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 National Championship Game.
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 46 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)
Fernando Mendoza, QB
Mendoza played the first two seasons of his college career at California. He passed for 4,712 yards, 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions on 66.5 percent completion. Mendoza transferred to Indiana for the 2025 season. This year, he has passed for 3,349 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions on 73.0 percent completion.
At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza has great size for an NFL quarterback. His accuracy and decision-making have been great, especially this season. While he doesn’t have the strongest arm, he does have enough traits to warrant being drafted very highly in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Top Five Pick
Elijah Sarratt, WR
Sarratt played his first season of college football at James Madison. With the Dukes, he caught 82 passes for 1,191 yards and eight touchdowns. He followed head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana in 2024. In his two seasons with the Hoosiers, Sarratt has caught 115 passes for 1,759 yards and 23 touchdowns.
He stands at 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds, giving him good size for an NFL receiver. Sarratt uses his size well and is a reliable possession receiver. While he may not create much after the catch, he can win one-on-one matchups down the field if the ball is thrown in his area.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Fourth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: OT Carter Smith (2nd-4th), CB D’Angelo Ponds (3rd-5th), WR Omar Cooper (3rd-5th), EDGE Mikail Kamara (4th-6th), S Amare Ferrell (4th-6th), LB Aiden Fishers (5th-7th), S Louis Moore (6th-UFA), RB Roman Hemby (6th-UFA), IOL Pat Coogan (6th-UFA), RB Kaelon Black (6th-UFA), TE Holden Staes (UFA)
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