We’re by Week 5 of the 2025 faculty soccer season, and this previous slate of video games noticed some wild outcomes. The No. 3, No. 4, No. 5 and No. 8 groups within the nation all misplaced, although No. 3 Penn State fell by the hands of No. 6-ranked Oregon. The Geese outlasted the Nittany Lions in double-overtime.
The 2026 NFL draft continues to be roughly half a yr away. However our NFL draft analysts are at all times wanting down the street, taking early notes on high prospects and beginning to stack their rankings for an thrilling class.
With that in thoughts, Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller and Jordan Reid will measurement up CFB motion by a draft-centric lens on Sunday mornings all season lengthy. (Save this hyperlink!) They are going to reply lingering questions on the very best 2026 prospects, share insights from scouts, pick risers to look at and pull again the curtain on their analysis course of. Here’s what they’ve seen and heard by Week 5.
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Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2
Sept. 28
What are scouts saying in regards to the begin to Drew Allar’s season?
Miller: The road on Allar from scouts is that he is proficient and toolsy with prototypical arm expertise and mobility — however that he additionally fails to rise to the second. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound signal-caller has performed with constant timing, accuracy and tempo from the pocket. However we noticed him battle in opposition to top-tier expertise final season, and Allar’s play in opposition to Oregon was sadly what we have come to count on when Penn State wants him to hold the crew. He went 14-of-25 for 137 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The 2 scores had been encouraging, however the 5.5 yards per try and one choose point out that the sport is just not slowing down for Allar in his senior season.
“He is nonetheless method too panicked within the pocket. Hold it clear and easy, and he’ll carve you up, however any stress, and his eyes go to the frenzy,” is how one NFC East space scout put it.
Regardless of Allar’s 43 begins in faculty up to now, an AFC West space scout stated, “To me, he appears to be like like a participant that wants upper-level quarterback improvement nonetheless. Not mechanically or athletically, however from a processing standpoint, he isn’t seeing it quick sufficient.”
Title recognition, program legacy and his nice bodily instruments will hold Allar in early-round conversations, however his tape is not constant sufficient to earn him a beginning QB label from NFL groups. I polled six scouts Saturday night time, and all of them see him as a probable Spherical 3 choice.
What number of top-50 picks do you see on Ohio State’s roster — and which stood out probably the most Saturday?
Reid: A formidable victory in opposition to Washington confirmed simply how a lot depth the Buckeyes have this season. I rely 5 Buckeyes with top-50 grades for 2026: security Caleb Downs, linebacker Arvell Reese, broad receiver Carnell Tate, linebacker Sonny Types and tight finish Max Klare.
Nevertheless it was Reese who actually popped in opposition to Washington. He was considered as a late-round prospect coming into the season, however Reese has been the Buckeyes’ greatest prospect on protection — sure, much more so than Downs — since changing into a starter in 2025. On Saturday, the 6-foot-4, 243-pounder showcased his versatility as a second-level defender and edge rusher, selecting up 5 tackles. Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia tasked him with spying Washington QB Demond Williams Jr., placing his closing velocity and bodily play to make use of.
I spoke to a number of scouts in Seattle previous to the sport, they usually had been buzzing about Reese’s talent set. The proficient linebacker has catapulted into the Spherical 1 dialogue. And if he continues on this speedy climb up boards, he has an opportunity to be the primary linebacker chosen and a top-20 choose.
What else are we seeing and listening to?
Reid: Matt already talked about Allar, however I am unable to say sufficient in regards to the poise of the opposite QB in that recreation: Oregon’s Dante Moore. Scouts have been ready to see him face a high-level opponent, and Moore went 29-for-39 for 289 yards and three touchdowns. He performs with an unflappable demeanor; he by no means confirmed panic in his recreation, regardless of the hostile setting. And even after Penn State put up 14 unanswered factors to ship the sport to time beyond regulation, Moore constantly and precisely discovered his targets in any respect three ranges of the sphere, making massive play after massive play within the further frames.
Scouts are nonetheless on the fence about whether or not he’ll declare for the draft after this season, however he has been among the best QB prospects within the class by 5 weeks. Moore simply grew to become solely the third Oregon participant prior to now 30 years with three or extra passing touchdowns in 4 of the crew’s first 5 video games of a season (Bo Nix in 2023 and Akili Smith in 1998). Evaluators have definitely taken discover, regardless of the 6-3, 206-pound QB beginning solely 5 profession video games so far.
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Dan Lanning calls Dante Moore the ‘greatest quarterback in faculty soccer’
Dan Lanning has excessive reward for Dante Moore after Oregon’s double-overtime win in opposition to Penn State.
Kiper: Yeah, Moore is enjoying like a possible first general choose. He has that ceiling. However I as a substitute wish to spotlight an under-the-radar QB: Jaden Craig. This 6-foot-2, 215-pound signal-caller may play at Harvard, however he may have been a stable Energy 4 quarterback. Craig has an NFL arm, and he makes use of it on the transfer. When he will get exterior the pocket, he is not seeking to run; he is seeking to throw. Craig processes and sees the sphere effectively, and he exhibits the accuracy and contact to ship the ball downfield and into tight home windows.
Craig has six TD passes — together with 4 Saturday in opposition to Brown — and no interceptions by two video games, and he is finishing 77.3% of his throws. I believe he is a Day 3 choose proper now, however the arrow is pointing up. I like what I am seeing on tape, and a great all-star occasion exhibiting may push him up boards even additional.
Miller: “Now that is what a first-round operating again appears to be like like,” is what one NFL normal supervisor texted me throughout Notre Dame’s blowout win in opposition to Arkansas. Tailback Jeremiyah Love scored 4 touchdowns within the first half. We have been ready for the true breakout recreation as he ramps up after ending final season with a knee harm. And if Saturday was any indication, Love is heat now. Regardless of sitting for a lot of the second half, Love had 57 dashing yards and two scores on 14 carries, together with 70 receiving yards and two extra scores on 5 catches. His potential as a house run hitter, plus what the 6-foot, 214-pound again brings to the desk as a go catcher, makes him a possible top-10 expertise on this draft class.
Miller: Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson continues to construct his résumé as WR1 within the 2026 class. Friday night time’s win over TCU noticed him seize eight passes for 126 yards and two scores. Tyson (6-2, 200 kilos) has improved his consistency as a go catcher whereas nonetheless being the run-after-catch risk that made him so unstoppable final season. The work he has accomplished to excellent his positional craft is spectacular, and it is permitting him to run away from the pack as the highest receiver within the class. Tyson might be a top-15 choose.
Reid: One other broad receiver prospect whom scouts have been complimentary of this season is USC’s Makai Lemon. I talked about him right here final week, and he saved rolling with 11 receptions for 151 receiving yards and two touchdowns Saturday in opposition to Illinois. Lemon is a savvy route runner who catches every little thing, and he could be efficient from the slot or on the surface. Lemon (5-11, 195 kilos) can create separation with ease, however he also can make contested catches when wanted, as he had a miraculous fourth-quarter seize Saturday. Lemon got here into the season as a middle-round prospect, however I truly suppose he can battle Tyson as a WR1 candidate.
Reid: Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei completed with 4 tackles and a sack in opposition to Penn State. Essentially the most spectacular a part of his efficiency was his hustle and ball pursuit. Due to his relentless motor, the 6-foot-5, 272-pound standout was capable of create fixed disruption as a run defender and go rusher. Coming into the season, scouts had combined opinions on his projection; some considered him as a late Spherical 1 prospect, whereas others thought he was extra of a Day 2 man in a loaded defensive position group. He is the No. 5 edge rusher by myself board.
Kiper: Ole Miss tight finish Dae’Quan Wright now has catches over 25 yards in all 4 video games performed this season, after including a 26-yarder in opposition to LSU. The Virginia Tech switch has constantly come up massive. On Saturday, he had two fourth-down catches, together with a 20-yard pickup on fourth-and-3 to ice the win. The large-play potential is there, and he is a dependable go catcher who could be flexed out broad. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound senior simply wants to enhance his blocking. For the time being, I might put him within the Day 3 vary.
Miller: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza made a handful of NFL-level throws this weekend in opposition to Iowa. With appreciable stress 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 is nonetheless constructing chemistry with playmakers like operating again Roman Hemby and broad receiver Elijah Sarratt, so the manufacturing may get even higher for the 6-5, 225-pound passer. I have not heard Spherical 1 speak from NFL scouts but, however it would not be a shock to see that buzz get going as we get into October.
Reid: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor continues to be probably the most fascinating prospects on this draft class. He has flashes that counsel a possible early-round choose. However then there are lapses in play the place he appears to be like extra like a middle-round prospect. A powerful argument might be made that he had among the best video games of his profession in opposition to Georgia, although. Proctor was bodily as a go protector and consistently confirmed his bruising potential as he paved lanes within the run recreation. He even caught probably the most entertaining display passes that you will ever see, as he gained 11 yards and nearly scored. The athletic traits and energy of Proctor confirmed, however he wants to search out extra consistency.
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Ty Simpson throws go to 6-foot-7, 366-pound sort out Kadyn Proctor
Ty Simpson throws it out to Kadyn Proctor, who barrels over everybody to arrange first-and-goal.
Kiper: Jordan talked about a bunch of early-round Buckeyes, however this is a sleeper from that roster. Edge rusher Caden Curry leads the crew in sacks (5) and tackles for loss (5), and he’s third in tackles (16). His recreation is constructed on consistency and hustle; he by no means lets up. At 6-foot-3 and 260 kilos, Curry is stable in opposition to the run. He can drop in protection. And he’s versatile sufficient alongside the road that he can generate stress regardless of the place he’s lined up. He truly had a sack Saturday when kicked inside over the nostril sort out. After I watch Curry play, I believe “future Steeler.” He performs with that mentality. Watch him as a Day 3 prospect with loads of potential to rise earlier than April.
Sept. 23
What does John Mateer’s proper hand harm imply for his draft inventory?
Reid: Mateer will probably be sidelined for a few month after struggling an harm to his throwing hand. He’s anticipated to bear surgical procedure. Mateer was climbing rankings rapidly after spectacular early-season performances in opposition to Michigan and Auburn. He was considered as a middle-round prospect coming into the season after transferring from Washington State to Oklahoma, however scouts had been beginning to point out him within the early-Day 2 discussions. He is the No. 4 QB on my board, although he started the 2025 season exterior my high 5 on the place.
Now, lacking a month may hold Mateer exterior the highest 50 picks. Returning for a late-season stretch of video games in opposition to ranked opponents — together with Alabama, Missouri and LSU — may assist him salvage his Spherical 1 potential. Evaluators are taking a wait-and-see strategy following his harm. It needs to be famous that Mateer additionally has the choice to return to high school as a result of he has one other yr of eligibility.
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John Mateer plows into the top zone for a big-time OU TD
John Mateer breaks the airplane to present the Sooners a lead late within the fourth quarter.
At 6-foot-1 and 225 kilos, he performs with an aggressive mentality and fearlessness. He operates effectively contained in the pocket, is not afraid of testing tight home windows and throws with anticipation within the Sooners’ up-tempo offense. Mateer was off to a quick begin this season with 1,215 passing yards and 6 TD passes — and the underrated runner added one other 190 dashing yards and 5 extra scores on the bottom by 4 video games.
Sept. 21
What are you seeing from USC’s high two receivers?
Reid: Trojans wideout Makai Lemon was producing loads of curiosity 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 landing (40 yards), after which he additionally rushed twice for 11 extra yards and a further rating. A cultured route runner, Lemon transitions effectively out and in of his breaks. At 5-foot-11 and 195 kilos, he is able to lining up within the slot or on the surface, and his reliability on the catch level has shined by 4 video games this season. Lemon has additionally proven that he could be an enough return specialist on the subsequent degree. At this level within the season, he appears to be like like a possible early-Day 2 choose.
In fact, Lemon is not even the highest-ranked WR prospect on USC’s roster. Ja’Kobi Lane entered the season as my No. 2-ranked receiver, and I have not moved off that grade by 4 video games. He missed Saturday’s recreation with an harm, however he has 9 catches for 239 yards and a landing over three video games. At 6-foot-4 and 200 kilos, Lane is an extended strider with distinctive ball-tracking abilities. He is capable of sky over defenders and make catches as a vertical risk. Lane nonetheless must refine his route tree and present extra consistency within the short-to-intermediate areas, however he for positive has the potential to be a top-50 choose.
What stood out about Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza vs. Illinois?
Miller: Mendoza turned within the single greatest efficiency of any participant within the nation this week. Dealing with the No. 9-ranked Preventing Illini — a crew that had allowed simply 22 factors all season — Mendoza was almost flawless. He accomplished 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards and 5 landing throws. His command from the pocket stood out constantly all through the sport, as he was comfy and assured standing tall and throwing darts downfield.
Mendoza is an on-time passer who offers his receivers loads of time and room to run after the catch, and his greatest attribute is how precisely he delivers the ball. Passes had been proper the place they wanted to be Saturday. After transferring from California this offseason, the largest query marks for Mendoza had been his potential to play in opposition to higher competitors and whether or not he may minimize down on turnover-worthy throws the place he overtrusted his arm. He has accomplished each of these issues this season with 14 landing passes and no interceptions in 4 video games. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound quarterback is well probably the most improved gamers within the class.
There is no such thing as a set-in-stone QB1 for subsequent yr, and Mendoza’s play is placing him into that dialog. The success of on-target passers like Jared Goff — whom Mendoza jogs my memory of — will solely assist to spice up his inventory if his robust play continues.
What else are we seeing and listening to?
Miller: The Clemson protection was billed as an elite unit that includes first-round prospects alongside the defensive position and at cornerback. However very like Florida State’s much-heralded protection final yr, not the entire prospects have lived as much as expectations. Defensive sort out Peter Woods — a participant thought-about to be a top-five prospect earlier than the season started — has did not make an actual affect and has but to document his first sack this season. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder’s tape from prior seasons confirmed a participant who was not often moved round by offensive linemen, however this yr, his potential to get off blocks and end performs is lacking. There’s time to show it round, however the junior defensive sort out’s inventory is likely to be slipping.
Reid: One prospect who instantly caught my consideration whereas I used to be out on the scouting path this weekend was USC linebacker Eric Gentry. At 6-foot-6 and 225 kilos, Gentry is an extended and rangy defender with a wiry construct. Primarily enjoying on the second degree, he is an explosive enforcer from his inside linebacker spot. Scouts are intrigued by his potential on the subsequent degree due to his instincts and vary when chasing ball carriers. Gentry will probably be a little bit of a polarizing prospect due to his body; he wants so as to add extra weight. However when asking scouts about him, many believed that he is a middle-round prospect.
Kiper: Michigan operating again Justice Haynes is making a case to be a third- or fourth-round choose subsequent April. He is the son of Verron Haynes, a former Georgia operating again who I scouted earlier than he went within the fifth spherical of the 2002 draft to the Steelers. The youthful Haynes was nice Saturday in opposition to Nebraska, carrying the ball 17 occasions for 149 yards and a rating.
At 5-foot-11 and 210 kilos, he performs with a low middle of gravity and generates highly effective leg drive. This is not a operating again who’s going to bop round behind the road of scrimmage and take a sort out for loss; he is a one-cut-and-go runner with good physique lean. However as soon as he will get by the outlet, he could be exhausting to catch. Haynes has 4 carries for 50-plus yards this season, serving to him to 537 yards and 6 TDs by 4 video games. The Alabama switch additionally stands out as a go catcher and blocker. He high-pointed a catch Saturday, and his potential to go defend is obvious on the tape.
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Justice Haynes breaks off for 75-yd dashing TD
Justice Haynes takes it 75 yards to the home to place Michigan again in entrance vs. Nebraska.
Miller: Among the best matchups of the day was the Texas Tech pass-rush duo of David Bailey and Romello Top in opposition to Utah offensive tackles Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano. This was a résumé recreation with best-versus-best attributes, and Bailey walked away from the sphere the clear winner of the 4 prospects.
Matched up throughout from Fano for a lot of the sport, Bailey’s first-step quickness saved Fano off-balance. At 6-foot-3 and 250 kilos, his potential to counter with energy and use of his arm size actually pissed off the Utah proper sort out. Fano entered the matchup as my top-ranked sort out due to his expertise at each sort out spots, however his lack of anchor energy at 6-foot-6 and 300 kilos was noticeable. He is nonetheless a Spherical 1 participant — we do not overreact to at least one recreation right here — however Bailey’s robust exhibiting (3 tackles, 1 sack) in opposition to elite competitors is tape to return to all through the method. Bailey has the makings of a top-75 participant.
Reid: Among the best edge rusher duos within the nation is at Missouri. Damon Wilson II (6-foot-4, 250 kilos) and Zion Younger (6-foot-5, 262 kilos) have continued to climb up boards after a powerful begin to the season. Wilson spent the primary two years of his profession at Georgia earlier than transferring to the Tigers, and after recording a half-sack in opposition to South Carolina, he has already matched his profession excessive in sacks (3.0) from a season in the past. He nonetheless must refine his hand utilization as a go rusher, and that might permit him to climb the board much more.
Younger, in the meantime, is extra versatile in that he can put his size to make use of as each a run defender and go rusher. He had two tackles for loss and a sack Saturday. With an explosive first step and the hand energy to match, Younger is considered as a top-50 prospect.
Kiper: Second week in a row that I am piggybacking off one thing Jordan identified, however I needed to name out Younger — he was terrific Saturday. The stat line does not even inform the complete story. Younger was disruptive, and I like his size, energy and burst. He exhibits actually robust eye self-discipline, too. His recreation is constant, and I believe he will be actually good in a go rush rotation within the NFL. Proper now, I see a third- or fourth-rounder, however Younger retains climbing the board, so do not be shocked if he finally goes even earlier.
Miller: Arkansas’ shut loss to Memphis completely summarized the Taylen Inexperienced expertise. The Razorback quarterback is a playmaker with an enormous arm and the operating potential to undergo or round defenders. Every week he is placing the crew on his again and carrying the offense. However on Saturday, a late interception within the fourth quarter value the crew, earlier than a fumble by operating again Mike Washington Jr. whereas driving for a go-ahead discipline aim finally saved Arkansas from successful.
Inexperienced confirmed the traits that scouts love whereas throwing for 325 yards and a landing go and including 53 yards as a runner, however his two interceptions on the day level to a prospect who continues to be rising. There was some QB1 rumblings about Inexperienced, and the instruments are enjoyable, however he has to wash up his decision-making earlier than he is prepared for that title.
Kiper: Here is an FCS identify to file away as a possible late-round choose subsequent April — Youngstown State broad receiver Max Tomczak. You may acknowledge that final identify; Max is the nephew of Mike Tomczak, who performed quarterback for Ohio State after which was a member of the 1985 Bears. Max was a walk-on at Youngstown State, and he put collectively three stable seasons earlier than leaping out to a great begin once more in 2025. By way of 4 video games, Tomczak has 21 catches for 306 yards and a TD. The 6-foot, 195-pounder posted seven catches for 116 yards Saturday in opposition to Towson, and a few of these grabs got here within the fourth quarter when the Penguins wanted them.
Tomczak is a nuanced route runner, and he acknowledges totally different coverages effectively. He adjusts on the ball within the air after which has the fingers to safe it. And I see the flexibility to play exterior or inside — and return punts. I am hoping to see him at an all-star occasion in opposition to higher competitors after the season, however he is the kind of participant who will battle his method onto an NFL roster.
Sept. 14
Has Carson Beck revived his draft inventory at Miami? What are scouts saying about his standing?
Reid: Coming into final season, Beck was considered as a possible first general choose for 2025 — however an inconsistent ultimate yr at Georgia created questions. He did not declare for the draft, as a substitute transferring to Miami, the place he aimed to reestablish and revive his draft inventory.
0:13
Carson Beck to Joshua Moore for an 8-yard TD
Carson Beck to Joshua Moore for an 8-yard TD
Nicely, Beck has 812 passing yards, seven landing passes and two interceptions by three video games, and his 89.9 QBR is fourth within the nation. He threw for 340 yards in Miami’s win in opposition to South Florida on Saturday. Beck (6-foot-4, 220 kilos) appears to be like comfy within the crew’s adjusted offense (Miami ran extra up-tempo, Air Raid-style final season) and has routinely stayed on-schedule and in rhythm — sneaky good traits in his talent set.
He entered the season with primarily Day 3 grades from scouts, and they’re taking discover of his early-season play. He’s definitely trending up. However evaluators aren’t able to put Beck again into that first-round dialog simply but. Most nonetheless think about him for the center rounds.
Has something modified within the WR1 race by Week 3?
Miller: Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson continues to be the front-runner. He is averaging 104.7 receiving yards per recreation this season (tied for tenth within the FBS) and has 4 TD catches, together with one Saturday in opposition to Texas State. Tyson (6-foot-2, 200 kilos) had drop points final yr, however he has emerged as a extra polished go catcher (only one drop on 37 targets although three video games). His deep-route-running potential and the way effectively he separates excessive nonetheless has him as the highest receiver within the class.
Nevertheless … the WR1 race could be very broad open, and Alabama’s Germie Bernard is rising within the combine. He has been the very best factor about Alabama soccer up to now this season. Scouts had him with a fringe Spherical 1-2 grade over the summer season. However to me, he is proper within the WR1 convo with Tyson and has a recreation similar to Emeka Egbuka as a school receiver. At 6-foot-1 and 204 kilos, he’s already a high-end route runner with good physicality and energy. Bernard had two scores in Saturday’s blowout win over Wisconsin — one on the bottom and one other by the air.
What else are we seeing and listening to?
Kiper: Proper sort out Spencer Fano will get a lot of the recognition on Utah’s offensive line, however left sort out Caleb Lomu deserves to be in the identical dialog. He is a Spherical 1-caliber participant regardless of 14 profession begins. Within the Utes’ massive win over Wyoming, he confirmed actually robust footwork and approach. Lomu mirrors effectively, and he handles twists and stunts with out a lot drawback. And Lomu is powerful as a run blocker; he can pull and get to the second degree, although he wants to enhance as a drive blocker. Regulate each of those Utah tackles.
Miller: Scouts had been buzzing all week after Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer carved up the Michigan protection final Saturday. “It will be very exhausting to not suppose Spherical 1 with him if he retains this up,” stated an NFC West scout. The 6-foot-1, 224-pound Mateer, who transferred from Washington State, has one other yr of eligibility, however his red-hot begin has his inventory hovering in a QB class that doesn’t but have a lock on the highest man. We noticed extra traditional Mateer Saturday in opposition to Temple, as he threw one landing go and one interception whereas exhibiting the arm angles and enjoyable play within the pocket that makes him probably the most intriguing passers within the nation.
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John Mateer takes it 51 yards to the home for OU
John Mateer takes it 51 yards to the top zone for the Sooners vs. the Owls.
Miller: Mateer is likely to be the most well liked identify amongst draft-eligible quarterbacks, however Fernando Mendoza is enjoying in addition to anybody on the place. The Cal switch has been at house in Curt Cignetti’s offense at Indiana. Towards Indiana State on Friday night time, Mendoza went 19-for-20 with 270 yards and 5 touchdowns by the air and one on the bottom. That is as near flawless as you may get. Scouts I talked to over the summer season had been excessive on him after his junior season however needed to see him minimize down on turnovers. To this point this season at Indiana, Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 kilos) has accomplished that, throwing 9 landing passes and 0 interceptions. I would not be shocked to see him begin getting consideration from NFL scouts as a possible Spherical 1 participant.
Reid: After an injury-riddled 2024 season, Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. has been terrific within the early elements of 2025 — and he’s within the first-round image. At 6-foot-3 and 275 kilos, he is a little bit of a tweener, and I’ve heard combined opinions on his place on the subsequent degree. There are some scouts who like him as a 3-4 defensive finish, whereas others consider he may transition to 3-technique with added bulk. Regardless, Bain’s mixture of energy and disruption makes him arguably one of many three greatest defensive linemen in a loaded class on the place. He has 1.5 sacks and 10 tackles over three video games.
Kiper: I needed to name out Bain, too. I simply love the way in which he performs the sport. He’s consistently hustling and by no means takes performs off. Bain is highly effective, bends effectively, exhibits velocity off the sting and is aware of methods to use his fingers to get leverage. He can generate stress inside and out of doors; I actually like his inside strikes, and he shows a dependable rip transfer to beat blockers. Taking the proper angle to the QB is a really underrated trait for an edge rusher, and Bain does that in addition to anybody. And it isn’t simply the go rush. Bain can shed blockers and make run stops. He is actually disruptive, and if he stays wholesome this season, he has top-10 upside.
Reid: When speaking to scouts out on the street this week, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese was repeatedly talked about as somebody making the soar to a different degree this season. At 6-foot-4 and 243 kilos, Reese is a rangy second-level defender who wears a number of hats within the Buckeyes’ scheme. He serves as a strongside linebacker, however defensive coordinator Matt Patricia additionally deploys him as an edge rusher. With explosive playmaking traits, Reese has 16 tackles and two sacks over three video games. If his present degree of play continues by convention matchups, he may begin receiving Spherical 1 chatter, too.
Miller: Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik had summer season hype as a first-rounder, however NFL scouts are backpedaling quicker than the cornerbacks he faces. One AFC East scout stated: “I believe he is a Day 3 man, and also you noticed why right now. When his weapons had been lacking [including Antonio Williams], he appeared common. OK arm, OK processing velocity. Manner too overhyped.”
Kiper: Yeah, I do not wish to overreact, however the quarterback class general has been disappointing. Keep in mind within the lead-up to the 2025 draft when everybody saved saying groups ought to wait till 2026 for this nice group of QBs? Keep in mind when there was discuss six or seven passers primed for Spherical 1? (I even predicted six first-rounders myself just a few weeks in the past, earlier than the CFB season began.) Nicely, nothing has materialized. Nobody is actually enjoying as much as the preseason hype. Mateer and Mendoza have been probably the most spectacular passers up to now, however the remainder of the bunch have underwhelmed. Talking of Mendoza, his subsequent three video games (vs. Illinois, at Iowa and at Oregon) will probably be telling.
Reid: After lacking the primary two video games of the season with a foot harm, Florida inside defender Caleb Banks made his season debut in opposition to LSU. However within the third quarter, Banks reaggravated the harm and was later seen on crutches and with a strolling boot. The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder had vital buzz from NFL scouts over the summer season, and a few believed he had top-15 potential. His harm restoration is one thing to watch shifting ahead.
Sept. 7
Which prospect caught your eye in Michigan-Oklahoma?
Miller: The Michigan protection was speculated to be the star of the present, however I could not assist however zero in on Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer. The Washington State switch put the Sooners on his again together with his robust proper arm and mobility each inside and out of doors the pocket. Mateer rushed for 74 yards and a rating, and he threw for an additional landing with 270 yards passing in opposition to a proficient protection that options one of many nation’s greatest D-lines.
Mateer (6-foot-1, 224 kilos) is a gunslinger, and he’ll take a variety of probabilities with passes that may make you maintain your breath — however he additionally makes performs many different faculty QBs merely aren’t making at this level within the season. Mateer’s arm energy, mobility, moxie and playmaking mindset make for an amazing watch.
NFL scouts had a conservative Day 3 grade on Mateer this summer season, however I am seeing a participant with sufficient starter traits to place him inside my high 50. And if he continues to play this effectively in opposition to SEC defenses, a Spherical 1 grade is not out of the query.
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John Mateer scores his 2nd dashing TD vs. Michigan
John Mateer will get nice blocking and retains it to present Oklahoma a 21-7 lead.
What have we discovered about Arch Manning over two video games?
Reid: Expectations for Manning had been sky excessive getting into the season. However he by no means bought right into a rhythm in opposition to Ohio State in Week 1, which led to erratic accuracy, late reads and poor general decision-making. Manning managed simply 170 passing yards, one TD throw and an interception. He did have a significantly better efficiency in Week 2 in opposition to San Jose State — 295 passing yards and 4 landing passes. There, Manning was extra decisive, and the offense appeared to move significantly better in consequence. However he’s very a lot nonetheless within the early levels of his first yr as a starter.
The place Manning has been probably the most disappointing is his mechanics. His physique hasn’t been in sync together with his throwing movement, inflicting him inaccuracy on what needs to be routine throws. To essentially hit the subsequent degree, he must iron that out. As I’ve stated because the summer season, I nonetheless consider the earliest we’ll see Manning within the NFL is 2027.
Which potential first-round QB most wants a fast turnaround after a gradual begin to 2025?
Miller: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina. Let me begin by saying I am a Sellers fan. He is my No. 1-ranked quarterback for the 2026 draft based mostly on his potential and expertise. That stated, he needs to be cleaner as a passer than he was on Saturday in opposition to South Carolina State. He was simply 11-of-19 in a vanilla recreation plan. Very similar to we noticed within the season opener in opposition to Virginia Tech, Sellers can overwhelm opponents together with his mobility and arm expertise, however he’s nonetheless taking photographs as a passer which might be simply too dangerous — which result in incompletions and turnover-worthy performs. He’s finishing 60.5% of his passes proper now, and he has been off-target 10.5% of the time.
Sellers (6-foot-3, 240 kilos) is extremely proficient, however he has to grow to be a greater on-target passer, particularly within the pocket, and enhance his on-time rhythm to take that subsequent step as a prospect. He is nonetheless holding agency as my QB1, however there are holes in his recreation that I will be watching this season.
Reid: Cade Klubnik, Clemson. Coming into the season, I used to be excessive on Klubnik as he confirmed an enormous bump in his improvement all through 2024. Based mostly on the personnel and infrastructure in place at Clemson, there wasn’t a QB within the nation who was higher set as much as succeed this yr. However after watching him reside in opposition to LSU final week, I see points when he faces stress. He was additionally indecisive and took too lengthy to make choices inside the framework of the offense. These considerations popped up once more this weekend in opposition to Troy.
In speaking to scouts across the league, Klubnik (6-foot-2, 210 kilos) is polarizing as a prospect as a result of he has a variety of stable/common traits however lacks a dominant one. You want that one superior talent to catapult to the entrance of this QB class, and it is why his draft grades are in all places with NFL evaluators.
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Cade Klubnik airs it out for 26-yard landing go
Cade Klubnik connects for 26-yard TD go
Which participant is already rising your draft board based mostly on his play up to now — and the way excessive may he go?
Reid: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU. No different draft-eligible prospect impressed me extra throughout my Week 1 scouting journey than Delane. One of many greatest switch portal additions within the nation throughout any place, he has been wonderful by two weeks since arriving in Baton Rouge from Virginia Tech.
At 6-foot and 190 kilos, Delane is a smooth-moving nook with the power to mirror-and-match the actions of opponent receivers. His ball abilities have additionally been distinctive to begin the season, with two go breakups and an interception. Delane has the savviness and consciousness to search out the ball and make performs on it within the air. His approach is at all times relaxed, too, and he infrequently permits broad receivers to hurry up his course of whereas sticking in protection with them. And Delane has not solely been constant in man protection; his zone instincts have shined as effectively.
Due to the spring harm to Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, the CB1 race is broad open. Delane has strengthened his case by the early parts of the season and at the moment initiatives as a top-50 choose.
Miller: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana. There was a great quantity of summer season hype and pleasure surrounding Mendoza after he transferred into the wide-open Indiana passing recreation from Cal. And up to now, the hype has been warranted. Mendoza hasn’t confronted a high quality opponent but, however it’s apparent his traits are next-level.
Towards Kennesaw State, Mendoza was 18-of-25 for 245 yards and 4 landing passes — the kind of numbers you count on a top-tier prospect to place up in opposition to a lower-level opponent. He is exhibiting nice command of the offense whereas constructing chemistry with senior broad receiver Elijah Sarratt (who had three scores on Saturday). Mendoza’s potential to layer the ball on deep throws stands out. And in a quarterback class the place we’re very a lot ready for somebody to emerge, his exhibiting by two weeks — even in opposition to not nice competitors — has been notable. Mendoza’s arm expertise, measurement (6-foot-5, 225 kilos) and what he provides to the sport as a runner may put him into the QB1 derby we’re seeing play out each Saturday.
What else are you seeing and listening to?
Kiper: I’ve been impressed with Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. He was an enormous recruit out of highschool however struggled in 12 months 1 at UCLA after which sat behind Dillon Gabriel in 12 months 2 after transferring. Now he is taking full benefit of this Will Stein offense in Eugene. Sure, the Geese have solely confronted Montana State and Oklahoma State — two groups they need to deal with more often than not — however Moore is enjoying at a excessive degree. The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder confirmed nice accuracy on Saturday in opposition to the Cowboys. The contact on his deep balls was implausible, and he routinely threw with precision from totally different arm angles and whereas rolling both path. Moore has thrown for no less than 200 yards, accomplished no less than 75% of his throws and tossed no less than three TD passes in each contests — and he hasn’t thrown any INTs but.
Now, the schedule goes to get harder. I’ve Moore’s journey to Penn State circled for late September. How will he deal with a “white out” setting? But when Moore retains enjoying like this, Spherical 1 will probably be in play.
Miller: Throughout summer season evaluations of the 2026 class, Ohio State security Caleb Downs emerged as one among my favourite gamers to review now that he is lastly draft-eligible after two All-American seasons to begin his faculty profession. Downs ranks as my No. 1 security and a top-five participant general. However that sentiment wasn’t shared by scouts I spoke with earlier than the season. “He is a legal responsibility in man protection. He is likely to be a [weakside linebacker] within the NFL with how typically he performs within the field,” stated an AFC East space scout.
The problem with that concept is that Downs is listed by Ohio State at 6-foot and 205 kilos, hardly linebacker measurement by right now’s requirements. In my opinion, Downs is a Kyle Hamilton-esque defender, and his play in opposition to Texas highlighted his versatility.
Kiper: Jordan touched on this, however I nonetheless suppose Manning goes again to high school. He must grow to be an amazing faculty quarterback earlier than he can grow to be an amazing NFL quarterback, and he hasn’t gotten there but. The potential is right here, for positive. However one full yr as a CFB starter is not going to be sufficient to achieve that subsequent degree earlier than leaping to the professionals. I would not put him on mock drafts and even rankings proper now.
Kiper: Kevin Coleman Jr. has completely stuffed the Luther Burden III void within the Missouri offense. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound slot receiver has been in all places. He was at Jackson State in 2022. Then Louisville in 2023. Then Mississippi State in 2024. Now he is on to Missouri. And the manufacturing has been good up to now, together with 10 catches for 126 yards and a landing in opposition to Kansas on Saturday. Coleman shows the fast burst to separate beneath, and he can tag on further yards after the catch. His physique management is spectacular, and he snags the ball in stride. And I actually like how rapidly Coleman reads zone protection and finds openings. Toss in some punt return potential, and I see a possible Day 2 prospect.
Reid: One participant who has NFL scouts already buzzing is Oregon tight finish Kenyon Sadiq. They particularly name out his potential as a blocker at 6-foot-3, 245 kilos. “He is an absolute weapon as a run blocker that tries to place guys within the grime at any time when he will get fingers on them,” an AFC space scout stated. Sadiq got here into the season as my TE1, and he appears to be like like probably the most constant prospects within the nation up to now, no matter place. Sadiq obtained Spherical 1 buzz coming into the yr, and if his degree of play continues, he might be a top-20 choose.
Miller: Ohio State offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa — a extremely regarded switch from Rice with top-75 grades from NFL scouts — didn’t begin in opposition to Texas and performed simply 13 snaps after he finally rotated into the sport at proper guard. The 6-foot-6, 333-pound senior had excessive expectations this season, however the early phrase from sources with the Buckeyes is he has struggled to select up the offense.
Kiper: The Clemson defensive position is loaded, with the likes of T.J. Parker and Peter Woods. However how about Will Heldt? He is main the Tigers with two sacks up to now, and he appeared nice in opposition to Troy this weekend. The Purdue switch has good size, the power to get stress each inside or exterior and stable closing velocity. Heldt mixes up his pass-rush strikes to get house, however do not sleep on his potential to get off blocks and pursue laterally, and even drop in protection. Dabo Swinney does not sometimes use the switch portal, however touchdown Heldt this yr was an enormous win. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound edge rusher is enjoying like a first-rounder.
Miller: Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson is value keeping track of as an rising expertise within the 2026 draft class. An AFC South space scout texted me on Saturday: “Robertson is the actual deal. He is bought all of it.” The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior was phenomenal in a shootout with SMU on Saturday, throwing 4 landing passes and finishing 34 of fifty passes for four hundred and forty yards in a double-overtime win.
Kiper: The Ole Miss protection misplaced a variety of expertise this yr, together with Walter Nolen III. However defensive sort out Zxavian Harris (6-foot-7, 320 kilos) has been big for the Rebels, together with his second sack in as many video games on Saturday in opposition to Kentucky. Harris strikes effectively for his measurement, particularly laterally, and he makes his presence felt in opposition to each the run and the go. He nonetheless wants refinement as a go rusher, however defensive coordinators can transfer him round to benefit. His draft inventory continues to be TBD — I must see extra.
Kiper: Tanner Koziol left Ball State for Houston earlier than this season, and he has been excellent. The early Day 3 prospect nonetheless has to enhance his blocking, however he is a harmful go catcher. Koziol is principally a receiver in a good finish’s physique (6-foot-6, 250 kilos). He already has 13 catches on the season, together with six for 52 yards on Saturday in opposition to Rice.
