With the 2026 NFL Draft creeping up, a handful of college football programs are bracing for some pretty major roster shake-ups. There’s a fresh wave of pro-caliber talent about to jump to the NFL, and these teams are going to have to fill some big shoes.
This rundown takes a look at the schools most likely to feel those departures—and the main players who could make a splash at the next level. For a deeper dive into the teams and names, check out the original article on Bleacher Report.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama’s reputation for churning out NFL talent is well-earned, and 2026 won’t be any different. That Rose Bowl blowout still stings, but the Tide’s about to send another wave of stars to the league.
Key Players to Watch
- Kadyn Proctor – Offensive Tackle
- Ty Simpson – Quarterback
- LT Overton – Defensive Lineman
- Germie Bernard – Wide Receiver
- Deontae Lawson – Linebacker
- Parker Brailsford – Center
- Jaeden Roberts – Guard
- Tim Keenan III – Defensive Tackle
- Domani Jackson – Cornerback
Also, don’t sleep on running back Jam Miller, tight end Josh Cuevas, and linebacker Justin Jefferson—they’re all likely to get their names called too.
Clemson Tigers
Clemson’s list of draft hopefuls might not be as long as Bama’s, but the Tigers are sending out a trio of guys who could go in the first round. That’s nothing to sneeze at.
Key Players to Watch
- Peter Woods – Defensive Lineman
- T.J. Parker – Edge-Rusher
- Avieon Terrell – Cornerback
- Cade Klubnik – Quarterback
- Antonio Williams – Wide Receiver
- Blake Miller – Offensive Tackle
- DeMonte Capehart – Defensive Tackle
- Adam Randall – Running Back
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia’s been a factory for first-rounders, but this year, that streak might be in danger. Still, there are a few Bulldogs who could hear their names early on draft night.
Key Players to Watch
- CJ Allen – Linebacker
- Zachariah Branch – Wide Receiver
- Monroe Freeling – Offensive Tackle
- Christen Miller – Defensive Tackle
- Oscar Delp – Tight End
- Daylen Everette – Cornerback
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana could be heading for a record-breaking draft, maybe even topping its 1976 mark of seven picks. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, fresh off a Heisman win, is leading the charge.
Key Players to Watch
- Fernando Mendoza – Quarterback
- Elijah Sarratt – Wide Receiver
- Omar Cooper Jr. – Wide Receiver
- D’Angelo Ponds – Cornerback
- Roman Hemby – Running Back
- Kaelon Black – Running Back
- Riley Nowakowski – Tight End
- Pat Coogan – Center
- Aiden Fisher – Linebacker
- Mikail Kamara – Edge-Rusher
- Louis Moore – Safety
Miami Hurricanes
After finishing as the national runner-up, Miami’s kind of in Clemson’s boat—maybe not a huge crowd going pro, but the top-end talent is there.
Key Players to Watch
- Francis Mauigoa – Offensive Tackle
- Rueben Bain Jr. – Edge-Rusher
- Akheem Mesidor – Edge-Rusher
- Keionte Scott – Nickelback
- Carson Beck – Quarterback
- CJ Daniels – Wide Receiver
- Keelan Marion – Wide Receiver
- Markel Bell – Offensive Tackle
- Jakobe Thomas – Safety
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes are expected to put up another big draft class in 2026. Double-digit selections? Yeah, that wouldn’t be much of a shock.
Key Players to Watch
- Carnell Tate – Wide Receiver
- Arvell Reese – Linebacker
- Caleb Downs – Safety
- Sonny Styles – Linebacker
- Kayden McDonald – Defensive Tackle
- Max Klare – Tight End
- Caden Curry – Edge-Rusher
- Davison Igbinosun – Cornerback
- Will Kacmarek – Tight End
- Jermaine Mathews Jr. – Cornerback
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M looks ready to finally snap its streak of having fewer than three draft picks for six straight years. The Aggies are bringing some real NFL potential to the table this time around.
Key Players to Watch
- KC Concepcion – Wide Receiver
- Cashius Howell – Edge-Rusher
- Chase Bisontis – Interior Lineman
- Taurean York – Linebacker
- Will Lee III – Cornerback
- Le’Veon Moss – Running Back
- Trey Zuhn III – Offensive Lineman
- Ar’maj Reed-Adams – Offensive Lineman
- Tyler Onyedim – Defensive Lineman
- Albert Regis – Defensive Lineman
College football programs are getting ready for big changes, and honestly, it won’t be easy replacing so much top-tier talent.
The 2026 NFL Draft already feels like it’s going to be wild, with a bunch of these names expected to step up and grab the spotlight.
Curious for more? You can find extra details in the original article on Bleacher Report.
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