Blogging The Boys
Saturdays aren’t just for college football, they’re for Cowboys Nation to scout the future. Every week here at Blogging The Boys, we’ll spotlight the biggest college matchups and the players who could soon wear the Star. From potential first-rounders to under-the-radar prospects, we’ll give you the names to know and the games worth watching as we look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. If you want to get a jump on who might help America’s Team in the years to come, this is your weekly college football guide.
For Week 0, college football and College Gameday is packing its bags, grabbing a passport, and heading across the Atlantic to Ireland for one of the most entertaining season openers in recent memory. Dublin’s Aviva Stadium becomes BTB’s College Game of the Week for Week 0, and is the battleground for two Big 12 rivals, Iowa State and Kansas State. Yep, Farmageddon has gone international Cowboys fans.
Kansas State last played outside the U.S. in 1992. And as for Iowa State? Well, this is brand new territory for the program. Cyclone fans are trading tailgates for Temple Bar, and Wildcats fans are swapping cowbells for Celtic drums. Both teams enter ranked with K-State at No. 17, and Iowa State at No. 22, making this one of the most high-profile international college kickoffs ever. Both programs have Big 12 title aspirations and a loss in Week 0 would feel like leaving Dublin with a hangover and no souvenirs. Win, and you’ve got the jump in the Big 12 heading into September. Lose, and you’re already playing catch-up.
Kansas State:
Austin Romaine, LB
One of the best run-stopping linebackers last year and was impressive in sniffing out the ball barrier. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and react proactively sets him apart here among this year’s linebacker draft class. He’s a fundamentally sound tackler and known for his wrap-up technique and recorded 96 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and two sacks in 2024.
Straight-line athleticism is an issue. This limits his effectiveness against vertical threats like speedy tight ends or receivers in man coverage. Pursuit angles need work and shedding blocks is a massive coaching point for him this season.
Right now, Romaine looks to be the prototypical “Mike” linebacker, instinctive, physical, and disruptive. His tackling prowess, run-read efficiency, and knack for creating turnovers make him a defensive cornerstone at Kansas State and a rising NFL draft prospect. However, questions linger around his straight-line speed and agility in coverage situations.
Iowa State:
Domonique Orange, DT
Known as “Big Citrus” for his size (6’4”/328 lbs), Orange uses his...
