2027 NFL Draft: 10 Potential Risers from the 2026 Season

2027 NFL Draft: 10 under-the-radar college football players who could skyrocket up boards in 2026 season

The NFL Draft cycle is a continuous, year-round operation for scouts and analysts. While the biggest names often emerge early, a significant portion of the draft board’s top tier is shaped by players who make an exponential leap during their final collegiate season. As we peer into the distant horizon of the 2027 NFL Draft, the 2026 college football season will prove pivotal for a select group of under-the-radar talents. These are individuals who possess tantalizing physical traits, untapped potential, or are poised for increased roles within their respective programs.

Identifying these future risers requires a blend of data analysis and projection, considering factors like coaching changes, scheme fit, and the inevitable player development arc. Our focus here is on prospects who aren’t currently household names but whose trajectory suggests a substantial surge in their draft stock by April 2027. Keep an eye on these ten players as the 2026 season unfolds.

DL Marvin “The Wall” Hayes – South Carolina A&M

Hayes is an interior defensive lineman who consistently disrupts run lanes. His power and anchor strength are already elite, but if he refines his pass-rush technique in 2026, he could quickly become a top-tier prospect. His motor is relentless, a trait highly valued by NFL defensive coordinators.

CB Julian Vance – University of the Plains

Possessing ideal length and fluid hips, Vance has all the physical tools to be a shutdown corner. His technique is still raw, but a full season as the undisputed CB1 with improved ball skills could see him vault into the first-round conversation. He’s a physical specimen coaches will love to mold.

OL Kian McCarthy – Coastal State

A true interior lineman with versatility, McCarthy has played both guard and center. His football IQ and ability to diagnose blitzes are exceptional. A strong, consistent 2026 campaign at a single position, showcasing dominance, will significantly boost his profile. He’s a technician.

WR Dante “Flash” Evans – Mid-America Tech

Evans offers blazing speed and quick-twitch athleticism. He’s been underutilized in a run-heavy scheme, but a new offensive coordinator or an expanded target share in 2026 could unleash his deep-threat and YAC potential. He’s a playmaking talent waiting for his moment to shine.

RB Jamal Griffin – Appalachian U

Griffin is a bruising, downhill runner with surprising agility for his size. He’s often split carries but is primed for a true bell-cow role in 2026. If he demonstrates consistent production and improved receiving out of the backfield, expect his stock to soar.

LB Adrian “The Arrow” Reed – Northern Illinois Tech

Reed is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with exceptional instincts against the run. His coverage skills are developing, but his pure athleticism and hit power are undeniable. A breakout year where he proves himself in pass defense will make him a coveted three-down player.

S Brandon “The Hammer” Stone – University of the Southwest

A physical safety who loves to come down into the box, Stone is a natural leader on defense. If he can demonstrate improved range and ball-hawking ability in 2026, scouts will see him as a complete package for the modern NFL secondary. He’s a true enforcer.

EDGE Xavier “The X-Factor” White – Piedmont Christian

White possesses an explosive first step and a natural bend around the edge, two critical traits for an NFL pass rusher. He’s been productive in flashes, but a more consistent repertoire of pass-rush moves in 2026 could establish him as a dominant force. His upside is immense.

QB Marcus “Maverick” Jones – Desert State

Jones is a dual-threat quarterback with an impressive arm and scrambling ability. His decision-making has been inconsistent, but if he demonstrates significant mental processing improvement and accuracy gains in 2026, he has the physical tools to be a top-tier signal-caller. He’s a project with high rewards.

TE Tyler “Big Play” Peterson – Bayou Tech

Peterson is an athletic tight end with a receiver’s skill set in a larger frame. He’s been overshadowed but consistently shows flashes of excellent hands and route running. An offense that prioritizes his receiving ability in 2026, showcasing his ability to split defenders, will make him a highly sought-after commodity. His potential for mismatch creation is high, and fans can follow his progress along with all the other collegiate action by checking out live scores and odds throughout the season.

The journey to the NFL Draft is rarely linear, and these ten individuals represent the type of hidden gems that scouts obsess over. Their 2026 seasons will be under intense scrutiny, and any of them could transform from relatively unknown commodities into legitimate blue-chip prospects, shaping the landscape of the 2027 NFL Draft.