2026 NFL Draft Prospects: Jeremiyah Love shines, leads Top 10 performances of Week 8

Week 8 of the college football season was a strong showcase for 2026 NFL Draft prospects.

Stars like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, and Oregon’s Dante Moore demonstrated why they are considered elite prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Meanwhile, underrated players such as Alabama’s Yhonzae Pierre stepped up and proved they have the potential to become the next great pass rushers in college football.

Top 10 performances from week 8

1. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

NFL Fit: Dallas Cowboys

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love delivered the best game of his Irish career and one of the most dominant rushing performances of the season against USC. He racked up a career-high 228 rushing yards while averaging an incredible 9.5 yards per carry. Love also caught all five of his targets, showing off his versatility as a complete offensive weapon. This performance reinforced what scouts have been seeing all year: Love has elite-level talent and looks like a future top-ten pick. Dallas would love to land him in the 2026 NFL Draft, but there’s a strong chance he’ll be gone before their selection comes up.

"I love being physical. I'm going out there and trying to run somebody over and making it bloody."

Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love

2. Yhonzae Pierre, OLB, Alabama

NFL Fit: Baltimore Ravens

Alabama linebacker Yhonzae Pierre saw his NFL Draft stock skyrocket in Week 8 with a breakout performance against Tennessee. Coming into the game with just one career sack, Pierre exploded for three sacks against a Vols offensive line that had only allowed four all season. That kind of production against top competition turned heads across the country. While it’s unlikely the redshirt sophomore declares for the 2026 NFL Draft, Pierre would be an ideal fit in Baltimore. The Ravens need a boost off the edge, and Pierre’s athleticism and power would fit perfectly in their 3-4 scheme.

3. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

NFL Fit: Cleveland Browns

The biggest upset of the weekend came when Louisville knocked off previously undefeated Miami on Friday night. A major reason for the Cardinals’ win was wide receiver Chris Bell, who caught nine passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Bell consistently showed the ability to create yards after the catch and the physicality to project as a high-quality NFL receiver. This marked his third straight impressive performance, with 31 receptions for 441 yards and five touchdowns over that span. Bell has now earned recognition among the top NFL Draft prospect performances in back-to-back games. The Browns would love to add a big, physical receiver like Bell early in the second round.

4. Anthony Smith, DE, Minnesota

NFL Fit: Chicago Bears

One of the more underrated prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft is Minnesota defensive end Anthony Smith. While the NFL Mock Draft Database currently lists him as a fifth-round prospect, I have him graded much higher as a late second-round talent. Against Nebraska, Smith showed exactly why. He displayed an explosive first step for a 285-pound lineman, plus the power to dominate against the run, finishing with 2.5 sacks and a strong 75.8 PFF run-defense grade. Smith has the ideal size and strength the Bears look for in their defensive ends, and he would also fill a major need on their defensive front.

5. Anthony Hankerson, RB, Oregon State

NFL Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Oregon State running back Anthony Hankerson currently carries an undrafted free-agent grade, but performances like the one he delivered in Week 8 could change that quickly. Hankerson exploded for 204 rushing yards and four touchdowns against Lafayette, showcasing his blend of power, balance, and determination. He gained 111 yards after contact and broke nine tackles, proving he’s capable of creating offense on his own. The Buccaneers could use added depth at running back, especially if Rachaad White departs in free agency. 

6. Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas

NFL Fit: Baltimore Ravens

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green remains one of the more underrated prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. While he isn’t listed among Mel Kiper Jr.’s top quarterbacks, Green has as much upside as anyone in this class. His blend of elite mobility, arm strength, and playmaking ability makes him a legitimate dual-threat weapon. Those traits were on full display against a strong Texas A&M defense, where he accounted for five total touchdowns, threw for 256 yards, and added 85 rushing yards. This season has shown the Ravens need a high-quality backup behind Lamar Jackson, and if they can get Green on Day Three, they would be getting elite value.

7. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

NFL Fit: Cleveland Browns

Fernando Mendoza continues to prove he belongs among the top performers of the week, marking his third appearance on this list. While I was the only draft analyst to name Mendoza the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft heading into the season, he continues to exceed expectations. Against Michigan State, he displayed elite accuracy, completing 85% of his passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns. Mendoza has the skill set to thrive in Kevin Stefanski’s offense in Cleveland, bringing poise, precision, and playmaking ability.

8. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

NFL Fit: New York Jets

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore bounced back in a big way after a rough outing against Indiana in Week 7. This week, he completed 15 of 20 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns while earning a 93.2 PFF passing grade, the highest at the FBS level. The New York Jets appear very interested in Moore, sending three scouts and GM Darren Mougey to watch him in person.

9. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

NFL Fit: Kansas City Chiefs

The second Oregon Duck on this list is tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who proved in just one half of football that he is the top tight ends in the 2026 NFL Draft. Against Rutgers, he caught four passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns, including an impressive diving reception. Sadiq is one of the few tight ends with athleticism comparable to Travis Kelce and has the potential to be a long-term replacement for the Chiefs legend.

10. Zion Young, DE, Missouri

NFL Fit: Detroit Lions

Missouri defensive end Zion Young, along with teammate Damon Wilson, forms one of the most promising DE duos in college football, both with potential to be top-100 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Young had his most productive game of the season in Week 8 against Auburn, recording two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. The Detroit Lions need a pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and with GM Brad Holmes scouting Young in person during Missouri’s Week 7 game against Alabama, Young could be an ideal fit late in the second round.