Some of the most essential games for NFL draft prospects come in the college football playoffs, where scouts are watching to see how top prospects perform under the brightest lights. The CFP is a high-stakes, high-pressure environment, and scouts put a lot of stock in a player’s mental ability to drown out the noise and show up in the most significant moments of the season.
Many top prospects have already solidified their profile as top picks in the draft, but for a lot of players, they are looking to make a big jump. The best example of this last year was Donovan Jackson of Ohio State, who proved he could be a high-quality left tackle against the best competition and boosted himself into the first round. Today, I decided I would take a look at which prospects have the most to prove to NFL scouts in this year’s playoffs.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson
At one point this season, it almost felt like the consensus across the NFL draft community was that Ty Simpson was going to be QB 1 in this year’s class. But since the start of November, his stock has taken a bit of a hit. Simpson has struggled in some big games, and his tendency to miss high has shown up somewhat consistently lately. The CFP will be his chance to prove that he can step up in the moment, and with a big performance, he could work his way back into the first round.
Alabama OL Kadyn Proctor
The 2026 offensive tackle class is one of the weakest in recent memory, and it has been hard to find a clear-cut top prospect. Coming into the season, Proctor was universally seen as the top guy at offensive tackle, but he struggled early in the season, and his stock, like Simpson’s, took a big hit. He has since bounced back, and he has looked like the top prospect we expected him to be. If he steps up and holds strong in the playoffs, he may get himself back into the T1 conversation.
Ole Miss LB Suntarine Perkins
Perkins has the potential to be one of the best linebackers in this year’s class because of his versatility and athletic prowess in the middle of the defense. Perkins is a strong coverage linebacker, run defender, and blitzer, but some people worry he may be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. Ole Miss has lost its head coach, but with its defensive coordinator taking over, Perkins will carry a lot of responsibility. If he has a big game, he could work his way into the Top 50.
Texas Tech WR Reggie Virgil
Virgil will almost certainly end up on my guys list when we get to draft day, and with a big playoff performance, we could see him work his way into the day two conversation. Virgil is one of the most polished, all-around receivers in this year’s draft, and I love his ability to separate and consistently make plays from a variety of spots on the offense. Texas Tech has been one of the best teams in the nation, and Virgil feels like he is poised for a breakout on the national stage.
Oregon EDGE Teitum Tuioti
All the talk around the Oregon defense is for Matayo Uiagalelei, but on the opposite side of their defensive line, Oregon has another big-time threat in Tuioti. A big defensive end with dominating athletic traits, Tuioti has been one of the most underrated players in the class. Still, he consistently has been one of the best defensive linemen in the Big 10. Teams will be focused on Uiagalelei, but if they don’t account for Tuioti, be ready for him to take over the game off the edge in this year’s playoffs.
