Tier 1

Penn State

Top prospect to know: Drew Allar, QB Sleeper prospect to watch: Trebor Pena, WR Game circled on the schedule: at Ohio State, Nov. 1

The Nittany Lions are loaded, and all eyes will be on Allar as he enters a crucial senior season. He contemplated entering the NFL draft last season before announcing his decision to return prior to the College Football Playoff. At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, he has tools scouts covet and showed improvement in his accuracy, with his completion rate improving from 59.9% in 2023 to 66.5% last season. He finished with 3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his first season in offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki's scheme.

Clemson

Top prospect to know: Peter Woods, DT Sleeper prospect to watch: Will Heldt, Edge Game circled on the schedule: vs. LSU, Aug. 30

For the first time since 2009, Clemson didn't have a player drafted in the first two days of the draft. That will not be the case in 2026, as the Tigers have one of the best rosters in the country. Woods is the top-ranked prospect on my early board. At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, he's an anchor in the middle who has the versatility to play every position up front.

Tier 2

Alabama

Top prospect to know: Kadyn Proctor, OT Sleeper prospect to watch: Germie Bernard, WR Game circled on the schedule: at Georgia, Sept. 27

The Crimson Tide had two first-round picks last season, including an offensive lineman (Tyler Booker). That could happen again in 2026, as Proctor is the highest-ranked prospect on the roster. A starter since stepping foot on campus in 2023, he's an imposing presence at 6-foot-6, 370 pounds.

Tier 3

LSU

Top prospect to know: Garrett Nussmeier, QB Sleeper prospect to watch: Barion Brown, WR Game circled on the schedule: at Clemson, Aug. 30

The Tigers are led by Nussmeier, who returns for a highly anticipated senior season. He finished with 4,052 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his first year as a starter; he's my No. 3 QB for next year's draft.

Under-the-radar school

Indiana

Top prospect to know: Fernando Mendoza, QB Sleeper prospect to watch: Hosea Wheeler, DT Game circled on the schedule: at Oregon, Oct. 11

The Hoosiers were one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season in making the College Football Playoff, and their roster still has plenty of talent. Mendoza follows Kurtis Rourke as a transfer passer who hopes to boost his draft stock in Curt Cignetti's offense.