The 2027 NFL Draft is still months away, but the 2026 college football season has passed its midpoint, and several potential top prospects are beginning to stand out. The quarterback class remains unsettled, making Week 11’s matchups a valuable chance to evaluate players against challenging opponents and in high-pressure situations.
Here are seven prospects to watch this weekend, along with their positions on draft boards from Jordan Reid and Dane Brugler.
## Darian Mensah, QB, Miami vs. Duke
Miami quarterback Darian Mensah has put together one of the nation’s most efficient seasons. Heading into Week 11, he ranks eighth in passing yards with 2,694, leads qualifying starters with a 76.8% completion rate, and is tied for fourth in yards per attempt at 9.8. His ESPN QBR of 89.0 is also the highest in the country.
Some of Mensah’s production has come with help from an outstanding receiving duo in Malachi Toney and Cooper Barkate, as well as the offense designed by coordinator Shannon Dawson. That makes Saturday’s game particularly revealing: Toney is out after ankle surgery, and Mensah will need to navigate the matchup without his All-American target.
Duke presents a difficult test. The Blue Devils have allowed 186.6 passing yards per game, 6.5 yards per attempt and a 60.8% completion rate, while giving up seven passing touchdowns in nine games under defensive-minded head coach Manny Diaz. Mensah is also coming off his first loss of the season and facing his former team. The game should offer a useful look at his decision-making and ability to adjust when his preferred options are unavailable.
**Prospect rankings:** Jordan Reid ranks Mensah 16th overall and third among quarterbacks. Dane Brugler has him 27th overall and sixth among quarterbacks.
## Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech
Drew Mestemaker’s path to the draft conversation has been unusual. In 2023, he was an unrated recruit who did not start for his high school team. Two years later, he led the NCAA in passing yards at North Texas. He followed head coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State and has emerged as a consensus top quarterback prospect for the 2027 draft.
The 20-year-old is listed at 6-foot-3 and has produced 2,962 passing yards, 177 rushing yards and 33 total touchdowns. His game combines strong arm talent with touch and confidence, allowing him to target different areas of the field. He also has the toughness to remain effective in the pocket and can contribute as a runner.
Oklahoma State hosts Texas Tech on Saturday night, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. It is an opportunity for Mestemaker to show how his skills hold up against a challenging opponent and on a prominent stage.
**Prospect rankings:** Reid places Mestemaker fifth overall and first among quarterbacks. Brugler ranks him second overall and first among quarterbacks.
## Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida vs. Kentucky
Florida running back Jadan Baugh is viewed as the leading back in the 2027 draft class. At 6 feet and nearly 230 pounds, he has the size teams look for in a feature back, but his appeal goes beyond his build. Baugh has the burst and long speed to break off a run of 40 yards or more, while his patience and vision help him gain steady yardage on routine carries.
Florida faces a Kentucky defense that is coming off a difficult game against Tennessee. The Wildcats allowed 240 rushing yards at 6.5 yards per carry last week, though they have limited opponents to 3.9 yards per carry for the season. That contrast makes Baugh’s performance worth monitoring: he will have a chance to test a defense that has generally been more effective against the run than its most recent result suggests.
**Prospect rankings:** Reid ranks Baugh 28th overall and as his top running back. Brugler has him 13th overall and also lists him as RB1.
## Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana vs. USC
Nick Marsh is projected as a first-round receiver despite being the clear No. 2 option in Indiana’s receiving group. Charlie Becker, a consensus top-10 prospect, is likely to attract much of USC’s defensive attention, potentially creating opportunities for Marsh to make plays.
The 6-foot-3 receiver will face a USC secondary that has allowed 7.9 yards per pass attempt through nine games. Marsh has totaled 141 receiving yards across his last three outings, but this matchup could give him a chance to build on that recent production. He has the size to challenge defensive backs and will be looking to return to the end zone and record his first 100-yard game in a month.
**Prospect rankings:** Reid places Marsh 19th overall and fourth among wide receivers. Brugler ranks him 17th overall and third among wide receivers.
## Chris Cole, LB, Georgia vs. Missouri
Georgia linebacker Chris Cole is building a strong case for All-American recognition in 2026 and could be among the first five or six players selected in April. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he pairs a substantial frame with athleticism that stands out on the field.
Cole has been especially productive over his last four games, a stretch that includes three ranked SEC opponents. He has recorded 25 solo tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in that span.
Missouri’s offense depends heavily on its running game, averaging 158.2 rushing yards and 4.5 yards per carry. Quarterback Austin Simmons adds another challenge: he has thrown for 2,204 yards with an 18-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio and could make a case for the first round if he enters the draft. Cole’s ability to affect both the run and passing game could be important to Georgia’s defensive effort.
**Prospect rankings:** Reid ranks Cole sixth overall and as his top linebacker. Brugler places him ninth overall and also ranks him LB1.
## Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas vs. LSU
Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons is set to return in Week 11 after missing time with a high-ankle sprain. Before the injury, the 6-foot-3 pass rusher had made a major impact, recording 16 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in his first six games of the season. He was also a second-team All-American in 2025.
His return brings a notable matchup with LSU left tackle Jordan Seaton, another top-10 prospect in the 2027 class. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has a tendency to hold onto the ball, which could give Simmons opportunities to pressure the passer. How Simmons looks after the injury—and how he fares against Seaton—will be a key part of the game to watch.
**Prospect rankings:** Reid ranks Simmons fourth overall and second among edge rushers. Brugler has him third overall and first among edge rushers.
## Xavier Gilliam, DL, Tennessee vs. Texas A&M
Tennessee defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam has enjoyed a breakout season after following defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Penn State to Knoxville. Gilliam recorded one tackle for loss and half a sack across his first two seasons at Penn State. This year, he has 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks for Tennessee.
That production has helped lift his position on draft boards, with a potential top-15 selection now in view. Tennessee’s matchup with Texas A&M offers another chance for Gilliam to demonstrate his impact. The Aggies’ offensive line has allowed pressure, and quarterback Marcel Reed has been prone to taking sacks. If Gilliam can take advantage, he could strengthen his case as one of the defensive line’s leading prospects.
**Prospect rankings:** Reid ranks Gilliam 14th overall and second among defensive tackles. Brugler places him sixth overall and first among defensive tackles.
