The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2026 Fiesta Bowl.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE
Bain is from Miami and decided to stay in the city to play for the Hurricanes. As a true freshman, he had 44 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He was injured and only played nine games, but saw a dip in production in 2024 with 23 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. This season, his presence made an impact more than the boxscore would indicate, but he has 45 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, Bain has excellent size for an NFL edge rusher with a filled-out frame. He has good burst at the snap, nice pass rush moves and athleticism. Bain can develop his counter moves and set the edge better against the run. His dip in production this season doesn’t tell the full story, but it will be concerning for some teams.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Francis Mauigoa, OT
Mauigoa was a big-time recruit who joined Miami in 2023. He started at right tackle as a true freshman and was a Freshman All-American. Mauigoa helped an explosive offense in 2024 and was named Second Team All-ACC for his play. This season, he has been consistent at his right tackle spot and was a First Team All-ACC selection.
He has good size for an NFL offensive tackle, standing 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds. Mauigoa has good strength, which shows up in the run game, as he can move people to clear holes. He can also anchor in pass pro. He isn’t the most athletic tackle and may be a better fit on the interior, but has enough potential to try him at right tackle first.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: EDGE Akheem Mesidor (2nd-4th), QB Carson Beck (3rd-5th), WR CJ Daniels (4th-6th), CB Keonte Scott (4th-6th), RB Mark Fletcher (6th-UFA), EDGE Malik Bryant (UFA), CB Damari Brown (UFA), LB Wesley Bissainthe, IOL James Brockermeyer (UFA), DL David Blay (UFA), LB Mohamed Toure (UFA)
Zxavian Harris, DL
Harris joined Ole Miss in 2022 as a freshman and played sparingly. As a sophomore in 2023, he had 30 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. His play improved in 2024, as he totaled 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. This season has been the best of his career with him tallying nine tackles for loss and three sacks.
He is a big interior defensive lineman, standing 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds. Harris can make an impact against the run, but struggles to continually get after the quarterback. If he can keep his pad level down he can be an effective run-stuffing defensive lineman.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Six Round Pick
Suntarine Perkins, LB
Perkins was a freshman in 2023 and played a bit for Ole Miss. He had 38 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. In 2024, he had 60 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. This year, his production has taken a hit, even with the team improving. He has 74 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks.
He stands 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, which is a little undersized for an NFL linebacker. Perkins does provide some versatility, as he can play off-ball or can rush the passer. He had a lot more success rushing the passer in 2023 and needs to work on refining his game, whether that is playing on the edge or playing off-ball.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: TE Dae’Quan Wright (4th-6th), QB Trinidad Chambliss (4th-6th), S Wydett Williams (6th-UFA), CB Antonio Kite (6th-UFA), EDGE Princewell Umanmielen (6th-UFA), TE Luke Hasz (UFA), EDGE Da’Shown Womack (UFA), CB Jaylon Braxton (UFA), WR De’Zhaun Stribling (UFA), IOL Patrick Kutas (UFA), S Sage Ryan (UFA)
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