Conference Championship Week: 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch
By Jack Brentnall
The college football regular season is over and while that might mean that packed Saturday slates are a thing of the past, there is still plenty of good football to feast on this weekend.
With that come a bunch of big moments for 2026 NFL Draft prospects. Here are six names I’m keeping a close eye on.
Parker Kingston - WR, BYU (5-11, 185, rs-Junior)
Parker Kingston enters Championship Week on the back of a strong outing against UCF, and his role should again be significant as BYU fights to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Kingston isn’t the biggest receiver, but his track-tested speed shows up immediately on tape. A former state champion sprinter with a verified 10.54 in the 100 metres, he accelerates cleanly and separates in space.
He also offers proven special teams value. With three career punt return touchdowns and a natural feel for open-field angles, Kingston profiles as an instant contributor in the return game at the next level. Against Texas Tech, BYU will need his vertical threat and space-play ability to tilt the field in a high-leverage matchup.
Ty Simpson - QB, Alabama (6-2, 208, rs-Junior)
All eyes will be on Ty Simpson as Alabama heads into the SEC Championship, and this week feels pivotal for his evaluation. After early season optimism, the tape down the stretch has been uneven, raising the possibility he considers a return to school in 2026.
His performance against Auburn in Week 14 underscored the inconsistency. There were certainly some impressive moments, but there were also lapses in accuracy and a lack of consistency.
Even so, Simpson has shown he can make high-difficulty NFL throws and operate from structure when his mechanics are aligned. Georgia presents one of the toughest tests he could ask for at this stage. A composed, efficient showing would help steady his draft outlook and remind evaluators of the flashes he displayed earlier in the year.
Christen Miller - IDL, Georgia (6-4, 310, rs-Junior)
Christen Miller’s matchup with Alabama’s interior line is one of the more telling defensive evaluations of the weekend. The Crimson Tide have developed real cohesion over recent weeks, and Miller has been quieter statistically of late, making this a timely opportunity to reassert his impact.
His physical tools remain appealing. Miller carries NFL-calibre athleticism, powerful hands, and a firm anchor, but he still needs to translate those traits into consistent disruption. With a return option available in 2026, how he performs in this championship setting – and any playoff snaps that follow – could play a major role in his decision.
D’Angelo Ponds - CB, Indiana (5-9, 173, Junior)
Few defenders face a tougher task this week than Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds. The 5’9”, 173-pound junior will be tasked with containing Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, a boundary test that rivals anything he has seen all season.
Despite his size, Ponds has excelled in a boundary role thanks to his recovery speed, competitive edge, and clean movement skills.
He has been one of the nation’s most efficient coverage players, allowing just 120 yards and a passer rating of 40.5. Smith and Tate bring NFL size, strength, and route running polish, making this a critical litmus test for Ponds’ projection. How he holds up on vertical routes and through contact could influence both the Big Ten title result and his draft profile.
Kayden McDonald - IDL, Ohio State (6-3, 326, Junior)
Kayden McDonald continues to generate buzz in his first year as a starter and now gets another showcase moment in the Big Ten title game.
His run defense has driven much of the excitement. So far this season he has 22 run stops and a 13.6% run stop rate, the best among FBS defensive tackles. His anchor strength and strike power consistently compress lanes.
The next step is expanding his pass-rush output. McDonald has managed just 10 pressures this season. Indiana’s physical run game offers him another chance to stack strong early-down reps and show added nuance as a rusher. A solid performance would further validate his early-round trajectory.
Santana Hopper - IDL, Tulane (6-2, 265, rs-Junior)
The AAC Championship features one of the more unique defensive prospects in this cycle: Tulane’s 6’2”, 265-pound interior lineman Santana Hopper.
His size is an outlier, but his disruptive traits jump off the screen. Hopper wins with a quick first step, accurate hands, and the fluidity to slip interior blocks cleanly. His relentless motor also stands out consistently.
NFL teams will no doubt be split on what role he plays at the pro level. Some teams may see him as a 4i in an odd front, while others may prefer transitioning him fully to the edge. Either way, his tape is consistently entertaining, and this weekend gives him another stage to showcase his talent.
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.