College players whose NFL draft stock has risen the most this season

Bailey was a little-known star at Stanford in three seasons, and he’s taking his game to the next level after transferring to Texas Tech. He leads the country with 10.5 sacks and could be in position to be drafted early in the first round.

Depending on how the draft board settles, Bain has a chance to be the first overall choice in 2026 and has only solidified that status this season. He has elite edge-rushing traits and has continued to produce despite being the center of attention for opposing offenses.

Without favorable draft prospects, Beck transferred from Georgia to Miami for 2025. The move has proven positive for the strong-armed quarterback, as he has completed 73% of his passes, although interceptions remain a concern.

Bell has demonstrated steady production in his four-year career at Louisville, and he has taken a significant leap forward this season. Through only six games, he had 44 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns. He’s entered the Day 2 conversation with his play.

Brazzell’s stats regressed upon his transfer from Tulane to Tennessee last season, but more playing time has helped him make a leap for the Vols. He opened the season with three touchdowns vs. Georgia, and has 602 yards and seven scores through seven games. The 6-foot-5 wideout could be a first-rounder if he tests well at the combine.

Delane is now on the radar as an elite corner in the 2026 class after his ascent for the Tigers this season. A transfer from Virginia Tech, he has continued to show his plus ball skills against tougher SEC competition.

Haynes is seeing much more playing time after transferring from Alabama to Michigan. A centerpiece of the Wolverines offense, he had 705 yards rushing and eight touchdowns through six games. Haynes has a chance to be the second running back off the board in 2026.

Howell had 9.5 sacks for Bowling Green in 2023 before transferring to Texas A&M last year. After a relatively quiet first season, he’s making a big impact with 7.5 sacks in seven games for the Aggies.

Love hasn’t done anything to discourage spending a first-round pick on him next year. The Notre Dame star looks like he will easily exceed last year’s 1,362 yards from scrimmage, nearing 1,000 in only seven games this year.

A transfer from UCLA, Moore mostly sat in his first year with Oregon, but was worth the wait. He’s a top Heisman Trophy candidate, completing more than 72% of his passes with 19 touchdowns and showing plus mobility through seven games played.

Lemon has already exceeded his yardage total from last season, becoming a key part of the Trojans’ offense. While slightly undersized at 5-foot-11, Lemon looks the part of a first-round pick.

Indiana is the surprise team again this season, and Mendoza is garnering consideration for both the Heisman Trophy and the first overall pick in the 2026 draft. The Cal transfer has been spectacular for the Hoosiers, completing over 73% of his passes with 21/2 TD/INT in his first seven games.

Overton is the player opponents circle on the Bama defense, as he continues to improve this season. The edge rusher has three sacks in seven games after transferring from Texas A&M last season.

Everyone who has counted against Pavia so far has been wrong, as the Vandy quarterback continues to shine in the SEC. He lacks the physical attributes of an NFL quarterback, but is squarely in the Heisman Trophy conversation and has likely worked himself into late-round consideration while completing more than 70% of his passes.

Proctor’s size stands out on the field, and the Crimson Tide has also made him a key part of their offense in areas other than blocking. His athleticism has been on display briefly as a ball carrier, and his quick feet, along with his size, could make him a top 10 pick in the draft.

Reese has taken a significant step forward as a key piece of an accomplished Ohio State defense, with 42 tackles and 5.5 sacks in just seven games. His dynamic ability could make him an early first-rounder.

Sadiq’s pass-catching skills continue to shine through, making him a strong NFL prospect. He has 21 catches for 305 yards and five scores so far this season.

Simpson has bided his time on the Alabama roster and is making the most of it as a first-year starter. He’s completed more than 70% of his passes with 18 touchdowns through seven games. Continued production could put him in the conversation for the first round.

Tyson finished with more than 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, and he’s on pace for another great year. He had 57 catches for 628 yards and nine scores in seven games, and could emerge as the top wideout in 2026.

Transferring from Nevada to Oregon has proven World can excel against top competition. He’s put himself on the first-round radar with a strong early season for Oregon.