The 2026 college football season is approaching, with plenty of draft-eligible prospects to watch this season. While the big schools get a lot of people viewing their games, some smaller schools may not have that same spotlight. Here are small school prospects to watch for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Note: No players currently playing in the power conferences will be listed.
Clarke came across the pond from London via the NFL Academy. He signed with Temple in 2023, but didn’t really break out until the 2025 season. Clarke caught 30 passes for 483 yards and six touchdowns. The Owls won five games last season and will hope Clarke can help them improve this season.
At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, Clarke has the size of an NFL tight end. He has solid strength and uses it well as a run blocker, as he’ll fit right in as an in-line tight end in the NFL. Clarke can make contested catches, find the soft spot vs. zone and can be a security blanket for his quarterback. He will not make many moves after the catch and is likely just an average athlete for the position. With more NFL teams using multiple tight ends and drafting ones who block well earlier, a good season for Clarke could see his stock soar.
Eck started playing for his dad, Jason, when he was at Idaho (FCS). He got his feet wet as a freshman, then earned FCS All-American honors as a sophomore. When Jason got the New Mexico job, Jaxton followed. He impressed with 129 total tackles and 1.5 sacks, which earned him Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Mountain West. His play helped the Lobos turn things around and win nine games.
His size could limit his draft stock, as Eck is just 6-foot-1 and 228 pounds. He diagnoses plays quickly and is able to make plenty of tackles against the run. His pursuit of ball carriers is also impressive. Eck has some work to do in coverage and as a blitzer. He makes a lot of tackles, but hasn’t made a ton of impact plays (sacks, interceptions, etc). Adding strength could help him take on blocks better. Eck looks like he could end up being a good special teams player at the next level and maybe more if he can improve this season.
Minicucci started sporadically during his first two seasons at Delware. Last season, the Blue Hens made the jump up to the FBS level and Minicucci took over as the full-time starter. The New Jersey native stood out, as he passed for 3,683 yards, 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 62.9 percent completion. He led the Blue Hens to a 7-6 record, including a win in the 68 Ventures Bowl.
At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he has decent enough size to play quarterback in the NFL. Minicucci has experience running RPOs and it has helped him process things quickly. He protectst the ball and shows good pocket presence. His accuracy is great, specifically to the first two levels of the defense, where he has shown an ability to find gaps against zone coverage. He doesn’t have the best arm talent and is also an average athlete that won’t make many plays out of structure. There are a lot of good quarterbacks projected to be in this class and Minicucci will have to play very well to get any type of notice.
Riley backed up Ashton Jeanty in 2024, then shined for himself in 2025. In 2024, he rushed for 135 yards, but also had a role on special teams. For the 2025 season, Riley improved his production to have 1,125 rushing yards, 149 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns. He helped the team win nine games last season and will be looking for more this year.
He has solid size for an NFL running back at 5-foot-10 and 203 pounds. Riley is a home run threat with good acceleration and speed to help create big plays. He has also shown his big play ability on special teams as a returner as well. Riley hasn’t had great receiving production yet and also may not be the best fit for goal line duties. His vision can also be more consistent to help his stock. Riley could have a huge season for Boise State, which could help them make it back to the CFP.
Virgin-Morgan joined Boise State in 2022, but didn’t make much of an impact in his first two seasons, as he had just 2.5 tackles for loss at that time. His play improved in 2024, as he had 15.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. For the 2025 season, his numbers dipped a little, but he was still productive with 13 tackles for loss and six sacks. During the last two seasons, he has helped Boise State win 21 games.
He doesn’t have the biggest frame at 6-foot-3 and 257 pounds, but it is filled out. Virgin-Morgan is a solid run defender who can set the edge. As a pass rusher, he shows his athleticism and motor. His burst at the snap, quickness and agility can help him be a productive pass rusher. He’ll need to add more moves and counters to his game and his lack of length could hurt his stock. A rise in pass rushing production could see his stock rise before the 2027 NFL Draft.
Pofele Ashlock, WR, Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
A skinny 6-foot-2 and 180 pound receiver from Hawaii has had solid production during his career at Hawaii. He has been a big slot in college, but may be a better fit for the outside at the next level if he can refine his game a bit.
Jalen Buckley, RB, Western Michigan Broncos
At 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds, Buckley has a good build for an NFL running back. He has good contact balance and quickness, but is a high-runner and will need to show he can do more as a receiver to help his stock.
Beau Brungard, QB, Youngstown State Penguins
Brungard was the FCS Walter Payton Award winner last season as he accounted for over 4,700 total yards. He is a good athlete who protects the football, but may not have the arm talent to match up with other draft prospects.
Elijah Green, CB, Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Green has a good frame for a corner at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds. His aggressive playing style has its pros and cons, as he had seven passes defended and five interceptions last season, but he also gave up some big plays too.
Rayshon Luke, RB, Fresno State Bulldogs
Although he isn’t the biggest running back at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Luke has great acceleration, agility and elusivity for the position. He is a patient runner who also has shown his ability as a receiver. He doesn’t have a lot of power and maybe is better suited to split carries at the next level.
Donnie Smith, EDGE, Troy Trojans
Smith has a solid frame at 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, but needs to fill it out. He had 11 sacks last season, but could just be a situational pass rusher, as his run defense lagged behind.
Jai’Den Thomas, RB, UNLV Rebels
Thomas is shorter at 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, but he has been productive because of his vision, acceleration and speed. His power and contact balance leave a little to be desired, but Thomas looks like he is in store for another good season.
Andrew Zock, EDGE, Toledo
While he is just 6-foot-2, Zock is 250 pounds, which gives him a filled-out frame for an edge rusher. He was a great player at the FCS level with 20 tackles for loss and and 11.5 sacks last season at Mercer. Now is trying to show he can compete at the FBS level.
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