2026 NFL Draft Watch: Ohio State's Defensive Stars Shine, Bama's Offense Stalls, and Playoff Matchups Set the Stage for QB Showdown
As the college football season barrels into its final stretch, the spotlight turns to the 2026 NFL Draft - and for good reason. Championship weekend gave us a glimpse at some of the top-tier talent who could be hearing their names called early come April. From Ohio State defenders making strong cases for Round 1, to Alabama’s offensive struggles raising red flags, to a QB battle that's far from settled, there’s plenty to unpack as the playoffs loom.
Let’s dive into the names and matchups that are shaping the early draft narrative.
Ohio State’s Defense: More Than Just Hype
Forget the headliners for a moment - Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs will get their due. But it’s the supporting cast on Ohio State’s defense that’s turning heads in NFL scouting rooms.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is the name rising fast. At 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, he has the kind of frame and power that screams NFL edge rusher.
Against Indiana, he posted a sack and three tackles, but the stat sheet doesn’t tell the full story. He was disruptive all game, drawing attention - and some blatant holds - that somehow went uncalled.
His burst off the line and ability to collapse the pocket are first-round caliber.
Sonny Styles, meanwhile, might be the most complete off-ball linebacker in this class. At 6-3, 240, he’s got the range to cover sideline-to-sideline and the instincts to fill gaps in the run game.
His 12-tackle performance against Indiana was a clinic in positioning and tackling. And here’s the stat that’ll have scouts buzzing: zero missed tackles in run defense all season.
That’s not just impressive - that’s elite.
Kayden McDonald, a 330-pound interior lineman, is making a late push into Day 2 conversations. He’s already a stout run defender, and if he can refine his pass-rush technique, he could become a reliable three-down presence in the pros.
In the secondary, David Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews are both tracking as top-100 picks. Igbinosun has been particularly productive, notching nine tackles and an interception in back-to-back games against Michigan and Indiana. Mathews had a tougher outing, giving up some key plays late against the Hoosiers, but both corners have the athletic traits and instincts to be mid-round targets - especially for a team like the Titans looking to bolster their secondary.
Alabama’s Offense Hits a Wall
The SEC Championship was a rough ride for Alabama’s offense - and that might be putting it lightly. One touchdown and negative rushing yards against Georgia? That’s not the kind of performance you want heading into the playoff spotlight.
The offensive line, which boasts three NFL prospects, struggled mightily against the Bulldogs’ front. It wasn’t just a bad day - it was a concerning one. Receivers Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams were mostly quiet, and quarterback Ty Simpson had arguably his worst game of the season.
There’s still time to flip the script. Alabama draws Oklahoma in the first round of the playoff, and the Sooners bring one of the best defensive fronts in the country.
That matchup will be crucial for Simpson and the Tide’s draft-eligible talent to re-establish their stock. Get past OU, and a date with Indiana’s stingy defense could provide a second chance to prove they can hang with elite units.
Quarterback Carousel: Who’s No. 1?
The playoff will be the ultimate proving ground for this year’s top quarterback prospects - and right now, it’s a three-man race.
Fernando Mendoza didn’t light the world on fire for the first three quarters against Ohio State, but when it mattered most, he delivered. Just like he did against Penn State, he made clutch throws down the stretch, showing poise under pressure and the ability to elevate his game against elite competition.
Dante Moore might be the most naturally gifted passer in the class, and he’ll get a prime opportunity to showcase that against James Madison and, potentially, Texas Tech’s ferocious front seven. If he dominates, he could leapfrog into the top spot.
Ty Simpson, on the other hand, has work to do. His SEC title game performance was a setback, and with Oklahoma and Indiana looming, he’ll need to bounce back in a big way. Right now, Mendoza is trending upward, Moore is steady at No. 2, and Simpson is sliding - but the postseason could shuffle that order quickly.
Mock Draft Buzz: Titans at No. 3 - Time to Get Creative?
It’s December, so let’s not get too caught up in mock drafts. But one scenario making the rounds is worth a closer look - especially for Titans fans.
With Tennessee currently holding the No. 3 pick, a projected trade at the top of the draft could open the door for some savvy maneuvering. In this mock, the Jets move up to No. 1 to grab a quarterback (likely Mendoza), while the Giants slide back and add two top-20 picks - selecting Jordyn Tyson, a wideout from Arizona State, and Aveion Terrel, a corner from Clemson.
That’s the kind of move that could benefit the Titans if they’re not locked in on a single player at No. 3. Dropping back to No. 7 and 18 could still net them a top-tier edge rusher like Rueben Bain (Miami) or David Bailey (Texas Tech), plus a premium talent like Makai Lemon at wide receiver or Terrel at corner.
Of course, holding the No. 1 pick gives you the most leverage, but even the No. 2 slot could be critical - especially if the top two quarterbacks are off the board early. For now, the Titans’ draft position is as much about flexibility as it is about talent acquisition.
First-Round Playoff Matchups to Watch
If you’re looking for players who could make a big leap with a strong playoff showing, keep your eyes on these matchups:
- Cashius Howell (Texas A&M): The flashes are there - bend, speed, and quickness off the edge. But consistency has been the missing piece. A dominant showing this weekend could vault him into firm first-round territory.
- Rueben Bain (Miami): He’s sliding a bit due to size and questions about his best fit at the next level. But make no mistake - Bain is a disruptor. He might not be a prototypical edge, but he’s going to make an NFL team better.
- R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma) vs. Kadyn Proctor (Alabama): This is a heavyweight battle.
Thomas brings speed and technique off the edge, while Proctor is a massive, athletic left tackle. NFL scouts will be dialed in on this one.
- Concepcion & Carver (Texas A&M): These two dynamic playmakers should be front and center in the Aggies’ clash with Miami. Concepcion is creeping into first-round consideration, while Carver, working his way back from injury, could see his stock rise with a big performance.
The playoffs are here, and with them comes the chance for prospects to rise - or fall - under the brightest lights. For NFL teams, it’s not just about what these players have done all season. It’s about what they do now, when the stakes are highest.