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The Maxwell Football Club and the Shaun Alexander Award have once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele’s College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.

Questions concerning the 2025 Shaun Alexander Award Player of the Week can be directed to MFC Executive Director Mark Wolpert mwolpert@maxwellfootballclub.org or MFC Vice President of College Awards Rich Cirminiello rcirminiello@maxwellfootballclub.org.

ABOUT THE MAXWELL FOOTBALL CLUB – The Maxwell Football Club was founded in 1935 and is the oldest football organization of its kind in America. The Club recognizes excellence in performance at the high school, collegiate and professional levels of the game. The Maxwell Club is also deeply involved and fully vested in the community through programs to promote academic excellence, community volunteerism, and leadership.

ABOUT THE SHAUN ALEXANDER FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD – The Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award is an honor given each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Named after Shaun Alexander a former standout at the University of Alabama and 2005 NFL MVP with the Seattle Seahawks, this award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by these players on their respective teams throughout the season. The Alexander Award is all about championing future legends and evaluates players based on Talent, Character, Ambassador and Legend.

Past winners include; Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) – 2018, Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis)-2019 and Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) – 2020, Brock Bowers (Georgia) – 2021, Drake Maye (North Carolina) 2022, Caleb Downs (Alabama) 2023 and 2024 Colin Simmons (Texas).
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Ohio State Buckeyes Puts Its Power on Display

By
Nathan Boggs
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Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

In a game few expected to be competitive, Ohio State flexed its muscles and proved why it holds the nation’s No. 1 ranking, dismantling Grambling State in a 70-0 rout at Ohio Stadium. From the opening snap to the final whistle, the Buckeyes showed complete control in every phase of the game, scoring on nine of their eleven drives while the defense delivered a suffocating shutout. It was the kind of performance that not only reaffirmed their top ranking but also sent a clear message to the rest of the country.

No. 1 Ohio State Cruises in 70-0 Win Against Grambling State | Ohio State

Photo Cred: Ohio State

The defense wasn’t just stingy—it was opportunistic. Ohio State forced three turnovers, including one interception and two fumbles, one of which was returned for a scoop-and-score touchdown that brought the home crowd to its feet. The Buckeyes’ front seven consistently lived in the backfield, piling up nine tackles for loss and two sacks. From the defensive line’s constant pressure to the secondary’s tight coverage, the unit reinforced its reputation as one of the most complete and relentless defenses in college football.

On the other side of the ball, the Buckeye offense looked equally unstoppable. Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin put his name in the record books, completing his first 16 passes to set a school record. Despite only playing in the first half, Sayin finished 18-of-19 for 306 yards and four touchdowns, showing poise well beyond his years. His quick decision-making, paired with pinpoint accuracy, kept Grambling on its heels, and he made full use of one of the deepest receiving corps in the nation. In total, eight different Buckeyes scored on offense, underscoring just how many weapons Ryan Day’s team has at its disposal.

Jeremiah Smith led the receiving corps with a breakout performance, catching five passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns. The highlight came on an 87-yard bomb down the sideline where Sayin found Smith wide open, showcasing the explosive connection that Ohio State fans are eager to see more of this season. Other receivers also chipped in with key plays, further proving why the Buckeyes’ wideout group is considered among the very best in the country.

While Sayin and the receivers grabbed early attention, the running backs quietly stole the show as the game went on. Ohio State racked up 274 rushing yards and four scores on the ground, led by true freshman Bo Jackson. The four-star recruit from Northeast Ohio looked every bit the future star, carrying nine times for 108 yards and a touchdown in his debut. James Peoples added 59 yards on just eight carries, while CJ Donaldson contributed 45 yards and a touchdown of his own. The mix of youth and experience in the backfield gave fans a glimpse at the depth and versatility the Buckeyes will be able to rely on moving forward.

Postgame Notes vs. Grambling State | Ohio State

Photo Cred: Ohio State

By the end of the night, Ohio State had showcased the full range of its talent. The offense displayed balance and explosiveness, the defense showed discipline and dominance, and the special teams executed cleanly without mistakes. It was as close to a complete performance as a coaching staff could ask for. If Saturday was any indication, Ohio State is not only the No. 1 team in the country on paper—they look the part on the field. With a roster stacked with playmakers on both sides of the ball, and young stars already emerging, the Buckeyes’ championship aspirations appear well within reach.

WNBA Playoff Schedule: Road to a Championship

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo Cred: WNBA

The WNBA Playoffs begin on Sunday, September 14, 2025, with a quadruple-header of Game 1s on ESPN and ABC. The First Round is a best-of-three series, the Semifinals will be best-of-five, and the WNBA Finals will be a new best-of-seven series starting in 2025. The entire playoff schedule, including dates, times, and matchups, will be fully determined once the regular season concludes on September 11, 2025. 

The 2025 WNBA playoffs feature an eight-team bracket seeded by regular-season record, with a best-of-three first round, a best-of-five semifinals, and a best-of-seven Finals series.

Key Dates & Format 

  • Playoffs Begin: Sunday, September 14, 2025
  • Regular Season Ends: Thursday, September 11, 2025
  • First Round: Best-of-three series
  • Semifinals: Best-of-five series
  • Finals: Best-of-seven series, a new format for 2025
  • Last Possible Finals Date: October 17, 2025
First Round Details
  • Start:

    Sunday, September 14, 2025, with a four-game quadruple-header on ESPN and ABC. 

  • Format:
    Each First Round series will be a best-of-three, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2.
    Playoff Structure by Round
    • First Round:

      Best-of-three series with a 1-1-1 format, meaning the top seed hosts Games 1 and 2, and the lower seed hosts Game 3 if necessary. 

    • Semifinals:

      Best-of-five series with a 2-2-1 format, where the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, and 5. 

    • Finals:

      Best-of-seven series with a 2-2-1-1-1 format, where the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. 

South Florida’s Shuler is Bronko Nagurki National Defensive Player of the Week

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo Cred: USF

DALLAS (FWAA) – South Florida linebacker Jhalyn Shuler posted a career-high 14 tackles including a key fumble recovery in leading a dominant defensive effort by the Bulls in a 34-7 win over No. 25 Boise State. For the game-changing plays in the Bulls’ first win against a ranked opponent since 2016, Shuler has been named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week by the Football Writers Association of America.

Each week during the regular season, the FWAA has selected a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week since 2001. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 20. The national defensive player of the year will be chosen from those finalists who are part of the 2025 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on Dec. 8 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Players may be added or removed from the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list during the season. If a player isn’t already on the preseason watch list – including Shuler this week – each week’s honored player is added at that time.

Shuler, a 6-3, 230-pound graduate student from Abbeville, N.C., grabbed a fumble recovery on Boise State’s first drive of the game to set the tone for the Bulls, who notched 34 unanswered points to secure the win. South Florida’s defense held the Broncos to their lowest scoring output since 2019 and 30 points below their 2024 season average. He added a tackle for loss to the career night on total tackles and earned the American Conference Defensive Player of the Week award.

Shuler was an honorable mention All-AAC player last season. He returns for his sixth season, and fourth at USF, having posted 166 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in the three previous seasons in Tampa. He has 23 starts the past two seasons and led the Bulls in tackles in 2023 (97) while finishing third in 2024 (61). He was the Bulls’ leading tackler in four games last season.

South Florida has not had a winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, though it does have a previous finalist in defensive end George Selvie in 2007.

The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalists. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from the finalists named in November. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.

The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, North Carolina region. Since its inception, the club has grown as well as diversified boasting a sponsor team of more than (80) companies. The Club’s activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding Citizenship, Scholarship, Sportsmanship, and Leadership of area athletes and coaches. Through individual and corporate support, more than $3,000,000 has been raised and donated to benefit the Touchdown Club’s scholarship efforts.

Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Our purpose is to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence and to grow profitably. For over 121 years, we have been deeply committed to the consumers, customers and communities we serve and passionate about the broad portfolio of beverages and services we offer. We make, sell and distribute beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coca-Cola Consolidated is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “COKE”. More information about the Company is available at cokeconsolidated.com. Follow Coca-Cola Consolidated on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.

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