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 9.
Missouri has had a great start to the season at 6-1. They have had some good play on both sides of the ball. Zion Young has really improved this season, which in turn has helped Missorui have such a good start. This season, Young has 23 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Now, he’ll have to play well against Vanderbilt to help his team get a big win.
At 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds, Young has good size for an NFL edge rusher. With that size comes good length. He has strong hands and is a force against the run. Young needs to continue to add pass-rush moves and counters. He also has just an average burst at the snap. His play has helped his stock rise. Young is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
LSU has struggled offensively this season and that has influenced them to lose two games. Their defense is playing pretty well through the midway point of the regular season. One of the reasons for that is the play of AJ Haulcy at safety. So far this year, he has 51 total tackles, one interception and two passes defended. This week, Haulcy will have to slow down a good Texas A&M offense.
Haulcy isn’t the tallest safety at 6-foot, which can create some mismatches against tight ends, but he is well-built at 222 pounds. He is good in zone coverage, where his ability to read quarterbacks and play with instincts shines. His range, both in coverage and in his pursuit, is also solid, as he takes good angles to the ball. He lacks great speed and can struggle in man-to-man coverage. Haulcy has played well this season and is projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas A&M has started the season 7-0 behind great offensive output. They have improved their passing offense with a lot of credit for that going to transfer wide receivers they brought into the program from the transfer portal. Concepcion transferred in from NC State and has given the offense some juice. In seven games, he has 33 catches for 500 yards and six touchdowns. In week 9, he will be going up against a solid LSU defense.
At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Concepcion is small for an NFL receiver. He has a limited catch radius and below-average play strength. Concepcion is a solid route runner who is able to find the soft spot against zone coverage. He has good speed and the ability to run after the catch. Concepcion is currently projected to be a day two or early day three pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
South Carolina hasn’t had a great start to the season and are leaving a lot to be desired. They are led by a few quality players, including LaNorris Sellers, but the rest of the roster has not helped as much as they would’ve hoped. Sellers has played decently, passing for 1,134 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions on 64.7 percent completion. He has also rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown. Sellers will have to be at his best this weekend against Alabama.
He is a big quarterback at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. Sellers size and athleticism make him a good rusher, as he can be used on designed runs or use his skills to escape pressure. He has a strong arm, but is inconsistent with his accuracy. Playing with more anticipation will be necessary and can get tunnel vision on his receivers. While the team hasn’t been great, Sellers is still projected to be a first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cincinnati has played good football this season and are in the running for the Big 12 Championship. They have been led by good defensive play and that starts up front. Dontay Corleone has been injured, but when he is on the field, he creates an impact. This season, he has seven total tackles. He will need to step up this week against the Baylor Bears.
He has good size at 6-foot-1 and 320 pounds, which comes with natural leverage. The Godfather can take on multiple blockers and is specifically useful against the run. He will not be as useful as a pass rusher and can lose sight of the football when the offense uses misdirection. NFL teams will have to look into his health issues, which include a blood clot in one of his lungs, but he is currently projected to be a day two pick.
* Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson was listed, but is now out with an injury.
Check out our NFL Draft page for more news and updates like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 9!
Follow Joe on Twitter!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
