While the 2026 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 13.
Oregon has had a great season with just one loss. They are still in play for the CFP and have had plenty of stars emerge this season. Kenyon Saadiq has stepped up at the tight end position, creating plenty of highlight plays. He has 30 catches for 407 yards and six touchdowns this season. Sadiq can help the Ducks defeat a former Pac-12 foe in USC.
Sadiq isn’t the biggest tight end, as he is 6-foot-3. He does have a filled out frame and has great movement abilities for his size. Not only does he make acrobatic catches, but he also makes contested catches. He has good run after the catch ability. Sadiq can improve his blocking and fine-tune his route-running to be more successful at the next level. He is currently projected to be a first or second round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
USC has two losses, but still has a lot to play for this season. A path to the CFP is on the table and that is in large part thanks to their passing attack, led by Jayden Maiava. He has passed for 2,614 yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions on 66.2 percent completion. If USC has a chance to upset Oregon, Maiava will have to play a great game.
Maiava has good size for the quarterback position at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds. He has a quick release and nice accuracy on short throws, which really helps his receivers run after the catch better. Maiava has solid athleticism and nice arm strength. His accuracy is more inconsistent in the middle and deep parts of the field. He will also need to go through more full-field reads to be successful in the NFL. His play has increased his stock and he is now projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Arkansas has had a tough season with not many bright spots. That is especially true on the defensive side of the ball, but one player has stood out. Quincy Rhodes Jr. has really taken a step forward this season. He has 39 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks this season. He will have a chance to showcase his talent against Texas this week.
At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Rhodes is a giant edge rusher with good strength. He sets the edge as a run defender and can take on multiple blocks. Rhodes has good pass rush moves, can rush from inside or out and has a good motor. He has average burst at the snap and his pad level can get too high. Rhodes could be a tweener, but also could fit into multiple defenses. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Penn State has had a rough season. A lot of potential rested in the offensive end of the field, but not many have lived up to that. One player who has played well is guard Olaivavega Ioane. He has started games in three different seasons now and has competed well this season. Ioane will have a chance to showcase his skill against Nebraska this week.
At 6-foot-4 and 328 pounds, Ioane has great size for a guard at the NFL level. For his size, he moves decently well, showing good quickness at the snap and adequate ability to get to the second level on run plays. He has good strength and anchors well in pass protection. He will need to keep his pad level down and improve his hand usage. Ioane is projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Louisville has had a solid season, as they sit with a 7-3 record. They have some real talent on the offensive side of the ball this season and there is no one better in that regard than Chris Bell. The wide receiver has hauled in 67 passes for 871 yards and six touchdowns. He will have a tough matchup against SMU this week.
Bell has excellent size for the wide receiver position at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. He has great athleticism for his size, which helps him run after the catch well with a combination of his strength and speed. Bell can use his size well and is not afraid to go over the middle. He can improve his route running and add more routes to his tree. Bell is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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