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Matt Miller
The 12-team Faculty Soccer Playoff will get going Friday when Alabama performs at Oklahoma, the primary of 4 first-round on-campus video games. And never surprisingly, the highest 12 groups of the 2025 CFB season have loads of prospects for the 2026 NFL draft.
We’re figuring out every participant within the playoff who may be chosen within the upcoming draft and which spherical they’d match finest proper now, giving transient breakdowns on prospects graded within the first three rounds. These gamers’ draft shares aren’t etched in stone; they will all rise or fall throughout playoff motion and the predraft course of. However that is the place issues stand proper now and a very good image of which groups might be sending a bunch of high expertise to the early rounds of the draft.
Let’s get began with the No. 1-seeded crew within the CFP and the one undefeated squad left within the FBS. Prospects are ordered inside every spherical by total rating, injured gamers are included and underclassmen are marked with an asterisk. Nationwide title likelihood is through ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index.
Soar to a crew:
Indiana | Ohio State | Georgia | Texas Tech
Oregon | Ole Miss | Texas A&M | Oklahoma
Alabama | Miami | Tulane | James Madison
First-round matchup: Bye (will play Alabama-Oklahoma winner in Rose Bowl)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 25.9%
Spherical 1: QB Fernando Mendoza*
Mendoza is at the moment my high quarterback within the 2026 class due to his poise, pocket presence and skill to throw guys open and belief them to make performs. The Heisman winner is lots like Jared Goff in that means. Groups love Mendoza’s good decision-making. He has adequate arm power and simply sufficient mobility to increase performs. Mendoza threw for two,980 yards and 33 touchdowns whereas registering an 88.3 QBR (third within the FBS). He is very a lot in play for the No. 1 decide if a quarterback-needy crew strikes into that spot.
Spherical 2: OT Carter Smith*, WR Omar Cooper Jr.*
Smith has been a rock-solid left deal with, with only one sack allowed this season. And Cooper is perhaps credited with the catch of the season along with his toe-tapping seize ultimately zone towards Penn State to assist Indiana keep away from an upset. Groups I’ve talked to like his downfield abilities whereas praising his capability to win one-one-one matchups. Cooper is greater than a highlight-reel receiver and has persistently proven up this season, with 58 receptions for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Spherical 3: WR Elijah Sarratt, CB D’Angelo Ponds*, S Amare Ferrell*
The Indiana secondary has been robust all season, and scouts have observed. Ponds is seen as a future nickel within the NFL at 5-foot-9 and 170 kilos, however he is a confirmed playmaker who has pulled down 4 interceptions the previous two seasons. Ferrell has been a defensive glue man, with 4 interceptions in every of the previous two seasons. Sarratt, who began his profession at James Madison, is a prototype X receiver with a 210-pound, 6-foot-2 body.
Spherical 4: LB Aiden Fisher, DT Tyrique Tucker*
Spherical 5: G Pat Coogan, Edge Mikail Kamara, RB Roman Hemby
Spherical 6: None
Spherical 7: RB Kaelon Black, TE Riley Nowakowski, Edge Stephen Daley, WR Makai Jackson, OT Kahlil Benson
First-round matchup: Bye (will play Miami-Texas A&M winner in Cotton Bowl)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 26.1%
Spherical 1: S Caleb Downs*, LB/Edge Arvell Reese*, WR Carnell Tate*, LB Sonny Types, DT Kayden McDonald*
Ohio State is loaded with NFL draft prospects and can once more be the favourite to have probably the most gamers drafted. This tier is dominated by protection and led by Reese, a hybrid edge/linebacker prospect with 8.5 sacks this season. Two different defenders (Downs and Types) might be thought of top-10 skills, even when positional worth pushes them down the precise board. McDonald is an anchor at nostril deal with and can be a price for groups within the later portion of Spherical 1. On offense, Tate has emerged as the perfect wideout within the class along with his crisp route operating and positive fingers.
Spherical 2: Edge Kenyatta Jackson Jr., CB Davison Igbinosun, TE Max Klare*, OT Austin Siereveld*
Day 2 may even have a heavy Ohio State presence, relying on some underclassman selections. Jackson had a standout efficiency towards Indiana within the shut Large Ten championship sport loss and is a top-50-type participant. The identical goes for Siereveld, who hasn’t allowed a sack in 13 begins this season. Klare — who can be within the operating for TE2 within the class — and Igbinosun are seen as well-coached, extremely developed prospects who could make a mark rapidly within the execs. Igbinosun is very praised for his alignment versatility and savvy.
Spherical 3: Edge Caden Curry, G Tegra Tshabola, CB Jermaine Mathews Jr.*
Curry would not get as a lot consideration as gamers corresponding to Reese or McDonald, however he is truly main the Buckeyes with 11 sacks this season. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound senior is a rising prospect. The identical goes for Mathews, who kicked off the season with an interception of Arch Manning and grew from there. Tshabola has began 29 video games at proper guard the previous two seasons, permitting just one sack.
Spherical 4: DT Beau Atkinson
Spherical 5: RB CJ Donaldson
Spherical 6: WR Brandon Inniss*
Spherical 7: TE Will Kacmarek, Edge C.J. Hicks
First-round matchup: Bye (will play Tulane-Ole Miss winner in Sugar Bowl)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 11.5%
Spherical 1: LB CJ Allen*, OT Monroe Freeling*
NFL scouts have talked concerning the lack of top-end expertise at Georgia all season, with one NFC East scout telling me, “It is a greater crew this 12 months with much less early-round picks.” However Freeling seems like a participant who may stand up boards if he decides to leap into this draft class. He has allowed solely two sacks this season and has three years of expertise at left deal with, which may trigger him to rise in a category dominated by proper tackles. Allen will get the Roquan Smith comparability usually for good purpose, given his vary and speedy processing working sideline to sideline.
Spherical 2: WR Zachariah Department*, DT Christen Miller*, CB Daylen Everette
Georgia may find yourself with extra Spherical 2 prospects than Spherical 1, and this group is stuffed with veteran playmakers. Department, who transferred from USC, is an elusive yards-after-catch large receiver at 5-foot-10 and 180 kilos and likewise serves as one of many nation’s most harmful return males. Everette has performed 54 video games over the previous 4 seasons with 5 interceptions and 21 cross breakups. Miller broke out this season, and the 6-foot-4, 305-pounder must be considered as a possible 3-technique with some 5-technique versatility upfront.
0:24
Zachariah Department hauls in sport’s first TD for Georgia
Gunner Stockton connects with Zachariah Department who darts into the tip zone for a 7-yard TD vs. Georgia Tech.
Spherical 3: None
Spherical 4: WR Dillon Bell, TE Lawson Luckie*, G Micah Morris
Spherical 5: TE Oscar Delp, Okay Peyton Woodring*
Spherical 6: OT Earnest Greene III*, WR Noah Thomas, WR Colbie Younger
Spherical 7: RB Josh McCray, P Brett Thorson
First-round matchup: Bye (will play the James Madison-Oregon winner in Orange Bowl)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 10.9%
Spherical 1: Edge David Bailey
Getting Bailey from Stanford within the switch portal proved to be top-of-the-line selections any FBS crew made this season. The senior edge rusher has 13.5 sacks and 65 pressures whereas being a relentless, speedy stand-up defender for the Crimson Raiders. He has a chance to get into the highest 10 when it is all mentioned and carried out. And whereas Bailey may not have elite measurement at 6-foot-3 and 250 kilos, he persistently wins with burst.
Spherical 2: Edge Romello Peak, DT Lee Hunter, LB Jacob Rodriguez
Texas Tech’s defensive spine rests in its Spherical 2 prospects. Hunter is a feisty, robust nostril deal with who messes up inside offensive line plans with persistent rush strikes and energy at 6-foot-4, 325 kilos. Peak has been the right counterpart to Bailey, stopping opposing offenses from sliding safety or investing in double-teams. At 6-foot-3 and 235 kilos, Peak is extra of a situational rusher, however large 9 groups corresponding to Detroit or Philadelphia may love his pace and manufacturing (9 sacks).
After which there’s Rodriguez. An argument might be made that no participant meant extra to their program than Rodriguez did to the Crimson Raiders this season. The senior had 144 tackles, an eye-popping seven compelled fumbles, 4 interceptions and a sack.
Spherical 3: TE Terrance Carter Jr.*
Tech’s offense would not get as a lot love, however Carter is a authentic flex tight finish. The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder had 5 touchdowns this season on 46 catches, and he ought to remind scouts of Browns rookie Harold Fannin Jr. from an athletic instruments perspective.
Spherical 4: WR Reggie Virgil, DT Skyler Gill-Howard
Spherical 5: QB Behren Morton
Spherical 6: S Cole Wisniewski
Spherical 7: G Davion Carter, WR Caleb Douglas, CB Dontae Balfour
First-round matchup: vs. James Madison (7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, TNT/truTV)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 10.4%
Spherical 1: QB Dante Moore*, TE Kenyon Sadiq*
Moore, who began 5 video games at UCLA in 2023 earlier than transferring, has been electrical after studying the offense behind Dillon Gabriel final season. The 6-foot-3, 206-pound redshirt sophomore might be the No. 1 decide in April if he declares. He has a lightning-fast launch, the arm power to make throws to all tiers of the sphere and the flexibility to place these throws within the bucket with nice contact. Making his job simpler is Sadiq, the clear TE1. A primary-year starter, he has exploded this season with eight touchdowns on 40 receptions for 490 yards.
Spherical 2: DT A’Mauri Washington*, Edge Matayo Uiagalelei*, G Emmanuel Pregnon, OT Isaiah World
Scouts can be closely targeted on Oregon’s trenches through the CFP. World and Pregnon transferred in and have constructed on their earlier tape, combining to permit solely three sacks this season. All the beginning defensive entrance might be drafted within the high 100, however Uiagalelei is perhaps the one who strikes up the best. Washington is an enormous nostril deal with prospect who might be considered extra favorably by groups in search of run protection assist. (DT Bear Alexander could be right here, however he’s planning to return to highschool.)
Spherical 3: S Dillon Thieneman*, C Iapani Laloulu*, Edge Teitum Tuioti*, LB Bryce Boettcher
Laloulu and Tuitoti spherical out Oregon’s draftable trench gamers, and each have the method and constant robust play to push into Spherical 2. Thieneman had lots of buzz after transferring from Purdue and has lived as much as the hype, with two interceptions and 64 tackles on a loaded protection.
Spherical 4: WR Evan Stewart*, OT Alex Harkey
Spherical 5: RB Noah Whittington, CB Jadon Canady, CB Theran Johnson
Spherical 6: WR Gary Bryant Jr.
Spherical 7: WR Malik Benson
First-round matchup: vs. Tulane (3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, TNT/truTV)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 4.7%
Spherical 1: None
Spherical 2: DT Zxavian Harris
Ole Miss would not have the Jaxson Dart-type offensive prospect this 12 months, however Harris is a possible top-50 decide. The versatile senior has had his finest collegiate season with three sacks whereas enjoying nostril deal with and likewise bumping to a 1-technique in four-man fronts.
Spherical 3: TE Dae’Quan Wright, LB Suntarine Perkins*
There can be a wholesome debate about Perkins’ finest NFL place given his 6-foot-1, 210-pound body, however he is a playmaker in the course of the sphere. Perkins had 10.5 sacks in 2024 however has simply two this season, as his position has developed into extra of a conventional ‘backer. Wright completed second on the crew with 4 landing catches, and groups are intrigued by the 255-pounder’s in-line and seam-route potential.
Spherical 4: WR Harrison Wallace III
Spherical 5: QB Trinidad Chambliss, WR De’Zhaun Stribling
Spherical 6: OT Jayden Williams, OT Diego Kilos
Spherical 7: RB Logan Diggs, CB Kapena Gushiken
First-round matchup: vs. Miami (midday ET Saturday, ABC/ESPN)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 3.1%
Spherical 1: WR KC Concepcion*
As a runner, receiver and return man, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Concepcion will get it carried out with the ball in his fingers. He has posted 12 whole touchdowns this season and noticed his route tree increase from the gadget-guy position he performed at NC State in his first two seasons. Groups on the again finish of Spherical 1, corresponding to Buffalo and New England, may fall in love along with his capability to generate chunk performs whereas additionally being a harmful deep risk and punt returner.
Spherical 2: Edge Cashius Howell, G Trey Zuhn III, G Chase Bisontis*, CB Will Lee III
A&M’s protection is loaded, however no participant boosted his inventory as a lot as Howell did. The 6-foot-2, 248-pounder led the SEC with 11.5 sacks and added 39 pressures. He would not have ultimate measurement, however his quickness and bend across the edge are prototypical for a profitable cross rusher. Zuhn will transfer from left deal with in faculty to the inside within the execs on account of an absence of size. It’s going to be a battle between him and Bisontis to see who comes off the board first. Lee has lengthy been a favourite of mine due to his robust protection abilities — he may see an increase like Trey Amos had in 2025 through the predraft circuit.
Spherical 3: None
Spherical 4: OT Dametrious Crownover, G Ar’maj Reed-Adams, RB Le’Veon Moss, LB Taurean York*
Spherical 5: DT Albert Regis
Spherical 6: None
Spherical 7: RB Amari Daniels, RB EJ Smith, TE Nate Boerkircher, DT Tyler Onyedim, LB Scooby Williams, CB Tyreek Chappell
First-round matchup: vs. Alabama (8 p.m. ET Friday, ABC/ESPN)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 1.4%
Spherical 1: None
Spherical 2: Edge R Mason Thomas, WR Isaiah Sategna III*
One of many largest beneficiaries of Oklahoma’s improved offense, Sategna is a candidate to leap to the professionals early after breaking out this season. The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder leads the Sooners with 65 catches whereas posting seven touchdowns and exhibiting the quick-cutting agility to be a really perfect NFL slot receiver. Thomas noticed his season minimize to eight video games due to damage, however he nonetheless posted 6.5 sacks and is seen as a 3-4 outdoors linebacker within the execs.
Spherical 3: QB John Mateer*, WR Deion Burks, Edge Taylor Wein*
Mateer was enjoying first-round soccer early earlier than a hand damage slowed him. It is attainable he’ll get better a few of that inventory as soon as groups see him within the predraft course of. Burks can be a slot receiver within the NFL with game-changing pace on a 5-foot-9, 188-pound body. He is a jitterbug with the ball in his fingers and expertly will get out and in of breaks in a rush. Wein is a wild card. The redshirt sophomore had six sacks in his first season as a starter and has a professional construct at 6-foot-4 and 276 kilos, however there is a robust chance he returns to Norman subsequent season.
Spherical 4: DT Gracen Halton, S Peyton Bowen*, LB Kendal Daniels
Spherical 5: None
Spherical 6: S Robert Spears-Jennings, TE Jaren Kanak
Spherical 7: Edge Marvin Jones Jr., DT Damonic Williams
First-round matchup: at Oklahoma (8 p.m. ET Friday, ABC/ESPN)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 2.6%
Spherical 1: QB Ty Simpson*, WR Germie Bernard, OT Kadyn Proctor*
It isn’t stunning to see Alabama with three first-round-caliber gamers. Simpson has wowed along with his poise and fast decision-making in his first season as a starter however has seen his play stagnate prior to now month. A giant playoff run may push him into declaring for the 2026 draft regardless of restricted expertise (13 profession begins). Bernard has been the Tide’s model of Deebo Samuel, making performs as a receiver and on designed runs out of the backfield. He has posted 9 whole touchdowns this season (seven receiving, two dashing).
Proctor is perhaps probably the most mentioned prospect of the category in NFL assembly rooms. He is a dominant, highly effective participant at 6-foot-7, 360 kilos however struggles with leverage and consistency at left deal with. His flashes are elite, however his baseline tape is perhaps extra worthy of Spherical 2.
Spherical 2: Edge LT Overton, S Bray Hubbard*, WR Isaiah Horton*
Nick Saban’s defensive pipeline nonetheless exists at Alabama, and Overton and Hubbard are prospects recruited and partially developed by the Corridor of Fame coach. Overton is a hybrid lineman at 6-foot-2 and 280 kilos, with some inside/outdoors potential. Hubbard is ranked because the No. 2 security within the class by most groups due to his playmaking (4 interceptions, three compelled fumbles) and professional measurement at 6-foot-2 and 213 kilos. Horton has ultimate measurement (6-foot-4, 208 kilos) and nice vary on 50-50 balls. He has caught eight touchdowns on solely 35 catches this season, showcasing his crimson zone capability.
0:13
Ty Simpson escapes pocket and finds Isaiah Horton for a Bama TD
Isaiah Horton hauls in a dime from Ty Simpson to pad the Crimson Tide’s lead.
Spherical 3: C Parker Brailsford*, S Keon Sabb*
Brailsford is perhaps undersized at 6-foot-2 and 290 kilos, however his agility and motion abilities are good for zone-blocking schemes. A powerful predraft exhibiting may push him into Spherical 2. Sabb, who transferred from Michigan following the 2023 season, has posted 5 interceptions in three years and might be an intriguing underclassman entry in a weak security class.
Spherical 4: CB Domani Jackson, RB Jam Miller, DT Tim Keenan III, LB Deontae Lawson, LB Justin Jefferson, G Jaeden Roberts
Spherical 5: TE Josh Cuevas
Spherical 6: None
Spherical 7: G Kam Dewberry, LB Nikhai Hill-Inexperienced
First-round matchup: at Texas A&M (midday ET Saturday, ABC/ESPN)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 3.2%
Spherical 1: Edge Rueben Bain Jr.*, OT Francis Mauigoa*
The Hurricanes have a possible top-10 decide on every line. Bain was arguably probably the most spectacular participant within the FBS throughout September and October and completed the season with 4.5 sacks however 50 hurries. He has given scouts a style of his energy and pace coming off the best facet of the protection. On offense, Mauigoa is my top-ranked offensive lineman. He has been an image of consistency the previous three seasons, beginning 38 video games at proper deal with and surrendering just one sack the previous two seasons. There are scouts who assume he is perhaps a guard within the NFL, however he profiles as a plug-and-play proper deal with worthy of a top-10 decide to me.
Spherical 2: QB Carson Beck, Edge Akheem Mesidor, CB Keionte Scott
Miami satisfied Beck to withdraw from the 2025 draft and switch from Georgia, and he threw for 3,072 yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Beck is at his finest when he is in a clear pocket the place he can decide aside defenses, however he struggles when issues get muddy. Groups with a powerful play-action assault and good run sport may like him on Day 2. Mesidor has been overshadowed by Bain a bit, however the 280-pound senior had seven sacks this season and is a real 4-3 defensive finish prospect. Scott is a participant who scouts have advised me may rise due to his blazing pace and size at 6-foot, 190 kilos.
Spherical 3: None
Spherical 4: RB Mark Fletcher Jr.*, OT Markel Bell
Spherical 5: WR CJ Daniels
Spherical 6: WR Keelan Marion
Spherical 7: C James Brockermeyer, G Anez Cooper, DT David Blay Jr., LB Mohamed Toure, LB Wesley Bissainthe
First-round matchup: at Ole Miss (3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, TNT/truTV)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 0.1%
Spherical 1: None
Spherical 2: None
Spherical 3: G Shadre Hurst*
Tulane’s run to the Faculty Soccer Playoff was constructed extra on being a very good, well-coached crew as an alternative of being loaded with Spherical 1 prospects, however the Inexperienced Wave have some expertise. Hurst did not permit a sack all season whereas enjoying primarily at left guard however filling in briefly at left deal with. Scouts gave him a Spherical 3-4 grade over the summer season. He has improved upon that along with his power in cross safety and mobility in run blocking.
Spherical 4: None
Spherical 5: None
Spherical 6: QB Jake Retzlaff*
Spherical 7: Edge Mo Westmoreland
First-round matchup: at Oregon (7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, TNT/truTV)
FPI possibilities to win nationwide title: 0.1%
Spherical 1: None
Spherical 2: None
Spherical 3: None
Spherical 4: None
Spherical 5: None
Spherical 6: None
Spherical 7: WR Nick DeGennaro
The primary-round matchup between Oregon and James Madison may look like David vs. Goliath, given the variety of draftable Geese versus the one Dukes prospect listed right here. However the 6-foot-1, 198-pound DeGennaro has a first-rate alternative to show he can grasp with the perfect of the perfect when going head-to-head with Dan Lanning’s protection.