NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 8 Recap

While the 2026 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players who 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 8 Recap.

Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 8

1. Zxavian Harris, DL, Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss took a tough loss to Georgia in week 8 for their first defeat of the season. Their offense played well, while their defense did not show up. One bright spot of the defense was defensive lineman Zxavian Harris. The huge interior player finished the game with six total tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack.

Harris has shown more as a pass rusher this season, but he really helps stop the run. He can take on multiple blockers and free up his teammates to make plays. His size will make him an intriguing draft prospect, but he will need work on keeping his pad level down. He helped his stock in this game and is projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

2. C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia got a big win over Ole Miss in week 8. Like Ole Miss, the offense played well, while the defense did not step up. CJ Allen had a great game despite the team giving up points. He finished the game with 10 total tackles, eight of which were solo tackles as he was all over the field.

Allen showed his range and cleaned up a lot of problems for Georgia in this game. He showed his ability to diagnose quickly and was able to tally plenty of tackles. His size isn’t the greatest, but he plays the position well with good instincts. He is a projected late first-round or second-round pick.

3. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama defeated Tennessee in week 8, making it six straight wins for Alabama, with the last four being very impressive. Their offense showed up against Tennessee, as they put up 37 points. Germie Beranrd was the leading rusher for the team as a wide receiver, with four carries for 49 yards. He also caught five passes for 60 yards.

Bernard has been productive this season, showcasing his good hands and ball skills. He can run routes well and has a diverse route tree. Bernard played well against some good secondary players and held up. While he isn’t the best athlete for the position, he has good intelligence and technique. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.

4. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee’s defense has been a problem all season, but Hood had played well. The secondary had some bright spots even with the team giving up 37 points in their loss to Alabama. Hood had four total tackles and one pass defended.

Hood didn’t have his best game with some ups and some downs throughout. The concerns about his long speed are still there, as well as his tackling ability. His aggressive style is admirable and he can play good man-to-man coverage. He has seen his stock rise this season and is still projected to be a first or second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

5. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah Utes

Utah lost a close one in the Holy War to BYU, 24-21. The offense picked up a decent amount of yardage, but struggled to put up points until it was too late. The offensive line did give up three sacks, but left tackle Caleb Lomu played well.

Lomu has great athleticism, helping him mirror pass rushers and get to the second level on run blockers. He still needs to add more mass to his frame to help him move defenders in the run game and anchor better. Lomu is a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Check out our NFL Draft page for more news and updates like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 8 recap!

Follow Joe on Twitter!