This weekend’s showdown between Miami and Texas A&M isn’t just a marquee bowl matchup - it’s a scouting goldmine. NFL teams will be watching closely, and for good reason: both programs are stacked with future pros.
We could be looking at eight or more players from each school hearing their name called in the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s familiar territory for Miami, but for Texas A&M, it would mark a modern-era high.
The Aggies haven’t had seven players drafted in a single cycle since the NFL moved to the seven-round format more than three decades ago.
Must-See Matchup: Cashius Howell vs. Francis Mauigoa
Let’s start in the trenches, where one of the most intriguing one-on-one battles of bowl season is set to unfold. Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell will likely see plenty of Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa - and scouts are circling this one.
Howell entered the season flying under the radar, projected as a late-round pick. That changed in a hurry.
With an SEC-best 11.5 sacks, Howell has become one of the most disruptive edge defenders in the country. He brings real juice off the edge - the kind of burst that can wreck a play before it even develops.
But he’s not a finished product. His pass-rush toolbox still needs refinement, especially when it comes to secondary moves, and his run defense can be hit-or-miss.
His last outing, a quiet performance against Texas, left evaluators wanting more.
That makes this battle with Mauigoa all the more important. Mauigoa has been one of the most consistent offensive linemen in college football this season.
He doesn’t have ideal arm length, but you wouldn’t know it from the tape. He stays square, plays with excellent balance through contact, and rarely gets caught off-platform.
There’s some debate among NFL scouts about whether he’s a better fit at tackle or guard, but either way, he’s firmly in the conversation to be the first offensive lineman off the board in April.
Bain, Mesidor, and the Edge Rusher Conversation
Rueben Bain Jr. came into the year with first-round buzz. But after a full season of tape, there are questions.
Bain plays with a relentless motor and packs real pop in his hands, but at 6’2” with sub-31-inch arms, he doesn’t have the kind of length or bend that typically translates to high-end edge production in the NFL. That’s led some teams to project him as a three-technique at the next level - a disruptive interior presence rather than a pure edge.
Even with those concerns, Bain is still likely to hear his name called in the first round. But don’t be surprised if it’s later on Day 1.
This matchup is a big one for him, especially with Texas A&M trotting out two tackles - Trey Zuhn III and Dametrious Crownover - who are both trending toward top-100 status. That’s the kind of test evaluators love to see.
And don’t forget about Akheem Mesidor. He’s often overshadowed by Bain, but he’s been Miami’s most productive pass rusher this year with seven sacks. Mesidor brings a more diverse rush profile, and while he’s older than most prospects (he’ll be 25 by draft day) and needs clean medicals, his tape screams Day 2 value.
Quarterbacks, Playmakers, and Game-Changers
All eyes will be on Miami quarterback Carson Beck. He’s no stranger to SEC-style defenses, but Kyle Field under the lights - with Mike Elko dialing up exotic pressure looks - is a different animal.
Beck has shown flashes of next-level ability, especially when operating within structure. But when the play breaks down, his decision-making can get shaky.
Turnovers in key moments have been a problem, and that’s the kind of thing that sticks with NFL evaluators.
That said, his poise in a pro-style offense and ability to deliver on-time throws keep him in the Day 2 conversation. If Beck can avoid the big mistakes and create a few explosive plays, Miami’s offense will be in good shape.
For the Aggies, wide receiver KC Concepcion is the offensive weapon to watch. He’s a nightmare to cover - quick releases, sharp route-running, and elite balance after the catch.
He’s not just a receiver, either. Concepcion earned first-team All-SEC honors as both a wideout and an all-purpose player, thanks to his impact in the return game.
He’s the kind of dynamic playmaker NFL teams covet, and it’s hard to imagine him slipping out of the first round.
Quarterback Marcel Reed needs to get Concepcion involved early and often. When the ball is in his hands, good things happen.
Day 3 Sleepers Worth Watching
Texas A&M made some savvy portal moves last offseason, and two of those additions have quietly boosted their draft stock this year.
Defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim, a transfer from Iowa State, has been a steady force in the middle. He doesn’t always make the highlight reel, but he’s been a key cog in the Aggies’ defensive front. He’s trending toward a Day 3 selection, and his ability to anchor against the run will appeal to teams looking for rotational depth on the interior.
On the offensive side, tight end Nate Boerkircher - formerly of Nebraska - has carved out a role as a reliable pass-catcher and capable blocker. In a deep tight end class, his ability to play as a true Y (in-line) tight end gives him a chance to separate from the pack and sneak into the later rounds.
Miami’s defense also features a couple of under-the-radar names in the back seven. Nickel safety Keionte Scott, an Auburn transfer, has been one of the Hurricanes’ most active defenders.
He’s a downhill missile near the line of scrimmage, and his physicality jumps off the film. If he’s healthy enough to suit up, he could be a difference-maker.
But if he’s sidelined, that’s a big loss for Miami’s defense.
Final Word
There’s no shortage of NFL talent on the field in this one. From first-round locks to Day 3 gems, this game is loaded with prospects who can swing draft boards - and possibly the outcome on Saturday.
For scouts, this is more than just a bowl game. It’s a proving ground.