The College Football Playoff wraps up Monday night with a showdown that few predicted back in August: No. 1 Indiana versus No.
10 Miami. It’s a clash that might not carry the traditional blueblood cachet, but don’t let that fool you - both rosters are stacked with NFL-caliber talent, especially at quarterback.
And for several players suiting up, this won’t be their last primetime appearance. Come April, many will be shaking hands with NFL commissioners and slipping on new hats.
Let’s take a closer look at eight draft prospects playing in Monday’s title game, along with pro comparisons that help paint the picture of what each could bring to the next level.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Pro Comparison: Jared Goff (Lions)
There’s a little bit of everything in Fernando Mendoza’s game - Tom Brady’s meticulous prep, Kirk Cousins’ calm demeanor, Matt Ryan’s willingness to push the ball, and Jared Goff’s size and accuracy. Ultimately, Goff is the closest comp, not just because both played their college ball at Cal, but because of how Mendoza operates from the pocket.
At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza has the prototypical NFL frame. He’s eclipsed 3,000 passing yards in back-to-back seasons, but the real leap came this year: 41 touchdowns to just six interceptions, while completing 73% of his passes. He’s not just efficient - he’s aggressive and clutch, consistently delivering in high-leverage moments.
And don’t sleep on his mobility. While he doesn’t often get labeled as a dual-threat, Mendoza has shown he can escape pressure and pick up yards in chunks when the pocket collapses. He’s a modern quarterback with an old-school foundation, and that’s going to appeal to plenty of NFL teams.
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
Pro Comparison: Davis Mills (Texans)
Carson Beck might not be a franchise savior, but he’s the kind of quarterback who could be a long-term backup with spot-start potential - think Davis Mills or Mac Jones. He’s experienced, having played under the bright lights with Georgia before transferring to Miami, and he’s shown he can manage a structured offense.
Beck’s biggest strength? Pocket navigation.
His 3.3% sack rate this season was among the best in college football, and he’s got a knack for buying just enough time to let plays develop. The downside: he struggles under pressure and sometimes forces throws into tight windows.
But in the right system, Beck has the tools to stick around in the league.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Pro Comparison: Brandon Graham (Eagles)
Rueben Bain Jr. exploded onto the national radar as a freshman and didn’t slow down. This season, he set school records for sacks (8.5), pressures (80), and pressure rate (16.0%). In the College Football Playoff alone, he’s been a nightmare for offensive lines - four sacks and 21 pressures in two games.
At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, Bain brings a unique build to the edge. He’s not the longest pass rusher, and that could push him out of the top 10 come draft day. But his power, leverage, and relentless motor are reminiscent of Brandon Graham, who faced similar concerns about arm length coming out of Michigan - and went on to carve out a long, productive NFL career.
Bain’s tape speaks louder than his measurements. He’s been dominant in the biggest games, and that’s going to matter to teams looking for immediate impact.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Pro Comparison: Taliese Fuaga (Saints)
Francis Mauigoa is one of the most intriguing offensive linemen in this draft class. He’s a natural right tackle, though some scouts believe he could be even better inside at guard. That same debate followed Taliese Fuaga into the league, and he’s proving to be a rock-solid pro.
Mauigoa is a powerful, technically sound blocker with a high floor. Over the past two seasons, he’s allowed just three sacks and 33 pressures, per TruMedia.
That kind of consistency is rare, especially at this level. And with his older brother, Francisco, already in the NFL, the bloodlines are there.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Pro Comparison: Tuli Tuipulotu (Chargers)
Akheem Mesidor is a seasoned edge rusher who knows how to win with quickness and bend. At 24 years old, he’s taken his game to new heights, racking up 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles this season. He doesn’t have the ideal length NFL teams covet, but that hasn’t slowed him down.
His game mirrors that of Tuli Tuipulotu, who quickly found success with the Chargers thanks to his versatility and relentless motor. Mesidor could follow a similar path - a top-50 pick who makes an early impact in the right scheme.
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Pro Comparison: Roger McCreary (Rams)
D’Angelo Ponds made the leap from James Madison to Indiana and didn’t miss a beat. He’s picked off five passes over the past two seasons and brings a fearless, instinctive approach to the secondary. He reads space well and isn’t shy about stepping up in run support.
At 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Ponds is undersized by NFL standards, and that likely limits him to a slot role at the next level. But like Roger McCreary - who faced similar questions about length - Ponds plays bigger than his frame. He’s not afraid to mix it up and has the ball skills to make plays in coverage.
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Pro Comparison: Michael Wilson (Cardinals)
Elijah Sarratt is the type of receiver who grows on you. He’s not the flashiest, but he’s polished, physical, and reliable - much like Michael Wilson, who quietly put together a 1,000-yard season for the Cardinals in 2025.
Sarratt has a similar build and plays with the same level of route-running nuance. While he’s spent more time on the boundary than Wilson did in college, it’s easy to see him being used in a variety of alignments at the next level. He’s a steady hand who could develop into a high-end WR2 in the right offense.
Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
Pro Comparison: Luke Goedeke (Buccaneers)
Carter Smith fits the mold of a college tackle who might kick inside at the next level - a path Luke Goedeke followed to great success. Smith has held down the left tackle spot for Indiana, and he’ll likely get a shot to stay there in the NFL. But if a team already has a blindside protector, he has the versatility to slide inside and contribute early.
Smith’s technique and toughness stand out, and while he may not have the elite traits of a top-10 pick, he’s the kind of lineman who sticks around for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Monday night’s title game isn’t just about crowning a champion - it’s a showcase for future pros. From quarterbacks with NFL frames and poise, to edge rushers who terrorize backfields, to linemen who anchor the trenches, this matchup is loaded with talent that scouts will be dissecting well into April.
And while the spotlight is on Indiana and Miami right now, don’t be surprised if several of these names are lighting up NFL Sundays before long.