The 2026 college football season is already giving NFL scouts plenty to watch ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft. A few players have made a quick jump early in the season, putting themselves in a much better position than they were entering the year.

Fox Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang highlighted 10 prospects whose stock has changed during the opening weeks. Here are five names who have started to stand out.

1. Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State

Drew Mestemaker has quickly become one of the quarterbacks worth keeping an eye on. The redshirt sophomore helped Oklahoma State pull off an upset against Oregon in September and then followed it with a road win over West Virginia.

“Still, with a dazzling performance to upset Oregon in mid-September and an impressive win on the road versus West Virginia this past week, Mestemaker has risen from a curiosity to a legitimate early-round candidate,” analyst Rob Rang wrote on Fox Sports.

Mestemaker has the size, athleticism and arm talent that scouts look for at the position.

Experience was the big question coming into the season, as he had spent much of his prep career as a backup. His performances have started to change that.

2. Dave Luli, OG, Oregon

Dave Luli may not get as much attention as some of Oregon's bigger names, but his play has been hard to miss. The 6-foot-3, 332-pound guard brings plenty of power and has also shown he can move well when protecting the quarterback.

“He plays with the physicality one might expect given his 6-foot-3, 332-pound frame, boasting a first punch that former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson would appreciate,” Rang added.

Luli is quick off the snap and has the lateral movement to handle pass protection. Rang noted that guards rarely receive grades higher than Day 2, but said Luli looks capable of becoming an early and effective NFL starter.

3. Elijah Paige, OT, USC

Elijah Paige has mostly stayed out of the spotlight at USC, but scouts have been paying attention. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle has the size, arm length and athleticism needed to stay at left tackle.

“One of the more intriguing pass blockers in the country,” Rang added.

Paige has made all 24 of his career starts at left tackle. Through USC's first four games, he had given up only two pressures and no sacks while protecting quarterback Jayden Maiava.

4. Sammy Omosigho, LB, UCLA

Sammy Omosigho's move to UCLA has worked out quickly. After spending three seasons struggling to break into Oklahoma's starting lineup, he transferred in January and has become one of the Bruins' standout defenders during their 4-0 start.

“Today, he is one of several breakout stars for the upstart 4-0 Bruins, leading the country with four forced fumbles,” analyst Rob Rang wrote on Fox Sports.

Omosigho has already made an impact with his physical tackling and ability to create turnovers. He has also shown good instincts before the snap and has been effective communicating with the defense.

5. Vicari Swain, CB-PR, South Carolina

Vicari Swain entered the season with a name scouts already knew. He scored three punt-return touchdowns in 2025 and earned third-team All-SEC honors from league coaches.

“Scouts knew Swain had the vision, courage and speed to excel as a returner, but it is his improved recognition in coverage and physicality as a tackler this season that really has his stock climbing,” Rang added.

Swain has added two more punt-return touchdowns this season, breaking Dickie Harris' 55-year-old South Carolina record. His progress as a defender has also given scouts another reason to watch his development.

The 2027 NFL Draft picture is still taking shape, but these five prospects have already given scouts plenty to watch.

With the college season continuing, their performances in the coming weeks could have an even bigger say in where their draft stock goes.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit