The Most Overlooked NFL Draft Prospects in 2026 CFP Championship

The 2026 National Championship Game will be loaded with future NFL talent, albeit from two programs not accustomed to the national spotlight, at least not in the last 20 years (or ever).

The Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes feature multiple prospects capable of hearing their names called in April's draft, starting with IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 pick. Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. currently holds a top-two overall draft grade from the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. The Hurricanes' right tackle, Francis Mauigoa, also has top-10 potential. Those three serve as the headliners.

From there, eight more prospects between both programs are graded among B/R's Top 100. These individuals don't receive as much fanfare, though they could be significant contributors for NFL teams next fall.

WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

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B/R Ranking: 33rd overall

Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is the master of the back-shoulder catch. He's a big-bodied target, who understands positioning and shielding a defender from the catchpoint.

"Sarratt has emerged as a high-volume target with WR1 potential and late-game playmaking to become a difference-maker in the NFL," B/R scout Dame Parson wrote. "Sarratt's game combines strong hands, route-running and an infectious desire to make impactful plays when his team needs them."

The senior prospect's ascension up draft boards is a testament to the transfer portal. He began his career at an FCS program, Saint Francis (Penn.), before transferring to James Madison. He then followed Curt Cignetti to Indiana. Sarratt became a first- or second-team all-conference performer at each stop.

The 6'2", 209-pound target led the FCS this season with 15 touchdown receptions. He's an ideal option on money downs and in the red zone.

CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana

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B/R Ranking: 34th overall

D'Angelo Ponds is the most competitive prospect in this year's draft class. Indiana's CB1 may be small in stature, but he plays big on the field.

The first-team All-American won't be for some NFL teams that place an emphasis on size and length. Indiana lists the junior prospect at 5'9" and 173 pounds. He may be viewed strictly as a nickel corner in most cases, but he can do more.

"Ponds is the type of competitive, athletic and playmaking cornerback that coaches want in their secondary," B/R scout Daniel Harms wrote. "He plays bigger than his size and doesn't back down to any receiver. With great footwork, feel for space and timing, Ponds continuously makes plays on the football and frustrates receivers with his closing speed and attention to detail."

As an example, Ponds' pick-six on the Oregon Ducks' first offensive snap during the Peach Bowl got the Hoosiers off and running. Ponds and the Hoosiers never looked back.

Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

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B/R Ranking: 43rd overall

The Miami Hurricanes defense likes meeting at the quarterback. Mario Cristobal's squad reached the National Championship Game for the first time since 2003 for two reasons: it is the most physical team in college football, and Miami's defensive front can control a game.

Rueben Bain Jr. may be a potential top-three draft pick, but he's not the only Miami defensive lineman with a draftable grade. In fact, fellow defensive end Akheem Mesidor leads the Hurricanes with 10.5 sacks.

Mesidor is a more traditional long and fluid edge-rusher. He also displays excellent change-of-direction skills to make him a highly effective rusher on stunts.

"The way you watch him collapse the pocket, swarm after the football, how physical he plays up front, going through people all the time…" defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman told the Miami Herald's Jordan McPherson. "He's a guy that's accepted the role, and he's done an unbelievable job with it."

Two significant issues will hold Mesidor back. He has been banged up throughout his collegiate career, including a significant foot injury during the 2023 campaign. He's also an older prospect who turns 25 before April's draft.

OT Carter Smith, Indiana

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B/R Ranking: 59th overall

Fernando Mendoza may be a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and QB1 for the 2026 draft class, but Indiana's offense is driven by its offensive line and accompanying run game.

Left tackle Carter Smith served as the anchor on IU's standout front five.

"Smith has been the highest-graded and most impactful of the group, posting an 89.9 PFF overall grade with a 92.5 pass-blocking grade after allowing zero sacks and just a 1.7 percent pressure rate," Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema wrote prior to the start of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

The reigning Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year has been exceptional throughout the season. However, a lack of length could push the junior prospect inside to guard depending on his future NFL team.

"Smith is an alert, powerful blocker with a stifling punch and the competitive toughness to steer and finish consistently," B/R scout Brandon Thorn wrote. "Though only average in lateral quickness and arm length—leading to some soft edges—his strength and strain limit damage. He projects as a dependable starter inside a run-first, play-action based system."

S Jakobe Thomas, Miami

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B/R Ranking: 72nd overall

Miami safety Jakobe Thomas epitomizes the description of a defender "having a nose for the football."

"Thomas is constantly delivering big hits, triggering downhill with force and a physical click and close ability," Harms wrote. "The aggressive mindset shows up in multiple phases in his game and contributes to his added impact as a blitzer and a box safety. Always watching the quarterback's eyes, the fifth-year senior is a threat over the middle of the field as a robber, with his reactive athleticism and added ball skills."

The production matches the traits. This season, Thomas leads the Hurricanes with 42 solo tackles, while adding 3.5 sacks, five interceptions, six defended passes and two forced fumbles.

A transfer who has played at Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee, Thomas made the most of his one season at Miami. He can be overaggressive, which can lead to missed tackles or mistakes in coverage, but his willingness to gamble leads to big plays.

An NFL team could have a difference-maker in the secondary if the coaching staff can teach Thomas when to pick his spots.

S Louis Moore, Indiana

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B/R Ranking: 73rd overall

For all of the attention Indiana's offense receives, its defense may actually be better. In fact, IU ranks second overall in scoring defense by allowing only 11.1 points per game.

The success is built upon a combination of playmakers at all three levels and an outstanding scheme orchestrated by coordinator Bryant Haines.

To the first point, safety Louis Moore rejoined the Hoosiers after transferring out to Ole Miss for a year. It was the best decision he could have made. He became a first-team All-American in 2025. He's constantly around the ball and rarely makes mistakes.

"Louis Moore burst onto the scene during his sixth collegiate season by showcasing great instincts, range and rotation versatility, which helped vault the Indiana Hoosiers defense into elite status," Harms wrote. "The safety prospect diagnoses offensive plays quickly and takes away a quarterback's options, either over the middle of the field or triggering downhill."

Moore is an older prospect who turns 25 before the draft, but he should offset his advanced age by being able to contribute immediately.

QB Carson Beck, Miami

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B/R Ranking: 77th overall

Carson Beck hasn't been overlooked through the majority of his collegiate career, but he has been to some degree during his only season with the Miami Hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the 2024 campaign, he was viewed as the draft class' potential QB1. An inconsistent final season with the Georgia Bulldogs, which ended with a UCL tear in his throwing arm, slammed the door shut on that possibility. He still declared for the 2025 draft class before reevaluating his options and transferring.

At Miami, Beck had to round back into shape after last year's surgery. He continues to do a wonderful job managing the Hurricanes offense. The sixth-year senior owns a 73.3 completion percentage, with a career-high 29 passing touchdowns.

"Beck's play-style and strengths fit the mold of a high-end game manager quarterback in the NFL," Parson wrote. "Beck has the skill-set suited for a team with good talent and culture that can win games. He excels in a point-guard role under center. He combines good anticipation, quick game efficiency and timely throwing."

The once-highly regarded prospect may no longer be pushing for a top spot, but evaluators don't forget how a prospect's talent was previously viewed. Beck could easily hear his name called earlier than expected.

WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

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B/R Ranking: 94th overall

Elijah Sarratt may be Fernando Mendoza's favorite target, particularly when the quarterback needs to make a critical throw, but Omar Cooper Jr. leads the Indiana Hoosiers in receptions. The latter may be better suited to the professional game, too.

As discussed, Sarratt's game is predicated on using his size to ward off defenders and make the tough catches, while Cooper is shiftier and a more dynamic weapon after the catch.

"Cooper is a compactly built wide receiver," Parson wrote. "He excels working over the middle of the field on digs, crossers and slant routes. He displays good contact-balance to absorb hits and keep working upfield. His ability to generate yards after the catch opens up diverse ways to deploy him as part of the offensive game plan.

"The Hoosiers' leading receiver turns into a running back once the football is in his hands. He reads blocks well on screens and manufactured touches."

The difference between the two Indiana receivers comes down to preference, with Cooper providing a completely different skill set that's valued in today's professional game.

Best of the Rest

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Indiana's two-time All-American linebacker Aiden Fisher

The following players are currently projected as Day 3 prospects by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department:

- DL Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami: 103rd overall
- CB Keionte Scott, Miami: 131st overall
- WR Keelan Marion, Miami: 138th overall
- WR CJ Daniels, Miami: 164th overall
- RB Roman Hemby, Indiana: 166th overall
- LB Aiden Fisher, Indiana: 171st overall
- OT Markel Bell, Miami: 176th overall
- TE Riley Nowakowski, Indiana: 178th overall
- IOL Pat Coogan, Indiana: 179th overall
- Edge Mikail Kamara, Indiana: 181st overall
- RB Kaelon Black, Indiana: 182nd overall
- IOL Anez Cooper, Miami: 214th overall
- IOL James Brockermeyer, Miami: 228th overall