2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
The NFL season for 2026 is just beginning, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft.
Before we start sharing mock drafts, we can take a moment to evaluate how some of the college football prospects are performing. Week 3 is gearing up with a key match between Ole Miss and LSU, and there are plenty of interesting matchups across the board.
This includes games that might influence the early draft talks.
No. 22 Houston @ No. 13 Texas Tech
Big 12 action is heating up this Friday night as No. 13 Texas Tech faces No. 22 Houston in both teams’ conference debut. Texas Tech is coming off a tighter-than-expected 35-24 victory over Oregon State, while Houston dominated Southern University with a score of 77-6 after also defeating Oregon State.
Keep an eye on Houston’s running back, Makhi Hughes, especially as he takes on Texas Tech’s defense, which boasts senior linebackers Ben Roberts, Austin Romaine, and John Curry. Hughes has rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, the linebacker trio collectively has made 37 tackles over just two games.
Friday, September 18, 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
Switching gears to Saturday’s SEC matchups, the Bulldogs are off to a solid 2-0 start, having won decisively against Tennessee State and Western Kentucky with a combined score of 133-23. However, they’ll face a tougher challenge during their first conference game in Fayetteville against Arkansas, which stands at 1-1 after a win over North Alabama and a loss against Utah.
This game should showcase the battle in the trenches. Georgia’s center, Drew Bobo — who is also the son of the offensive coordinator Mike Bobo — leads the offensive line. Bobo, a fifth-year senior, has kept the pressure on pass protection to a minimum, while left tackle Earnest Greene III also impresses as both a solid pass blocker and a significant force in the run game.
On Arkansas’ side, pass rusher Quincy Rhodes Jr. and defensive tackle David Oke provide a formidable challenge for Georgia’s linemen. Rhodes, who almost entered the 2026 draft after an impressive 15.5 tackles for a loss last season, is one to watch alongside Oke, a transfer from Abilene Christian making his first SEC appearance.
Saturday, September 19, 12:00 p.m. ET (ABC)
Florida State @ No. 10 Alabama
The stakes are high for Florida State head coach Mike Norvell as his team heads into this game after a rough start to the season, losing to SMU, with complications including a power outage. While some circumstances were beyond his control, others were not.
Players to watch include Alabama’s wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, who may have a key matchup against FSU cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls. Rawls shone in Florida State’s earlier game, making a critical pass breakup. Alabama’s pass rusher Yhonzae Pierre could also emerge as a potential Day 1 draft pick.
A headliner for this matchup is Florida State’s wide receiver Duce Robinson, who stands out for his size and fearless style of play, along with Alabama’s cornerback Zabien Brown, who has already made his mark as a true freshman with multiple interceptions and touchdowns returned last season.
If they face off, it could be a memorable duel worth watching.
Saturday, September 19, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
No. 7 LSU @ No. 8 Ole Miss
This game has its fair share of drama beyond just the on-field action. With Lane Kiffin returning to Ole Miss and some ongoing legal matters involving the players, it’s set to be an intriguing match. Plus, it’s an SEC clash between two teams ranked in the top ten.
LSU’s offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and tight end Trey’Dez Green could be potential first-round picks, while Ole Miss’ defensive tackle Will Echoles is also gaining attention as a Day 1 pick. The performance of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss against LSU’s defense, including standout players like Umanmielen, is particularly noteworthy.
Chambliss is one of my favorite quarterbacks to watch, and how he manages this defense will have a significant impact on his draft value. Plus, having a talented running back like Kewan Lacy, who’s already found the end zone three times this season, certainly helps his cause.
Keep this game on your radar; it promises plenty of excitement.
Saturday, September 19, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
