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.
CLEMSON AT NO. 15 LOUISVILLE 7:30 PM/EST (FRIDAY) ESPN
The Clemson Tigers look to upset the Louisville Cardinals on the road and keep them out of the CFP hunt on Friday night. For Clemson, keep your eyes on WR #0 Antonio Williams. He has been turning it on in recent weeks after a slow start to the season. He had a touchdown last week against Florida State and 164 total yards and two touchdowns against Duke the week before. Williams is a gamer with the ball in his hands with great speed and explosiveness, and could be an ideal target on Day 2 of the draft.
For Louisville, the name to watch is WR #0 Chris Bell, who is in the midst of a breakout senior season. The 6-2, 220-pound pass catcher has 62 receptions for 792 yards and six touchdowns this year. He has a unique blend of size and speed that makes him difficult to tackle after the catch. A solid possession receiver, Bell is attempting to play himself into the Round 1 conversation with a strong finish to the season.
NO. 20 IOWA AT NO. 19 USC 3:30 PM/EST BIG TEN NETWORK
The Iowa Hawkeyes travel out west to face the USC Trojans in a top-20 Big Ten clash. For Iowa, be sure to watch OT #67 Gennings Dunker. The 6-5, 315-pound senior has the size and the play demeanor you look for on the offensive line. Dunker is a nasty run blocker who can also move his feet in pass protection. He gives the Hawkeyes a throwback-style blocker who projects to kick inside at guard at the next level for most teams. He could have a strong career due to his strengths, or opt to stay at right tackle for some power run offenses.
For USC, the guy to watch is WR #6 Makai Lemon, who has been tearing up college football this year. The 5-11, 195-pound junior has 61 receptions for 937 yards and nine total touchdowns on the year. Lemon is a savvy route runner who can get open against man coverage as well as create in space after the catch. An ideal complement to a receiver like DK Metcalf, Lemon is a name to watch in case the talented junior decides to declare early.
NO. 12 OKLAHOMA AT NO. 4 ALABAMA 3:30 PM/EST ABC
The Oklahoma Sooners head into Tuscaloosa to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in hopes of keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. For Oklahoma, the name to watch is QB #10 John Mateer, who has dropped off a bit in recent weeks. He has been failing to get much done through the air while being turnover-prone with the football. Still, the 6-1, 224-pound junior has a live arm and is a capable dual threat with his legs. Mateer has the skill set to go into Alabama and get the upset.
For Alabama, keep your eyes on WR #5 Germie Bernard, who is quietly having a strong 2025 season. The 6-1, 204-pound senior has 41 receptions for 605 yards and eight total touchdowns this year. He is a reliable option who excels at getting open and working in all phases of the field. Look for QB Ty Simpson to target Bernard early and often as the wideout hopes to climb into the Day 2 conversation this coming April.
NO. 11 TEXAS AT NO. 5 GEORGIA 7:30 PM/EST ABC
The Texas Longhorns and the Georgia Bulldogs square off in Athens in a must-watch matchup under the primetime lights. For Texas, be sure to watch LB #0 Anthony Hill Jr. Hill is one of the best off-ball linebackers in college football. He has the size (6-3, 238 pounds) and the speed and effort in pursuit to make splash plays, which are must-haves as the green dot guy at the next level. He’s been extremely productive this season for the Longhorns (64 total tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception). Given how LB Patrick Queen has played thus far in Pittsburgh, Hill could be an option to consider this spring.
For Georgia, they have their own dominant linebacker in #3 CJ Allen. The 6-1, 235-pound junior flies to the football in pursuit and is active in coverage. He has seven pass deflections and one pick over the last two seasons. Allen fits the new age of NFL linebacker with his speed and his acceleration to the football. He’s certainly a name to keep in mind during the pre-draft process.
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