NFL Prospects 2026: College Stars Seek to Establish Themselves

2025 College Football Season: Players with a Lot on the Line

The 2025 college football season is fast approaching, and the performance of the players in the upcoming campaign will be crucial in determining their position in the 2026 NFL draft. Several players are under the scrutiny of evaluators. After speaking with scouts and NFL personnel, 10 players with a lot at stake this season were selected. Some are looking to redeem themselves from a disappointing 2024 season, others must overcome injury problems, and others need to demonstrate greater consistency to climb the draft boards. Millions of dollars in professional earnings could depend on their performances.

Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

In 2024, Allar showed flashes of potential to be a top-5 pick. However, there were also moments when Penn State seemed to take the ball out of his hands. With the departure of tight end Tyler Warren to the NFL and the transfer of backup quarterback Beau Pribula to Missouri, all eyes will be on Allar in 2025. Allar, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound quarterback, possesses good arm strength and mobility. Despite these qualities, scouts have questioned his decision-making and instincts. If he achieves the same development as in his sophomore year in offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s scheme, Allar has the talent to position himself in the first round of the draft.

David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

Texas Tech has assembled a very talented defensive line, with Bailey, transferred from Stanford, as the main figure. The 6-foot-4-inch, 250-pound senior stood out as a passer at Stanford, accumulating seven sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles in just 339 plays in 2024. Bailey must prove that he can be a three-down player and not just a specialist in pressure situations. However, his talent is undeniable, and a Big 12 coach considers him the best passer his team will face all season.

Carson Beck, QB, Miami

A year ago, Beck was considered the possible QB1 for the 2025 draft after a standout first season as a starter at Georgia. However, his production declined in 2024, with double the interceptions and a decrease in his completion percentage. After undergoing elbow surgery in December, Beck was cleared for spring practice and is expected to be 100% for the start of the season against Notre Dame on August 31. The game against the Irish will be an early test for Beck, and an opportunity to demonstrate his talent.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy, a top-tier corner prospect, suffered an ACL tear in January. The 6-foot, 193-pound player has intercepted six passes in his first two seasons. If he manages to return to the field in 2025 and maintain the same level of play, his chances of being the CB1 in the 2026 class are high.

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Before LSU’s matchup against Texas A&M on October 26, Nussmeier was generating expectations of being selected in the first round. However, his performance declined, throwing three interceptions and completing only 50% of his passes. Despite this, Nussmeier is still considered a high-potential player in a draft class without a clear QB1. What’s at stake is a possible number 1 draft pick if Nussmeier manages to reduce his turnovers and maintain the aggressive passes that define him.

Ethan Onianwa, OT, Ohio State

With the departure of several starters from Ohio State’s offensive line, Onianwa, a transfer from Rice, has the opportunity to prove his worth. With experience as a starter at both tackle positions, Onianwa will face a tough test against Texas’s outstanding pass rushers in the first week. In a 2026 class filled with talent at the offensive tackle position, Onianwa has strong competition. If he manages to stand out on Ohio State’s schedule, his value could increase considerably.

Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma

Ott, who was once the number 1 running back on the preseason lists, had a season affected by an ankle injury. After transferring to Oklahoma, Ott will seek to regain his best form. The second week’s game against the Michigan defense will be a good indicator of his resurgence.

Patrick Payton, Edge, LSU

Payton, who was also on the preseason lists, is looking for a change of direction after transferring to LSU. With an impressive physique and good technique, Payton will face weekly duels against the best offensive tackles in the SEC. If he manages to demonstrate the talent that scouts saw in 2023, he will have many opportunities this season.

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Proctor, a 6-foot-7, 366-pound offensive tackle, is considered a possible candidate to be selected with the No. 1 draft pick. Despite his talent, he has had some problems, including a shoulder injury that required surgery. Proctor will have to demonstrate his ability to maintain a high level of play and overcome injuries to establish himself as a first-round prospect.

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson, with a good physique and speed, seeks to establish himself as the number 1 receiver of the 2026 class. If he manages to improve his ability to catch the ball, he has the potential to achieve it.