NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 1 Recap

While the 2025 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 1 Recap.

Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 1

1. Arch Manning, QB, Texas Longhorns

Texas started off the season with a tough game, losing to Ohio State, 14-7. The offense really struggled to move the ball and a lot of that fell on quarterback Arch Manning. He finished the game 17/30, passing for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Manning added 10 rushes for 38 yards as well. 

Manning had a lot of hype coming into the season, but he showed he needs more seasoning at the college level. His mechanics were off and so too was his accuracy. He did show his athleticism and arm strength at times, making a few NFL level throws late, but it was a bad game overall and he needs to bounce back quickly. 

2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State had a big win to start the season against Texas. Their defense had a tall order going against the Longhorns, especially after losing so much talent from last year’s national championship team. One player who was back was the best defensive player on the field, Caleb Downs. He finished the game with five total tackles. 

Downs displayed his athleticism, versatility and smarts in this game. On a fourth down at the end of the game, he read a play well and made a tackle short of the line to gain, giving the Buckeyes the win. He doesn’t have many weaknesses and the only thing hurting his draft stock is the positional value of safeties. Downs should still be a top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

3. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson Tigers

Clemson had a tough matchup in week 1 against LSU. Their offense played inconsistent football, registering just 10 points. Cade Klubnik didn’t play bad against a good defense, but could have helped his stock with a little better play. He finished the game 19/38, passing for 230 yards and an interception. He only rushed for one yard. 

Klubnik is still in contention to be an early pick in the 2026 NFL Draft despite the loss. He made some nice throws and at times seemed like he was looking for receivers to get open and they often didn’t. Bouncing back in ACC play coming up will be good for him to get his feet under him again. 

4. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU Tigers

LSU notched a big win on the road against Clemson. The offense played well, even after only scoring 17 points, as they played a great defense. Garrett Nussmeier played well, passing for 230 yards and one touchdown. 

In this game, Nussmeier played well against a good defense, but did much more. He used his eyes to hold defenders in coverage before throwing it to an open man. Nussmeier audibiled and adjusted protections after using his pre-snap recognition. He made NFL-level throws. His stock is up and he is in play to be the first quarterback taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

5. Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami Hurricanes  

Miami got a big win over Notre Dame in week 1 and a lot of that was thanks to their defense being improved from last season. Their defensive line played well against Notre Dame and that includes Bain, who was injured for parts of last season. He finished the game with six total tackles, one sack and one interception to help turn things in Miami’s favor. 

Bain was coming off a season where he played injured and didn’t produce like he is capable of. In this game, against an offensive line that was projected to be great, he produced with his pass rush, showing his great power and exlposiveness. He helped his draft stock last night and could be a top 15 pick if he plays well the rest of the season. 

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