10 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch In College Football Playoff National Championship

The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship will see the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes face off against the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers. The game will feature several top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, including Indiana's quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the first overall pick. Mendoza has had a standout season, earning the Davey O’Brien, Walter Camp, and Heisman Trophy, and is one win away from leading Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season.

Miami's defensive line standout, Rueben Bain Jr., is noted for his disruptive presence, achieving 80 total pressures this season. Indiana's wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, although not the top receiver on his team, has been highly productive and is expected to play a key role in the championship game. Miami's offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa is a promising tackle prospect expected to be drafted in the first round.

Other notable players include Indiana's offensive tackle Carter Smith, Miami's