Conference play separates the men from the boys in college football, building cases for the playoffs and spoiling otherwise exciting starts to the season. The Washington Huskies are unranked despite their 3-0 record, rendering them vulnerable for the biggest test of their season in Week 5.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the best team in the country, and unlike the Huskies, they are battle-tested. In Week 1, they dismantled a Texas offense led by preseason Heisman favorite Arch Manning.
Washington doesn't have that same firepower under center, but with multiple Sunday players on offense, the Huskies find themselves with a chance to shake up the College Football Playoff bracket. Doing so could have ramifications for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Washington's weapons will be key vs. Ohio State
The Huskies boast two early-round prospects on offense: wide receiver Denzel Boston and running back Jonah Coleman.
Boston, playing a more valuable position, is the more likely candidate to be taken on Day 1. He began the year with a second-round grade on my board, but is playing exceptionally well in the early going.
#Washington WR Denzel Boston (6-4, 210, JR) understands how to use his frame. Plays with strong, aggressive hands….and a little edge.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 22, 2025
Big matchup vs. Ohio State this week. pic.twitter.com/Wua65vzhyI
Boston wins at the catch point and is an excellent separator underneath, allowing him to earn a diverse set of targets. His ability to win against press is among the best traits in this class of receivers, and his body control helps him make the most of those reps. This is a professional receiver who has done everything necessary to boost his stock in his early-season appetizer games. Showing out against a talented Ohio State secondary -- led by defensive coordinator Matt Patricia -- is a challenge that could launch him into Round 1.
My concerns with Boston are centered around his upside at (potential) cost. If he looks dynamic against elite competition, it could quickly become very difficult to keep him out of the first round.
MORE: 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Week 5
Coleman also entered the season as a Day 2 prospect. The nature of his position and the droves of backs jostling for positioning make each week important for maintaining, if not improving, his stock.
So far, so good. Coleman leads the nation with nine rushing (and 10 total) touchdowns, despite already having a bye week.
Coleman wins with his power. His contact balance stands out and is optimized by sound footwork that allows him to efficiently accelerate and generate even more momentum. He's a natural tackle-breaker who can get creative in the open field and hit the occasional home run.
Ohio State's linebacking duo of Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese is among the best in the country. However, the former has tackling issues to iron out, giving Coleman something to take advantage of on Saturday.
I have questions about his viability on passing downs, but he can prove himself worthy of mid-Day 2 capital with a strong enough performance against the Big Ten's closest comparison to an NFL defense. Maintaining strong fundamentals with a talent disadvantage in the trenches while still creating big plays is quite the challenge, and it could be the key to upsetting the Buckeyes on Saturday.
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