Every week before the slate of college football games, we will highlight several prospects per matchup who should be sought after in the 2026 NFL Draft. Specifically, we’ll examine how the Pittsburgh Steelers may view them.
PENN STATE AT NO. 1 OHIO STATE NOON/EST FOX
The Penn State Nittany Lions look to upset undefeated Ohio State on Saturday afternoon. Be sure to watch LG No. 71 Olaivavega Ioane in this one as the 6-4, 330-pound junior has seen his draft stock shoot up during the 2025 season. He’s a big, powerful blocker who can generate a strong push in the running game, but is also a fluid mover in pass protection. Pittsburgh has its starting LG, Isaac Seumalo, scheduled to hit free agency this offseason. The Steelers could be in the market for a long-term replacement, and Ioane could be a seamless fit.
For Ohio State, watch WR No. 17 Carnell Tate, who has come on strong in 2025. He has gone over the 100-yard mark three of his past five games. The 6-3, 195-pound junior is a smooth route runner who excels at working the intermediate parts of the field and is a reliable red zone threat. He is also a capable blocker for his position. Tate is a solid prospect who will likely go somewhere in the top 60 picks of the draft as we sit here today.
NO. 9 VANDERBILT AT NO. 20 TEXAS NOON/EST ABC
The Vanderbilt Commodores look to get redemption from last year’s loss at home against the Texas Longhorns in Austin on Saturday. For Vanderbilt, the man to watch is QB No. 2 Diego Pavia. He has been slept on in the process due to his lack of ideal size (6-0, 207 pounds). Still, the senior quarterback has been the heart and soul for the Commodores, leading them to a 7-1 record. He profiles as more of a backup/spot starter at the next level, but keep an eye on Pavia, who has coveted intangibles for that position.
For Texas, be sure to watch CB No. 5 Malik Muhammad, who is a junior standing 6-0, 188 pounds. He has caught the attention of the media and scouts as a defensive back who could declare early this spring. Muhammad has the size, length and speed you look for at the position and seems to be coming into his own as the season wears on. He’s coming off a performance against Oklahoma in which he had two picks a couple of weeks ago. Watch for Muhammad to make Pavia’s life hard through the air in this one.
ARIZONA STATE AT IOWA STATE 1 PM/EST TNT
The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Iowa State Cyclones will face each other in a rematch of the Big 12 Championship game from a year ago. For Arizona State, the name to watch is WR No. 0 Jordyn Tyson, who is picking up where he left off last season from a statistical perspective. He has had 57 receptions for 628 yards and nine total touchdowns on the year. The 6-2, 200-pound Tyson is a pass catcher who can work in all phases of the game, having a similar well-rounded skill set to the top receivers in the league today. With Pittsburgh looking for a complement to DK Metcalf on the outside, Tyson would be the perfect option if available next April.
For Iowa State, keep your eyes on CB No. 3 Jontez Williams, who may cover Tyson in this matchup. The 5-11, 200-pound junior had a strong season in 2024, where he picked off four passes along with notching 46 total stops, being a cover corner that can come downhill in run support. He has one pick and two pass deflections in 2025 as a coverage guy who can play inside or outside.
NO. 18 OKLAHOMA AT NO. 14 TENNESSEE 7:30 PM/EST ABC
The Oklahoma Sooners and the Tennessee Volunteers battle in primetime Saturday night. The loser will be effectively knocked out of the CFP hunt. For Oklahoma, the name to watch is QB No. 10 John Mateer, who is looking to get back on track from some tough sledding after a hand procedure. The 6-1, 224-pound junior has a strong arm and great mobility at the position. But he needs to do a better job taking care of the football and making routine plays routinely to salvage his draft stock.
For the Volunteers, watch WR No. 17 Chris Brazzell II as the 6-5, 200-pound junior has been a big-play threat for the Vols this season. He has caught 43 passes for 740 yards and eight touchdowns on the year. Brazzell has the burst and speed you want in a deep threat, along with the size and height to challenge defenders at the catch point. He is an enticing prospect in this draft class.
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