The Indiana Hoosiers (15-0) face the Miami Hurricanes (13-2) in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Monday (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Millions should be watching, including NFL scouts. With many teams out of the playoffs, they’re now preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at six prospects franchises should be eyeing. These players are ranked in inverse order, and we’ve predicted what round of the draft they should land in:
6. Indiana DB D’Angelo Ponds
Ponds (5-foot-9, 170 pounds) has been a pest for offenses throughout the season. Entering the national championship, he has allowed zero touchdown catches and just 120 receiving yards (via Pro Football Focus).
Ponds doesn’t look the part of an elite NFL corner. Denver Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II — 2024 Defensive Player of the Year — is listed at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds. His coverage skills, though, could make him a solid nickel corner in the NFL.
“He plays bigger than his size and doesn’t back down to any receiver,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Daniel Harms in a November scouting report. “Ponds continuously makes plays on the football and frustrates receivers with his closing speed and attention to detail.”
Ponds lacks the physical tools to be a first-rounder, but he would be a worthwhile pick for teams aiming to improve their secondary on Day 2 of the draft.
Prediction: Round 3
5. Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt
Sarratt (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) has helped power Indiana’s high-flying offense, No. 2 in the FBS in points scored (42.6). He leads the team in touchdown catches (15) and ranks second in receiving yards (802).
Sarratt hasn’t generated many explosive plays this season, raising concerns about his speed. PFF credits him with 271 yards after the catch, the second-lowest mark of his four-year college career. But his ability to fight through coverage should make him a valuable contributor for an NFL offense.
“He’s a high-energy player who does all the big receiver things you want to see — dominates at the catch points, stays tough through contact and does his part as a blocker,” wrote PFF’s Trevor Sikkema. “His separation rate is low, and it won’t change in the NFL, but it’s hard to watch this guy and not want him on your football team.”
Sarratt’s lack of explosive playmaking may prevent him from becoming an NFL WR1, but teams who are looking for a WR2 or WR3 on Day 2 of the draft should consider targeting the pass-catcher.
Prediction: Round 2
4. Miami DL Akheem Mesidor
Mesidor (6-foot-3, 280 pounds) has been one of the draft’s biggest risers this season. The Ottawa, Ontario native has tallied career highs in sacks (10.5) and tackles (60).
“The Canadian makes his presence felt against both the run and pass, and he shows good bend, closing burst and power,” wrote ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. on his big board. “He also brings some versatility, with the ability to shade inside to DT and get pressure on the interior.”
Mesidor turns 25 on April 5, which may mean he has a lower ceiling than younger prospects. Houston Texans DE Will Anderson Jr., 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year, is 24.
The age questions may have him as a second-rounder on some boards. Teams always want pass-rushing depth, though, which should push him into Day 1.
Prediction: Round 1
3. Offensive Tackle Francis Mauigoa
Mauigoa (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) may move to guard in the NFL because of concerns about his arm length (31 3/4 inches). The arm length of top NFL edge-rushers typically measures at 33 1/2 inches.
Despite that, Mauigoa has provided stellar pass protection for Hurricanes QB Carson Beck. The 2025 first-team All-American has surrendered just two sacks, per PFF.
“You know exactly what you’re getting with Francis Mauigoa: power, explosiveness and violence,” wrote The Draft Network in a preseason scouting report. “He’s a day-one, decade-long starter.”
Mauigoa’s clearly one of the better O-line prospects in the draft. It’s hard to imagine him sliding out of the first 15 picks.
Prediction: Round 1
2. Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr.
Like Mauigoa, Bain lacks ideal arm length (30 3/4 inches) for his position. Turn on his highlights, and it’s apparent it hasn’t created any problems for the 6-foot-3, 275-pound wrecking ball.
Bain has logged 8.5 sacks in 2025. He also ranks second in the FBS in pressures (80) behind Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (81), via PFF.
“If you’ve watched Miami over the past few seasons, you probably noticed Rueben Bain Jr. before you learned his name,” wrote CBS Sports’ Blake Brockermeyer, a former Carolina Panthers offensive lineman, in a November scouting report. “He’s the kind of defender who jumps off the screen — not just because he’s constantly in the backfield, but because he plays every snap like it matters.”
Bain’s high motor is one reason he should hear his name called early in April.
Prediction: Round 1
1. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza
Who did you think would be No. 1? Indiana punter Mitch McCarthy.
Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) looks like a clear favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders (3-14) in the draft after leading the Hoosiers to their first national championship appearance in school history. The QB has completed 73% of his passes for 3,349 yards and tossed an FBS-leading 41 TD passes and six interceptions.
“The Heisman Trophy winner brings a comprehensive skill set led by exceptional accuracy to all levels of the field, a powerful arm and rock-solid stature,” wrote ESPN’s Field Yates in his positional rankings. “Mendoza’s final college season included clutch moments and poise that suggest he wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the early rigors of being a rookie QB.”
Expect Mendoza, a Miami native, to keep showcasing the skills that make him QB1 in the draft in front of his hometown on Monday.
Prediction: Round 1
