We're only a couple of weeks away from the beginning of the 2026 college football season, and I'm pretty excited. We get to watch a lot of high-end prospects headed to the 2027 NFL draft class. But which colleges should NFL draft fans focus on when they turn their TVs on every Saturday?
I have gone through my personal evaluations and talked to scouts and evaluators throughout the NFL to pick out the rosters loaded with potential 2027 draft picks. There's still a lot of time for players to rise and fall between now and when the draft starts next April in Washington, D.C., but I settled on 12 schools for draft fans to watch this season. I separated them into three tiers, considering the overall number of prospects and how many of them should be first-rounders. I also picked an under-the-radar program to watch -- I had eventual national champion Indiana in last year's version, but I'm going to the ACC this time around.
Let's start with a stacked team looking to take the next step.
Jump to a section: Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 Under the radar
Tier 1
Texas
Top prospect to know: Arch Manning, QB Sleeper prospect to watch: Bo Mascoe, CB Game circled on the schedule: vs. Ohio State, Sept. 12
There's a strong argument that the Longhorns have the most impressive roster in the FBS. The fate and potential of the team starts with Manning. His first season as a starter began with immense expectations and got off to a rocky start, but he finished strong with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Manning's mechanics, footwork and accuracy still need improvement, but if he can build on the momentum he generated late last season, he could be the No. 1 pick.
Left tackle Trevor Goosby returns after contemplating entering the 2026 draft. At 6-foot-7, 325 pounds, he's a gangly, consistent blocker who has already received Round 1 grades from scouts. Also watch out for right tackle Melvin Siani. The 6-foot-6, 317-pound Wake Forest transfer could skyrocket up draft boards very quickly if he refines his considerable set of tools. Guard Brandon Baker is a Day 2 prospect who is transitioning from tackle, while center Connor Robertson is a late-round hopeful.
Transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman is a Round 1 prospect who could vault into the top 10. He had 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season with Auburn but should flourish with Manning. WR2 Ryan Wingo is a Day 2 prospect whose speed and dynamic ability have already intrigued evaluators. His stock should rise if he catches the ball more consistently.