Showtime U - October 7, 2026

Another stunning week of action from members of The Protect U Crew leads to this week's edition of the Showtime U Blog. Excellent performances from the high school and collegiate members of The Crew gave hosts Jay Mickens and Jake Wilson a lot to discuss on this week's Protect U Podcast, so let's dive into some of the stats from last week.

Showtime U Stats

It was the emergence of DJ Lagway in Baylor's conference game against Arizona State that caught the eyes of the nation last Saturday night. Lagway went 25/40 through the air and totaled 301 yards of offense, along with five touchdowns. The performance lifted the Bears to an impressive 55-19 road win over the Sun Devils, in addition to netting Lagway the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Baylor will hibernate this upcoming week's bye ahead of their October 17th matchup against rivals TCU.

Tucker Parks cemented his spot as the starting quarterback for the Abilene Christian Wildcats following his breakthrough performance. A near-perfect 16/17 completion rate, 15 carries, 252 total yards, and three touchdowns earned the recent transfer QB the win on Saturday, as well as the selection as the United Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of the Week. ACU will be back in action this weekend in their matchup against Central Arkansas.

2027 running back Cash Ferrell continues to contribute in every feasible way for the Magnolia High School Bulldogs. The Bulldogs needed everything from Ferrell in a nail-biting win over Klein Oak on Friday, and he provided. 15 carries and 6 catches resulted in 103 yards and a touchdown for the workhorse back, but the game-winning sack in crunch time was the real kicker. Ferrell's additions on offense and in clutch defense were needed, as Magnolia now looks to create a winning streak against Tomball Memorial.

Louisiana Tech's outstanding wide receiver, Jalen Mickens, secured eight catches during the Bulldogs' win against Army on Saturday, setting his collegiate career high. Mickens' grabs were highlighted by a two-point conversion that proved to be the difference-maker in a 31-29 win for LA Tech. The win not only sets a new high mark for Mickens' production, but it also helps to get the Bulldogs back to .500 going into their matchup against Louisiana Lafayette.

Fort Bend Travis needed every ounce of talent coming from 2027 defensive back Joshua Vilmael to secure a one-point victory over rivals Fort Bend Elkins. Vilmael's seven tackles and one catch displayed his prowess as a defender and possible utility player for the Tigers, but his two blocked kicks were the ultimate decider in Travis' victory. The critical block came with only a handful of seconds left and Elkins attempting to tie the game at 17. A shift at the line and Vilmael went unblocked to deny the Knights a chance at a tie, sealing the 17-16 win for Travis.

TJ Stinson, a 2028 defensive back from Clear Lake High School, makes his 2nd straight appearance in Showtime U for his varied stat line from last Friday. Stinson's three tackles and one interception were solid contributions, but his two carries, one catch, 165 total yards of offense, and one touchdown were unreal for the traditionally defensive weapon. Stinson's work on the field will be needed again, but only after the Falcons take a well-deserved bye week.

Make sure to return here next Wednesday for another edition of the Showtime U Blog. For a chance at making the cut, send in your stats and highlights so we can continue to spotlight your performances!