Let’s take a look around college football at which NFL Draft prospects are on the rise and which prospects haven’t lived up to preseason hype. There is a lot of season left and things can change, but this is a good way to keep track throughout the year.
Stock Up
Auburn RB Jeremiah Cobb – He was a dynamic kick returner in 2024 who is making plays as a runner so far this season. After 74 yards against Baylor in the season opener, Cobb has posted consecutive 100+ yard rushing games and has a touchdown in all three games this season.
Oklahoma QB John Mateer – I had Mateer as my QB3 prior to the season, and he hasn’t done anything but elevate his game. After taking down Michigan in prime time, the Sooners are set to host Auburn this week in a critical SEC matchup.
Illinois S Matthew Bailey – The 6’2 junior has recorded 6 tackles in each of the last two games. His versatility to play in the box, the slot and deep safety make him an intriguing prospect. He showed off against Duke, leading the team in tackles, forcing and recovering a fumble.
Washington RB Jonah Coleman – Built like a bowling ball with a torso and head, Coleman’s lower body is something to marvel at. He’s short, compact, but moves with grace and elegance. He’s firmly in the conversation for 2026’s top running back.
Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson – He has been my QB1 from the beginning and I stand by it. From everything about his offseason performance at the Manning Passing Academy to currently ranking 2nd in FBS with 1,070 yards through 3 games, Robertson is showing why he’s a top QB in this class.
Miami Edge Rueben Bain Jr. – The preseason edge rusher rankings were all over the place because there were question marks with some top prospects. Bain has shut down any questions through three weeks and I don’t expect him to stop. I think he’s the best defensive player in the entire class.
Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren – We often talk about who is the best non-Power 4 prospect, and the 2026 draft could have a hidden gem in northwestern Ohio. After posting back-to-back 83+ PFF graded seasons, McNeil-Warren has a 92.5 defense grade in 2025 including a 92.3 coverage grade.
Texas S Michael Taafe – He leads the country in PFF tackle grade, and he’s only given up 3 receptions for 22 yards on the season. He hasn’t missed a single tackle while lining up at free safety 90% of snaps. He’s consistent and should be a top 75 pick come April.
Arizona S Genesis Smith – Coming off his best performance of the season, posting an impressive 88.5 PFF defense grade against my K-State Wildcats. He was all over the field and was clearly the best player in the game on Friday. He’s 6’2 and if he keeps playing like this the ceiling is the roof.
Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II – Something we talked about on our Thursday night show on Draft Professors was the lack of a true X-receiver at the top of the class. Brazzell lines up wide 93% of the time. Don’t be surprised if he ends up in the top 40.
Baylor TE Michael Trigg – Trigg already has 13 receptions for 151 yards. He commands the middle of the field, which is where 11 of his 13 catches including his lone touchdown were thrown. He’s not as much of a vertical threat as a chain mover, but he’s become a dependable target for Robertson.
Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq – He’s one of the most polarizing offensive weapons in the entire class, and by far the most athletic tight end. Sadiq is also an excellent and willing blocker. His ability to make plays in the passing game and dominate the run game could vault him to TE1.
Stock Down
Oregon RB Mahki Hughes – Many analysts and scouts had Hughes at the top of this year’s RBs going into the season after two huge seasons at Tulane. He’s played three games with the Ducks and has carried the ball 11 times for just 37 yards and has yet to score a touchdown.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik – The record speaks for itself after losses to LSU at home and Georgia Tech, but the film may be worse. A lot of people had Klubnik going in the first round, but I just don’t see that happening unless the offense turns around quickly.
Florida DT Caleb Banks – One of my favorite players in the entire class was just sidelined with another injury. After missing the first two games of the season, Banks returned for the LSU game this past weekend but sustained another injury. Unfortunate news for a potential first rounder.
Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor – The 6’7 366-pound left tackle had a tough opener against Florida State, giving up 6 pressures, 1 sack and recording a penalty in the game. He hasn’t looked as athletic as I thought when I had him as a top 10 player in the class prior to the season. The tools are still there.
Clemson Edge TJ Parker – After an 11-sack season last year, expectations were high for Parker. But through three games, he’s posted just 1 sack and only 2 QB hurries. He appears to lack the explosiveness and closing speed of an elite pass rusher.
Kansas State S VJ Payne – This was one of my favorite safeties in the class heading into the season, but I think he’s going to be a mid-late Day 2 guy at best. His over aggressiveness in stopping the run gets him burnt often and teams exploit this. The K-State D has been bad and he’s partially responsible.
Clemson OT Blake Miller – Pretty much everything has gone bad for Clemson to start the season. Miller posted back-to-back 75+ PFF offensive grades in 2023 and 2024 but has just a 69.0 PFF offense grade this year. His run block grade is 62.0. I think he’s firmly a tier or two below the elite OTs.
South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers – I still haven’t been able to see it with Sellers. I think he’d benefit greatly from returning to school and declaring for the 2027 NFL Draft. He was hurt against Vanderbilt but even before then he didn’t look good. Some alarming stats to me are a 37% pressure to sack rate (Shedeur Sanders had a 20%). He also has just 2 big time throws and 2 turnovers worth plays.
Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt – It was always a long shot to me that a gunslinging redshirt sophomore was going to go in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s just not ready yet, I’m out on him. He’s already thrown 3 interceptions and has 5 turnover worth plays despite having 3.22 seconds to throw on non-play action plays. He needs to improve his ability to process and move through his reads.
Baylor RB Bryson Washington – Some people had him as high as RB1 in this class prior to the season. I think he’s a Day 3 guy and he hasn’t done much to prove anything else. He’s tied for the second most rushing attempts in college football (66) but he’s averaging just 2.7 yards per carry. He’s only forced 9 missed tackles, far lower than anyone else with 51+ carries.
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