Week three of the college football season may not feature the heavyweight matchups we saw in week one as most programs close out their non-conference schedules, but there are still plenty of 2026 NFL Draft prospects facing key tests that could shape their draft stock.
Five NFL Draft prospects to watch in week 3
1. Byrum Brown, QB, South Florida
South Florida has quickly become the hottest teams in college football after taking down ranked opponents Boise State and Florida, but this week brings their toughest test yet with Miami. At 6-foot-3 and 231 pounds, Brown is a tough evaluation for NFL scouts: he has the size and strength to consistently break tackles but only average passing ability, which has led some to project him as a future H-back rather than a pro quarterback. While he may go undrafted, his athleticism and toughness give him the type of developmental upside to stick on a roster and eventually carve out a role in the league.
2. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is widely viewed as the top running back in the 2026 NFL Draft, but after rushing for just 33 yards on 10 carries against Miami with a long of eight yards and zero forced missed tackles, he needs a strong showing versus Texas A&M to solidify his status as a potential top-10 pick rather than slipping into the late first round. In 2024, Love put up elite production with 1,125 yards on 163 carries (6.9 YPC), 17 touchdowns, and no fumbles, while also adding 28 catches for 237 yards and two scores, and his 38% forced missed tackle rate ranked second among all Power Four backs per PFF.
3. Wade Woodaz, LB, Clemson
Clemson faces one of its toughest defensive challenges this week against Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense, which ranks ninth nationally at 272 rushing yards per game, and linebacker Wade Woodaz will be at the center of that effort. Woodaz currently sits fifth in the ACC with 17 tackles through two games, and his high football IQ makes him a crucial piece in defending an option attack that demands discipline on every snap.
4. Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Northwestern tackle Caleb Tiernan is coming off an impressive showing against Western Illinois, where he earned an 87 PFF grade, dominated as a run blocker, and was recognized by NFL Mocks as the third-best NFL Draft prospect performance of the week. His matchup this week will be far tougher as he lines up against Oregon defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei, a first-round talent on many boards. With his size, physicality, and improving technique, Tiernan is the type of prospect who could draw interest from teams like the New York Giants, who need to shore up their right tackle spot.
5. Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Georgia’s showdown with Tennessee features one of the nation’s top passing attacks, as the Vols average 352 yards through the air per game, and shutting that down will fall heavily on cornerback Daylen Everette. The quick, athletic defensive back was named MVP of the 2024 SEC Championship Game after intercepting two passes against Texas, and he’ll need that same playmaking ability this week. Everette currently carries a fourth-round grade on my board, but a strong performance against Tennessee’s could push his stock higher.