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.
NO. 17 USC AT NO. 8 OREGON 3:30 PM/EST CBS
The USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks meet up in a battle that goes back to the PAC-12 days in a Big 10 clash. For USC, the name to watch is WR No. 6 Makai Lemon, a well-rounded prospect who can win with burst off the line, route running savvy, and the ability to create yards after the catch. Lemon just surpassed the 1,000-yard mark last week and has scored 10 total touchdowns, following the mold of average sized yet technical receivers who are excelling currently in the league.
For the Ducks, be sure to watch QB No. 5 Dante Moore, who is shaping up to form a top 3 at the quarterback in this draft class with Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Ty Simpson of Alabama. Moore had a strong bounce-back game last week against Minnesota and has his Ducks knocking on the door of the College Football Playoff. Moore has a chance to make a statement in this one, keeping Oregon in the thick of it while effectively ending USC’s chance as a CFP berth.
NO. 22 PITTSBURGH AT NO. 16 GEORGIA TECH 7 PM/EST ESPN
The Pitt Panthers and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets command the primetime stage on a rare occasion as both enter this matchup in the top 25. For Pittsburgh, keep your eyes on OL No. 70 Ryan Baer. The 6-7, 330-pound blocker has the size and length you love for the trenches, plus the experience playing both tackle spots. His athleticism is limited, but he could be a high floor guy who could potentially kick inside to guard to build on his strengths as a run blocker.
For Georgia Tech, keep an eye on WR No. 3 Eric Rivers, who has been Georgia Tech’s deep threat this season. The 5-11, 180-pound senior started his career at Florida International where he posted 1,172 yards and 12 touchdowns last season before transferring to Georgia Tech prior to this season. He currently has 516 yards and one score along with six carries for 49 yards. Rivers does a great job generating separation and making contested catches, making him a good name to keep an eye on come Day 3 of the draft.
NO. 12 BYU AT NO. 25 CINCINNATI 8 PM/EST FOX
The BYU Cougars and the Cincinnati Bearcats face off under the lights in a high-profile Big 12 matchup. For the Cougars, keep an eye on DL No. 57 Keanu Tanuvasa who is a strong, sturdy presence in the middle. The 6-4, 300-pound junior could go back for another season, but he’s been effective and has drawn the attention of scouts for his run defense as well as his pass rush. Tanuvasa has flashed burst and finesse for being a nose tackle. He’s the guy to watch on this defense.
For Cincinnati, be sure to watch LB No. 11 Jake Golday. The 6-4, 240-pound senior has the size you want at the position as well as the smarts, being able to come downhill against the run, rush the passer and drop back in coverage. He has 92 total stops on the year (36 solo) along with 3.5 sacks, two pass deflections and a forced fumble, being an intriguing name to watch in a good inside linebacker class for this draft.
ARIZONA STATE AT COLORADO 8 PM/EST ESPN2
The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Colorado Buffalos play in the late game in some more Big 12 action. For Arizona State, the name to watch is WR No. 0 Jordyn Tyson, who is considered the top receiver prospect by most scouts. The 6-2, 200-pound senior lost his starting quarterback for the year, but has still been productive, catching 57 receptions for 628 yards and eight touchdowns on the season despite being out nearly a month himself with an injury himself. He’s ramping up to potentially play in this game, meaning he’d be the top guy for Colorado to focus their attention on.
The man tasked with covering Tyson is CB No. 8 DJ McKinney, who was considered one of the top cornerback prospects coming into the 2025 season but has been a bit of feast-or-famine given his inconsistent play style. Still, the 6-2, 180-pound cover corner has the measurables you look for at the position as well as the ball skills, having three picks last season and one so far this year, making him a young defender who a defensive coordinator can develop in hopes of getting a quality starter in the league.
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