Week 9 offered several intriguing opportunities to assess prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft. The slate was a preview of an even stronger Week 10, but it still featured notable performances and useful matchups, including Southern California’s upset of Ohio State and the annual Florida–Georgia game.
## Jayden Maiava, Quarterback, Southern California
Jayden Maiava delivered an efficient performance in Southern California’s upset win over Ohio State. He completed 15 of 22 passes for 222 yards and one touchdown without throwing an interception.
The Trojans relied on quick throws and a range of shorter passes, an approach that suited Maiava’s quick release. He also showed that he can sell play-action effectively. Ohio State created pressure early, but Maiava had more time as the game progressed.
One decision could have resulted in an interception. Flushed to his right, Maiava tried to force a throw instead of getting rid of the ball. He did not see Jermaine Mathews Jr. positioned underneath the intended receiver, though a penalty negated the play.
Maiava has the tools to develop into a progression passer, but he needs to process information more quickly. When he has time in the pocket, he can work through his reads, although the process can look slow. At 6 feet 2 inches and 230 pounds, he has good size, a solid arm, a quick release and enough mobility to extend plays. He also throws a catchable ball.
His processing speed is the clearest concern and could mean he needs time to develop. He looks more like a Day 2 prospect at this stage, although the possibility of a late first-round selection cannot be ruled out in a class that appears to lack top-end quarterback depth.
## Dylan Stewart, Edge Rusher, South Carolina
Dylan Stewart presents a traits-versus-production evaluation. His length and athletic ability stand out, but his sack totals have not consistently reflected those tools. He has also dealt with a back injury spanning last season and this one, as well as a one-game suspension after throwing punches against Alabama and having heated exchanges with coaches.
Stewart was held without a sack again, leaving him with two in five appearances in 2026. All five came against SEC opponents. He did disrupt a running play and draw two holding penalties, but finished with one solo tackle and one assist.
His best flashes are impressive. Stewart has exceptionally long arms and can explode off the line, though that burst appears inconsistently. He frequently relies on a swim move. It can work when he is fresh, but as fatigue sets in, he tends to rise upright and expose his chest to blockers. When they get their hands into his frame, he has struggled to find an effective counter.
Stewart remained active and worked hard throughout the game. He chased down one screen and pursued another later, and he showed physicality against the run even when his results were mixed.
The evaluation comes down to considerable upside paired with significant risk. Stewart has recorded 13 sacks over more than two seasons despite often being among the most athletic players on the field. He may need the right coaching and situation to turn his traits into consistent production.
## KJ Bolden, Safety, Georgia
KJ Bolden is listed at 6 feet and 195 pounds, but his lean frame does not prevent him from playing physically near the line of scrimmage. He reads swing passes well, works through traffic and can contribute against the run.
Georgia frequently used two-deep coverage, but Bolden also lined up at single-high safety, in the box and over slot receivers, including in goal-line situations. He was not tested heavily in coverage, although his ability to break up a pass was apparent. He can be over-aggressive at times.
Bolden was generally dependable as a tackler. Jadan Baugh made him miss once, but Bolden later tackled Baugh in space by breaking down and staying in control. His size remains a consideration, as larger running backs and tight ends could be difficult for him to bring down consistently.
Overall, Bolden had a solid outing. The game highlighted his willingness to support the run and his ability to play downhill, but did not provide a full test of his coverage skills. He will have further opportunities to show that part of his game as the season continues.
## Jaylen McClain, Safety, Ohio State
Jaylen McClain’s matchup against Southern California offered a useful contrast with Bolden’s performance. Like Georgia, Ohio State used plenty of two-deep coverage, while also deploying McClain at single-high safety, as the middle safety in three-safety passing looks and occasionally over a slot receiver. He also moved down into the box, including for a late-game blitz.
Listed at 6 feet and 203 pounds, McClain looks slightly thicker than Bolden. He generally tackled with sound technique, including against bigger ball carriers, but had two difficult moments. He took a poor angle on an early Southern California touchdown and was hurdled by tight end Mark Bowman on a long catch-and-run. McClain ducked his head and did not appear to see the contact coming.
Play-action also created problems. With Southern California running the ball effectively, McClain took false steps on a play-action fake while serving as one of three safeties. A linebacker did the same, and the receiver was able to get open.
Bolden looked like the stronger downhill player in this week’s comparison, although their opponents presented different challenges. Both safeties play aggressively, and a future matchup against a more accomplished passing offense should offer another opportunity to evaluate their coverage ability.
## A.J. Holmes Jr., Defensive Tackle, Texas Tech
A.J. Holmes Jr. is listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 300 pounds, though he appears lighter. He has an athletic frame, but limited arm length could be a concern. Texas Tech moved him around the defensive line, including lining him up as a wide-nine rusher on a third down when Arizona double-teamed him.
Holmes entered the game with 6.5 sacks, and Arizona made a clear effort to account for him. He faced frequent double teams, including help from tight ends or running backs when he lined up outside. It was a quiet game for him until the fourth quarter, when he produced pressure and a sack.
Long-armed blockers gave Holmes trouble when they were able to get into his chest. He kept working with his hands but did not consistently find a counter. As an edge rusher, he also lacked the speed to threaten the outside.
His best pressure came late, when Arizona had become more one-dimensional. Holmes used a push-pull followed by a swim move against the left guard to reach the quarterback. He recorded a sack soon afterward with a bull rush, although the play was more of a coverage sack.
His pass-rush production will attract attention, but his measurements and testing will matter. He has similarities to interior pass rusher Javon Hargrave, though he does not appear to have the same level of explosiveness. At this point, Holmes looks like a potential early Day 3 prospect.
## Terrance Carter Jr., Tight End, Texas Tech
Terrance Carter Jr. has been dealing with separate shoulder and foot injuries this season. He made three catches in this game, including one for a touchdown.
Carter is listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 245 pounds, but appears lighter. His height may be below the preferred range for NFL tight ends and could affect his draft position. Texas Tech used him as an H-back and also lined him up out wide.
He does not have elite straight-line speed, and his height and speed may limit his draft ceiling despite his college production. As a blocker, however, Carter gives good effort. He is not overpowering, but he can make effective blocks at the point of attack and shows awareness in his assignments.
His route running is a strength. Carter can slow down off the line to lull defenders before accelerating into his route, and he is capable of selling a block before releasing as a receiver. His touchdown catch showed that ability.
Carter’s physical limitations may keep him from being a conventional in-line tight end, but they do not rule out an NFL role. He could contribute in a specific system that makes use of his route skills and blocking effort. His injury history this season is another factor to monitor.
## Donnie Smith, Edge Rusher, Troy
Donnie Smith is listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 234 pounds and plays Troy’s “Bandit” position in a hybrid defensive front. He has a slender frame for an NFL edge rusher and may need to add strength and weight. Unlike a rotational player, Smith stays on the field consistently and handled that workload well.
The game took an unusual turn as James Madison built a three-touchdown lead before Troy rallied to win in overtime. Smith was quiet early but became more involved as the game went on.
His smooth movement and ability to fake an inside rush before redirecting outside are among his strengths. He also has the closing burst to threaten at the next level. His bull rush is less effective: although he drives his feet on contact, he does not yet have the size or power to consistently trouble blockers. He also needs more answers when an opponent gets into his chest.
Smith struggled at times against the run. On James Madison’s third touchdown, the offense ran at him and he could not disengage from the left guard. He also needs to maintain better edge discipline. On some zone-read plays and a naked bootleg, he committed inside and left room behind him.
Smith occasionally dropped into space, and his frame could make an off-ball linebacker role worth exploring. An all-star game could give him a chance to show how he handles a higher level of competition and whether he can play away from the edge. He has athletic upside, but currently looks like a Day 3 developmental prospect. Adding weight—ideally getting above 240 pounds by the NFL Combine—could help his projection.
## Lance Rucker, Edge Rusher, North Dakota
Lance Rucker returned to action after having foot surgery in August. He recorded double-digit sacks last season, but had only recently resumed playing.
Listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 244 pounds, Rucker is more of a power rusher than a speed specialist. He looks tight through the hips when he attacks outside and lacks the speed to win consistently with that approach. His preferred move is an inside rush, which produced some success in this game.
North Dakota used stunts frequently, and Rucker was effective when he looped inside against guards. He may not have the speed to threaten a tackle’s outside shoulder, but his short-area quickness can trouble interior linemen. He recorded his first sack of the season by beating a guard on a stunt and tripping up the quarterback.
Rucker’s tendency to attack inside sometimes left the edge exposed against the run. When he stayed in position, however, he could anchor and funnel the play back toward the middle.
He projects more as an undrafted free-agent candidate than a likely draft selection. Still, his inside pass-rush ability could earn him a look at camp.
## Desmeal Leigh, Offensive Tackle, Youngstown State
Desmeal Leigh is one of the leading FCS prospects in the class. At 6 feet 6 inches, 324 pounds and with 35.5-inch arms, he has the frame and length teams look for at offensive tackle.
He was largely unchallenged in this game and showed more as a run blocker than as a pass protector. Leigh is powerful and plays through the whistle, including on one snap when he drove a North Dakota defender toward the bench area.
His pass-protection technique needs work. Leigh’s base can be too narrow, allowing defenders to walk him back despite his size. He does a good job re-anchoring, but NFL-level power and technique will make that adjustment more difficult.
Leigh’s size helps him in pass protection at the FCS level, but he needs to refine his technique to handle stronger competition. He played only one year of high school football, leaving room for development. He may require time in the NFL and could be more likely to contribute in his second or third season than as a rookie.
## Week 9 Takeaways
Southern California’s win over Ohio State gave Jayden Maiava a chance to showcase his arm, quick release and play-action skills. His slower processing remains a key area to improve. The game also offered a direct look at two highly regarded safeties: Bolden appeared more effective as a downhill defender, while McClain had some difficult moments in space and against play-action.
Among the other prospects, Carter stood out as a player with a clear potential role despite limitations in size and speed. His route running and effort as a blocker could help him find a fit in the right offense.
Week 10 is set to feature several strong matchups, including Miami at Notre Dame. The game will provide an opportunity to assess prospects from both teams against high-level competition.
