Bryce Lance, Charles Demmings lead FCS prospects to watch in the 2026 NFL Draft

The transfer portal has thinned out the FCS draft pool. Only 19 FCS players were selected over the past two drafts, but the idea that high-level talent no longer exists at that level is wrong. The most recent proof is Seahawks first-round pick Grey Zabel in the 2025 NFL Draft. All he did as a rookie was post the best season of any first-year offensive lineman, per ESPN. Talent is still there. You just have to look for it.

The 2024 NFL Draft class reinforced that point. A pair of young FCS wide receivers are already making real NFL impacts. Cowboys sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy out of Southeast Missouri State just wrapped up a 40-catch season. Even more impressive is Jalen Coker, who went undrafted out of Holy Cross and still finished as the Panthers’ second-leading receiver. He capped the year with a breakout Wild Card performance against the Rams, hauling in nine passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.

The pipeline is not closed, and here are four FCS prospects with a real chance to be the next impact player at the NFL level.

Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

For the second straight year, the top FCS draft prospect is likely coming out of North Dakota State. This time, it is wide receiver Bryce Lance. Lance has stacked back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and has been the clear focal point of the Bison passing game. In addition to his outstanding production, he is also an elite athlete. At 6-foot-3, 209 pounds, he posts a 40-inch vertical jump and was Bruce Feldman’s #34 freak athlete going into the season. Look for him to be an early day three pick.

Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

On the defensive side of the ball, the top FCS prospect expected to come off the board is Stephen F. Austin cornerback Charles Demmings. Demmings, who ran a 4.40 40-yard dash coming out of high school, was a shutdown corner for the Lumberjacks this season, allowing just 17 completions all year. His speed also showed up consistently on film, allowing him to make numerous plays on the ball. One team that has shown interest in Demmings is the Miami Dolphins, who could target him in the fifth round.

Delby Lemieux, OL, Dartmouth

Over the past two seasons, seven FCS offensive linemen have been drafted, the most of any position. The next lineman who could add his name to that list is Dartmouth All-American Delby Lemieux, who recently accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl. This past season, the athletic offensive tackle, who will likely move inside to guard at the NFL level, allowed just one sack. Look for him to hear his name called in the sixth or seventh round.

A.J. Pena, OLB, Rhode Island

A deep sleeper in the 2026 NFL Draft and a potential undrafted free agent value is Rhode Island’s A.J. Pena. Over the past two seasons, Pena has piled up 43.5 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks. He also has the strength to hold up against the run despite being just 6-foot-2, 243 pounds, earning a PFF 88.7 run defense grade. As a pro prospect, he shows good flexibility and quickness off the edge and could carve out a role as a 3-4 outside linebacker or situational pass rusher.