Every week, Yardbarker displays the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
As Week 1 of the faculty soccer season kicks off Thursday, listed here are 5 gamers we’re monitoring:
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik
No. 4 Clemson hosts No. 9 LSU on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The matchup options groups whose dwelling stadiums are nicknamed “Loss of life Valley” and two potential first-round QBs.
In Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the New York Jets take Nussmeier (6-foot-1, 205 kilos) with choose No. 5, whereas the Pittsburgh Steelers choose Klubnik (6-foot-2, 210 kilos) with choose No. 16.
On his updated big board, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote Klubnik’s tape is “promising,” however he believes Nussmeier is the higher QB. He tabbed the LSU star as his QB3 and the Clemson star as his QB6.
“In the event you blended the ability units of Tony Romo and Baker Mayfield, the end result would look one thing like Nussmeier,” wrote Brugler. “Apart from the bodily expertise and mannerisms, his toughness, vitality and command of the right way to play the place are causes to be optimistic about his projection.”
Nonetheless, Klubnik threw extra landing passes (36 in 14 video games) than Nussmeier (29 in 13 video games) did final season. If he outplays him at dwelling Saturday, that might change some scouts’ minds.
Clemson defensive sort out Peter Woods
Woods (6-foot-3, 315 kilos) is one other prospect to observe in Saturday’s sport towards LSU. He ought to dominate the Tigers’ offensive line, which misplaced 4 starters to the NFL this offseason. That features offensive sort out Will Campbell (now with the New England Patriots).
“Peter Woods, to me, when you concentrate on that LSU sport, will outline rather a lot about the place he will be,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. instructed Discipline Yates Wednesday on “First Draft.” “As a result of if he can go dominate and get off to that nice begin and keep that, you are proper, he goes within the prime 5, Peter Woods does.”
Woods might definitely be a difference-maker on Saturday. In 11 video games final season, he logged a career-high 9 tackles for loss.
On Aug. 4, Woods was named to the Walter Camp Participant of the 12 months watch listing. The award is much like the Heisman, however it’s voted on by coaches and sports activities data administrators, slightly than media members and previous winners.
Ohio State security Caleb Downs
The No. 3 Buckeyes host the No. 1 Longhorns on Saturday at midday ET on Fox. Expertise evaluators will definitely eye Texas QB Arch Manning (6-foot-4, 219 kilos), however they will additionally scout the defensive again who’s aiming to cease him.
On his up to date huge board, CBS Sports’ Mike Renner rated Downs because the No. 9 prospect within the class.
“The most effective security prospect since [Baltimore Ravens star] Kyle Hamilton, Downs has dominated faculty soccer because the day he stepped on campus,” wrote Renner. “He is bought versatility to line up just about anyplace on the again finish and nonetheless be a playmaker. There’s not simply many holes to poke in his sport.”
Downs has drawn comparisons to Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Ed Reed for his ball expertise. Surprisingly, he had simply 4 interceptions in his first two seasons with Alabama and Ohio State. If he will get extra this season, his inventory will solely skyrocket.
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa
Defending QB Carson Beck shall be essential for the Hurricanes in 2025. The Georgia transfer underwent surgery in December 2024 to restore the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his proper elbow.
Mauigoa (6-foot-6, 315 kilos) appears poised to do this. In a scouting report printed Monday, The Draft Network gave him a Professional Bowl-caliber grade.
“I like watching him in go safety as a result of he already understands full effectively the right way to use his arms independently to get the job executed,” Renner wrote of Mauigoa in a story published Aug. 12. “Now if he might solely play with a extra constant base and higher posture in these units, Mauigoa would have an opportunity to be a top-10 choose.”
The O-lineman will face an early check when No. 10 Miami hosts No. 6 Notre Dame on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Preventing Irish tied for the FBS’ 14th-most sacks (40) final season.
