The Cleveland Browns are slogging through a tough season, sitting at 2-6. With a bye week on the calendar, it’s a decent time for fans—and maybe the front office too—to peek at what’s brewing in the college football world.
This week’s college games are loaded with future NFL talent. There are standout linemen, a few quarterbacks with some real juice, and plenty of other names worth keeping an eye on for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Let’s dig into some of the matchups and prospects that could end up mattering for the Browns.
Key College Football Matchups to Watch
While the Browns regroup, several college games feature players who might fill some of Cleveland’s biggest holes. Honestly, these games are more than just college football drama—they’re a scouting opportunity.
Penn State vs. Ohio State
Penn State started the year ranked #2, but things unraveled after a shocking loss to UCLA. Losing starting quarterback Drew Allar didn’t help, and it cost James Franklin his job.
Still, there are a handful of Penn State players who could make noise at the next level.
- Olaivevega Ioane: Maybe the best pass-protecting guard in college football right now. Browns fans should probably learn his name, since the O-line could look very different next year.
- Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen: Both running backs came back for another go. Allen’s averaging over six yards a carry, but Singleton hasn’t quite lived up to his 2024 form.
- A.J. Harris: Cornerback with top-50 potential. He hasn’t had the breakout year he wanted, but he’s still worth watching.
Ohio State is, well, loaded. It’s almost unfair how much NFL talent they have.
- Carnell Tate: Wide receiver putting up 17.3 yards per catch. He’s got first-round buzz, and the Browns could use someone like that.
- Austin Sierevald: One of the best pass-protecting tackles in the country. Cleveland’s line could use an upgrade, so he’s definitely on the radar.
Texas Longhorns vs. Mississippi State
Texas just squeaked out an overtime win, but overall, it’s been a letdown season. That said, there are still a few Longhorns who might help the Browns in the future.
- Jack Endries: Tight end transfer from Cal. He’s probably a Day 3 pick at best, but there’s something interesting there.
- Trevor Goosby: Stepped in for Kelvin Banks Jr. and is getting better as a run blocker.
- Malik Muhammad: Corner who’s only given up one touchdown all year. That’s not nothing.
- Michael Taaffe: One of the top coverage safeties in college football. He’d fit right in with Cleveland’s defense.
Vanderbilt vs. Alabama
Vanderbilt’s ranked ninth and has just one loss. They don’t have the same star power as some other teams, but there are a couple of names worth mentioning.
- Eli Stowers: Another tight end who might get a look late in the draft, kind of like Endries.
- Diego Pavia: Undersized quarterback, but he’s putting up big numbers. He’s fifth in the Heisman odds, so people are noticing.
Browns’ Current Situation and Future Outlook
Heading into the bye, the Browns are at a bit of a crossroads. GM Andrew Berry usually takes this time to assess things, but he’s not talking to the media this week.
Kevin Stefanski keeps saying they’re committed to turning things around, even with a 2-6 record. There’s a lot riding on what happens next.
Trade Deadline and Remaining Schedule
The trade deadline’s coming up on November 4. So, are the Browns buying, selling, or just sitting tight? The AFC North is technically still open, so there’s a sliver of hope.
The offense has been rough—just 15.8 points per game, which is 30th in the league. Stefanski says he’ll fix it, but progress has been slow. They traded away their veteran quarterbacks, so right now it’s rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders on the roster, with Bailey Zappe hanging out on the practice squad.
Stefanski talked about using the bye week to help the staff find better ways to set up players for success. The defense has been holding up, but the offense needs to get going—fast—if they want to take advantage of the schedule ahead.
Favorable Schedule Ahead
The remaining schedule isn’t terrifying. Opponents have a combined record of 28-40, so there’s a window here.
The next five games are pretty huge. Those teams have a combined 12-27 record. If the Browns can somehow win four, they’d be sitting at 6-7 and maybe back in the mix.
After the bye, here’s what’s coming:
- Jets (1-7) away
- Ravens (3-5) at home
- Raiders (2-5) away
- 49ers (5-3) at home
- Titans (1-7) at home
The last four games are against the Bears, Bills, Steelers, and Bengals. Bills and Steelers are at home. Those teams are a combined 16-13, so it won’t be easy, but it’s not out of reach either.
The Cleveland Browns have a tough road ahead. The bye week, though, gives them a real chance to regroup and maybe even catch their breath.
Scouting key college football matchups could help the Browns spot future stars. Who knows—maybe one of those prospects ends up making a difference for the franchise.
If you’re hungry for more details on those college games and players to watch, check out 247Sports.
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