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 9 Recap.
Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 9
Missouri lost a tough game on the road at Vanderbilt for their second loss of the season. Despite losing, the defense played well, holding the Commodores to 17 points. Young had a decent game to help things out, even if it didn’t show in the stat sheet. He finished the game with two total tackles.
While he didn’t have an overly great game, Young’s stock has risen this year. He has good size, strength and length, using it well against the run. Young can continue to add pass rush moves and counters to his game to improve his stock. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
LSU took a crushing loss to Texas A&M this week, which is their third of the season. They lost 49-25 with their defense not playing well. There was a bright spot for the LSU defense in AJ Haulcy, who had an amazing game. He was all over the field with 12 total tackles, one pass defended and one interception.
Haulcy showed his talent, especially in pursuing the football and playing robber coverage, as he used his eyes to read the quarterback on his interception. He has good size and range. Haulcy won’t have elite speed, despite having decent range for his size and will struggle in man-to-man coverage at times, but can be a good NFL player if used correctly. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas A&M started slowly, but really poured it on LSU in the second half to stay undefeated. Their offense played extremely well and their receivers stood out. While KC Concepcion didn’t have the biggest numbers, he made an impact with his three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. He also had a punt return touchdown to help sway the game in the Aggies’ favor.
Concepcion showed how special he can be with the ball in his hands. He has great run after the catch potential and his experience on special teams helps his stock. While he is a smaller receiver, he is able to create separation and produce. He is currently projected to be a day two or early day three pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
South Carolina has had a tough season and they lost again in week 9. They lost to Alabama 29-22 with their offense being inconsistent again. LaNorris Sellers doesn’t have a ton of help, but played well and kept the game close, nearly winning it before Alabama had some magic late. He passed for 222 yards on 18/32 passing with one touchdown and one interception. Sellers also rushed for 67 yards and one touchdown.
His physical talents are great, as Sellers showed good arm strength and athletic ability. He could play on time more and have better accuracy to improve his draft stock. His physical tools are great and he could develop other areas of his game with time. He is currently projected to be a first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cincinnati just keeps on rolling this season. They have a one-loss season, which was kept in tact after they defeated Baylor 41-20. The defense played well overall. Dontay Corleone is another player who played well despite the box score not popping off the page. He finished the game with two total tackles.
Corleone has good size and leverage, which really helps him be a threat against the run. His pass rushing needs to continue to improve or he will be seen as a two-down player at the next level. If his health checks out, Corleone could be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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