It’s time for Week 8 of the 2025 college football season, which means there are more NCAAF player prop bets to be made.
Jamal Haynes and Gunner Stockton are in similar spots as they face pace-up opponents, creating value on their props.
Read on for my three favorite college football picks for the afternoon games on Saturday, October 18.
Best college football player props for Week 8 early games
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Jamal Haynes |
Over 55.5 rushing yards | -114 |
 Eli Stowers |
Over 52.5 receiving yards | -114 |
 Gunner Stockton |
Over 215.5 passing yards | -114 |
Prop bet #1: Jamal Haynes Over 55.5 rushing yards
Matching up with the Duke Blue Devils is always interesting from a player prop handicapping perspective because Manny Diaz’s squad hasn’t been very effective on defense (103rd in EPA per play) while operating with a fast tempo on offense.
That’s appealing for opposing players as they experience a bump in both efficiency and volume.
Jamal Haynes is a productive college back, accumulating over 1,100 scrimmage yards in each of the last two seasons. He’s had a relatively quiet start to the year, but we know the talent is there.
Haynes is averaging 63.3 rushing yards per game, and this is a favorable matchup, so it’d be a bit surprising if he has a below-average outing.
Duke has held each of its last two opponents below 90 yards rushing, but that was against two poor running teams in Syracuse and Cal. The No. 12 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets offer a much different test, racking up 238 rushing yards per game and doing so efficiently (12th in rushing success rate).
Haynes and the Yellow Jackets should find room to work with offensively in Week 8.
- Matchup: Georgia Tech vs. Duke
- Date/Time: Saturday, October 18 at 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Wallace Wade Stadium
- TV: ESPN
Prop bet #2: Eli Stowers Over 52.5 receiving yards
Eli Stowers is one of the most talented tight ends in college football.
He was a big part of the Vanderbilt Commodores’ rise a season ago, catching 49 passes for 638 yards and seven scores. He’s the team’s leading receiver again this season (323 yards) and will be needed in Week 8’s tough test against the No. 10 LSU Tigers.
This is an appealing matchup because Stowers will find himself lined up against Harold Perkins Jr., a talented player who still has work to do in coverage.
He’s been a weak link, allowing more receiving yards (168) than any other LSU defensive player while posting a subpar 45.9 coverage grade, per PFF.
The loss to Alabama stings, but Vandy still finds itself at 5-1 and with the chance for a banner season. Week 8 is a massive test against 5-1 LSU, and the Commodores should rely on their best players, like Stowers, to get the job done.
- Matchup: LSU vs. Vanderbilt
- Date/Time: Saturday, October 18 at 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: FirstBank Stadium
- TV: ABC
Prop bet #3: Gunner Stockton Over 215.5 passing yards
One of the best games of the weekend will be between the No. 9 Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 5 Mississippi Rebels. The Bulldogs should expect to have success on offense against a Rebels defense that hasn’t performed at a Top 5 level despite the ranking.
Mississippi checks in at 63rd in EPA per play and 64th in success rate on defense. The Rebels don’t get into the backfield (117th in front seven havoc) or cover particularly well (40th in PFF’s coverage grade), so Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton will have a successful day at the office.
The Bulldogs have thrown for more than 215 yards in five of six games this season. The lone exception was Alabama, and the Crimson Tide have a much better defense than the Rebels.
Mississippi is a pace-up team, ranking seventh in snaps per minute on offense. That leads to more volume for the opposing team and their players, so Stockton should see an uptick in volume.
Look for him to go past this number in a home game that isn’t as difficult a spot as the rankings would indicate.
- Matchup: Mississippi vs. Georgia
- Date/Time: Saturday, October 18 at 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Sanford Stadium
- TV: ABC
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
