The 2025 college football season is just around the corner, and in the coming months, NFL scouts and team executives will intensify their efforts to evaluate prospects, engage with coaches, and prepare draft boards for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The burning questions remain: which collegiate programs will attract the most scouting attention, and which players will be under the microscope?
After discussions with scouts and talent evaluators, I’ve compiled a guide highlighting university programs for fans to watch as they gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft. This early look breaks down 12 schools into three tiers, ranked by the volume of draft prospects and projected first-round picks, including some under-the-radar programs worthy of attention.
Starting with a stacked Big Ten team aiming to maintain its national championship dominance:
Tier 1
Penn State Nittany Lions
- Key Player: QB Drew Aller
- Sleeper: WR Trebor Pena
- Notable Game: November 1st in Ohio
Penn State is loaded with talent, particularly focused on Drew Aller, entering a pivotal senior year. Standing 6’5” and 235 pounds, Aller impressed scouts last season with improved accuracy, completing 66.5% of his passes for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. While opinions about him remain mixed, he shows potential for NFL readiness. The running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kitron Allen, both returning unexpectedly for their senior seasons, complement the talented wide receiver corps enhanced by transfers like Pena. On the offensive line, tackle Ludrew Shelton and guard Olaivavega Ioane are on scouts’ radars, while AJ Harris emerges as a top cornerback prospect. Defensive talents like edge rusher Dani Dennis Saton and linebacker Amare Campbell also highlight Penn State’s strong draft outlook. - Projected first-round picks: 3
- Total draft picks: 13
Clemson Tigers
- Key Player: DT Peter Woods
- Sleeper: Edge rusher TJ Parker
- Notable Game: vs. LSU, August 30th
After a notable draft drought in early rounds last year, Clemson is back with one of the strongest rosters nationally. Woods anchors the defensive line across multiple spots and is expected to be heavily involved under new coordinator Tom Allen. Parker, a top edge rusher, posted 11 sacks last season. Meanwhile, QB Kade Klubnik, entering his third starting year, ranks highly among draft prospects following an impressive junior campaign with 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns. The receiver Antonio Williams and offensive lineman Break Miller are viewed as valuable contributors. - Projected first-round picks: 4
- Total draft picks: 12
Oregon Ducks
- Key Player: OT Isaiah World
- Sleeper: LB Bryce Betcher
- Notable Game: September 27th vs. Pennsylvania
Fresh off significant transfer activity, Oregon added tackle Isaiah World from Nevada, who scouts believe has first-round potential. The Ducks’ backfield features Makhi Hughes and Noah Whittington, with Hughes coming off a 1,401-yard rushing season at Tulane. Top tight end Kenyon Sadique steps into a major role, while defensive standouts include edge rusher Matayo Uagarelei and safety Dillon Teenman. - Projected first-round picks: 4
- Total draft picks: 12
Texas Longhorns
- Key Player: LB Anthony Hill Jr.
- Sleeper: OT Trevor Goosby
- Notable Game: August 30th in Ohio
Texas returns a skilled group, notably new quarterback Arch Manning, whose limited game experience belies promising talent. Linebacker Hill, with 113 tackles and eight sacks last season, garners first-round buzz, while RB duo Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter provide strong rushing options. Wide receiver Deandre Moore Jr. and tight end Jack Endley also factor into the draft outlook, along with key players on the offensive line and defense. - Projected first-round picks: 2
- Total draft picks: 12
Tier 2
Alabama Crimson Tide
- Key Player: OT Kadyn Proctor
- Sleeper: WR Germie Bernard
- Notable Game: September 27th in Georgia
Alabama boasts two first-round talents entering 2026, including Proctor, a dominant and physically imposing offensive lineman. The team also features a deep defensive secondary with promising corners and safeties, while linebacker Deontae Lawson returns from injury with a strong reputation. Wide receivers and tight ends round out their solid draft prospects. - Projected first-round picks: 2
- Total draft picks: 11
Georgia Bulldogs
- Key Player: LB CJ Allen
- Sleeper: LB Raylen Wilson
- Notable Game: September 27th vs. Alabama
Known for a history of elite linebackers, Georgia’s Allen emerges as a key defender with excellent productivity. Defensive tackle Kristen Miller is a potential breakout candidate, and the team’s cornerbacks and offensive linemen also attract scouting interest. - Projected first-round picks: 2
- Total draft picks: 11
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Key Player: RB Jeremiah Love
- Sleeper: WR Jaden Gracehouse
- Notable Game: August 31st vs. Miami
Notre Dame brings a strong lineup highlighted by running back Love, projected as the only first-round running back in the class thanks to his vision and versatility. The team also fields a powerful offensive line and a high-energy defensive edge rusher in Jordan Botelho. - Projected first-round picks: 1
- Total draft picks: 11
Ohio State Buckeyes
- Key Player: S Caleb Downs
- Sleeper: Edge Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
- Notable Game: November 1st vs. Pennsylvania
After a national title win, Ohio State returns star defensive back Downs, regarded as one of the top secondary talents nationally. Linebacker Sonny Styles and cornerbacks add depth, with strong contributions expected on both offense and defense. - Projected first-round picks: 1
- Total draft picks: 10
Tier 3
LSU Tigers
- Key Player: QB Garrett Nussmeier
- Sleeper: WR Baryon Brown
- Notable Game: August 30th at Clemson
LSU looks to rebound with quarterback Nussmeier, whose senior season holds promising draft potential. The team features several transfers bolstering offensive and defensive positions, with linebacker Whitweek standing out as a physical playmaker. - Projected first-round picks: 1
- Total draft picks: 11
Arizona State Sun Devils
- Key Player: WR Jordyn Tyson
- Sleeper: OT Max Iheanachor
- Notable Game: October 11th vs. Utah
Bolstered by a Big 12 title in 2024, ASU highlights include wide receiver Tyson and a steadily improving QB Sam Leavitt. The Sun Devils showcase multiple defensive linemen and solid secondary players with potential draft value. - Projected first-round picks: 1
- Total draft picks: 10
Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Key Player: Edge David Bailey
- Sleeper: CB Blythe Pollock
- Notable Game: October 18th in Arizona
Texas Tech’s roster includes star edge rusher Bailey, who impressed last season, and depth at various defensive back positions. The offense features quarterback Belen Morton and wide receivers with potential day-three draft grades. - Projected first-round picks: 1
- Total draft picks: 9
Under-the-Radar
Indiana Hoosiers
- Key Player: QB Fernando Mendoza
- Sleeper: DT Hosea Wheeler
- Notable Game: October 11th at Oregon
Indiana surprised many by making the playoffs in 2024 and maintains a roster with NFL hopefuls. Quarterback Mendoza, a transfer from Cal, has shown toughness and accuracy that could elevate him to a first-round pick. The team has several receivers and defensive players on scouts’ radars, including edge rusher Mikhail Kamala and defensive tackle Wheeler, both poised for breakout seasons.
Fan Take: This analysis gives NFL fans a valuable early look at the emerging talent that will shape the 2026 draft class, pinpointing which college programs are becoming pipelines to professional success. Watching these players develop throughout the season not only fuels draft predictions but also offers insights into the future stars who could define the next era of the NFL.
