In every NFL draft class, there are the headliners who need no introduction. In 2026, that includes the likes of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. But this is not about players everyone already knows. Instead, we're identifying prospects who fans will get to know over the upcoming college football season and beyond.

After talking to scouts and personnel people around the NFL, I picked 10 under-the-radar players who could be primed to rise up draft boards over the next 10 months. This is the third year I've done this exercise, with last year's list featuring Day 2 picks such as guard Jonah Savaiinaea and safety Kevin Winston Jr.

Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Robertson has the physical tools to potentially leap over more well-known quarterbacks. The former four-star recruit transferred to Baylor from Mississippi State prior to the 2023 season.

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Ohio State is arguably the current 'WRU' after a strong recent run of first-rounders and NFL superstars. But while sophomore Jeremiah Smith is the Buckeyes receiver most scouts and analysts are raving about, don't sleep on Tate.

Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma Halton's breakout started in 2024, when the 3-technique posted five sacks in 13 games after not recording a single quarterback takedown the previous two seasons.

Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech After initially signing with Auburn as a four-star recruit, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound Hunter played three seasons with the Knights, racking up five career sacks and earning second-team All-Big 12 honors last season.

Jack Endries, TE, Texas At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, the Cal transfer is built more like Sanders and has the versatility to be a flex tight end who can line up in the slot, backfield or in-line next to the offensive tackle.

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon After two seasons as a starter at Purdue, Thieneman transferred to Oregon. Ranked as ESPN's No. 1 defensive back in the transfer portal, he'll lead the Ducks' secondary and should become a household name.

Cayden Green, G/OT, Missouri At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Green has ideal size for an NFL guard, but there are some who think he could also play left tackle.

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah The 6-foot-6, 305-pound left tackle allowed only two sacks last season as a redshirt freshman. Lomu's run-blocking ability and movement in pass protection have scouts excited.

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia Allen started 13 games last season for the Bulldogs and stood out on tape while I was scouting his draft-eligible teammates. Now it's his turn.

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana After a breakout last season in which he threw for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions, Mendoza transferred to Indiana to play in Curt Cignetti's Air Raid offense.