Week 7 of the 2026 college football season featured several standout individual performances, including from West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and Kentucky defensive back Jordan Castell.

Hawkins was outstanding against Cincinnati and a major reason West Virginia came away with a 45-42 win. He finished with 464 yards through the air and three touchdowns. He also compiled 26 carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

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The win improved West Virginia’s record to 4-3 and dropped Cincinnati’s to 4-2.

Castell was outstanding for No. 12 Kentucky in the program’s 21-13 win over Oklahoma. He finished with nine total tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His contributions helped Kentucky improve to 6-1 overall.

Hawkins and Castell were so good this past Saturday that they were named Walter Camp National Players of the Week, per On3’s Brett McMurphy. Hawkins earned his second Walter Camp National Player of the Week honor. He also won the award on Sept. 22 after leading the Mountaineers past Virginia in Week 3.

What’s next for Hawkins Jr. and Castell?

Kentucky's Jordan Castell (5) celebrates an interception after OU attempted a fake field goal in the first half of the college
Kentucky’s Jordan Castell (5) celebrates an interception after OU attempted a fake field goal in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Hawkins Jr. and West Virginia will play TCU on the road this Saturday before traveling to No. 8 Texas Tech on Nov. 7.

Castell and Kentucky will play Vanderbilt this Saturday before a big matchup at No. 11 Tennessee looms on Nov. 7.

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Source: Yahoo Sports