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 conference championship week.
Ohio State completed a perfect regular season and is now in the Big Ten Championship Game. They are going up against undefeated Indiana and will need their defense to continue to play at an elite level. Kayden McDonald has been an impressive player up front for the Buckeyes. He has 51 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks on the season.
At 6-foot-3 and 325 pounds, McDonald has good size for an NFL interior defensive lineman, although his length will come into question. He’ll need to add more pass-rush moves and a pass-rush plan to be more of a complete player. McDonald does the job of an interior lineman well though, taking on multiple blocks and helping others make plays on the ball. He has good strength and a nice motor. McDonald is currently projected to bea first or second round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Indiana is the other team that has completed a perfect regular season and will face Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. Their defense will be tested by the many great Ohio State receivers in this game. D’Angelo Ponds has had a great career and year for the Hoosiers. He has 38 total tackles, one interception and seven passes defended this season.
At 5-foot-9 and 173 pounds, Ponds is a small corner for the NFL level. He will likely be a slot-only player in the NFL. Ponds can get to aggressive in coverage, giving up big plays or drawing penalties. He has great quickness and can mirror receivers in man coverage. Ponds is disciplined in zone coverage. He has good ball skills and plays the game aggressively, especially for his size. Currently, Ponds is projected to be a third to fourth-round pick.
Alabama went 10-2 during the regular season and has made the SEC Championship Game. They will take on Georgia, who has just one loss on the year, which came at the hands of Alabama. Alabama’s defense has improved this season and will need to keep their foot on the gas, including Lawson. This season, he has 69 total tackles, three tackles for loss and three passes defended.
He has solid size for an NFL linebacker, standing 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds. Lawson is a good athlete who plays downhill against the run. He is a good blitzer and has nice instincts. Lawson can work on shedding blocks quicker and also improve his coverage abilities for the NFL level. He is currently a projected late-day two or early-day-three pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Georgia has lost just one game this season, but they made the SEC Championship Game and are headed to the CFP. Their offense has been moving the ball through the air decently well this season. They’ll need Zachariah Branch to continue making big plays when they go up against Alabama. Branch has 68 catches for 691 yards and four touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Branch is a little smaller for an NFL receiver. He can struggle with press, physical coverage and blocking. He can work on expanding his route tree for the next level. Branch has blazing speed that helps him bee a deep threat, but also run after the catch. He can get in and out of breaks quickly and isn’t afraid to go over the middle. Branch has played well this season and is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas Tech has lost just one game this season and are now playing BYU in the Big 12 Championship Game. Their offense and defense have both been great, as they rank in the top three in both. Jacob Rodriguez has been the leader of the team, registering 104 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and four interceptions on the year. Texas Tech has even used him on offense, as he has two rushing touchdowns this season.
He has a well-filled out frame at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, but won’t be quite as tall or lengthy as other linebackers. Rodriguez diagnoses plays quickly and can play downhill. He is good in run support and picks up plenty of tackles. Rodriguez hits hard and has good eyes in zone coverage. He is an average athlete that can struggle to keep up in coverage. Rodriguez is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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