College Football Week 11: 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch

By Jack Brentnall

As the calendar flips to November, projection turns to proof. The traits that caught scouts’ eyes in September now need to show up under pressure, and this week’s matchups give several key prospects that opportunity.

From Garrett Nussmeier’s high-stakes duel with Alabama to KC Concepcion’s chance to rediscover his early-season form, Week 11 is full of tape that could shift draft boards down the stretch.

Here are five prospects to keep an eye on this weekend.

KC Concepcion - WR, Texas A&M (5-11, 189, Junior)

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Texas A&M has emerged as arguably the SEC’s most complete team, and junior receiver KC Concepcion has been central to that rise.

Through eight games, Concepcion has totaled 545 yards and seven touchdowns on 36 catches. Thirty-one of those receptions have resulted in first downs or scores, and he’s posted a 119.9 passer rating when targeted.

Explosiveness defines Concepcion’s game. His quick-twitch movement shows up in his releases, stems, and creativity after the catch. His ability to separate cleanly against man coverage has been a constant advantage for the Aggies this season.

Production has dipped slightly of late – he’s topped 50 yards just once in the last three contests – but the dynamic traits remain obvious. This weekend he faces a Missouri defense that is allowing the second-lowest passing success rate in the SEC. A bounce-back showing could further cement his standing as one of the most electric playmakers in the 2026 class.

Garrett Nussmeier - QB, LSU (6-2, 200, rs-Senior)

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LSU’s clash with Alabama should be one of the weekend’s most entertaining games, and few players have more to prove than quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.

I’ve had my doubts about Nussmeier as an NFL prospect, but his recent play has changed the conversation. With LSU’s run game faltering and a leaky offensive line, he’s displayed commendable poise, processing, and pocket toughness.

The tape this season shows plenty of NFL appeal. He is arguably the best quarterback in the country when it comes to pre-snap awareness and recognition. He is willing to attack tight windows and has no fear of throwing with anticipation over the middle of the field.

Still, the limitations are clear. His arm strength is average, his frame is undersized, and he offers little as a creator outside the pocket. Accuracy and ball placement remain issues that cap his ceiling.

Right now, he projects best as a day two prospect with impressive mental attributes but some physical limitations. A composed showing against an in-form Alabama defense would strengthen that stock.

Quintayvious Hutchins - EDGE, Boston College (6-3, 240, rs-Senior)

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Boston College’s matchup with SMU won’t grab national attention, but it features one underrated trench battle worth watching.

Edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins has emerged as a bright spot for the Eagles, tallying 21 pressures, two sacks, and 12 defensive stops so far.

Hutchins’ game is built around his combination of burst, bend, and effort. He explodes off the line with a quick first step and pairs it with a violent club-rip move and relentless motor. He’s also proven to be very effective when deployed as a looper on stunts.

At 6’3”, 240 pounds, he’s undersized by NFL standards and doesn’t generate much power through contact, but his speed and tenacious playstyle make him an intriguing fit for teams valuing flexibility on the edge.

This week’s battle with SMU right tackle PJ Williams – a name gaining some buzz himself – offers Hutchins a chance to showcase his ability against quality competition.

Lee Hunter - IDL, Texas Tech (6-4, 330, rs-Senior)

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The best game of the weekend can be found in the Big 12 as Texas Tech takes on BYU, and the matchup in the trenches could decide it. All eyes should be on defensive tackle Lee Hunter.

A UCF transfer, Hunter has made an immediate impact for the Red Raiders, posting 17 pressures and 12 defensive stops through nine games.

At 6’4”, 330 pounds, Hunter’s anchor strength jumps off the tape. He absorbs double teams and holds his ground, freeing linebackers to flow cleanly to the ball. His ability to clog interior run lanes has been central to Texas Tech’s defensive success.

As a pass rusher, the plan still needs refinement. Right now he relies heavily on his bull rush with limited counters, projecting primarily as a two-down run stuffer.

That profile may not excite every NFL evaluator, but it fits this matchup perfectly. BYU ranks among the nation’s best rushing teams, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and a 45.8% rushing success rate. If Hunter can control the interior, Texas Tech has a real shot to end the Cougars’ unbeaten run.

Earl Little - S, Florida State (6-1, 199, rs-Junior)

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Florida State’s season has swung between highs and frustration, but safety Earl Little has been one of its clearer developmental wins.

A first-year starter, Little opened the year with a standout performance against Alabama before hitting a midseason lull marked by a major missed tackle problem. Over the last three games, he’s rebounded with an interception in each and steadier overall play. His missed tackle rate has also almost halved, from 18.9% in his first five games to 11.7% in the last three.

A former cornerback, Little brings natural fluidity and recovery speed to the safety spot. He closes downhill with urgency and plays with the mindset of a tone-setter. However, that aggression can get him into trouble, particularly as an open field tackler.

This weekend’s game against Clemson gives Little another stage to prove he can balance intensity with discipline. If he does, his arrow continues to point firmly upward heading towards the home stretch of the 2025 season.

JACK BRENTNALL

HEAD OF NFL DRAFT CONTENT

Previously the founder of The Jet Sweep, Jack joined The Touchdown as head of Draft Content in 2024. A Scouting Academy alumnus, Jack has been Covering the NFL Draft since 2020. Follow him on Twitter @Jack_Brentnall.

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