Eric Cole fired a course-record 63 with eight birdies to seize the 54-hole lead at the Charles Schwab Challenge. The American vaulted 24 spots on the leaderboard to sit 12-under par, putting himself in position for a breakthrough PGA Tour victory after 120 previous tour starts.

Ryan Gerard trails by one shot after posting 68, while England's Jordan Smith slipped five strokes off the pace following a disappointing 74 that included five bogeys. Smith had held the overnight lead but couldn't maintain momentum on a demanding course setup.

JJ Spaun and Mac Meisner remain in contention at 10-under, despite Spaun's three bogeys in his Saturday round. Alex Smalley, Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley share fifth place at nine-under, with Matsuyama marking his 300th tour start in pursuit of his first win since 2022.

European Ryder Cup player Ludvig Aberg lurks five strokes behind after carding 69. Cole's surge positions him as the favorite heading into Sunday's final round, though Gerard's consistent play suggests a tight finish at Colonial Country Club.