The Clemson Tigers have quite a bit of talent on their roster, but there aren’t a ton of players being projected as potential top draft picks in the 2025 NFL draft.

However, there is one player who is trending in that direction.

Barrett Carter has become the leader of the team’s defense. He is a playmaker and one of the most consistent linebackers in the nation.

Now, he’s starting to receive the hype he deserves from the media.

CBS Sports recently released a new mock draft in which Carter was taken with the final pick in the first round. Of course, the Kansas City Chiefs were the team projected to have that pick.

“The Chiefs add more speed and pure athleticism to the linebacker room with the Clemson star.”

Carter hasn’t put up great numbers through the first two games of the season. He has just three tackles with no other stats to note.

However, back in 2023, he was an absolute superstar for Clemson. Carter ended up totaling 62 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, and five defended passes.

Those numbers show why he’s starting to receive some first-round pick hype.

NFL Draft Buzz provided a brief breakdown of Carter’s game. They view him as a high-upside linebacker at the next level.

“Barrett Carter projects as a high-upside, three-down linebacker in the NFL. His sideline-to-sideline range and coverage skills fit the mold of the modern linebacker. In sub-packages, Carter can match up with tight ends and running backs, while his blitzing ability adds another dimension to his game. His instincts in zone coverage and route recognition should translate well to the next level.”

Joining the Chiefs would be a perfect scenario for Carter. He would instantly be on a Super Bowl contender and within a very good defensive scheme run by Steve Spagnuolo.

His full skill-set would be utilized and he would be put into positions to succeed. It would be the best possible outcome he could have.

All of that being said, the 2025 NFL draft is a long time from now, so a lot could change.

However, if Carter keeps playing at a high level, he has a very good chance to play his way into the first round.

Don’t be surprised if Kansas City is one of the teams with interest in him when the 2025 draft comes.

A small explosion at a concession trailer during the Kansas State Fair on Tuesday evening left two individuals hospitalized and others with minor injuries, according to local officials.

The blast resulted in a fire that prompted a quick response from emergency personnel. According to Kansas State Fair director Brian Schulz in a news release, crews from the Hutchinson Fire Department were called to the fairgrounds and arrived on the scene at 6:28 p.m. local time.

Two individuals were immediately transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. While their condition has not been disclosed, officials at the fair confirmed that others sustained minor injuries but declined medical attention on-site.

The exact cause of the explosion is still unknown while authorities, including the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Hutchinson Fire Department, are currently investigating the incident.

Newsweek reached out to the Hutchinson police department and the Kansas State Fair via email on Wednesday for comment.

According to the Kansas State Fair website, Tuesday’s incident occurred during the fair’s Tasty Tuesday, in which participating vendors offered $2 concessions.

The fair is a major annual event in the area. It began on Friday and is scheduled to end this Sunday with an expected 350,000 visitors.

The family-friendly fair hosts several outdoor attractions, including carnival rides on the Midway, fried foods at the food court and musical performances that will include acts ranging from Wynonna Judd, the Goo Goo Dolls and the Oak Ridge Boys.

“Each year, visitors from around the world come to Hutchinson to celebrate the culture and history of our great state,” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said on the State Fair visitor’s guide. “Whether that means taste-testing 50-year-old family recipes, attending a show at the Nex-Tech Grandstand, or experiencing Kansas’ rich agricultural history firsthand, the State Fair showcases why it’s so great to be a Kansan.”

Kelly statement added, “My administration will continue to support efforts to grow the Fair in the coming years as an important Kansas tourist attraction, and a symbol of our agricultural sector’s strength, and a driver of the local economy,”

The annual event dates back to January of 1873 when a group of businessmen met and organized the Reno County Agricultural Society. On September 23-24 that year, the society hosted a fair which was held in a small wooden livery stable behind the town’s only bank, according to the Kansas State Fair website.

Since then, every year the Kansas State Fair has provided visitors with more events and food.

“As always, you will find the many outstanding exhibits that our great Kansas people have spent many hours preparing to showcase at the Fair,” Bob Atkisson, president of the Board Kansas State Fair, said on the State Fair visitor’s guide.

A classic rock band has replaced a band member on its 50th anniversary tour for the second time this year.

Kansas announced Monday that Dan McGowan will replace longtime bassist and co-lead vocalist Billy Greer on the rest of the group’s tour dates. Greer retired last week after nearly 40 years with Kansas, appearing on seven studio albums and serving as emcee during concerts for the past 18 years.

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, McGowan was a recent sub for Greer and previously played bass with Kansas keyboardist Tom Brislin’s band Gold Rotation. McGowan also performs in the progressive rock band Tea Club with his brother Patrick.

“I am thrilled and honored to be joining Kansas,” McGowan said in a statement. “I am also deeply aware of the gigantic shoes that I will be filling. Dave Hope [who played bass on Kansas’ early albums] and Billy Greer are among the best musicians in rock history.”

“I want the fans to know that I love the music of Kansas, and I hold it in highest reverence,” McGowan added. “I am committed to doing justice to the band’s incredible legacy, and I am so grateful for this unbelievable opportunity!”

Greer was the second Kansas member to leave the band this year after original drummer Phil Ehart suffered a heart attack in February. Ehart remains with Kansas as the band’s manager, while longtime drum tech Eric Holmquist replaced him on stage.

Kansas said none of its tour dates will be affected by the lineup change. No upcoming concerts are scheduled in New York state, but Kansas played Albany and Rochester this past May.

Kansas, named after their home state, released its first album in 1974 and became one of the most popular rock bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s with songs like “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind” and “Point of Know Return.” Ehart and original Kansas guitarist Richard Williams are the only two original members still with the band.

“The band Kansas and its entire organization extend heartfelt gratitude to Billy for his decades of exceptional musicianship,” a group statement said.