2026 NFL draft questions, latest intel, risers, standouts

We’re through Week 5 of the 2025 college football season, and this past slate of games saw some wild outcomes. The No. 3, No. 4, No. 5 and No. 8 teams in the country all lost, though No. 3 Penn State fell at the hands of No. 6-ranked Oregon. The Ducks outlasted the Nittany Lions in double-overtime.

The 2026 NFL draft is still roughly half a year away. But our NFL draft analysts are always looking down the road, taking early notes on top prospects and starting to stack their rankings for an exciting class.

With that in mind, Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller and Jordan Reid will size up CFB action through a draft-centric lens on Sunday mornings all season long. (Save this link!) They will answer lingering questions on the best 2026 prospects, share insights from scouts, pick out risers to watch and pull back the curtain on their evaluation process. Here is what they’ve seen and heard through Week 5.

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Sept. 28

What are scouts saying about the start to Drew Allar’s season?

Miller: The line on Allar from scouts is that he’s talented and toolsy with prototypical arm talent and mobility — but that he also fails to rise to the moment. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound signal-caller has played with consistent timing, accuracy and pace from the pocket. But we saw him struggle against top-tier talent last season, and Allar’s play against Oregon was unfortunately what we’ve come to expect when Penn State needs him to carry the team. He went 14-of-25 for 137 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The two scores were encouraging, but the 5.5 yards per attempt and one pick indicate that the game is not slowing down for Allar in his senior season.

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“He’s still way too panicked in the pocket. Keep it clean and simple, and he’ll carve you up, but any pressure, and his eyes go to the rush,” is how one NFC East area scout put it.

Despite Allar’s 43 starts in college so far, an AFC West area scout said, “To me, he looks like a player that needs upper-level quarterback development still. Not mechanically or athletically, but from a processing standpoint, he’s not seeing it fast enough.”

Name recognition, program legacy and his great physical tools will keep Allar in early-round conversations, but his tape isn’t consistent enough to earn him a starting QB label from NFL teams. I polled six scouts Saturday night, and all of them see him as a likely Round 3 option.

How many top-50 picks do you see on Ohio State’s roster — and which stood out the most Saturday?

Reid: An impressive victory against Washington showed just how much depth the Buckeyes have this season. I count five Buckeyes with top-50 grades for 2026: safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Arvell Reese, wide receiver Carnell Tate, linebacker Sonny Styles and tight end Max Klare.

But it was Reese who really popped against Washington. He was viewed as a late-round prospect coming into the season, but Reese has been the Buckeyes’ best prospect on defense — yes, even more so than Downs — since becoming a starter in 2025. On Saturday, the 6-foot-4, 243-pounder showcased his versatility as a second-level defender and edge rusher, picking up five tackles. Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia tasked him with spying Washington QB Demond Williams Jr., putting his closing speed and physical play to use.

I spoke to multiple scouts in Seattle prior to the game, and they were buzzing about Reese’s skill set. The talented linebacker has catapulted into the Round 1 discussion. And if he continues on this rapid climb up boards, he has a chance to be the first linebacker selected and a top-20 pick.

What else are we seeing and hearing?

Reid: Matt already mentioned Allar, but I can’t say enough about the poise of the other QB in that game: Oregon’s Dante Moore. Scouts have been waiting to see him face a high-level opponent, and Moore went 29-for-39 for 289 yards and three touchdowns. He plays with an unflappable demeanor; he never showed panic in his game, despite the hostile environment. And even after Penn State put up 14 unanswered points to send the game to overtime, Moore consistently and accurately found his targets at all three levels of the field, making big play after big play in the extra frames.

Scouts are still on the fence about whether he will declare for the draft after this season, but he has been one of the best QB prospects in the class through five weeks. Moore just became only the third Oregon player in the past 30 years with three or more passing touchdowns in four of the team’s first five games of a season (Bo Nix in 2023 and Akili Smith in 1998). Evaluators have certainly taken notice, despite the 6-3, 206-pound QB starting only five career games to this point.

Kiper: Yeah, Moore is playing like a potential first overall pick. He has that ceiling. But I instead want to highlight an under-the-radar QB: Jaden Craig. This 6-foot-2, 215-pound signal-caller might play at Harvard, but he could have been a solid Power 4 quarterback. Craig has an NFL arm, and he uses it on the move. When he gets outside the pocket, he isn’t looking to run; he’s looking to throw. Craig processes and sees the field well, and he shows the accuracy and touch to deliver the ball downfield and into tight windows.

Craig has six TD passes — including four Saturday against Brown — and no interceptions through two games, and he’s completing 77.3% of his throws. I think he’s a Day 3 pick right now, but the arrow is pointing up. I like what I’m seeing on tape, and a good all-star event showing could push him up boards even further.

Miller: “Now that’s what a first-round running back looks like,” is what one NFL general manager texted me during Notre Dame’s blowout win against Arkansas. Tailback Jeremiyah Love scored four touchdowns in the first half. We’ve been waiting for the true breakout game as he ramps up after ending last season with a knee injury. And if Saturday was any indication, Love is warm now. Despite sitting for most of the second half, Love had 57 rushing yards and two scores on 14 carries, along with 70 receiving yards and two more scores on five catches. His ability as a home run hitter, plus what the 6-foot, 214-pound back brings to the table as a pass catcher, makes him a potential top-10 talent in this draft class.

Miller: Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson continues to build his résumé as WR1 in the 2026 class. Friday night’s win over TCU saw him grab eight passes for 126 yards and two scores. Tyson (6-2, 200 pounds) has improved his consistency as a pass catcher while still being the run-after-catch threat that made him so unstoppable last season. The work he has done to perfect his positional craft is impressive, and it’s allowing him to run away from the pack as the top receiver in the class. Tyson could be a top-15 pick.

Reid: Another wide receiver prospect whom scouts have been complimentary of this season is USC’s Makai Lemon. I talked about him here last week, and he kept rolling with 11 receptions for 151 receiving yards and two touchdowns Saturday against Illinois. Lemon is a savvy route runner who catches everything, and he can be effective from the slot or on the outside. Lemon (5-11, 195 pounds) can create separation with ease, but he can also make contested catches when needed, as he had a miraculous fourth-quarter grab Saturday. Lemon came into the season as a middle-round prospect, but I actually think he can battle Tyson as a WR1 candidate.

Reid: Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei finished with four tackles and a sack against Penn State. The most impressive part of his performance was his hustle and ball pursuit. Because of his relentless motor, the 6-foot-5, 272-pound standout was able to create constant disruption as a run defender and pass rusher. Coming into the season, scouts had mixed opinions on his projection; some viewed him as a late Round 1 prospect, while others thought he was more of a Day 2 guy in a loaded defensive line group. He’s the No. 5 edge rusher on my own board.

Kiper: Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright now has catches over 25 yards in all four games played this season, after adding a 26-yarder against LSU. The Virginia Tech transfer has consistently come up big. On Saturday, he had two fourth-down catches, including a 20-yard pickup on fourth-and-3 to ice the win. The big-play ability is there, and he’s a reliable pass catcher who can be flexed out wide. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound senior just needs to improve his blocking. At the moment, I’d put him in the Day 3 range.

Miller: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza made a handful of NFL-level throws this weekend against Iowa. With considerable pressure in his face all day, Mendoza (13-for-23, 233 yards, 2 TDs and one INT) made big-time throws with accuracy and timing. And he’s still building chemistry with playmakers like running back Roman Hemby and wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, so the production could get even better for the 6-5, 225-pound passer. I haven’t heard Round 1 talk from NFL scouts yet, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that buzz get going as we get into October.

Reid: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor continues to be one of the most interesting prospects in this draft class. He has flashes that suggest a potential early-round pick. But then there are lapses in play where he looks more like a middle-round prospect. A strong argument could be made that he had one of the best games of his career against Georgia, though. Proctor was physical as a pass protector and constantly showed his bruising ability as he paved lanes in the run game. He even caught one of the most entertaining screen passes that you’ll ever see, as he gained 11 yards and almost scored. The athletic traits and power of Proctor showed, but he needs to find more consistency.

Kiper: Jordan mentioned a bunch of early-round Buckeyes, but here’s a sleeper from that roster. Edge rusher Caden Curry leads the team in sacks (five) and tackles for loss (five), and he is third in tackles (16). His game is built on consistency and hustle; he never lets up. At 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, Curry is solid against the run. He can drop in coverage. And he is versatile enough along the line that he can generate pressure no matter where he is lined up. He actually had a sack Saturday when kicked inside over the nose tackle. When I watch Curry play, I think “future Steeler.” He plays with that mentality. Watch him as a Day 3 prospect with plenty of potential to rise before April.

Sept. 23

What does John Mateer’s right hand injury mean for his draft stock?

Reid: Mateer will be sidelined for about a month after suffering an injury to his throwing hand. He is expected to undergo surgery. Mateer was climbing rankings quickly after impressive early-season performances against Michigan and Auburn. He was viewed as a middle-round prospect coming into the season after transferring from Washington State to Oklahoma, but scouts were starting to mention him in the early-Day 2 discussions. He’s the No. 4 QB on my board, though he began the 2025 season outside my top five at the position.

Now, missing a month could keep Mateer outside the top 50 picks. Returning for a late-season stretch of games against ranked opponents — including Alabama, Missouri and LSU — could help him salvage his Round 1 potential. Evaluators are taking a wait-and-see approach following his injury. It should be noted that Mateer also has the option to return to school because he has another year of eligibility.

At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, he plays with an aggressive mentality and fearlessness. He operates well inside the pocket, isn’t afraid of testing tight windows and throws with anticipation in the Sooners’ up-tempo offense. Mateer was off to a fast start this season with 1,215 passing yards and six TD passes — and the underrated runner added another 190 rushing yards and five more scores on the ground through four games.

Sept. 21

What are you seeing from USC’s top two receivers?

Reid: Trojans wideout Makai Lemon was generating plenty of interest from scouts I spoke with Saturday in Los Angeles at USC’s win over Michigan State. He caught eight passes for 127 yards and a touchdown (40 yards), and then he also rushed twice for 11 more yards and an additional score. A polished route runner, Lemon transitions well in and out of his breaks. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, he’s capable of lining up in the slot or on the outside, and his reliability at the catch point has shined through four games this season. Lemon has also shown that he can be an adequate return specialist at the next level. At this point in the season, he looks like a potential early-Day 2 pick.

Of course, Lemon isn’t even the highest-ranked WR prospect on USC’s roster. Ja’Kobi Lane entered the season as my No. 2-ranked receiver, and I haven’t moved off that grade through four games. He missed Saturday’s game with an injury, but he has nine catches for 239 yards and a touchdown over three games. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Lane is a long strider with unique ball-tracking skills. He’s able to sky over defenders and make catches as a vertical threat. Lane still needs to refine his route tree and show more consistency in the short-to-intermediate areas, but he for sure has the potential to be a top-50 pick.

What stood out about Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza vs. Illinois?

Miller: Mendoza turned in the single best performance of any player in the country this week. Facing the No. 9-ranked Fighting Illini — a team that had allowed just 22 points all season — Mendoza was nearly flawless. He completed 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards and five touchdown throws. His command from the pocket stood out consistently throughout the game, as he was comfortable and confident standing tall and throwing darts downfield.

Look ahead to the 2026 NFL draft

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Mendoza is an on-time passer who gives his receivers plenty of time and room to run after the catch, and his best attribute is how accurately he delivers the ball. Passes were right where they needed to be Saturday. After transferring from California this offseason, the biggest question marks for Mendoza were his ability to play against better competition and whether he could cut down on turnover-worthy throws where he overtrusted his arm. He has done both of those things this season with 14 touchdown passes and no interceptions in four games. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound quarterback is easily one of the most improved players in the class.

There is no set-in-stone QB1 for next year, and Mendoza’s play is putting him into that conversation. The success of on-target passers like Jared Goff — whom Mendoza reminds me of — will only help to boost his stock if his strong play continues.

What else are we seeing and hearing?

Miller: The Clemson defense was billed as an elite unit featuring first-round prospects along the defensive line and at cornerback. But much like Florida State’s much-heralded defense last year, not all of the prospects have lived up to expectations. Defensive tackle Peter Woods — a player considered to be a top-five prospect before the season began — has failed to make a real impact and has yet to record his first sack this season. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder’s tape from prior seasons showed a player who was rarely moved around by offensive linemen, but this year, his ability to get off blocks and finish plays is missing. There’s time to turn it around, but the junior defensive tackle’s stock might be slipping.

Reid: One prospect who immediately caught my attention while I was out on the scouting trail this weekend was USC linebacker Eric Gentry. At 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, Gentry is a long and rangy defender with a wiry build. Primarily playing at the second level, he’s an explosive enforcer from his inside linebacker spot. Scouts are intrigued by his potential at the next level because of his instincts and range when chasing ball carriers. Gentry will be a bit of a polarizing prospect because of his frame; he needs to add more weight. But when asking scouts about him, many believed that he’s a middle-round prospect.

Kiper: Michigan running back Justice Haynes is making a case to be a third- or fourth-round pick next April. He’s the son of Verron Haynes, a former Georgia running back who I scouted before he went in the fifth round of the 2002 draft to the Steelers. The younger Haynes was great Saturday against Nebraska, carrying the ball 17 times for 149 yards and a score.

At 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, he plays with a low center of gravity and generates powerful leg drive. This isn’t a running back who is going to dance around behind the line of scrimmage and take a tackle for loss; he’s a one-cut-and-go runner with good body lean. But once he gets through the hole, he can be hard to catch. Haynes has four carries for 50-plus yards this season, helping him to 537 yards and six TDs through four games. The Alabama transfer also stands out as a pass catcher and blocker. He high-pointed a catch Saturday, and his ability to pass protect is evident on the tape.

Miller: One of the best matchups of the day was the Texas Tech pass-rush duo of David Bailey and Romello Height against Utah offensive tackles Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano. This was a résumé game with best-versus-best attributes, and Bailey walked away from the field the clear winner of the four prospects.

Matched up across from Fano for much of the game, Bailey’s first-step quickness kept Fano off-balance. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, his ability to counter with power and use of his arm length really frustrated the Utah right tackle. Fano entered the matchup as my top-ranked tackle thanks to his experience at both tackle spots, but his lack of anchor strength at 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds was noticeable. He’s still a Round 1 player — we don’t overreact to one game here — but Bailey’s strong showing (3 tackles, 1 sack) against elite competition is tape to go back to throughout the process. Bailey has the makings of a top-75 player.

Reid: One of the best edge rusher duos in the country is at Missouri. Damon Wilson II (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) and Zion Young (6-foot-5, 262 pounds) have continued to climb up boards after a strong start to the season. Wilson spent the first two years of his career at Georgia before transferring to the Tigers, and after recording a half-sack against South Carolina, he has already matched his career high in sacks (3.0) from a season ago. He still needs to refine his hand usage as a pass rusher, and that would allow him to climb the board even more.

Young, meanwhile, is more versatile in that he can put his length to use as both a run defender and pass rusher. He had two tackles for loss and a sack Saturday. With an explosive first step and the hand power to match, Young is viewed as a top-50 prospect.

Kiper: Second week in a row that I’m piggybacking off something Jordan pointed out, but I had to call out Young — he was terrific Saturday. The stat line doesn’t even tell the full story. Young was disruptive, and I love his length, power and burst. He shows really strong eye discipline, too. His game is consistent, and I think he’s going to be really good in a pass rush rotation in the NFL. Right now, I see a third- or fourth-rounder, but Young keeps climbing the board, so don’t be surprised if he ultimately goes even earlier.

Miller: Arkansas’ close loss to Memphis perfectly summarized the Taylen Green experience. The Razorback quarterback is a playmaker with a big arm and the running ability to go through or around defenders. Each week he’s putting the team on his back and carrying the offense. But on Saturday, a late interception in the fourth quarter cost the team, before a fumble by running back Mike Washington Jr. while driving for a go-ahead field goal ultimately kept Arkansas from winning.

Green showed the traits that scouts love while throwing for 325 yards and a touchdown pass and adding 53 yards as a runner, but his two interceptions on the day point to a prospect who is still growing. There was some QB1 rumblings about Green, and the tools are fun, but he has to clean up his decision-making before he’s ready for that title.

Kiper: Here’s an FCS name to file away as a potential late-round pick next April — Youngstown State wide receiver Max Tomczak. You might recognize that last name; Max is the nephew of Mike Tomczak, who played quarterback for Ohio State and then was a member of the 1985 Bears. Max was a walk-on at Youngstown State, and he put together three solid seasons before jumping out to a good start again in 2025. Through four games, Tomczak has 21 catches for 306 yards and a TD. The 6-foot, 195-pounder posted seven catches for 116 yards Saturday against Towson, and some of those grabs came in the fourth quarter when the Penguins needed them.

Tomczak is a nuanced route runner, and he recognizes different coverages well. He adjusts on the ball in the air and then has the hands to secure it. And I see the versatility to play outside or inside — and return punts. I’m hoping to see him at an all-star event against better competition after the season, but he’s the type of player who will fight his way onto an NFL roster.

Sept. 14

Has Carson Beck revived his draft stock at Miami? What are scouts saying about his status?

Reid: Coming into last season, Beck was viewed as a potential first overall pick for 2025 — but an inconsistent final year at Georgia created questions. He didn’t declare for the draft, instead transferring to Miami, where he aimed to reestablish and revive his draft stock.

Well, Beck has 812 passing yards, seven touchdown passes and two interceptions through three games, and his 89.9 QBR is fourth in the nation. He threw for 340 yards in Miami’s win against South Florida on Saturday. Beck (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) looks comfortable in the team’s adjusted offense (Miami ran more up-tempo, Air Raid-style last season) and has routinely stayed on-schedule and in rhythm — sneaky good traits in his skill set.

He entered the season with primarily Day 3 grades from scouts, and they are taking notice of his early-season play. He is certainly trending up. But evaluators aren’t ready to put Beck back into that first-round conversation just yet. Most still consider him for the middle rounds.

Has anything changed in the WR1 race through Week 3?

Miller: Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson is still the front-runner. He’s averaging 104.7 receiving yards per game this season (tied for 10th in the FBS) and has four TD catches, including one Saturday against Texas State. Tyson (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) had drop issues last year, but he has emerged as a more polished pass catcher (just one drop on 37 targets though three games). His deep-route-running ability and how well he separates over the top still has him as the top receiver in the class.

However … the WR1 race is very wide open, and Alabama’s Germie Bernard is emerging in the mix. He has been the best thing about Alabama football so far this season. Scouts had him with a fringe Round 1-2 grade over the summer. But to me, he’s right in the WR1 convo with Tyson and has a game very similar to Emeka Egbuka as a college receiver. At 6-foot-1 and 204 pounds, he is already a high-end route runner with good physicality and strength. Bernard had two scores in Saturday’s blowout win over Wisconsin — one on the ground and another through the air.

What else are we seeing and hearing?

Kiper: Right tackle Spencer Fano gets most of the recognition on Utah’s offensive line, but left tackle Caleb Lomu deserves to be in the same conversation. He’s a Round 1-caliber player despite 14 career starts. In the Utes’ big win over Wyoming, he showed really strong footwork and technique. Lomu mirrors well, and he handles twists and stunts without much problem. And Lomu is strong as a run blocker; he can pull and get to the second level, though he needs to improve as a drive blocker. Keep an eye on both of these Utah tackles.

Miller: Scouts were buzzing all week after Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer carved up the Michigan defense last Saturday. “It’s going to be very hard to not think Round 1 with him if he keeps this up,” said an NFC West scout. The 6-foot-1, 224-pound Mateer, who transferred from Washington State, has another year of eligibility, but his red-hot start has his stock soaring in a QB class that does not yet have a lock on the top guy. We saw more classic Mateer Saturday against Temple, as he threw one touchdown pass and one interception while showing the arm angles and fun play in the pocket that makes him one of the most intriguing passers in the nation.

Miller: Mateer might be the hottest name among draft-eligible quarterbacks, but Fernando Mendoza is playing as well as anyone at the position. The Cal transfer has been at home in Curt Cignetti’s offense at Indiana. Against Indiana State on Friday night, Mendoza went 19-for-20 with 270 yards and five touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. That’s as close to flawless as you can get. Scouts I talked to over the summer were high on him after his junior season but wanted to see him cut down on turnovers. So far this season at Indiana, Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) has done that, throwing nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start getting attention from NFL scouts as a potential Round 1 player.

Reid: After an injury-riddled 2024 season, Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. has been terrific in the early parts of 2025 — and he is in the first-round picture. At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, he’s a bit of a tweener, and I’ve heard mixed opinions on his position at the next level. There are some scouts who like him as a 3-4 defensive end, while others believe he could transition to 3-technique with added bulk. Regardless, Bain’s combination of power and disruption makes him arguably one of the three best defensive linemen in a loaded class at the position. He has 1.5 sacks and 10 tackles over three games.

Kiper: I wanted to call out Bain, too. I just love the way he plays the game. He is constantly hustling and never takes plays off. Bain is powerful, bends well, shows speed off the edge and knows how to use his hands to get leverage. He can generate pressure inside and outside; I really like his inside moves, and he displays a reliable rip move to beat blockers. Taking the right angle to the QB is a very underrated trait for an edge rusher, and Bain does that as well as anyone. And it’s not just the pass rush. Bain can shed blockers and make run stops. He’s really disruptive, and if he stays healthy this season, he has top-10 upside.

Reid: When talking to scouts out on the road this week, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese was repeatedly mentioned as someone making the jump to another level this season. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is a rangy second-level defender who wears multiple hats in the Buckeyes’ scheme. He serves as a strongside linebacker, but defensive coordinator Matt Patricia also deploys him as an edge rusher. With explosive playmaking traits, Reese has 16 tackles and two sacks over three games. If his current level of play continues through conference matchups, he could start receiving Round 1 chatter, too.

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Miller: Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik had summer hype as a first-rounder, but NFL scouts are backpedaling faster than the cornerbacks he faces. One AFC East scout said: “I think he’s a Day 3 guy, and you saw why today. When his weapons were missing [including Antonio Williams], he looked average. OK arm, OK processing speed. Way too overhyped.”

Kiper: Yeah, I don’t want to overreact, but the quarterback class overall has been disappointing. Remember in the lead-up to the 2025 draft when everyone kept saying teams should wait until 2026 for this great group of QBs? Remember when there was talk about six or seven passers primed for Round 1? (I even predicted six first-rounders myself a few weeks ago, before the CFB season started.) Well, nothing has materialized. No one is really playing up to the preseason hype. Mateer and Mendoza have been the most impressive passers so far, but the rest of the bunch have underwhelmed. Speaking of Mendoza, his next three games (vs. Illinois, at Iowa and at Oregon) will be telling.

Reid: After missing the first two games of the season with a foot injury, Florida interior defender Caleb Banks made his season debut against LSU. But in the third quarter, Banks reaggravated the injury and was later seen on crutches and with a walking boot. The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder had significant buzz from NFL scouts over the summer, and some believed he had top-15 potential. His injury recovery is something to monitor moving forward.

Sept. 7

Which prospect caught your eye in Michigan-Oklahoma?

Miller: The Michigan defense was supposed to be the star of the show, but I couldn’t help but zero in on Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer. The Washington State transfer put the Sooners on his back with his strong right arm and mobility both inside and outside the pocket. Mateer rushed for 74 yards and a score, and he threw for another touchdown with 270 yards passing against a talented defense that features one of the country’s best D-lines.

Mateer (6-foot-1, 224 pounds) is a gunslinger, and he’ll take a lot of chances with passes that will make you hold your breath — but he also makes plays many other college QBs simply aren’t making at this point in the season. Mateer’s arm strength, mobility, moxie and playmaking mindset make for a great watch.

NFL scouts had a conservative Day 3 grade on Mateer this summer, but I’m seeing a player with enough starter traits to put him inside my top 50. And if he continues to play this well against SEC defenses, a Round 1 grade isn’t out of the question.

What have we learned about Arch Manning over two games?

Reid: Expectations for Manning were sky high entering the season. But he never got into a rhythm against Ohio State in Week 1, which led to erratic accuracy, late reads and poor overall decision-making. Manning managed just 170 passing yards, one TD throw and an interception. He did have a much better performance in Week 2 against San Jose State — 295 passing yards and four touchdown passes. There, Manning was more decisive, and the offense seemed to flow much better as a result. But he is very much still in the early stages of his first year as a starter.

Where Manning has been the most disappointing is his mechanics. His body hasn’t been in sync with his throwing motion, causing him inaccuracy on what should be routine throws. To really hit the next level, he needs to iron that out. As I’ve said since the summer, I still believe the earliest we’ll see Manning in the NFL is 2027.

Which potential first-round QB most needs a quick turnaround after a slow start to 2025?

Miller: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina. Let me start by saying I’m a Sellers fan. He’s my No. 1-ranked quarterback for the 2026 draft based on his potential and talent. That said, he has to be cleaner as a passer than he was on Saturday against South Carolina State. He was just 11-of-19 in a vanilla game plan. Much like we saw in the season opener against Virginia Tech, Sellers can overwhelm opponents with his mobility and arm talent, but he is still taking shots as a passer that are just too risky — which lead to incompletions and turnover-worthy plays. He is completing 60.5% of his passes right now, and he has been off-target 10.5% of the time.

Sellers (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) is incredibly talented, but he has to become a better on-target passer, especially in the pocket, and improve his on-time rhythm to take that next step as a prospect. He’s still holding firm as my QB1, but there are holes in his game that I’ll be watching this season.

Reid: Cade Klubnik, Clemson. Coming into the season, I was high on Klubnik as he showed a huge bump in his development throughout 2024. Based on the personnel and infrastructure in place at Clemson, there wasn’t a QB in the country who was better set up to succeed this year. But after watching him live against LSU last week, I see issues when he faces pressure. He was also indecisive and took too long to make decisions within the framework of the offense. Those concerns popped up again this weekend against Troy.

In talking to scouts around the league, Klubnik (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) is polarizing as a prospect because he has a lot of solid/average traits but lacks a dominant one. You need that one superior skill to catapult to the front of this QB class, and it’s why his draft grades are all over the place with NFL evaluators.

Which player is already rising your draft board based on his play so far — and how high could he go?

Reid: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU. No other draft-eligible prospect impressed me more during my Week 1 scouting trip than Delane. One of the biggest transfer portal additions in the country across any position, he has been excellent through two weeks since arriving in Baton Rouge from Virginia Tech.

At 6-foot and 190 pounds, Delane is a smooth-moving corner with the ability to mirror-and-match the movements of opponent receivers. His ball skills have also been exceptional to start the season, with two pass breakups and an interception. Delane has the savviness and awareness to find the ball and make plays on it in the air. His technique is always relaxed, too, and he hardly ever allows wide receivers to speed up his process while sticking in coverage with them. And Delane has not only been consistent in man coverage; his zone instincts have shined as well.

Because of the spring injury to Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, the CB1 race is wide open. Delane has strengthened his case through the early portions of the season and currently projects as a top-50 pick.

Miller: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana. There was a good amount of summer hype and excitement surrounding Mendoza after he transferred into the wide-open Indiana passing game from Cal. And so far, the hype has been warranted. Mendoza hasn’t faced a quality opponent yet, but it’s obvious his traits are next-level.

Against Kennesaw State, Mendoza was 18-of-25 for 245 yards and four touchdown passes — the type of numbers you expect a top-tier prospect to put up against a lower-level opponent. He’s showing great command of the offense while building chemistry with senior wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (who had three scores on Saturday). Mendoza’s ability to layer the ball on deep throws stands out. And in a quarterback class where we’re very much waiting for someone to emerge, his showing through two weeks — even against not great competition — has been notable. Mendoza’s arm talent, size (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) and what he adds to the game as a runner could put him into the QB1 derby we’re seeing play out every Saturday.

What else are you seeing and hearing?

Kiper: I have been impressed with Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. He was a big recruit out of high school but struggled in Year 1 at UCLA and then sat behind Dillon Gabriel in Year 2 after transferring. Now he’s taking full advantage of this Will Stein offense in Eugene. Yes, the Ducks have only faced Montana State and Oklahoma State — two teams they should handle most of the time — but Moore is playing at a high level. The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder showed great accuracy on Saturday against the Cowboys. The touch on his deep balls was fantastic, and he routinely threw with precision from different arm angles and while rolling either direction. Moore has thrown for at least 200 yards, completed at least 75% of his throws and tossed at least three TD passes in both contests — and he hasn’t thrown any INTs yet.

Now, the schedule is going to get tougher. I have Moore’s trip to Penn State circled for late September. How will he handle a “white out” environment? But if Moore keeps playing like this, Round 1 will be in play.

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Miller: During summer evaluations of the 2026 class, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs emerged as one of my favorite players to study now that he’s finally draft-eligible after two All-American seasons to start his college career. Downs ranks as my No. 1 safety and a top-five player overall. But that sentiment wasn’t shared by scouts I spoke with before the season. “He’s a liability in man coverage. He might be a [weakside linebacker] in the NFL with how often he plays in the box,” said an AFC East area scout.

The issue with that idea is that Downs is listed by Ohio State at 6-foot and 205 pounds, hardly linebacker size by today’s standards. In my view, Downs is a Kyle Hamilton-esque defender, and his play against Texas highlighted his versatility.

Kiper: Jordan touched on this, but I still think Manning goes back to school. He needs to become a great college quarterback before he can become a great NFL quarterback, and he hasn’t gotten there yet. The potential is here, for sure. But one full year as a CFB starter isn’t going to be enough to reach that next level before jumping to the pros. I wouldn’t put him on mock drafts or even rankings right now.

Kiper: Kevin Coleman Jr. has perfectly filled the Luther Burden III void in the Missouri offense. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound slot receiver has been all over the place. He was at Jackson State in 2022. Then Louisville in 2023. Then Mississippi State in 2024. Now he’s on to Missouri. And the production has been good so far, including 10 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown against Kansas on Saturday. Coleman displays the quick burst to separate underneath, and he can tag on extra yards after the catch. His body control is impressive, and he snags the ball in stride. And I really like how quickly Coleman reads zone coverage and finds openings. Toss in some punt return ability, and I see a potential Day 2 prospect.

Reid: One player who has NFL scouts already buzzing is Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. They specifically call out his ability as a blocker at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds. “He’s an absolute weapon as a run blocker that tries to put guys in the dirt whenever he gets hands on them,” an AFC area scout said. Sadiq came into the season as my TE1, and he looks like one of the most consistent prospects in the country so far, regardless of position. Sadiq received Round 1 buzz coming into the year, and if his level of play continues, he could be a top-20 pick.

Miller: Ohio State offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa — a highly regarded transfer from Rice with top-75 grades from NFL scouts — did not start against Texas and played just 13 snaps after he eventually rotated into the game at right guard. The 6-foot-6, 333-pound senior had high expectations this season, but the early word from sources with the Buckeyes is he has struggled to pick up the offense.

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Kiper: The Clemson defensive line is loaded, with the likes of T.J. Parker and Peter Woods. But how about Will Heldt? He’s leading the Tigers with two sacks so far, and he looked great against Troy this weekend. The Purdue transfer has good length, the ability to get pressure both inside or outside and solid closing speed. Heldt mixes up his pass-rush moves to get home, but don’t sleep on his ability to get off blocks and pursue laterally, and even drop in coverage. Dabo Swinney doesn’t typically use the transfer portal, but landing Heldt this year was a big win. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound edge rusher is playing like a first-rounder.

Miller: Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson is worth keeping an eye on as an emerging talent in the 2026 draft class. An AFC South area scout texted me on Saturday: “Robertson is the real deal. He’s got it all.” The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior was phenomenal in a shootout with SMU on Saturday, throwing four touchdown passes and completing 34 of 50 passes for 440 yards in a double-overtime win.

Kiper: The Ole Miss defense lost a lot of talent this year, including Walter Nolen III. But defensive tackle Zxavian Harris (6-foot-7, 320 pounds) has been huge for the Rebels, with his second sack in as many games on Saturday against Kentucky. Harris moves well for his size, especially laterally, and he makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass. He still needs refinement as a pass rusher, but defensive coordinators can move him around to get advantages. His draft stock is still TBD — I need to see more.

Kiper: Tanner Koziol left Ball State for Houston before this season, and he has been outstanding. The early Day 3 prospect still has to improve his blocking, but he’s a dangerous pass catcher. Koziol is basically a receiver in a tight end’s body (6-foot-6, 250 pounds). He already has 13 catches on the season, including six for 52 yards on Saturday against Rice.