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 7.
Indiana has had a great start to the season, as they are undefeated with a few quality wins. Their offense has put up a lot of points and a lot of that is because of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who transferred in from Cal. So far this season, he has passed for 1,208 yards, 16 touchdowns and one interception on 73 percent completion. This week, he’ll have to be at his best against Oregon.
Mendoza has good size for a quarterback at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, although he may need to add a little more strength to his frame. He has good accuracy to the short and intermediate areas of the field with the ability to layer throws through zone coverage. Mendoza can also make multiple reads. His arm strength is just average and he doesn’t always locate deep balls well. He also won’t make plays out of structure too much with his limited athleticism. Mendoza is currently projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Oregon looks like one of the best teams in the country, having started the season at 5-0. They have some big wins, but have also passed the eye test on both sides of the ball. Dante Moore waited his turn last season and is impressing early this season. He has passed for 1,210 yards, 14 touchdowns and one interception on 74.6 percent completion. Moore has also rushed for 122 yards. This week, Oregon will be going up against a good Indiana team.
Moore is listed at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds, but may come in at a little smaller than that. He has capitalized on short throws in Oregon’s offense, relying on his quick release and solid accuracy. Moore has solid athleticism and can pick up yards with his legs. He doesn’t have the best arm strength, but has enough to make most throws. His ability to handle pressue will have to improve, as his decision-making takes a hit when blitzes come. Currently, he is projected to be a first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Missouri has started the season off undefeated at 5-0. They have been doing a great job of scoring points and are able to move the ball consistently. Their offensive line has played well and are led by Caden Green. He has played left tackle for the Tigers and has been a big part of their offense. They will be going up against Alabama this week.
Green is a huge interior offensive line prospect at 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds. He is currently playing offensive tackle, showing versatility, but he will likely fit in as a guard at the next level. Green has great strength and uses it to move people in the run game and anchor in pass protection. He can struggle in space and lunge at times. Currently, he is a projected day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After losing to Florida State earlier in the season, Alabama has gotten things back on track. Their defense has had issues early in the season, but have cleaned things up well. LT Overton has helped the cause with his play. So far this season, Overton has 16 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He’ll have a tough matchup against Missouri this week.
Overton is a big edge rusher at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, which gives him great play strength. He sets the edge well and plays the run at a solid level. He has good burst and athleticism for his size. Overton could have a better pass rush plan and can work on his moves. He needs to produce more, but could be a tweener between the edge and an interior defensive lineman at the next level. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas has had a rough start to the season and are now 3-2. They need to get things going quickly on both sides of the ball. The defense was projected to be one of the best in the country, but are slipping. Hill has been a bright spot this season, registering 30 tackles and one tackle for loss. This week, he will need to keep things close against Oklahoma.
Hill has solid size for a linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 236 pounds. He is a good athlete for his size and has great versatility for the position. Hill diagnoses plays quickly and is traidtionally a good pass rusher, even if this season hasn’t seen results. He is prone to overpursuing and is not always able to shed, but his athleticism can make up for that. Hill is currently projected to be a first or second round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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