Author: Nathan Hott

2026 Iowa Football Preview

The Iowa Hawkeye football season is upon us and while there are still questions to be answered, there is reason for optimism with this team.  Iowa is going to have their growing pains this season as this is a young group overall.  That said, the offense looks stacked on both the offensive line and the skill position groups; RB, WR, and TE all look deep and talented.  The QB question remains and may not be decided until Iowa has played a few games, and the bullets are flying for real. 

The defense is mostly theoretical when it comes to the front seven, there’s not much proven talent there, but Phil Parker gets the benefit of the doubt.  This defense may not be a top ten unit in college football this season but if the offense makes the strides I believe they can, the defense doesn’t need to be as dominant.  The secondary should be really good with some experienced players like Zach Lutmer and DeShaun Lee, and a very talented group of underclassmen ready to step in. 

College football seems to be in a constant state of change and one of those changes is the 5 years to play 5 rule, meaning there is no such thing as a redshirt anymore.  Iowa has changed their roster, and they no longer list guys as freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, they list them as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and in Mike Myslinski’s case, 6th, meaning what year they are in.  On this depth chart I’m going to use those markers (1-6) to denote the players year but my brain may not process that as I write about guys and in context, calling someone a redshirt freshman should tell you that they are a 2nd year player but didn’t play much if at all last season.  It’s going to take time for everyone to get used to this and my suggestion would be for everyone to go to freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and fifth-year as the common way to describe players.  It would still give the illusion that these guys are students in some sense instead of referring to what year they are professionally in college.  If you’re a college football fan or just an Iowa football fan, bear with me as we navigate the constant changes to the sport. 

It’s time to talk Iowa football and take a look at this year’s team.  Let’s Go Hawks.

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Starter: Jeremy Hecklinski (3) or Hank Brown (4)

Backup: Hecklinski or Brown or Jimmy Sullivan (2)

Depth: Ryan Fitzpatrick (2), Tradon Bessinger (1)

The coaches haven’t made a final decision on who the starter is going to be and even if when they name a starter for the first game against Northern Illinois, I highly doubt that’s the end of the competition. Hecklinski looked great at the open Kid’s Day practice, but it was only one practice and they have been neck-and-neck throughout camp.  My head tells me Kirk would go with Hank Brown, but my gut says Tim Lester wants to give Hecklinski a chance against live competition.  I think Hecklinski starts but even if he’s flawless against NIU, Brown will get to play in that game. Brown didn’t look good at the Kid’s Day practice but again, it was one practice on one particular day, they coaches aren’t going to give up on him that easily.

Jimmy Sullivan was the second-best looking QB on Kid’s Day and while that may have been because he was playing against backups on defense, he was also mostly playing with backups on his side too.  I’m not sure Sullivan can actually push for the backup QB spot this season, there may just not be enough reps in practice for him to impress the coaches that much.  He did look like he had a solid command of the offense that one day and if there is some catastrophe and he does have to play, I do think Lester could get a solid performance out of him. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a good player and gives Iowa nice depth.  Tradon Bessinger is the future of the position and he looks the part.  He’s big, he’s athletic, and he has a cannon for an arm.  Hopefully Iowa doesn’t need a fourth or fifth QB this season, however, there’s no redshirting issues to deal with so if Bessinger needs to play, they can play him.  Between the two top guys, Sullivan and Bessinger, it seems like Iowa has solid options for this season and for years to come, now they just have to hold on to them.    

Running Backs

Starters: Kamari Moulton (4), LJ Phillips Jr. (4)

Backups: Nathan McNeil (2), Xavier Williams (3)

Depth: Braeden Jackson (2), O’Lontae Dean (2), Brevin Doll (3)

Kamari Moulton will most likely get the start against NIU and the first carries of the game but I’m listing Phillips as the co-starter because he’s just that good.  Ferentz is going to defer to Moulton because he’s earned that starting nod over the last two seasons, but Phillips is going to get plenty of carries.  He’s a bowling ball rolling downhill in this offense and he won’t be stopped.  He has more pop than Moulton does and that’s something this offense could use, some big plays from the running game.  Phillps has speed but he also loves contact and isn’t going down easily.  I would say this will be a fun duo but it’s not just a duo.

Nathan McNeil isn’t built like the other RBs at Iowa who mostly look like power backs, he’s more linear and looks like more of a slasher.  His different running style is a nice changeup from Moulton or Phillips and McNeil is going to be used in this offense.  Xavier Williams looked good early last year before he had an injury that hindered him a bit.  He’s the definition of a power back given his size but if he’s fully healthy, he has more speed than a guy his size should really have.  Iowa has four guys at RB they can comfortably start and at least three of them should get touches in any given game.  Who that is will be determined by the matchups.

Braeden Jackson was a redshirt walk-on last season who really impressed the coaches and while Iowa doesn’t want to go five deep at RB, they could use him if they need too.  Brevin Doll has actually been playing in practice so that’s a good sign, he’s finally not hurt.  O’Lontae Dean is the definition of depth here, he’s not likely to play unless it’s on special teams.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Reece Vander Zee (3), Tony Diaz (3), Evan James (2)

Backups: Dayton Howard (4), KJ Parker (3), Jarriett Buie (3)

Depth: Brody Schaeffer (1), Xavier Stinson (1), Diondre Smith (1)

This is the one position on offense that Iowa has seriously upgraded over the last several years.  The additions of transfers Tony Diaz and Evan James to complement a healthy Reece Vander Zee gives Iowa three dynamic playmakers at WR, that’s unheard of for the Hawkeyes.  Vander Zee is the big, outside WR at 6’4 220 lbs., everybody wants to have.  He’s still learning how to play the WR position and as he gets more experience he’s only going to get better.  Diaz is the do-everything type that Tim Lester has been wanting for this offense.  He’s a playmaker in every sense of the word and will give up his body to make a catch.  He needs to pull back on the recklessness a bit in order to stay on the field.  Evan James was fantastic at the open practice, and he’s got real speed you just can’t teach.  He’s not a big guy, but his ability to separate is impressive.  If Iowa gets good QB play, these three raise the level of Iowa’s offense considerably. 

In any other year, Dayton Howard would likely be starting for the Hawkeyes.  I really think he can be an excellent player.  He has elite size at 6’5 215 lbs. and he has an incredible catch radius given his length.  He’s only getting better as he refines his route running and understanding of the position.  He’ll get snaps as they rotate guys at the position.  KJ Parker has teased Iowa fans for years, being a guy who’s been talked about in practice but just hasn’t shown it in games.  Maybe this is his year.  Jarriett Buie was injured last year and is kind of the forgotten man, but he’s looked good during camp according to the coaches and he provides excellent depth. 

The three true freshmen will wait their turn.  Xavier Stinson has the size, speed, and athleticism Iowa doesn’t normally get at WR.  Brody Schaeffer looked good in camp and may be ready to contribute early if needed.  Diondre Smith is a smaller player who probably needs some time at Iowa to physically mature, luckily Iowa has the ability to give him that time. 

Tight End

Starter: DJ Vonnahme (3)

Backups: Addison Ostrenga (5), Zach Ortworth (4)

Depth: Dylan Stecker (2), Michael Burt (3), Thomas Meyer (2), Mason Woods (2), Eli Johnson (2), Luke Brewer (1)

DJ Vonnahme emerged last season after Addison Ostrenga was lost for the season and Zach Ortworth got banged up too.  He’s now the unquestioned starter and he’s shown so much growth he’s a top TE prospect for the NFL.  He was a walk-on three years ago and wasn’t even a TE in high school, so he’s come a long way in a short period of time.  He’s going to be featured in the passing game and that’s a good thing because he’s a matchup nightmare.  Ostrenga is back and ready to contribute in his fifth year, he’s an all-around TE so he’ll be used plenty.  Ortworth is going to have to fight off some emerging young talent.  He’s a good player but not as dynamic as some of the up and comers. 

One guy who seems to be emerging in camp is Dylan Stecker.  He’s a walk-on who started out as a big WR but moved to TE this year and is showing his pass catching skills.  Mason Woods is the other guy who is showing his pass catching skills and ability to be a weapon on offense.  Thomas Meyer has impressed the coaches and will be more well-rounded than Stecker and Woods right now because he has the size to be a blocker.  Michael Burt is another guy who has better size and could be a blocking TE for now too.  Eli Johnson and freshman Luke Brewer are even more depth.  Iowa has an embarrassment of riches at TE. 

Offensive Line

Starters: LT Trevor Lauck (4), LG Leighton Jones (4), C Cael Winter (4), RG Kade Pieper (4), RT Jack Dotzler (5)

Backups: OT Cannon Leonard (4), OT Will Nolan (3), G/C Mike Myslinski (6), G/T Lucas Allgeyer (2), OG Trent Wilson

Depth: G/C Josh Janowski (3), OT Bodey McCaslin, G George Nahas (4)

Iowa’s offensive line lost three guys to the NFL draft and all three were multiple year starters.  I’m not sure Iowa’s line can be better than last year’s Joe Moore Award winning line, but you can’t convince me they are going to be worse.  LT Trevor Lauck emerged in the second half of the season last year as a force, he’s only going to get better.  The team was ready to move Kade Pieper from RG, where he could be an All-American, to replace Logan Jones at center but Cael Winter has been excellent for them at center, so Pieper looks to be staying put.  Leighton Jones played LG last year when Beau Stephens was hurt and no offense to Stephens, but no one noticed a drop off when Jones was in.  Dotzler only lost the LT job last year because Lauck was so good and he filled in at RT for Gennings Dunker last season when Dunker got banged up.  He may not be the mauling bear Dunker was, but Dotzler is a fifth-year player who has plenty of snaps under his belt and he should be fine at RT.  If this line stays healthy, they have two potential All-Americans (Lauck and Pieper), one fifth-year guy (Dotzler) and fourth-year guy (Jones) who have playing experience.  And they have a center who may be a walk-on, but he’s impressed the coaching staff enough that they aren’t moving Kade Pieper, a guy who will likely be a center in the NFL, to center.  Pieper is on the pre-season watch list for the Rimington Award that goes to the nation’s top center and he’s not even going to be the center because Winter looks that good.   

The backups are unproven, but they are mostly guys who have been in Iowa’s system for few years and have talent.  OT Cannon Leonard is a giant man at 6’8 and it has taken him some time to add the weight and strength to his frame to hold up but he’s really filled out and the coaches like him.  OT Will Nolan was a highly regarded recruit who had an injury that set him back but now he’s healthy and looks like he could play if needed.  Mike Myslinski is in his sixth year and could be a center or guard whenever the Hawkeyes need him, he’s probably the top backup at all three interior positions.  Lucas Allgeyer was true freshman last season who made the two-deeps early at RG, he fought for the starting job this year, and he may be in the competition for an OT job next year.  Trent Wilson played at James Madison last year and is the only offensive line transfer the Hawkeyes took this year, he’s obviously a guy they like.

Josh Janowski is just coming back from winning his fight against cancer and everyone is pulling for him to become a contributor.  He may have to wait a year to really compete for an interior spot but I’m not counting him out.  Bodey McCaslin would likely be higher in the pecking order but Iowa has some real depth at OT behind the starters with Leonard, Nolan, and Allgeyer.  He needs to just keep grinding to get his shot.  I’m not sure George Nahas ever plays but right now, he’s Iowa’s 13th offensive lineman who isn’t a freshman.  I didn’t list the true freshmen because Iowa shouldn’t need them this year, but Carson Nielsen, Colin Withers, Owen Linder, Hudson Parliament, and Gene Riordan make one hell of a group of freshmen offensive lineman.  The position is in great shape moving forward.

The offense has superior depth at RB, TE, WR, and o-line, it all comes down to the QB.  Tim Lester has spent three years putting this offensive scheme in with the Hawkeyes and he’s the one who wanted to roll with this QB competition and let the winner be the starter.  He wants a guy who understands the system better than a one-year starter and I think that’s a wise decision.  Hecklinski feels like the higher ceiling guy while Brown feels like the safe choice.  Lester doesn’t strike me as the safe choice guy.  I think he’ll live with Hecklinski making a few mistakes if it means opening up this offense.  The explosive plays need to come in the passing game this year and Hecklinski is the guy more willing to take the shots.  Either way, whoever ends up at QB, they can’t blame a bad offense on their supporting cast, this is the deepest and most talented group of skill position players Iowa has had in a long time.  Add in an offensive line that shouldn’t miss a beat, and the Hawkeyes can be very good on offense. 

DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Kenneth Merriweather (4), DE Iose Epenesa (2), DT Bryce Hawthorne (4), DT Will Hubert (5)

Backups: DE Drew Campbell (3), DE Kahmari Brown (3), DT Devan Kennedy (3), DT Luke Gaffney (5)

Depth: DE Joseph Anderson (3), DE Chima Chineke (3), DT Brice Stevenson (4), DT Emmanuel Olagbaju (4), DT Brad Fitzgibbon (2), DL Lance Ingold (3), Maddux Borcherding-Johnson (4)

This is the biggest issue Iowa is going to have all season.  While QB is the most important position, it feels like Iowa has two solid choices, the defensive line feels like a real mystery.  Iose Epenesa has the bloodlines to be excellent but he’s still just a second-year player, becoming a starter for the first time.  It is likely he will eventually be a good player, it’s uncertain that will be this season.  Kenneth Merriweather has waited his turn at DE and hopefully has a breakout fourth year as a starter for the Hawkeyes.  He’s quietly a leader for this front.  Bryce Hawthorne has the most snaps of anyone returning on the line and he’s going to be counted on to be a force in the middle.  Will Hubert is a fifth-year walk-on who has stuck it out and is going to get every opportunity to hold down a starting DT spot.  If he can hold up, that would go a long way to helping the Iowa defense. 

The interesting guy among the backup group is Drew Campbell.  He missed last season with an injury but has started to emerge as a guy who can play inside and outside.  He’s not big so he would be a smaller DT, but Iowa has used guys like him before on the interior.  It would be huge if he can give them quality snaps both inside and out.  Kahmari Brown is a transfer DE who comes in as an elite athlete who could really be a force off the edge.  DT Devan Kennedy is a guy still growing into his DT body, but Iowa will need him on the interior this season.  By all accounts, it looks like he’s ready to play and give the Hawkeyes some size inside.  Luke Gaffney is another fifth-year walk-on who will need to contribute because of the lack of depth and experience the Hawkeyes have at DT.

Kirk Ferentz talked about using a heavier rotation this season of up to ten guys, defensive line coach Kelvin Bell seems to think more like eight.  If two others are going to contribute my money would be on DE Joseph Anderson as a guy off he edge and transfer DT Brice Stevenson as a big body on the interior.  It feels like Chineke, Olagbaju, Fitzgibbon, and Ingold need more time to adjust to the Big Ten and Borcherding-Johnson feels like he’s never going to get there.  The freshmen aren’t going to be ready to contribute either, so I left them out. 

Linebackers

Starters: MLB Cam Buffington (3), WLB Jayden Montgomery (5)

Backups: Nolan DeLong (4), Landyn Van Kekerix (5), Derek Weisskopf (3)

Depth: Preston Ries (3), Burke Gautcher (2), Carson Cooney (2)

Freshmen: Julian Manson, Billy Weivoda, Kasen Thomas

The Hawkeyes usually only start two LBs since they use their CASH spot which is basically a big nickel played by a defensive back.  Cam Buffington is taking over the MLB spot and Jayden Montgomery is sliding over to the weakside.  Montgomery played okay in the middle last year, and he’s a good leader, but he lacks the physical traits to be a standout.  Buffington has all the measurables you want and is finally ready to step into his rightful place.  Due to his size, he’s giving Jack Campbell vibes but that’s a lot to put on first-year starter.  I think Buffington will be great but there will be growing pains.  Montgomery will be in there for his leadership and understanding of the defense.  He should ease the burden on Buffington to call everything perfectly.  Montgomery may lose snaps though as Buffington gets more comfortable because there’s a boatload of talent at LB. 

Seth Wallace has been coaching LBs at Iowa for a long time and he’s seen a lot of great talent, and he recently said this was the deepest group of LBs he’s ever had, he’s not lying.  Nolan DeLong was a walk-on who just wouldn’t go away and now he looks like Buffington’s backup; he’s a good player.  Landyn Van Kekerix has been a special team’s staple for several years now and in his fifth-year, he’s looking for some playing time.  He could push Montgomery off the field.  Derek Weisskopf is perhaps the guy who steps in at strongside LB when Iowa uses three LBs.  Maybe it’s him, maybe it’s Van Kekerix, Iowa can’t go wrong with either. 

Here’s where the depth really comes into play.  Preston Ries was a highly thought of guy who has been banged up from time to time otherwise he might be pushing for a starter spot.  He’s a good athlete who is going to make plays if he gets in the game.  Burke Gautcher and Carson Cooney are two guys looking to make an impression on special teams so they can eventually get a shot to start.  The problem for both Gautcher and Cooney is that Buffington, Weisskopf, and Ries are one year ahead of them and the incoming freshmen, one year behind them are really talented.  Julian Manson, Billy Weivoda, and Kasen Thomas don’t look like guys who are going to wait their turn, they may be too good for that. 

Defensive Backs

Starters: CB DeShaun Lee (5), CB Jaylen Watson (3), SS Tyler Brown (3), FS Zach Lutmer (4), CASH Jacob Wallace (2)

Backups: CB Rashad Godfrey Jr. (3), CB Darion Jones (1), SS Anthony Hawkins (3), FS/CASH Marcello Vitti (1)

Depth: DB Alex Mota (4), S Cody Haddad (2), S Ty Hudkins (3), S Xavier Styles (3), CB Ronnie Hill (1), S Kyler Gerardy (3)

The secondary may need to be the saving grace of the Hawkeye defense this year and if so, Phil Parker is set up well to do that.  This group is deep, talented, and the variations Parker can use with his personnel feels unlimited.  DeShaun Lee is a fifth-year CB who should have his best season.  Jaylen Watson seems to have won the starting spot opposite him and it’s been a battle; there is depth behind him.  SS Tyler Brown is nursing an injury and may not play in week one, but he shouldn’t be out too long so I’m still listing him as the starter.  Once he’s healthy, he’ll be in there.  He’s a transfer from James Madison and he’s been impressive when healthy.  Zach Lutmer moves to free safety because Iowa has guys for the other spots and Lutmer can fill in any of the five defensive back roles.  He’s the key to the defense and Parker will find ways to get him involved.  Lutmer was the CASH last year, but Jacob Wallace is expected to be the CASH, Wallace can also play CB.  They can mix and match guys as they see fit. 

The backup CBs are Rashad Godfrey Jr., who pushed Watson for the starting spot, and he can also play CASH and Darion Jones. Jones is an incoming freshman who has risen up the depth chart quickly and he’s going to play this year.  He’s one of the most talented freshman CBs Parker has had, and Parker doesn’t shy away from playing true freshman if they are ready.  Fellow freshman Marcello Vitti is the backup at both FS and one of the guys who can play CASH.  Between Lutmer, Wallace, Godfrey, and Vitti, Parker could put those four on the field and the offense wouldn’t know who’s doing what.  S Anthony Hawkins has stepped up into the SS spot while Brown has been out, and he’ll likely start the first game.  He’s a tall, rangy safety so he gives the Hawkeyes a different look at that position.

Iowa brought in transfer safeties Cody Haddad and Xavier Styles and both guys are developmental pieces they like.  Ty Hudkins was a transfer last year who missed the whole season with an injury, and he’s there if needed.  Alex Mota has never really found his spot, but he can help on special teams, as can walk-on Kyler Gerardy.  Hopefully Iowa has enough QB depth that they don’t have to move Gerardy to QB as an emergency backup.

This defense is going to be a work in progress, but Phil Parker is one of the smartest defensive coordinators around and he teaches his guys the fundamentals.  It isn’t the sexiest group up front, but they do have some depth and that gives them the chance to find a player where they weren’t expecting one, like Drew Campbell.  The versatility in the secondary means they can disguise their defensive looks and move pieces around to confuse offenses, that’s always a good way to play.  Buffington is going to be an upgrade at MLB over Jaden Harrell and Jayden Montgomery last year.  Montgomery will start the year next to him, but I think the more talented guys will eventually supplant him.  DeLong, Van Kekerix, Weisskopf, or Ries will be just too good to keep off the field. 

Special Teams

Kickers: Eli Ozick (4) and Caden Buhr (2)

This competition may go into the season too if the open practice is any indication. Ozick was thought to be the leader but he had a rough day. Iowa may need to be willing to go for it on fourth down a little more this year if they can’t count on their kickers.

Punters: Tanner Philpott (3) and Boston Everitt (2)  

Neither Punter looked particularly great but each had their moments. Philpott has actually played American football before so he probably has the edge but nothing is certain here.

The Hawkeyes start the year with three games they should win.  Say what you will about the Iowa St. rivalry game but it’s at Kinnick this season and that team is in flux.  A new coaching staff with a nearly complete turnover of their roster bodes well for the Hawkeyes.  Then they start Big Ten play with a brutal stretch.  At Michigan, Ohio St. comes to Kinnick, and then on the road at Washington for a Friday night game.  All three will be tough games and Iowa need to win at least one of them.  One of the more fascinating things about this schedule is that after starting with three home games, Iowa doesn’t have back-to-back home games the rest of the season.  Rivalry games against Minnesota and Illinois are on the road but Wisconsin and Nebraska come to Kinnick.  The schedule is manageable after the Michigan/Ohio St./Washington stretch.  If they can get the QB thing and the defensive line thing figured out before the Michigan game, that would really help this team going into the Big Ten slate. 

2026 Iowa Post-Spring Review

The Iowa Hawkeyes did hold spring practice this year and they even had an open practice the last day.  It was certainly overshadowed by the long Iowa basketball run in the NCAA tournament and then for me it always takes a backseat to the NFL draft.  I really wish they would stop scheduling the open practice on the last day of the draft, some of us do want to watch that.  I did go to the open practice, thank you to my phone for keeping me up to date on the draft for those few hours. 

This Hawkeye team isn’t like most Ferentz era teams; there are only 11 seniors on the roster and only eight of them are scholarship players.  In contrast, last season Iowa had 27 seniors. The difference between scholarship and non-scholarship is pretty convoluted at this point with NIL and Rev Share payments but either way, 11 seniors is unusual for a Ferentz team.  That 11 also includes Mike Myslinski who hasn’t technically been granted his extra year yet so it may only be 10.  They only took one transfer who was a one-year player, this team is really built to compete more in 2027 than in 2026, especially if most of their best NFL prospects come back in 2027, I’m looking at you Zach Lutmer, DJ Vonnahme, Trevor Lauck, and Kade Pieper. 

About half of these seniors will play key roles; OT Jack Dotzler, CB Deshaun Lee, and LB Jayden Montgomery will start, unless Montgomery loses his spot.  DTs Will Hubert and Luke Gaffney may not start but will be counted on heavily in the rotation given all the unknowns at DT.  Transfer DT Brice Stevenson was the only one-year transfer player the Hawkeyes took this year, and he should also figure prominently in the rotation.  TEs Addison Ostrenga and Zach Orthworth will play plenty but redshirt sophomore DJ Vonnahme will be the top player there. Landyn Van Kekerix should get some time at LB and will be a major special team’s guy.  Walk-on WR Alex Eichman is the one senior who probably won’t figure in on game days.

Let’s take a look at where things stand a month after spring practice ended and couple of months before the team reports for fall camp.  The depth chart is unofficial as the team doesn’t release a depth chart after spring anymore and won’t have an official one until the season is going to start.    

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Starter: Jeremy Hecklinski (Soph) or Hank Brown (Jr)

Depth: Jimmy Sullivan (RS Fr), Ryan Fitzgerald (RS Fr), Tradon Bessinger (Fr)

Obviously, the biggest question heading into the 2026 season for the Hawkeyes is who is going to be the QB?  Hecklinski and Brown are two guys who spent last season backing up Mark Gronowski and now they are vying for the starting job.  OC Tim Lester liked both guys enough after last year for Iowa to forgo signing a QB in the transfer portal (they didn’t even seem to entertain the idea) and now one of them will start.  Either way, the offense will look a bit different given neither one is going to be the runner Gronowski was last season.  That may suit Lester just fine as he is looking for someone to run his Shanahan style offense and being a running QB is not a prerequisite to do that. 

Hecklinski is the smaller QB at around 5’11 but he seems to play with a chip on his shoulder, maybe it’s his lack of height.  He’s been described as a gunslinger in the Drew Tate mold; nothing gets Iowa fans more excited than comparing a QB to Tate (unless you know of another Brad Banks hiding somewhere).  Brown is the more prototypical QB at 6’4 215 lbs.  Brown has a big arm, but Hecklinski has the quicker release.  Hecklinski has plenty of arm, don’t get me wrong, and he also has the confidence to throw a ball into a tight window, whether he should or not.  Lester seems excited by Hecklinski and after watching Gronowski be a little too tentative last season to just let it rip, I feel the same way.  Iowa needs a QB who’s willing to give his pass catchers a chance.  The Hawkeyes finally have some pass catchers who can be playmakers and Hecklinski might just be the guy to ignite the offense. 

Jimmy Sullivan is the scholarship redshirt freshman while Ryan Fitzgerald is the walk-on redshirt freshman.  Both guys worked on their development during spring practice while neither are likely to put any pressure on Hecklinski or Brown for starting or backup job.  The coaching staff awaits the arrival of Tradon Bessinger, a four-star recruit out of Utah who has all the size and stature you want in a QB and backed it all up with ridiculous high school stats.  He should be the future of the position. 

Running Back

Starter: Kamari Moulton (Jr)

The Rotation: LJ Phillips (Jr), Xavier Williams (Soph), Nathan McNeil (Soph)    

Depth: Braedan Jackson (RS Fr), O’Lontae Dean (RS Fr), Brevin Doll (Soph)

This is arguably the deepest position on the roster (the LB group may beg to differ) and there is talent running very deep.  Kamari Moulton is the most accomplished player in this offense and will be the most trusted, Ferentz loves a steady back.  However, LJ Phillips is coming off a season where he ran for over 1900 yards at South Dakota.  I don’t care if it happened at the FCS level, 1900 yards at any level is impressive.  I listed Phillips, Williams and McNeil as the rotation because all four guys will be a part of the rotation, Iowa isn’t shy about using multiple backs and calling any one guy the backup feels disrespectful.    

Williams stepped in early last year after Moulton got hurt and Terrell Washington was ineffective and he played well, until he got banged up.  McNeil was a true freshman who ended up playing and never looked overwhelmed at any point.  It’s possible he’s the most talented back of them all.  Iowa has an embarrassment of riches at RB. Any of the top four players could be the starter and I’m not sure there’s much drop off from one to the next. 

The coaches seem to love Braeden Jackson, the walk-on who is the son of former NFL RB Fred Jackson.  His talent comes naturally but he put in the work during his redshirt year and the coaches sing his praises.  He may not have the recruiting pedigree of others, but he’s worked his way into the conversation for getting some snaps.  O’Lontae Dean was a guy they moved to RB last year when they had some injuries, he was at safety before.  They recruited enough safeties out of the portal that it looks like Dean is staying at RB.  Brevin Doll is one of the most impressive athletes you’ll ever see but he can’t seem to stay healthy long enough to make any headway at RB.  Hopefully he will get healthy and maybe he becomes a kick returner next year. 

Wide Receiver

Starters: Reece Vander Zee (Jr), Tony Diaz (Soph), Evan James (Soph)

Backups: Dayton Howard (Jr), KJ Parker (Soph), Jarriett Buie (Jr)

Depth: Terrence Smith (RS Fr), Xavier Stinson (Fr), Diondre Smith (Fr), Lance Beeghley (Soph)

The Hawkeyes haven’t had this much talent at WR in a long time, now they just need them to stay healthy and play up to their potential.  Reece Vander Zee could have had a huge season last year with Mark Gronowski, but he was injured to start the year, and it set their chemistry back.  By the end of the season, he was playing really well and now he might have a QB who’s more willing to give him a chance to make plays.  He has the size and the skills to be a legitimate #1 WR, and this offense should put him in a position to do so. 

Tony Diaz was a major get in the transfer portal and gives Iowa the perfect complementary skill set opposite Vander Zee.  Diaz was looking great in spring ball until he got banged up and the Hawkeyes hope he can play with the reckless abandon he was showing in spring but also keep himself healthy.  James was the other big transfer addition at WR, and he has all the skills necessary to be an excellent slot receiver.  The two transfers have shown promise and hopefully they work out better than some previous transfer WRs who just never made a real impact.  

Dayton Howard has started to show he’s a capable WR and his size gives him an advantage others don’t possess.  With Diaz and James nursing injuries during the spring, KJ Parker stepped up and at the open practice he looked unstoppable.  Now he needs to translate his practice ability to games, we’ve seen him shine in practice before.  Jarriett Buie is a talented player who had some injuries last season and he’s looking to not get lost in the shuffle this year.  Terrence Smith is a redshirt freshman who didn’t play last year but the coaches like.  Xavier Stinson is a true freshman who enrolled early and participated in spring practice, he looks like he could play if needed.  Assumedly, freshman Diondre Smith will redshirt, and transfer walk-on Lance Beeghley shouldn’t be needed. 

Tight End

Starter: DJ Vonnahme (Soph)

Backups: Addison Ostrenga (Sr), Zach Ortwerth (Sr)

Depth: Mason Woods (RS Fr), Thomas Meyer (RS Fr), Michael Burt (Soph), Eli Johnson (RS Fr)

Iowa went into last season with Ostrenga and Ortwerth as the top TEs and then Ostrenga was lost for the season early and Ortwerth wasn’t the guy who stepped in to fill the void.  DJ Vonnahme seemed to come out of nowhere and was fantastic.  For a guy who was a walk-on and undersized, he played like a true weapon in the passing game and held up well as a blocker. It’s his job now and he looks like the next TJ Hockenson or Dallas Clark. 

Ostrenga is coming off a torn Achilles injury and that’s never easy to come back from.  That’s especially true at a skill position that requires pushing off not only for running routes but also for blocking.  If he is healthy this season, he’s an added value but probably not a guy Iowa is counting on too much at this point.  Ortwerth seemed to regress last year and hopefully he can rebound as a senior and play up to his potential. 

Mason Woods is still undersized, which is understandable for a redshirt freshman, but that didn’t stop him from looking like a weapon in the spring.  He isn’t going to be an every down type of player and probably won’t be asked to be in as a blocker, but they should try to get him the ball in the passing game.  Thomas Meyer got thrown into the fire last year when some guys were banged up and he looks like he can play.  Burt and Johnson are finding their way, there’s talent there.  Iowa has good TEs, who would have thought. 

Offensive Line

Starters: LT Trevor Lauck (Jr), LG Leighton Jones (Jr), C Kade Pieper (Jr), RG Lucas Allgeyer (RS Fr), RT Jack Dotzler (Sr)

Backups: OT Cannon Leonard (Jr), OG Trent Wilson (Soph), C Cael Winter (Jr), OG/C Mike Myslinski (Sr), OT Will Nolan (Soph)

Depth: OT Bodey McCaslin (Soph), OG Josh Janowski (Soph), The True Freshmen

Iowa’s offensive line lost three draft picks in C Logan Jones, RT Gennings Dunker, and LG Beau Stephens, and I’m not sure they miss a beat this year.  LT Trevor Lauck started the year sharing reps with Jack Dotzler at LT but by the end of the season he was playing fantastic football.  Dotzler was playing fine at LT and then at the end of the season he had to play some RT when Dunker was banged up, and he seemed to take to it well; it’s his job now. Kade Pieper will move from RG to C and while it’s a lot to ask for him to be as good a Logan Jones, there’s a distinct possibility he may end up being just as good or maybe better.  Leighton Jones stepped in at LG last year when Beau Stephens was hurt and while Stephens made an All-American team, no one noticed a drop off when Jones stepped in.  That’s not a knock on Stephens, Jones was just that good. The RG spot is the only question and Iowa played Lucas Allgeyer as a true freshman there just enough to get his feet wet but preserve his redshirt.  I’m giving him the edge but there will be competition.   

The backup spots might not be as defined this year as there are several guys who could move around and give depth.  At OT the light bulb seems to have come on for Cannon Leonard, and he looks like the third OT.  If they need a fill-in at either left or right tackle, I think Leonard is the guy.  Will Nolan is a talented guy coming off some injury issues and Bodey McCaslin is another young guy, and they will likely compete to be the fourth OT.  Trent Wilson is a transfer from James Madison who could be a player at OG and give Allgeyer a run for the starting spot.  Cael Winter is the backup center who has some guard versatility.  He was a walk-on who has really improved and impressed, the coaches feel good about him.  Mike Myslinski is hoping for a sixth year after so many injuries early in his career.  He can back up at any of the interior spots.  Josh Janowski is another guy coming off a major injury and the coaches are happy he’s back.  He’s a future center if he can stay healthy. 

The freshman class is stacked.  Iowa played Lucas Allgeyer last season as true freshman, and they are never afraid to get a guy some reps if they think it will help down the line.  Allgeyer is a guy they hope might be an OT in the future.  OT Carson Nielsen, OT Gene Riordon, OG Owen Linder, and OG/C Hudson Parliament all enrolled early and participated in spring practice, that’s great for their development.  Colin Withers is the only incoming freshman who didn’t come early but he’s a player too.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Kenneth Merriweather (Jr), DE Iose Epenesa (RS Fr), DT Bryce Hawthorne (Jr), DT Will Hubert (Sr)

Backups: DE Joseph Anderson (Soph), DE Kahmari Brown (Jr), DT Devan Kennedy (Soph), DT Luke Gaffney (Sr)

Depth: DL Drew Campbell (Soph), DT Brice Stevenson (Sr), DT Emmanuel Olagbaju (Jr), Chima Chineke (Soph), DT Brad Fitzgibbon (RS Fr)

While QB may be the more high-profile question heading into the season, the defensive line is the one that will determine how good Iowa really is.  Iowa has proven they can win with average to below average QB play, they haven’t had below average defensive line play in a long, long time.  The Hawkeyes lost a ton of experience and will be counting on unproven guys across the entire defensive line.  They should be fine at DE, but DT is a real question. 

Kenneth Merriweather is a guy who has played some but never started.  He looks like someone ready to step up and be a starter.  He’s a fourth-year junior so he’s been in this defense long enough to understand his job.  Iose Epenesa is the likely other starter after playing sparingly as a true freshman but making strides during bowl prep.  He has the bloodlines and the motor to be a problem but he’s still just a redshirt freshman; it’s asking a lot of him to be the guy. 

At DT this team has questions all over the place.  Bryce Hawthorne is the one returner with actual experience, and he missed the spring with an injury.  The other two guys who have played at the Big Ten level are seniors Will Hubert and Luke Gaffney, two walk-ons.  Because of his experience it seems like Hubert might be the starter next to Hawthorne.  He’s not the biggest guy and he’s not the most athletic but he’s going to give you all he can.  Same goes for Gaffney, he’s going to be in the rotation. 

Speaking of the rotation, both DE and DT will use a heavy rotation at least until some players show what they can and can’t handle.  DE Joseph Anderson is a long, lean speed rusher who is looking for playing time.  DE Kahmari Brown transferred from Elon and while he’s built the complete opposite of Anderson, he’s shorter and thicker, he’s also a guy who should bring speed off the edge.  At DT, besides Gaffney, sophomore Devan Kennedy will hopefully give the Hawkeyes some good snaps inside. 

Transfer DTs Emmanuel Olagbaju and Brice Stevenson will be fighting for playing time and either one could overtake anyone who isn’t Bryce Hawthorne.  Drew Campbell is a young guy coming off an injury, but he looked good in the spring.  He’s been a DE but was getting some time inside.  He’s not a big guy but Iowa has used undersized DTs before so if he’s effective inside, he could play there.  Chima Chineke is a guy still trying to find his place.  DT Brad Fitzgibbon is a redshirt freshman who probably isn’t big enough to be a Big Ten DT yet, but he’s setting weight room records for the Hawkeyes already, so he has a chance to make his way up the depth chart, they can’t rule anyone out at DT.    

Linebackers

Starters: WLB Jayden Montgomery (Sr), MLB Cam Buffington (Soph), LEO Derek Weisskopf (Soph)

Backups: Landyn Van Kekerix (Sr), Preston Ries (Soph), Nolan DeLong (Jr)

Depth: Burke Gautcher (RS Fr), Carson Cooney (RS Fr), Julian Manson (Fr), Billy Weivoda (Fr), Kasen Thomas (Fr)

The changing of the guard at LB starts this season.  Cam Buffington is likely the new starter at MLB after last season’s less than stellar play at the position.  Jayden Montgomery stepped in last season and was okay but Buffington is pushing him to the weakside for now.  Buffington is a big, fast, physical LB in the mold of Jack Campbell and he should solidify the position.  There will be growing pains given his lack of experience but that’s why they will keep Montgomery on the field with him to help. 

Montgomery is an undersized player who wins with his intelligence and understanding of his opponents.  He can be overmatched physically which is why I think his hold on the weakside LB job could be tenuous at best.  Given the issues with the DT position up front, Iowa may need someone with more size than Montgomery to hold up against the run.  The Hawkeyes cross train their LBs so they can fill multiple positions, so Derek Weisskopf is listed as a LEO LB (that’s just Iowa’s designation for the strongside LB).  They play their CASH player more, but Weisskopf will be the third LB when needed and he could push Montgomery off the field if he can handle the weakside. 

Landyn Van Kekerix is the other senior and he’s been a great special team’s guy and could probably fill any LB spot if needed.  Nolan DeLong is a walk-on LB who has also played a lot of special teams and has performed well enough to be in the conversation for playing time.  Preston Ries is a freak athlete who is in the same class as Buffington and Weisskopf and would likely be in contention for a starting job if he could stay healthy.  If he can be on the field this season, he could be a major playmaker for this defense. 

Iowa has been stacking LBs for a few years now.  Buffington, Ries, and Weisskopf all came in three years ago.  The next season it was Burke Gautcher and Carson Cooney, two guys who are patiently waiting their turn and trying to make an impression on special teams.  Iowa followed that up with an impressive incoming freshmen class of Julian Manson, Billy Wievoda, and Kasen Thomas.  Manson and Wievoda were on campus for spring ball while Thomas comes in over the summer.  Manson and Thomas were four-star recruits, so Iowa’s LB crew is going to be good for years to come. 

Defensive Back

Starters: CB Deshaun Lee (Sr), CB Jaylen Watson (Jr), CASH Jacob Wallace (RS Fr), SS Tyler Brown (Jr), FS Zach Lutmer (Jr)

Backups: CB Rashad Godfrey Jr. (Soph), S Anthony Hawkins (Soph), CB Darion Jones (Fr), CASH Marcello Vitti (Fr), S Kyler Gerardy (Soph)

Depth: S Ty Hudkins (Jr), S Cody Haddad (RS Fr), S Xavier Styles (Soph), DB Ronnie Hill (Fr)

The Hawkeyes one saving grace on defense might just be a very good secondary.  Phil Parker always gets his secondary to play well but this group has depth like we haven’t seen before.  It all revolves around Zach Lutmer who could play any of the five positions and probably will at some point during the season.  He’s going to be the starting FS because it’s the spot where Iowa looks the weakest if it’s not him and he can set the defensive backfield alignment from there.  He might be the best CB on the team, he’s definitely the best CASH player and he’s the best safety too, everyone else is just filling the positions around him. 

At CB, senior Deshaun Lee will look to have the type of break out senior year others have had, just look at TJ Hall last season.  It’s been a bumpy ride at times for Lee but he’s a talented player with plenty of experience.  Jaylen Watson looks like the other starter at CB but he’s going to have to hold off some tough competition from a few guys to hold down that job.  Jacob Wallace would likely be pushing for that CB spot as a Phil Parker favorite, but it looks like he’s going to be the CASH player this season.  Transfer SS Tyler Brown was brought in from James Madison and while he isn’t the biggest guy, he plays with a physical style that should fit the defense very well.

The versatility of Lutmer and Wallace will make the backup positions less defined.  CB Rashad Godfrey is probably the first guy off the bench, and he could step in at CB or CASH.  The first safety off the bench is most likely to be Anthony Hawkins, the sophomore transfer.  Two true freshmen could see the field, CB Darion Jones and CASH/S Marcello Vitti.  Phil Parker has never been afraid to play freshmen and both Jones and Vitti were here for spring practice.  Kyler Gerardy has been around a few years and could help at safety if needed. 

Ty Hudkins was a transfer last year who was hurt most of the season and hasn’t really had much of an opportunity.  Xavier Styles and Cody Haddad are transfers in this season who are young developing safeties.  Ronnie Hill will be a true freshman looking to find his place, given the sheer amount of safeties, I would advise Hill to work out at CB.      

Special Teams

I normally don’t talk about the specialists too much but there will be an overhaul with both kicker and punter, and the Hawkeyes have a new special team’s coach.  Long-time special team’s coordinator LeVar Woods left for Michigan St., and he took punter Rhys Dakin with him.  Dakin was fine but he was far from a special punter.  K Drew Stevens also graduated so there will be a new kicker, a new punter, and Chris Polizzi has taken over the special team’s coordinator job.  The Hawkeyes got transfer K Eli Ozick from North Dakota St. to compete with holdover Caden Buhr.  Ozick has game experience that Buhr doesn’t have because he backed up Drew Stevens.  They also got two new punters to compete.  Australian Boston Everitt who is an incoming freshman and former Simpson punter Tanner Philpott who will be a junior.  Everitt may have the stronger leg, but Philpott has actually played in a football game, so he’s got that going for him.  Should be an interesting competition at punter. 

Losing Kaden Wetjen is no small problem.  He was the two-time Returner of the Year in college football so those are big shoes to fill.  Zach Lutmer is a dynamic player who will get a shot to return punts.  Iowa has a plethora of RBs they can turn to for the kickoff return job and it would be great to see a guy like Brevin Doll get healthy and have a chance at that job.  However, guys like Nathan McNeil or Braeden Jackson may be worth a look.  WR KJ Parker or some of the freshmen like Terrence Smith or Xavier Stinson might be a guy too.  The team isn’t hurting for options at returner but after having Wetjen for the last couple of years after having Cooper Dejean, not many guys have reps there and just about anyone is going to look average after those guys.            

2027 Too Early NFL Mock Draft

I generally hate doing a too early mock draft but the 2027 draft class looks like a hell of a lot of fun.  I’m not going to include QB Brendan Sorsby because I don’t think he’s going to be eligible next season for college football and there’s a good chance, he’s in the NFL after the supplemental draft in July.  I don’t think he’ll go too high in the supplemental draft, and he’ll likely have to serve a suspension in the NFL for betting on games.  There are some others I’m not including because I think they go back to college; QB Drew Mestemaker, QB Julian Sayin, QB CJ Carr, OT Trevor Lauck, WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, and number of other QBs. 

The other issue with a too early mock draft is setting the draft order.  Most people use some gambling sites Super Bowl odds; I don’t do that.  This order for my mock draft is based on how I see the teams ending the season.  If you don’t agree, I don’t care, this is a too early mock draft, try not to take it so seriously.  There is a 100% chance I have the order wrong, this is purely for entertainment purposes, mostly mine, but I hope you enjoy it too. 

1. Arizona Cardinals: Arch Manning     QB     Texas

It will be interesting to see how the Mannings play this, will they try to do as they did with Eli and get Arch sent to a team he prefers?  The most needy QB teams; Cardinals, Jets, and Browns are not great franchises to go to for a young QB in general.  It is notable that all three have done a solid job of building up the offensive infrastructure.  The one thing the Cardinals have going for them might be new head coach Mike LaFluer.  If he can show he’s a solid head coach, maybe the Mannings won’t mind Arch going here.  Arch could be Mike LaFluer’s version of Matthew Stafford with a lot more running ability. 

2. New York Jets: Dante Moore     QB     Oregon

Moore went back to Oregon instead of entering the 2026 draft and being picked by the Jets second overall, he can’t avoid it here.  Whether he was intentionally trying to avoid going to the Jets or just wanted to cash in at Oregon and get another year of experience, he’s the Jets new starter.  If the Jets are picking this high in the draft again, it probably means Aaron Glenn isn’t the coach anymore so Moore will be with a new coaching staff.  One other though, if Glenn is gone would the Jets hire Texas coach Steve Sarkisian to try to entice Arch Manning to force his way to the Jets?  Having his college coach there might make the Mannings more comfortable with him going to the Jets organization. 

3. Miami Dolphins: Jeremiah Smith     WR     Ohio St.

The Dolphins hope the Malik Willis signing means they won’t be looking for a QB next year in the draft, that would leave them as a good bet to take Jeremiah Smith.  He’s the best WR prospect since Julio Jones and he would make Malik Willis’ life a lot easier in Miami.  Smith is going to be one of the best WRs in the league very quickly. 

4. Cleveland Browns: Jayden Maiava     QB     USC

The Browns have built an offense with RB Quinshon Judkins and TE Harold Fannin Jr. from last year’s draft and then WRs KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston from this year.  Add in the overhauled offensive line and Todd Monken installing a new offense and all they need in 2027 is a QB who can run the plays.  Maiava has some work to do this season to get to this point as a prospect, but I think he can be a good NFL QB.  He has the size and plenty of skills Monken could use in his offense.

5. Las Vegas Raiders: Leonard Moore     CB     Notre Dame

The Raiders may have a tough choice to make here, take a WR like Cam Coleman to help Fernando Mendoza, or take Moore, the best CB prospect in over a decade.  They go for the higher rated talent.  CB is just as big of a need for this team as WR and Moore is elite CB prospect, those guys don’t grow on trees. Fifth overall might be too low for Moore, he’s that good.

6. Tennessee Titans: Jordan Seaton     OT     LSU

The Titans still have Dan Moore Jr. at LT and JC Latham at RT but Moore isn’t a great player, and Latham may be better off at guard.  If the Titans want to continue to build the offense around Cam Ward, getting an upgrade at LT is a great place go in next year’s draft.  Seaton has elite tackle traits and if he plays well at LSU this next season, this might be the floor for where he goes. 

7. Washington Commanders: Cam Coleman     WR     Texas

This would not be an ideal place for the Commanders if they end up picking this high.  If they don’t rebound well this year, Dan Quinn may be looking for a new job.  Either way, Jayden Daniels needs help at WR, Terry McLaurin is getting older and they have nothing behind him.  Coleman is looking for a breakout season at Texas playing with Arch Manning and if it happens, he’s easily a top ten pick. 

8. Atlanta Falcons: Darian Mensah     QB     Miami

This would be the convergence of two outcomes.  If the Falcons are picking in the top ten, it probably means their Michael Penix Jr./Tua Tagovailoa QB duo did not work out well.  If Mensah enters the draft, it’s because he had a really good year at Miami and he’s projected as a top ten pick, otherwise he goes back to school to improve his draft stock.  Kevin Stefanski cleans house and gets a rookie QB to build his offense around. 

9. Pittsburgh Steelers: LaNorris Sellers      QB     South Carolina

The Steelers rarely pick in the top ten in the draft and if they end up here it’s because they need a QB.  Sellers isn’t a perfect prospect, and he needs to develop over this next season but he’s an incredibly talented athlete and the Steelers could do worse.  This would make five QBs in the top nine, which is a lot but it’s not out of the question, these teams all need QBs. 

10. Indianapolis Colts: Colin Simmons     DE     Texas 

The Colts are hopeful that Daniel Jones gets healthy at QB and that gets their offense back to being the unit it was the first half of the 2025 season.  The defense still needs help and getting it at edge rusher would be the most helpful.  Simmons isn’t as long and athletic as Dylan Stewart but he’s more compact and powerfully built.  Either one would seriously upgrade the Colts pass rush but I’m giving Simmons the nod. 

11. New York Giants: A’Mauri Washington     DT     Oregon

The Giants are patching together the interior of their defensive line this year after trading away Dexter Lawrence.  They are going to need a long-term plan to pair with their impressive group of edge rushers.  Washington is monster DT with elite athleticism, and he can really enhance his draft stock with a big year at Oregon. 

12. Carolina Panthers: Jamari Johnson     TE     Oregon

The Panthers missed their shot at Kenyon Sadiq this year and didn’t pick up a TE at all.  They have Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders, so they clearly need an upgrade.  This could be a sixth QB if Bryce Young has a bad year, but the Panthers already picked up his fifth-year option, so they feel locked in on him. 

13. Minnesota Vikings: Kewan Lacy     RB     Ole Miss

The Vikings are hoping Kyler Murray works out at QB otherwise this will be the spot for the sixth QB in this first round, maybe Trinidad Chambliss.  If Murray is good, RB becomes an obvious need.  They can’t keep running out Aaron Jones forever.  Lacy is my favorite RB, and I think he would look good in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. 

14. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Goosby     OT     Texas

Cole Van Lanen stepped in for Walker Little at LT last year and while he played better, he’s not an elite starter.  Goosby has a chance to show he’s got what it takes to be an elite NFL player this season as he starts for the second year at Texas.  He has all the physical traits, and he would be an upgrade to improve the line in front of Trevor Lawrence. 

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Stone     DL     Oklahoma

The Buccaneers signed A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches to patch together one DE spot while they hope Calijah Kancey is healthy enough for the other.  Stone has great size and elite length and could play the DE spot on their three-man front and be a massive upgrade over the veterans.  With Kancey’s injury issues they have to ask themselves if they want to keep him around too.  Stone would be a wise investment. 

16. Dallas Cowboys: Nick Marsh     WR     Indiana

The Cowboys have George Pickens on a one-year franchise deal and I’m not so sure they want to make a long-term investment in him.  Marsh would give them a big, physical outside receiver who would allow CeeDee Lamb to play his most effective role.  Marsh is poised for a huge year in Indiana’s offense and has major breakout potential. 

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Dylan Stewart     Edge     South Carolina

The Chargers took Akheem Mesidor in round one of the 2026 draft, but Khalil Mack is on a one-year deal, and he’ll be 36 in the 2027 season.  Tuli Tuipulotu is going to be a free agent also so that means edge rusher is still a major need.  Stewart would be way too good of value at this point to pass on.  If he has a good year, he won’t last this long in the draft.

18. Green Bay Packers: Ahmad Hardy     RB     Missouri

The Packers have Josh Jacobs but by 2027 he’ll be 29 and he has a ton of miles on his legs.  He also has a contract they can get out of fairly easily.  Hardy is a pinball who bounces off everyone and never seems to take a big hit.  He would fit in with the offense and give them a bell cow back in the same way Jacobs has been one for them for several years. 

19. New Orleans Saints: Damon Wilson II     Edge     Miami

The Saints traded for Tyree Wilson from the Raiders, but they didn’t pick up his fifth-year option so he’s only got one year left on his deal.  Other than Chase Young, they have veterans who don’t move the needle as pass rushers.  Wilson is going to get a masterclass this season being coached by Jason Taylor at Miami, he should be even better than he was at Missouri. 

20. Cincinnati Bengals: Jadan Baugh     RB     Florida

The Bengals did an overhaul of their defense this year hoping they can pair it with their elite offense to make the playoffs at least.  Next year Chase Brown is a free agent and while he’s been good, he’s not irreplaceable if he wants too much money.  Samaje Perine, their backup RB, is also a free agent so they may have to remake the whole position.  Baugh is a big, physical RB who would look quite good against the lighter boxes the Bengals offense forces with their high-octane passing attack.  Even if they bring Brown back, Baugh’s still a good choice.

21. Detroit Lions: Kade Pieper     C/G     Iowa

The Lions signed Cade Mays and drafted Blake Miller to revamp their offensive line this off season, but I don’t think they’re done.  Christian Mahogony has been okay at guard, but Pieper would be a massive upgrade and give them a little insurance at center too.  He’ll be playing center at Iowa this year, but he’s been an excellent guard for a couple of years already.  He’s also going to be a guy Dan Campbell loves.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Charlie Becker     WR     Indiana

Assuming the AJ Brown trade goes through in June, the Eagles won’t have a big, physical outside WR this season.  DeVonta Smith is an excellent player, and Makai Lemon will be good, but neither is the outside threat Brown has been.  Becker has that type of outside skill set.  Howie Roseman likes drafting linemen in round one, but he’s not afraid to take a WR early. 

23. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Frazier     RB     Georgia

While the number of QBs that go in the first round in 2027 has been the big story, how about four RBs going in round one.  Frazier has an argument to be even higher than this in the RB group.  He’s got size and speed and he’s everything you want in a RB.  Derrick Henry’s contract runs through 2027, but he’ll be 33 that season.  He seems unhuman but father time is undefeated.  Justice Hill will be a free agent next off season, so they need depth and to prepare for the future and sorry to say but I don’t think it’s Adam Randall. 

24. Kansas City Chiefs: Omarion Miller     WR     Arizona St.

Miller had a good year at Colorado but now he transfers to Arizona St. where they need a replacement for Jordyn Tyson.  Kenny Dillingham’s offense should feature new QB Cutter Boley and Miller and Dillingham knows how to put together an offense.  The Chiefs need to finally fix their outside receiver spot with someone with some size.  Miller is 6’2 210 lbs. and plays with physicality. 

25. San Franscisco 49ers: Niki Prongos     OT     Stanford

If there’s going to be a Monroe Freeling type of jump for any OT in this class, I would bet on Prongos.  He’s 6’7 310 lbs. and moves extremely well for a man his size.  Going back to school was a smart decision given he needs more reps.  He can play multiple positions, and he can start out at guard for the 49ers but eventually be Trent Williams’ replacement.  He isn’t the strongest player, but he fits the Shanahan system very well because of his fluid movement skills.

26. New England Patriots: KJ Bolden     S     Georgia

The Patriots let Jaylinn Hawkins walk in free agency and replaced him with Kevin Byard on a one-year deal. Byard is well known to Mike Vrabel and his coaching staff from his years in Tennessee, he was signed because he’s a ballhawk.  Unfortunately, Byard is 33 and could fall off a cliff at any moment, KJ Bolden would be an excellent replacement.  He has the skills to line up in multiple alignments and would be a perfect partner going forward with Craig Woodson. 

27. Denver Broncos: Ellis Robinson IV     CB     Georgia

The Broncos have been elite on defense and that includes in the secondary.  CB Riley Moss is set to be a free agent, and they may not want to pay him what he could command on the free agent market.  They drafted Jahdae Barron a couple of years ago but he’s better as a versatile piece.  Robinson is still young and developing but he has all the physical tools to be a good outside CB to play opposite Patrick Surtain II. 

28. Chicago Bears: Quincy Rhodes Jr.     DE     Arkansas

Rhodes had a chance to enter the draft this year but decided to go back to Arkansas to improve his draft stock.  He’s not a twitchy speed rusher, he’s a 6’6 276 lbs. beast who beats teams off the edge with strength and power.  He couldn’t fit Dennis Allen’s prototype DE any better and he would be an upgrade over Dayo Odeyingbo. 

29. Houston Texans: Will Heldt     DE     Clemson

If the Texans are picking this late in the draft it means CJ Stroud had a pretty good year and there’s no reason to look at QB.  A DE seems strange considering they have Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, but Hunter isn’t getting any younger or cheaper and this team is getting expensive.  Also, they have no real depth behind these two.  Heldt may need a little time to develop, and they aren’t looking to kick Hunter to the curb just yet.  Better to be a year early than a year late on a replacement. 

30. Seattle Seahawks: Ahmad Moten Sr.     DT      Miami

The Seahawks have waves of pass rushers, but they aren’t exactly stacked at DT.  Jarran Reed has been very solid for them but by 2027 he’s going to be 35 and likely not on this team.  Byron Murphy II is a very good player, but he needs a running mate.  Moten was the unsung hero of the Miami defensive line that featured Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, but he never complained, he just did his job. 

31. Buffalo Bills: Will Echols     DT     Ole Miss

Echols isn’t your classic NT, but he can play the position well enough and would give the Bills another option.  They seem determined to play Deone Walker there and I don’t think it’s a great idea.  Echols is a tough point-of-attack defender in the run game and should hold up well. 

32. Los Angeles Rams: Carter Smith     OL     Indiana

Smith plays LT for the Hoosiers, but he likely moves inside in the NFL due to his lack of arm length and his lateral quickness on the edge being less than ideal.  He should be an excellent guard prospect, but I also think there is a chance he moves to center.  The Rams have an aging Kevin Dotson at RG and a not great Coleman Shelton at center; Smith would give them an option to upgrade one of those positions.  

2027 Draft Non-QB Prospects to Watch

Next year’s draft is going to be defined by a QB class that could be great, but that would be unfortunate because this could be an epic class of top-level players that aren’t QBs.  The WR group has some fantastic prospects who could all go in the top half of the first round.  There are several offensive tackles who could be top ten picks.  There are two edge rushers who should be elite prospects if they continue to develop physically.  There’s even a defensive tackle or two who could be top 15 picks.  Finally, there’s one of the best CB prospects in a generation ready to be a top five pick.  Let’s take a look.

Guys who could go #1 if it’s not a QB

Jeremiah Smith     WR     Ohio St.

Smith is a 6’3 223 lbs. athletic freak who has been arguably the best WR in college football since he stepped on the field as a freshman.  NFL teams have been waiting for him to spend his three years in college and now they finally get to draft him.  If it’s not a QB at #1 overall, I would be a lot of money it’s Smith.  Not only is he big but he’s got elite speed with a sub-4.4 40 time.  He’s physical at the catch point, he tracks the deep ball as well as anyone can and has great separation skills.  He’s basically a unicorn and some team is going to seriously upgrade their passing attack just by drafting Smith. 

Leonard Moore     CB     Notre Dame

Another guy teams have been drooling over since he stepped on the field as a true freshman at Notre Dame, Moore is probably the best CB prospect since Jalen Ramsey.  He’s 6’2 195 lbs. and he’s equally adept at both man and zone coverage and he can play inside or outside.  He needs to get a bit bigger and stronger but considering he’s only going into his third year in college, that’s understandable.  You can’t teach the kind of coverage instincts Moore shows and his ball skills are elite.  When QBs dare to challenge him, they usually regret it.  CBs do not go first overall in a draft but if anyone could, it’s Moore. 

Dylan Stewart     Edge     South Carolina

Stewart is a freak off the edge with his speed and movement skills.  He’s not a refined pass rusher yet, but at 6’5 245 lbs. with 4.6 speed, he doesn’t have to rely on technique to win.  His ability to bend the edge and beat OTs is elite.  He needs to add some weight and strength, but again like Leonard Moore, he’s a true junior so he’s still young.  If he has the type of season he’s capable of, he’s easily a top five pick and he could be in the conversation for #1 overall.

Colin Simmons     Edge     Texas

Simmons is in the same conversation as Stewart; he’s an excellent edge rusher who needs to add a little size and strength.  He’s 6’3 240 lbs. so he’s not as big as Stewart but he’s just as twitchy and his first step on his pass rush is scary.  The one issue is how much bigger he can get as his frame looks pretty filled out.  He can get the edge against just about anyone but if a bigger OT gets hands on him, they can handle him.  If he continues to progress as his has over the last two years, he’s also a potential top five pick with #1 overall ability. 

Jordan Seaton     OT     LSU

Seaton was the #1 OT in his high school class a few years ago and chose to go to Colorado for some reason.  Now he’s transferred to LSU, and his profile is about to skyrocket.  Seaton is 6’5 and was 330 lbs. at Colorado but seems to be remaking his body a bit at LSU.  Not sure what he’ll weigh once we get to the draft season, but he looks rocked up after just a few months at LSU.  He’s a freak athlete who should not be able to move the way he moves for man his size.  Playing for Lane Kiffin at LSU and against the best competition in the SEC is going to open some eyes in the NFL.  True elite LTs are hard to come by and if Seaton plays up to his potential, he’s a potential #1 overall pick. 

Trevor Goosby     OT     Texas

Goosby is the other OT who could move his way to the top of the draft board.  He’s 6’7 312 lbs. and he’s a smooth moving athlete.  He isn’t the most powerful player, but his size and length are incredible assets, and he can still mature from a physical standpoint and get stronger.  For a tall tackle, he shows good flexibility and keeps his pad level down very well.  He has all the physical tools you want in a LT and if he has a great year, he’s moving to the top of the draft board. 

Other Top Offensive Prospects

Cam Coleman     WR     Texas

In any other year Coleman would be the top WR prospect by a mile.  He’s not quite as big or as fast as Jeremiah Smith but he’s plenty big and fast at 6’3 200 lbs. with 4.42 speed.  He’s played at Auburn with some less than stellar QBs and now he heads to Texas to be Arch Manning’s top target.  They should be an electric duo and can really enhance each other’s pro prospects.  Coleman is a big target on the outside who will get down the field and track the ball, and he wins over the top of defenders regularly.  He may be the biggest break out player of the year because of the upgrade in the QB he’s playing with. 

Charlie Becker     WR     Indiana

Becker was the forgotten man at times last year at Indiana with Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. taking up much of the attention.  However, at 6’4 205 lbs. he’s got 4.46 speed and will move up the pecking order for the Hoosiers.  The one thing that might keep his production down is the next guy on this list, transfer WR Nick Marsh.  There should be enough offense from Indiana to feed both WRs but that’s going to be up to Curt Cignetti and QB Josh Hoover.  Becker has shown some fantastic traits and now it’s just about showing that he can step up as a go-to WR in this offense. 

Nick Marsh     WR    Indiana

Marsh toiled in a broken offense at Michigan St. last season and decided to move on to Curt Cignetti’s Indiana program.  That offense was great last year for both Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. so it shouldn’t have a problem feeding Marsh and Becker.  Marsh is 6’3 200 lbs. with 4.36 speed and he’s a real problem for defenses.  He’s a physical WR and he has run after the catch ability because he breaks tackles easily.  His drop rate was high, but it will be interesting to see him with a better QB than ones he played with at Michigan St. 

Ryan Coleman-Williams     WR     Alabama

This kid is the X-factor of this group, he could be a top 15 pick, he could tumble to round three, or he could have to go back to school for another year.  He’s 6’0 175 lbs. so he’s pretty small and therefore his game is about speed.  The good news is he runs a sub-4.3 40 and that means his speed is elite.  He was awesome as a freshman and looked like a legitimate rival to Jeremiah Smith.  However, he struggled as a sophomore and looked lost at times.  Teams played him with a man over the top to negate his deep speed and he became inconsistent catching the ball.  If he can recover his freshman year magic, he’s a first-round talent, if not, he’s a poor man’s DeSean Jackson. 

Ahmad Hardy     RB     Missouri

“Hardy” is the best way to describe Ahmad Hardy’s running style.  He’s 5’10 206 lbs. and bounces off tacklers like a pinball.  His contact balance is unmatched because he’s built low to the ground and has a really thick lower body.  He usually finishes runs going forward and punishes defenses.  He hasn’t shown off much receiving prowess, and he doesn’t have great long speed, but NFL teams will love a guy who has his patience and runs as hard as he does. 

Kewan Lacy     RB     Ole Miss

Lacy is probably my favorite RB in this draft.  He’s 5’11 200 lbs. and runs with power but is very elusive and has a little bit of a slasher running style to avoid hits.  He has great speed as a 4.43 guy, and he plays like it on the field.  He was extremely productive for the Rebels with over 1500 yards rushing and he had 29 catches.  He’s the most well-rounded RB and he’s good enough to be a first-round pick.

Jadan Baugh     RB     Florida

For all the teams that wanted a RB this year, next year is your year, and Baugh is one of the guys to love.  He’s 6’1 231 lbs. and while he runs with power, he has more speed than you might think.  He has good vision, he’s an excellent receiver even downfield, and he’s got great footwork between the tackles.  I’m not sure which RB is going to be the first one off the board, but none of them would surprise me. 

Nate Frazier     RB     Georgia

Frazier might be the breakout candidate this year at RB.  He’s 5’10 210 lbs. and has 4.4 speed so his physical measurements are fantastic.  He doesn’t go down on first contact, and he has elite burst to break through the hole as soon as he sees it.  He has excellent hands as a receiver and that’s a plus in his game.  He has had fumbling issues his first two years, so he needs to clean that up if he wants to be more than the fourth RB in this class.

Jamari Johnson     TE     Oregon

Johnson was “the other TE” at Oregon last year with Kenyon Sadiq taking up most of the conversation there.  While Johnson isn’t going to put up the athletic testing numbers Sadiq did, Johnson is the more traditional TE at 6’5 256 lbs. and he plays the position like a man his size.  He’s got great hands, he’s got plenty of athleticism himself, and he makes for an easy target for a QB.  He’s a first-round pick. 

Carter Smith     OL     Indiana

Smith might have been a late first-round pick in the 2026 draft, but he went back to Indiana.  He plays LT for the Hoosiers, but I think most teams will see him as an interior player.  He could make for a hell of a guard prospect with his size and athleticism.  He doesn’t have the length teams want at OT but his ability to pull and block on the move would be great at guard.  He also brings the strength and physicality that would be an asset inside. 

Kade Pieper     G/C     Iowa

Pieper might be a bit undersized, but his functional strength is unlike anyone else.  He’s moving from RG to C this season and it will only enhance his draft stock.  Centers don’t usually go in round one, but Pieper is going to make someone take him because he’s just that good.  He’s an excellent athlete with strength and power and is simply too good to pass up. 

Other Top Defensive Prospects

Damon Wilson II     Edge     Miami

Wilson transferred to Miami after a great season at Missouri.  The 6’4 250 lbs. edge rusher had nine sacks last year and now he’s going to be coached by Jason Taylor at Miami.  Taylor is a Hall of Famer and just sent Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor to the NFL, Wilson is his next star.  He has a chance to turn the top two edge rusher duo (Stewart and Simmons) into a trio. 

Quincy Rhodes Jr.     DE      Arkansas

Rhodes almost entered the 2026 draft, and he likely would have been a round two pick.  He’s not like Simmons, Stewart, or Wilson in the fact that he’s not the twitchy, speed rusher, he’s 6’6 276 lbs. and he plays like it.  He has more power to his game and doesn’t have the quick first step or the speed around the edge.  He does have a good spin move, and he can actually move inside on certain downs and rush from the interior. 

A’Mauri Washington     DT     Oregon

It was a little surprising when Washington opted to go back to Oregon instead of entering the 2026 draft.  He may have been the first DT off the board this year but has a chance to make himself an even higher pick next year.  He’s a 6’3 330 lbs. athletic freak who relies heavily on his athleticism and gaining some more experience will only help him as a player.  He isn’t a refined pass rusher but he’s a load in the middle of a defensive line and has the ability to become a much more disruptive pass rusher with some skill development. 

David Stone     DT      Oklahoma

If you watched Gracen Halton at Oklahoma for the 2026 draft, it was hard not to notice Stone dominating people.  He was a five-star recruit two years ago who had a rough freshman year and then exploded his sophomore season.  He gained almost 20 lbs. between seasons and somehow became quicker and more explosive, that shows some real dedication to his craft.  He’s still just a ball of clay but someone is going to draft him and turn him into a star DT. 

Ahmad Moten Sr.     DT     Miami

I’ll forgive you if you didn’t notice Moten last year as Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor sucked up most of the oxygen around the Miami defensive line.  However, Moten did his part too as an athletic attacking pass rusher inside while Bain and Mesidor ran roughshod on the outside.  Moten will have a new outside partner this season in Damon Wilson II but maybe he’ll get a little more credit this year.  He’s more of a penetrating DT than a run stuffer but teams like those guys quite a bit too. 

KJ Bolden     S     Georgia

Bolden can play deep safety, come up into the box, or play the nickel and seems fine at any of those roles.  However, he’s only 6’0 185 lbs. so he isn’t going to be an enforcer type of safety and bigger players give him problems in coverage.  He’s not the guy you want trying to cover a big TE down the middle.  If a team uses him right, he’s a huge asset, if you put him in bad situations, that’s going to haunt you. 

2027 NFL QB Prospects to Watch

The 2027 draft has been billed as a much better draft than 2026 at the least, and potentially a game changing draft due to some of the elite talent that could be available.  Everyone talks about how much better next year’s QB draft class is compared to this year’s class, that’s almost a given considering what 2026 ended up with.  I would say there are a good 8-10 QB prospects that could be day-one picks if the draft were held tomorrow.  There are a few who are projections and of course, there are some who will slip due to performance.  At this time last year, I wrote about guys like Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar going in the top ten in 2026, those two had horrible seasons and their draft stock tanked, it’s completely possible with this group too. 

One saving grace of the 2027 draft is it’s not all about the QB when it comes to high-end talent.  2026 had guys like RB Jeremiyah Love, S Caleb Downs, LB Arvell Reese, LB Sonny Styles, and G Olaivavega Ioane as the high-end talent, they all played non-premium positions.  The 2027 draft has some of its best players at OT, DE, and WR, all premium positions in the draft.  I’m going to get to the non-QB later, today I’m going to go through the QB talent. I’m going to break it down a bit into sections, starting with seniors and guys I think will declare for the 2027 draft.  Then a section on younger guys who could declare but might stay in college.  It’s not an easy decision for some of these guys and I’ll note some issues.  Lets take a look at the potential QB class for 2027.  (All heights and weights are gathered from public sources, I generally take them with a grain of salt) 

The Guys Most Likely to be in the Class

Arch Manning     RS Jr     Texas

I’m going to start with the guy who I started with last season.  Arch Manning is the prototypical QB prospect at 6’4 220 lbs., he’s athletic and he’s fantastic as a runner.  Many people think he only gets the hype because of his last name, there’s plenty of truth to that, but I see it a bit differently.  His last name means we have put expectations on him instead of just letting him develop like a normal QB.  If he was Arch Smith, we would understand the year he had last year.  It started out rough; he was facing an Ohio St. defense that had high caliber NFL-level talent and was run by an NFL coordinator.  He wasn’t great for the first month to six weeks but then he started to look a lot better.  The talent around him wasn’t great and he did what he could. His development wasn’t completely linear but he was playing better at the end of the season compared to the beginning of the season and showed flashes of what can make him great.    

Texas decided to give him some help this year with some high-end portal talent, and he got Cam Coleman at WR (he’s in the non-QB group coming later), and he got two new RBs to help.  Manning is set up to show off his overall skills and they are plentiful.  He has a very good arm, it’s not elite, but it’s beyond capable.  His athleticism and running ability set him apart, he’s a major plus when he leaves the pocket.   There are mock drafts putting Dante Moore ahead of him and it’s fine if you think that, but Moore isn’t a perfect prospect either.  The one reason I will have Arch Manning first in my mock draft would be the same as I said last year.  If he has a solid year, there is no GM in football who’s going to bet his job on a QB not named Manning if a QB named Manning is available who’s even remotely close in talent.  The one chance I could see a team next season passing on Manning first is if a team like the Raiders, who just drafted their future QB, has the first pick and WR Jeremiah Smith fills their biggest need.  I would still try to trade down to whoever wants Manning, but I wouldn’t trade down so far as I might lose Smith.

Dante Moore     RS Jr     Oregon

Moore would have been the second pick this year to the Jets if he had entered the draft and he might go second in 2027 too.  He might not if the Raiders or Dolphins are picking two and want Jeremiah Smith, but Moore won’t have to wait long.  He’s a good athlete who can move; he has the height you want in a QB at 6’3 but he could stand to put on a few pounds.  He had a good year at Oregon, and he should have another one with the weapons around him.  Getting another year of starting experience at Oregon is going to really benefit him in his maturation.  He needs to see the whole field better and just get more comfortable with pressure.  Those are things you can only get better at by playing, you don’t get that if you take a redshirt year in the NFL (sorry Ty Simpson). 

Jayden Maiava     SR     USC

Maiava fits the prospect profile you want, he’s 6’4 230 lbs. and he’s got a great arm and he’s athletic.  He isn’t going to run away from guys in the open field, but he can be used on a designed QB run and pick up a first down.  His accuracy is excellent down the field, although Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon helped him look good last season.  His intermediate throws need work.  Maiava is the guy I think is most likely to crash the Manning/Moore party at the top of the draft.  Say what you want about Lincoln Riley as a coach overall, his QB coaching is elite.  How Maiava progresses this season against pressure, and throwing over the middle or intermediate area, will determine his draft stock.  He’s breaking in new WRs and if he can elevate their game, it will really help his draft stock.

**Brendan Sorsby**     Sr     Texas Tech

This one is interesting because I don’t think he’s making it to the 2027 draft.  Sorsby has great QB tools with the size and athleticism you like.  However, his college career is likely over given he is seeking treatment for gambling addiction and has reportedly bet on his own team (many years ago when he was at Indiana), and that’s a non-starter for the NCAA.  His bets were apparently placed on Indiana when he wasn’t even on the travel squad so there’s no malfeasance there but it’s just not something the NCAA will forgive.  He has retained council to fight for his eligibility and while the NCAA has lost plenty of lawsuits lately, this is one where they are on pretty solid footing if they ban him for good.  That said, if it happens, he could go into the NFL supplemental draft in July, and a team could spend a pick in next years draft on Sorsby.  No one is spending a first rounder for him but he’s a good QB prospect and if Cleveland, New York Jets, or Arizona draft him, he could start this season for them.  He probably would have been the second QB off the board in 2026. 

LaNorris Sellers     RS Jr     South Carolina

Sellers was another guy on last year’s list who came back to school.  Unlike Manning or Moore, Sellers is trying to rebuild his draft stock, not enhance it.  South Carolina’s offense was horrific last year and now they have a new OC, Kendal Briles.  Briles is a great college OC, but we will see if he can help Sellers translate his immense physical talent into a real NFL QB prospect.  Sellers is too willing to pull the ball down and take off running instead of looking for his next read, that doesn’t go over well with NFL scouts.  He is one of the most physically gifted players in college football, he’s an elite runner with a cannon for arm.  His accuracy comes and goes but someone will bet on his traits.

Trinidad Chambliss     Sr     Ole Miss

Chambliss broke out last year as the injury replacement at QB for the Rebels and he never gave the job back.  Then he sued the NCAA and got another year of eligibility and he’s hoping to parlay that into a potential first round pick.  He doesn’t have the requisite size the NFL likes, he’s 6’1 200 lbs. and that’s going to hurt him.  He does stand up against pressure, and he’s got a good arm and is accurate.  Someone will take a chance on him, but it will be after most of the athletic freaks are off the board. 

Nico Iamaleava     RS Jr     UCLA

Iamaleava already let the cat out of the bag that he’s planning on entering the 2027 draft even though he still has eligibility.  I’m not surprised and won’t be surprised when someone takes a shot on him, I don’t think he’s a first-round guy, but who knows.  He’s 6’6 215 lbs. and is an elite athlete who runs like a gazelle.  He can throw the ball a mile, but his accuracy needs work there and in the shorter passing game.  He’ll be playing for a new coach, his third in three years (fourth if you count UCLA’s interim) after transferring from Tennessee last year.  Bob Chesney comes from James Madison and maybe he’ll be able to harness the sheer talent of Nico unlike last year’s UCLA coaching staff. 

John Mateer     Sr     Oklahoma

This is more about a guy bouncing back after a decent season but one that didn’t really live up to expectations.  Mateer ended up with a hand injury that derailed part of his season, and he didn’t progress like many thought he might.  He’s 6’1 224 lbs. so he’s a little on the short side but he’s well-built and he’s a good athlete who gains yards on the ground.  He needs to work on his mechanics to help avoid batted balls due to his height.  His progression reads can be inconsistent, and he will hold the ball too long.  His short throws need work, but he’s got a plus arm, so he has that going for him.  He’s a talented player with a lot of experience; teams will like that.  If he has a great season, he could move up the ranks.    

Gunner Stockton     Sr     Georgia

Stockton is a bit like Mateer in the fact that he’s on the shorter side, he’s listed at 6’1, which is maybe a bit generous, but he also has good size at 215 lbs.  There’s one glaring difference and it’s going to be the issue for Stockton; he doesn’t have a great arm.  It’s fine on some throws but he lacks velocity and it would be a problem against NFL defensive backs.  He has the dual-threat ability as a runner and he’s not afraid to run through defenders but that won’t overcome the issues with his arm. 

Josh Hoover     Sr     Indiana

Hoover transferred from TCU to Indiana and is hoping to become the next Fernando Mendoza.  He’s going to have some elite playmakers at Indiana (WRs Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh) and Curt Cignetti’s offense so that will help.  He’s not the same profile as Mendoza, he’s only 6’2 200 lbs., he’s much smaller.  He’s also not nearly as accurate and he turns the ball over too much.  He has talent but he may end up like some smaller QBs and be a later round pick. 

Guys who could enter the draft but should probably go back

Drew Mestemaker     RS So     Oklahoma St.

Mestemaker is the one guy on this list who I could see actually being in the 2027 draft, and for good reason.  He has all the measurables a team would love, he’s 6’4 211 lbs. and he has a howitzer for an arm.  He can make any throw you want.  The one thing that can hold him back will be his jump to better competition.  Mestemaker dominated at North Texas but he’s moving up to the Big 12 and it won’t be an easy task.  Oklahoma St. is trying to rebuild with the new coaching staff and I’m not sure if his supporting cast will make him look great.  He’s only a redshirt sophomore and with all the QBs in this draft, he might be better off getting more experience and entering the 2028 draft if he’s not a top ten pick in 2027. 

Darian Mensah     RS Jr     Miami

Mensah has moved up levels from Tulane to Duke and now to Miami.  If he has a season like Cam Ward had two years ago at Miami, he could be a first-round pick, and he should probably come out.  If not, he should probably give it another year, and he could be a top pick the next season.  Mensah is 6’3 205 lbs. so he probably needs to add a little weight just to get a bit stronger and hold up better in the NFL.  Miami’s offense should be good with Malachi Toney at WR, Mark Fletcher Jr. at RB, and one of his WRs from Duke transferred there too. 

CJ Carr     RS So     Notre Dame

Carr is an excellent college QB who lacks any elite traits for an NFL prospect.  When he’s throwing on time and in rhythm, it looks good, but when things break down, it gets a little wonky.  He would be a good QB in the Shanahan/McVay type of system, but he needs elite talent around him.  Losing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price at RB and his security blanket TE Eli Raridon is going to test him this season.  We shall see how he responds.  He should stay in school at least another season after this one, if not two. 

Julian Sayin     RS So     Ohio St.

I’ve seen Sayin in a number of mock drafts as a top ten pick and going ahead of guys like Manning and Moore, that tells me the writer either hasn’t watched Sayin much or doesn’t know the NFL draft.  Sayin is an excellent college QB, just like Carr, except he plays with even better players.  Unfortunately for him, he’s listed at 6’1 208 lbs. and I think both those numbers are generous.  Sayin is a very accurate passer, but he doesn’t have the arm strength to be a top NFL prospect.  Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate made him look great and now Smith and the next great OSU WR will likely do the same.  He just doesn’t profile like an NFL QB.  He has one other thing to worry about, Tavien St. Claire.  His backup QB is a physical freak who may be ready to take his job.  Sayin could turn pro after the season but if I were a betting man, I would say he ends up transferring to another top program and being an excellent starter in college for another year at least. 

Sam Leavitt     RS Jr.     LSU

Leavitt is the wildcard this season.  He is coming off a foot injury that derailed his season at Arizona St., and he transferred to LSU to start for Lane Kiffin.  This could either be a huge breakout season for a very talented QB, or it’s a complete disaster.  Leavitt has a strong arm and sometimes trusts it too much; it can get him in trouble.  He also likes to break the pocket and play some “backyard” football a little too much.  If Kiffin can harness his talent, he’ll be awesome in his system.  As a prospect, his size is going to hurt him a little as he’s 6’2 205 lbs. but he doesn’t play like a guy who’s a little undersized.  He’s also going to be a three-year starter (okay, he missed half of last year so 2.5 seasons). 

3 Other Wildcards

Aidan Chiles- New Northwestern QB who could break out in Chip Kelly’s system.  It would be crazy if after his last three years, he finally put it together. 

DJ Lagway- New Baylor QB who flamed out at Florida but has serious physical tools. 

Byron Brown- New Auburn QB, the transfer from USF has a crazy arm and a weird throwing motion that no one seems to understand.