NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 2

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 2.

1. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils are hoping for another solid season under Manny Diaz. Duke won their first game of the season by beating Elon 45-17. It was a slow start, but their defense played well. Rivers helped out with two tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Rivers and the Blue Devils will have one of the toughest games of the year against Illinois this week. Rivers can help shut down their passing attack, as he has shown the ability to mirror well in man coverage and also has nice awareness in zone. He has solid ball skills and attacks the catch point well. At times, he can take too many risks with his coverage and is a smaller corner. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

2. Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor Bears

Baylor lost their week 1 game to Auburn, which means they’ll be looking to get back on track in week 2. Their offense scored 24 points, but could do more this week. They’ll need more production out of wide receiver Josh Cameron, who had two catches for 54 yards.

In week 2, Baylor suits up against SMU on the road. It will be a tough game, as the Mustangs made the CFP last season. Cameron can change the game with his return ability and his talent to pick up yards with the ball in his hands shows up when he is a receiver too. He also has solid size for a wide receiver and is a red zone threat. His route-running can improve and he can improve his production the rest of the season.

3. Logan Jones, IOL, Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa defeated Albany, an FCS-level team, in week 1. Their offense showed some potential, scoring 34 points. They have solid offensive line play and that includes Logan Jones, who is their center.

Jones could have his hands full in week 2, as Iowa plays their rival, Iowa State. The Cyclones have a good defensive lineman, Domonique Orange, who is big and has NFL Draft buzz. Jones is a good athlete and uses that to his advantage as a run blocker, as he can get to the second level well. He anchors well, but can have some issues in pass protection. If he plays well, Iowa’s offense could be better this season.

4. Jontez Williams, CB, Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State has won two games this season, one against Kansas State in week 0 and then against South Dakota in week 1. Their defense has played well and that includes cornerback Jontez Williams. Williams has totaled nine tackles and one pass defended.

In week 2, the Cyclones play Iowa. The Hawkeyes don’t have an explosive offense, but Williams will be needed to stop any big plays. He can play both man and zone coverage. Williams attacks the catchpoint well and uses his eyes well. His hips are tight, which can make transitions tough, and his size is below average for a corner. Williams could be selected in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

5. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma defeated Illinois State, 35-3, in week 1. Their defense played well, but moving forward they will have stiffer competition to face. R Mason Thomas had two tackles and one pass defended in week 1 after having a quality season last year.

The Sooners will play Michigan in week 2. It is a big game and they will want to get pressure on true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and Thomas can provide that. He has good burst at the snap and flexibility to bend around the edge. Thomas can add to his pass-rush moves and isn’t the biggest edge rusher. If he plays well, he can be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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