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Indiana vs. Miami: Top NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in National Championship
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- Indiana vs. Miami: Top NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in National Championship
The 2025 college football season comes to a crescendo Monday night, as the undefeated and top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers take on the 10-seed Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
It should come as no surprise, but this matchup is loaded with top talent, including some of the best prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
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Here are some of the biggest names to watch Monday night as we look ahead to this year's draft:
QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza took home this year's Heisman Trophy. (Aaron Doster-Imagn Images)
With his prototypical height and arm talent, Mendoza checks plenty of physical boxes NFL teams are looking for in a potential franchise passer. He's athletic enough to get out of trouble and maybe a little extra, and he's a nuanced thrower who can win with velocity or touch. Throw in his leadership qualities, and you've got a recipe for a quality starter if he can avoid those late reads and turnover-worthy throws.
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CLICK HERE to read Mendoza's full scouting report.
Edge defender Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. is one of this year's top edge rusher prospects. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While he has some room for growth, and his arm length might not meet ideal thresholds for certain teams, Bain is a pro-ready pass rusher who has proven he has the tools to dominate 1-on-1 matchups and get to the quarterback early and often. His run-stuffing ability gives him true three-down value at the next level, and his combination of size, power and explosiveness could make him a double-digit sack artist for years to come.
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CLICK HERE to read Bain's full scouting report.
OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Miami's Francis Mauigoa has been a dominant presence for the Canes at right tackle. (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The physical tools are there with Mauigoa, and he plays with a ton of effort and a physical mentality. He's still nowhere near his ceiling at just 20 years old, but he's already got a ton of starting experience under his belt. He's a plug-and-play starter at right tackle in the NFL, with the potential to grow into a dominant player for the next decade-plus at that spot.
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CLICK HERE to read Mauigoa's full scouting report.
Edge defender Akheem Mesidor , Miami
Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor has put up impressive numbers this season. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A versatile and highly productive rusher, Mesidor's physical traits and high-effort style of play give him a high floor when projecting pro success. His ceiling will depend on his ability to fine-tune his technique and widen his array of pass-rushing moves, but teams will have to weigh how early to value that floor and potential ceiling for a player who will be pushing 30 when he hits his second contract.
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CLICK HERE to read Mesidor's full scouting report.
WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt has been a go-to target for Mendoza and the Hoosiers. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
He may never be a burner who scares opposing defenses with his ability to take the top off, but what Sarratt does well, he does extremely well. His reliable hands and consistency at the catch point, even with significant contact, should be enough to carve out a valuable starting role in any offense that needs a consistent chain-mover who makes his best plays in the most critical moments.
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CLICK HERE to read Sarratt's full scouting report.
WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. is a clutch performer with starter potential in the NFL. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
There's WR1 potential here if Cooper can develop his route-running skills, which would take his game to another level. As is, he's an ideal No. 2 target who can win over the top and after the catch, with the reliable hands and knack for coming through in the clutch that any NFL passing game would love to add at some point on Day 2.
CLICK HERE to read Cooper's full scouting report.
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CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds is an undersized but dynamic playmaker. (The Indianapolis Star)The Indianapolis Star
Ponds may not meet the size threshold for some teams, and his biggest limitations are things he can't do much about. That said, he has mental traits you just can't teach, makes big plays in clutch situations, and can play in any scheme. If his smaller frame can hold up, Ponds could be a dynamic playmaker for any NFL defense.
CLICK HERE to read Ponds' full scouting report.
CB Keionte Scott, Miami
Miami DB Keionte Scott is a smart, instinctive playmaker in the secondary. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
There will be questions about his upside due to age, and the ability to handle bigger/faster receivers in certain situations, but Scott's experience and playmaking ability will still earn him plenty of fans in front offices across the league. If he can polish his technique as a tackler, Scott could immediately challenge for a starting spot as a slot defender who brings a ton of intangible value to the roster.
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CLICK HERE to read Scott's full scouting report.
QB Carson Beck , Miami
Miami's Carson Beck will be one of the more intriguing QB prospects in this draft. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
NFL teams will value the starting experience (especially against top competition), intangibles, and sound mechanics/ball placement Beck brings to the table, but his ceiling as a potential starter will be dependent on his ability to avoid the bad decisions and turnovers that plagued him in college. In a system that doesn't require top-level athleticism and off-schedule splash plays, Beck should be a capable backup with spot-starter value.
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CLICK HERE to read Beck's full scouting report.
LB Aiden Fisher, Indiana
Indiana LB Aiden Fisher's football IQ is through the roof. (Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images)© Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Fisher has some athletic limitations that put a cap on his NFL ceiling, but coaches and scouts will still love the intelligence, instincts and intangibles he brings to the table. At worst, Fisher should have a long and successful career as a valued backup and core special teamer, but he could find a starting role in the right defense that can mitigate his lack of speed and athleticism while taking advantage of the mental prowess he brings.
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CLICK HERE to read Fisher's full scouting report.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
