🏈 2026 draft risers, latest intel, standouts

As we conclude Week 8 of the 2025 college football season, more unexpected outcomes unfolded. It started with Miami’s defeat against Louisville and Nebraska’s loss to Minnesota on Friday night. Saturday saw Arizona State overcoming Texas Tech, Vanderbilt narrowly beating LSU, and UAB surprising Memphis. We also witnessed numerous matchups featuring ranked teams: Georgia managed to come back against Ole Miss, Alabama dominated Tennessee, BYU bested Utah, and Notre Dame triumphed over USC. There’s a lot to dissect here.

Though the 2026 NFL draft is still about half a year away, our analysts are consistently focused on future prospects, diligently taking notes on standout players and initiating their rankings for what promises to be an exciting draft class.

With draft considerations in mind, analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, and Jordan Reid will evaluate collegiate performances through a draft-focused perspective each Sunday throughout the season. (Bookmark this link!) They will address lingering questions about the premier 2026 prospects, share insights drawn from scouts, highlight rising talents, and provide transparency into their evaluative processes. Here’s their assessment based on Week 8 observations.

Jump to notes on:
Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5
Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2

Oct. 19

Make your prediction: how many wide receivers will be selected in Round 1?

Reid: I project five receivers will earn Round 1 grades, with Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) and Makai Lemon (USC) leading the group despite showcasing different skills. Tyson is a refined, robust route-runner with dependable hands and strong ability to generate yards after the catch; he recorded 105 yards and a touchdown on Saturday against Texas Tech. Conversely, Lemon is a dynamic athlete capable of pulling off difficult catches routinely; he managed four catches for 76 yards against Notre Dame. Although Tyson is my top rated receiver, the competition is intense.

Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Chris Bell (Louisville), and Denzel Boston (Washington) are also worthy of first-round consideration. Each had impressive performances as well: Tate amassed 111 yards and two touchdowns against Wisconsin, Bell achieved 136 yards and two touchdowns against Miami, and Boston recorded 71 yards against Michigan. While this draft class may lack a clear-cut top-10 pick as seen in previous years, I believe multiple receivers will be chosen in the latter stages of Round 1.

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Is Jeremiyah Love a guaranteed top-10 pick?

Miller: Jeremiyah Love stands out as the most certain top-10 selection in this class. The Notre Dame running back made a strong statement against rival USC, rushing for 228 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, while also catching five passes for 37 yards. Love undeniably lifted the Irish offense during that crucial win, impressing scouts with his burst, speed, and vision.

The Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and Arizona Cardinals would all have top-11 draft choices if the draft were to occur at present, and each one could greatly benefit from an impactful back like Love to enhance their offensive strategies.

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What additional insights are emerging?

Kiper: Duke’s cornerback Chandler Rivers had a standout performance Saturday despite the loss to Georgia Tech, achieving seven tackles and defending two passes. His route recognition skills are exceptional, and he possesses great ball location abilities, which allow him to drive on the ball very effectively. This skill set has culminated in six interceptions across four seasons. Furthermore, Rivers demonstrates he is tough against the run, eager to engage physically and make key stops. His passion for the game is evident in his style, despite measuring just 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds. Rivers is a high-value player exhibiting strong work ethic.

Currently, I rank him as the No. 8 cornerback on my board, but he could justifiably rise into the range of No. 4 or 5. Projected as a Day 2 pick, he represents a solid choice for an NFL team searching for a skilled slot cornerback (though he has the capacity to excel on the outside as well).

Miller: Miami quarterback Carson Beck had a troubling outing against Louisville, throwing four interceptions. His challenges regarding ball placement and decision-making beyond short-range throws have become apparent, especially when facing pressure. Unfortunately, he frequently rushes throws while under duress, which typically results in poor accuracy. Following a hot start this season due to well-functioning Miami offensive line, the Louisville game underscored that many NFL scouts do not view him as a starting caliber quarterback prospect at this time.

Reid: After a disappointing showing last week versus Indiana, scouts were keen to observe Oregon QB Dante Moore’s rebound. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 290 yards, throwing four touchdowns and one interception against Rutgers. This marked only his 12th start, and several challenging opponents lie ahead. A robust Iowa defense awaits in just three weeks, which will offer evaluators a sharper perspective. Moore remains in Round 1 consideration, but the body of work thus far is still relatively limited.

Miller: I’ve been advocating for the Missouri pass rush all season long, especially after their performance against Auburn where Zion Young was spectacular with five tackles, two sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss against a solid offensive line. Both Young and linemate Damon Wilson II are players to watch as potential top-50 prospects.

Kiper: The upcoming group of edge rushers in 2026 is impressive. Look at Michigan’s Derrick Moore, who has made notable strides in the last three games, recording two sacks against Washington. Throughout four seasons, he has shown glimpses of talent, but he appears to be hitting his stride now. Positioned at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, Moore effectively generates pressure while also being adept at sealing the edge against the run. He could be in the discussion as one of the top five or six edge rushers, likely hearing his name around the third or fourth round.

Reid: Alongside Lemon, USC WR Ja’Kobi Lane is starting to make a name for himself following an early-season injury. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds, Lane is a bit inconsistent but has had two games with less than 40 receiving yards interspersed with two 100-yard games. His ability to stretch the field combined with an impressive catch radius makes him a player to monitor as the season progresses — particularly as Lemon draws defensive attention. He projects as a second or third-round selection.

Kiper: While numerous receivers have been mentioned, Alabama’s Germie Bernard hasn’t come up yet. I ranked him as WR7 last week, yet he may now be edging closer to WR5 status. His performances could land him in the late Round 1 or early Round 2 assuming he continues on this trajectory. Bernard was crucial in Alabama’s victory over Tennessee, logging five catches for 60 yards, rushing four times for 49 yards (leading the team), and showcasing stellar blocking. Though he may not serve as an NFL team’s primary target, he could effectively function as an excellent second option in a professional passing scheme. He has strong hands and proactively adjusts to ensure optimal catches, and he can gain additional yards after the reception, even if he doesn’t possess elite speed.

Miller: The buzz around A’Mauri Washington, an Oregon defensive tackle, is steadily increasing. Scouts are impressed with the 6-foot-3, 330-pound player’s play speed augmented by his impressive agility for someone of his size. His ability to penetrate during plays is notable, and he also shows a talent for reading plays and immediately stopping run attempts. His skill set positions him as a legitimate Round 1 candidate.

Oct. 12

Has a new QB1 emerged following Saturday’s performances?

Miller: The hope was for Saturday to clarify the quarterback rankings considering the significant matchups, but I was left without a clear leader for QB1. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore faced off, displaying their signature accuracy and arm talent but each also committed two costly interceptions. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers faced struggles in both passing and rushing, while Garrett Nussmeier was reliable with intermediate throws but also threw two interceptions.

The race for the top prospect remains wide open, but Alabama’s Ty Simpson is gaining traction. Despite being a first-year starter, he has excelled against his opponents with three touchdown passes on Saturday against Missouri. However, we still lack a standout QB1 in the current class.

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Which quarterback generated more questions than answers Saturday?

Reid: Sellers. He finished 15-of-27 for 124 yards, with no touchdown passes and one interception, while rushing for just 19 yards on 22 attempts against LSU. For the second consecutive game, he failed to score a touchdown. Sellers appears rushed, evidenced by being sacked an FBS-high 12.4% of dropbacks leading into the weekend, which likely increased due to his five sacks on Saturday. His inconsistent timing and rhythm reflect the impact of the Gamecocks’ struggling offensive line.

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What additional insights are coming to light?

Reid: Penn State quarterback Drew Allar’s season has ended prematurely due to injury. Initially thought to be a Day 2 selection, Allar had aimed to alleviate lingering doubts in his performance from previous seasons. This injury halts those aspirations as he won’t be eligible for a medical redshirt, meaning he has played his last collegiate game this season. It will be intriguing to observe how this affects his draft position in the coming months.

Miller: Missouri edge defender Damon Wilson II continues to maintain a position as a possible top-40 prospect and stands out as one of the most effective transfers this season after joining the Tigers from Georgia. His two sacks in Saturday’s close game against Alabama increased his season total to 5.5. At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Wilson’s impressive first-step explosion complicates the assignment for opposing tackles. I might just slot him into my top 25 following that impressive performance.

Kiper: Alabama’s defensive end LT Overton delivered an exceptional performance in the same game. He drew attention for his relentless effort, contributing six tackles and 1.5 sacks. His lateral pursuit speed and ability to navigate blocks were heavily showcased. Overton, who plays both outside and occasionally covers, continually made an impact. He displayed his athleticism at 6-foot-5 and 278 pounds but must demonstrate more consistency to solidify his draft stock. Continued strong performances could see him land in late Round 1 or early to mid Round 2.

Miller: Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is receiving attention as a Round 1 candidate after sitting out three games due to a hand injury. However, his return against Texas highlighted ongoing accuracy challenges in the midst of pressure. Mateer tossed three interceptions, with one hit his receiver’s hands extending away from him. With another year of eligibility, Mateer still has the opportunity to determine his own future, and that could be his route.

Reid: Observing Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (6-7, 366) against Missouri’s impressive edge duo of Zion Young and Damon Wilson II was promising. Though he allowed nine pressures earlier in the season, he demonstrated improved pass protection against the Tigers. Proctor’s performance in this game was crucial for his evaluation due to his mix of agility and strength. The next few weeks against strong teams like Tennessee, South Carolina, LSU, and Oklahoma could be pivotal for his draft stock.

Kiper: Georgia’s CJ Allen played a key role in the game versus Auburn, completing 10 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss, and defending a pass. His skills in read-and-react, coupled with speed and physicality, position him well for the next level. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Allen took on significant blocks in the run game, made impactful plays during coverage, and pressured the quarterback effectively. I anticipate seeing him in the first round as my first Big Board reveals this week.

Kiper: Oregon’s defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington showcased strong performance in the recent loss, registering a sack along with three tackles. His skill set displays good agility and quickness, providing significant disruption. Washington’s physical stature at 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds gives him the capacity to play effectively at the point of engagement. He also stands as another player capable of pushing his way into the early rounds.

Reid: Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt enhanced his rapport with Mendoza, contributing eight catches for 121 yards and a touchdown against Oregon. His ball-handling and contested catch ability shone through, helping him become a reliable target. While Sarratt (6-2, 209) may lack elite deep-speed, his emphasis on refining routes assists him in carving out space in short-to-intermediate areas. Viewed as a mid-round target, he holds promise for teams seeking receivers ready to contribute swiftly.

Kiper: In a season with limited running back options, Texas’ Quintrevion Wisner has the potential to rise. His performance was a significant factor in Texas’s victory over Oklahoma, as he has returned from a prior hamstring injury to showcase agility and explosiveness between the tackles. Showing aptitude in both rushing and receiving roles, Wisner is difficult to contain with the ball at 6 feet and 194 pounds. Having amassed 1,064 rushing yards and 44 receptions last season, Wisner asserted his value with 94 rushing yards and 34 receiving yards in Saturday’s game. He is genuinely a well-rounded prospect and is currently projected as a third- or fourth-rounder.

Kiper: Here’s an intriguing late-Day 3 name. Illinois State’s receiver Daniel Sobkowicz, a fourth-year starter, has demonstrated notable skills. In Saturday’s game against Murray State, he caught eight passes for 162 yards and scored a touchdown while also finding paydirt on the ground. His size (6-foot-3/205-pounds) gives him an edge in deep receptions, and Sobkowicz cleverly adjusts his routes based on coverage schemes. He’s impactful on his routes and possesses reliable hands, raising questions about his speed to be evaluated during all-star events or at the combine.

Oct. 5

Does Nico Iamaleava fit into this quarterback draft class after his recent performance?

Reid: Iamaleava had a shaky start this season. His first four games landed him near the bottom in QBR ranking (54.4). However, in Saturday’s game against the strongest opponent faced, Iamaleava displayed a different caliber of play, achieving a 97.4 QBR. He finished 17-of-24 passing for 166 yards, accompanied by two touchdown passes, and showcased impressive agility, gaining another 128 yards and scoring three touchdowns on the ground on 16 carries.

What implications does this have for his draft outlook? Iamaleava stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 215 pounds, ideally fitting this dual-threat mold with a robust arm, but he’s still early in his development stage. Currently possessing 19 starts, I don’t expect Iamaleava to declare for the 2026 draft, placing him in Day 3 conversations for now, but he may benefit from continued development before exploring options in the 2027 or even 2028 draft.

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Call it now: How many Miami players will go in Round 1?

Miller: I anticipate two… potentially three. Miami showcases an impressive pair of prospects along the trenches, one of whom is excelling to a greater extent than any other college player currently. Rueben Bain Jr., a defensive end, has put together an extraordinary season, registering two sacks along with numerous impactful plays. At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, his unique blend of power and speed confirms his status as a viable early projection candidate. Bain exhibits skills akin to Trey Hendrickson’s, establishing himself as a top-five draft pick.

Across the field, the Hurricanes’ offensive line features Francis Mauigoa, whom some scouts project will shift to guard in the NFL due to his stellar run blocking. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, his effectiveness dominating defensively has contributed significantly to Miami’s performance, especially in the game against Florida State. His performance has been superior to that of any offensive tackle in college football presently. The pre-draft assessment events will be critical in determining whether NFL teams view him as a guard or tackle, but currently, he’s performing at a top-15 draft level.

Another wild card is quarterback Carson Beck. Originally viewed as a Round 1-caliber player last year, his stock has weakened. Since transferring from Georgia, he has shown consistently clean play this season, including four touchdown passes against Florida State, eliciting reminders of his potential when pressing in the pocket. Beck seems significantly improved compared to 2024, as he has recovered from pressure situations. In a draft void of a clear QB1, this gives him a path to return closer to Round 1 validity.

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What additional insights are emerging?

Miller: Ohio State is a current WR factory for NFL scouts, with senior wideout Carnell Tate continuing to affirm his status as a professional-ready receiver. On Saturday against Minnesota, Tate recorded nine catches for 183 yards and a touchdown, showcasing an impressive route tree and professionalism that we have come to appreciate. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Tate has what it takes to secure a Round 1 grade, particularly in a class deficient in top-tier receiver talent. While Tate may not surpass Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) as the premier receiver, he has pushed his positioning within the WR2 conversation.

Reid: Notably, Beck has completed four games registering four touchdowns and no interceptions across two seasons — the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision during this timeframe according to ESPN Research. As a proficient pocket passer, Beck rhythmically stays on-course within the Hurricanes’ scheme. Prior to the season, I considered Beck a mid-round prospect, but he’s trending upwards. Like Matt, I anticipate him entering the discussion among early-round candidates following a strong beginning to the season.

Kiper: Louisville receiver Chris Bell is a Day 2 candidate with potential to creep into Day 1 consideration. After securing ten receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown against Pitt, he excelled again with 12 catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia. His imposing 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame allows him to dominate with a power forward’s mentality. Cornerbacks have difficulty contending with his physical style; Bell consistently wins on contested plays and excels after the catch. Though he occasionally body catches, he has become more reliable lately. His intense competitive spirit is one to monitor in this WR class.

Miller: Penn State’s running game has been inconsistent early on, raising questions about why head coach James Franklin hasn’t leaned heavily on top backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. In the defeat to UCLA, both combined for 89 yards on 19 carries, as the Nittany Lions struggled to match the pace of the Bruins’ offense.

Singleton, who was initially rated as my second-best RB in this class, has struggled for momentum behind an underwhelming offensive line. Conversely, Allen has quietly emerged as a more productive player despite receiving less recognition. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 217 pounds, he is establishing himself as a downhill threat. Conference play is crucial; will Penn State lean further into the running game?

Singleton, measuring at 6-foot and 224 pounds, is versatile as a runner, receiver, and blocker, initially deemed a late-round 1 prospect. Notably, Kansas City is encountering difficulty establishing a potent running attack; Singleton’s explosive running combined with a receiving skill set would be a valuable asset for their system.

Reid: Prior to the season, Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell was another player I earmarked as a breakout candidate. Having waited behind two top-40 picks, his patience has shown dividends. With his second three-sack performance of the season against Mississippi State, his total rises to seven. Howell’s agility and versatility make him a formidable rusher. Though he must exhibit productivity against tougher teams within the conference, upcoming matchups against Florida and LSU will provide great opportunities for him to advance his draft standing. Currently, I slot Howell among the top 50 prospects, ranking him firmly within the top five edge rushers.

Kiper: Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday delivered an impressive performance with 12 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a defended pass against Iowa State, showcasing all-around impact. Over five games, Golday has compiled 48 tackles and brings a tenacious tackling style and agility across the field. Having transitioned from Central Arkansas last year, Golday has added significant value to the Bearcats’ defensive scheme. His versatile athletic ability positions him favorably in Day 2 discussions.

Sept. 28

What are scouts saying regarding Drew Allar’s season initiation?

Miller: Allar is regarded as possessing talent with commendable physical attributes and agility but falters under the pressure. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound quarterback has demonstrated consistent accuracy and decent timing. However, following his performance against Oregon, doubts festered; he ended up performing 14-of-25 with 137 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The decent touchdowns are overshadowed by a lackluster yardage per attempt, which underscores the need for steadiness and mental processing under duress.

«He exhibits heightened anxiety under pressure; he will thrive with a clean pocket but falters when the rush intensifies,» explained a scout from the NFC East.

Despite accumulating 43 starts in college, another scout from the AFC West contends, «He displays a need for further grooming; not necessarily in mechanics, but in processing speed, as he fails to discern plays quickly.»

Date recognition and previous program prestige will likely retain Allar within early-round talks, although the inconsistency in play could hinder his aspirations for an NFL starting position. Recent feedback from six scouts indicated they anticipate him likely falling to Round 3.

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How many potential top-50 picks exist on Ohio State’s roster, and who stood out most on Saturday?

Reid: Their impressive victory against Washington underscored Ohio State’s depth this season. I count five Buckeyes warranting top-50 evaluations for 2026: safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Arvell Reese, wide receiver Carnell Tate, linebacker Sonny Styles, and tight end Max Klare.

The standout against Washington was Reese, initially projected a late-round pick. However, since stepping into a starting role this season, he’s become the defense’s leading prospect — even surpassing Downs in present value. On Saturday, the 6-foot-4, 243-pounder demonstrated his agility as a secondary defender and as an edge rusher, recording five tackles. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia often assigns him to spy on Washington’s QB Demond Williams Jr., relying on his speed and ferocity in tackles.

After speaking with multiple scouts pre-game, they expressed excitement surrounding Reese’s range of skills. His inclined climb through the draft could see him move into Round 1 speculation. If this trajectory continues, he could become the first linebacker selected and a top-20 pick.

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What else are we discovering?

Reid: As noted, Allar is a concern, but Oregon’s Dante Moore played exceptionally against UI, firing 29-for-39 for 289 yards and three touchdowns. His poise was impressive, displaying no indicative panic despite the hostilities. Following a 14-point challenge from Penn State, Moore held strong, consistently delivering accurate passes across multiple levels, making substantial connections during crucial moments.

While scouts deliberate his 2025 draft prospects, many estimate him to be among the most accomplished QB candidates this season. Moore recently became the third Oregon player in three decades achieving three or more passing scores across four of the first five games (Bo Nix in 2023 and Akili Smith in 1998). The performance has ignited noticeable observer concern, even with Moore having only five starts in his career.

Kiper: Yes, Moore’s ascension positions him as a potential first overall pick, showcasing noteworthy potential; while I wish to shed light on an underappreciated quarterback: Jaden Craig. This 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect is excelling at Harvard and possessed skills conducive to Power 4 caliber performance. Craig’s composure on the move is noteworthy, and he remains focused on distributing the ball over scrambling for yardage. He’s tallied six touchdown passes — including four during Saturday’s game against Brown — accompanied by no interceptions across two games while boasting a 77.3% completion rate. Currently recognized as a Day 3 candidate, potential strong showings at all-star events may propel him higher on draft boards.

Miller: «Now that’s a first-round running back,» came a text from an NFL general manager during Notre Dame’s decisive win over Arkansas, referencing tailback Jeremiyah Love, who tallied four touchdowns in the first half. Observers were eagerly waiting for his breakout, having recovered from a knee injury sustained last season. Even after limited play in the second half, Love put up 57 rushing yards along with two scores and complemented his 70 receiving yards with an additional two touchdowns on five receptions. His remarkable explosiveness, along with reliable receiving capabilities, positions him as a likely top-10 prospect in this draft class.

Miller: Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson continues cementing his reputation as WR1 in the 2026 draft class, emerging again after a Friday night win over TCU, recording eight receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Despite improvement issues last season, Tyson (6-2, 200 pounds) has emerged as a more reliable receiver with a singular run-after-catch ability. His attention to detail in positional technique has enhanced his performance, making him the frontrunner as the premier receiver in this draft class. Tyson’s draft projection could land him among the top-15 picks.

Reid: Another receiver receiving accolades from scouts is Makai Lemon of USC. Having previously mentioned him, he continued to shine with 11 receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns against Illinois. Demonstrating skillful route dynamics and strong hands, Lemon is effective in any receiving role, whether in the slot or on the perimeter. Standing at 5-11 and 195 pounds, he creates separation effortlessly while also making contested catches, such as a spectacular grab in the fourth quarter. Initially perceived as a mid-round pick, Lemon is increasingly viewed as a top candidate in the battle for WR1 status against Tyson.

Kiper: Oregon’s edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei achieved four tackles and one sack versus Penn State. His relentless pursuit and hustle on the field garnered attention. With a combined score of agility and physicality, scouts’ opinions varied; with some viewing him as a late-round player while others contended he was a Day 2 candidate within a crowded defensive line class. He currently ranks as my fifth-best edge rusher.

Kiper: Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright has now logged catches extending beyond 25 yards in every game this season, highlighted by a 26-yarder against LSU. This Virginia Tech grad transfer has consistently come through in critical moments, including two fourth-down catches on Saturday, with a 20-yard play securing the game. While he shows undeniable playmaking capacity, enhancing his blocking skills will be key. At present, I project him as potential Day 3 selection.