Scouting the Stars: NFL Talent to Watch in the Indiana vs. Miami National Championship Showdown
The stage is set. Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship features two programs with very different histories but one shared goal: a national title. The Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes will battle under the lights, and while the trophy is the immediate prize, there’s a deeper storyline playing out across the field - NFL futures are on the line.
This game is loaded with pro-level talent, and you can bet NFL front offices, including the New Orleans Saints, will be watching closely. From potential top-five picks to mid-round gems, this matchup is a scout’s dream. Let’s break down who to keep your eyes on when the ball kicks off.
Indiana Hoosiers: Offensive Firepower and Defensive Grit
Fernando Mendoza, QB
All eyes will be on Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
He’s widely expected to be the first name called in the 2026 NFL Draft, and for good reason. Mendoza has the tools - arm strength, poise, and the kind of command you want from a franchise quarterback.
Monday night is his final audition on the college stage, and he’ll face one of the most talented defenses he’s seen all year.
Elijah Sarratt, WR
Sarratt is a red-zone monster.
He’s hauled in 15 touchdowns this season, the most in the country, and his size (6'2", 213 pounds) makes him a tough matchup for smaller corners. He projects as a second-round pick and could be a perfect complement to a route technician like Chris Olave in the right NFL offense.
Sarratt’s ability to win contested catches and work the middle of the field makes him a name to circle.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR
Cooper has quietly put together a stellar season of his own, with 64 catches for 866 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He’s not just a volume guy - he’s explosive after the catch and has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. He’s viewed as a top-100 prospect and could rise even further with a strong showing in this high-stakes matchup.
Carter Smith, LT
Indiana’s left tackle has been a rock up front, and he’s already proven himself against elite defensive lines from Alabama and Oregon.
Smith’s footwork and anchor ability make him an intriguing Day 2 prospect. If he can neutralize Miami’s edge rushers, his stock will only climb.
D’Angelo Ponds, CB
Ponds may not have prototypical size, but he plays with the kind of edge that jumps off the tape.
He hasn’t given up a touchdown in coverage all season and has only missed two tackles - that’s elite production. His physical, sticky coverage style draws comparisons to Asante Samuel Jr., and he looks like a seamless fit in a man-heavy scheme.
Expect him to hear his name called sometime in the top 100 picks.
Mikail Kamara, EDGE
Kamara’s sack numbers are down this season, but don’t let that fool you - he’s still a major disruptor.
According to Pro Football Focus, he’s racked up 57 quarterback pressures, showing he’s consistently affecting the pocket. He’s likely an early Day 3 pick, but he’s the kind of player who can carve out a role quickly at the next level as a rotational pass rusher.
Miami Hurricanes: Defensive Depth and Offensive Line Dominance
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE
Bain is the headline name on Miami’s defense - a top-10 prospect with a motor that never quits.
He’s explosive off the snap and has the kind of bend that keeps offensive tackles on their heels. The only knock?
His frame and shorter arms may raise questions for some teams. Still, the production and tape speak volumes.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE
Mesidor has been a breakout force this season, leading the team with 10.5 sacks and adding 15.5 tackles for loss.
His ability to win with both power and finesse has him climbing draft boards, and he’s now showing up in late first-round projections. Monday night is a big opportunity for him to solidify that status.
Keionte Scott, CB (Nickel)
Scott is a versatile defensive back who thrives in the slot.
If the Saints end up moving on from Alontae Taylor in free agency, Scott could be a plug-and-play replacement. He’s physical, instinctive, and has the kind of quick-twitch movement that makes life miserable for slot receivers.
He’s another top-100 name to watch.
Francis Mauigoa, RT
Mauigoa might be the best pure offensive lineman on the field Monday night.
He’s a consensus first-rounder, with some experts even projecting him as high as No. 2 overall. He’s got the size, strength, and footwork to anchor a line for the next decade.
If he dominates Indiana’s edge rushers, don’t be surprised if his name climbs even higher on draft boards.
CJ Daniels, WR
Daniels isn’t a household name, but he’s earned respect with his toughness and reliable hands.
A former LSU receiver, Daniels has been money in contested catch situations, converting 11 of 15 such opportunities this season. He’s projected as a mid-round pick, and he brings a gritty, do-it-all mentality that coaches love.
Carson Beck, QB
Beck, the former Georgia Bulldog, may not be in the first-round conversation, but he’s got traits that intrigue teams looking for a developmental backup.
At 6'4", 225 pounds, he’s got the size and experience to stick in the league. If the Saints are evaluating backup options behind Tyler Shough, Beck could be on their radar - especially if Jake Haener isn’t retained and the quarterback room sees more turnover.
What to Watch For
This game has all the ingredients: two high-powered offenses, disruptive defenses, and a boatload of NFL talent. For teams like the Saints, it’s a chance to see how these prospects perform under the brightest lights.
Will Mendoza cement his status as the top quarterback in the draft? Can Mauigoa dominate against top-tier edge rushers?
Will Sarratt and Cooper Jr. continue their touchdown parade? And which defensive playmakers will rise to the moment?
One thing’s for sure - this isn’t just a championship game. It’s a showcase for the NFL’s next wave of stars.