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It was a disappointing season for the Indiana Hoosiers. Led by first-year head coach Darian DeVries, the Hoosiers went just 18-14 overall and 9-11 in Big Ten games. It's their first losing record in conference matchups since 2021-22. This also marks the third year in a row that they failed to make ...
The Indiana Hoosiers have lost five players to the transfer portal so far, but they picked up a commitment this week from former Duke guard Darren Harris, as per Dushawn London of 247Sports. Darren Harris is Indiana’s second commitment so far out of the transfer portal alongside Jaeden Mustaf who last played at Georgia Tech. […] The post Indiana adds Duke transfer to backcourt appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza revealed that he will not attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this month and will instead watch the ceremony with his family in Miami. Mendoza has been the presumptive No. 1 overall pick since he won the Heisman Trophy in December and led the Hoosiers to a national championship. The […]
Discover details about Omar Cooper Jr.’s background, roots, and the story behind the Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver.
The transfer portal window is open and teams are rising and falling every day. Here's a look at who is joining and leaving.
Fernando Mendoza: From Boston to Miami, Discover the Cuban heritage of Indiana Hoosiers’ Star Quarterback.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti breaks down his blunt coaching philosophy, warning players that they get worse without daily growth.
Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers face rising doubts even after 17 transfers reshape the roster ahead of a key title chase.
The Indiana Hoosiers had a solid 2026 class of recruits coming in for next season, although the status of one of them might be up in the air. Indiana recruit Vaughn Karvala recently suffered an injury during a scrimmage while participating in the annual Nike Hoop Summit this week, as per Marc J. Spears of […] The post Indiana 4-star recruit suffers unfortunate injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The College Football Playoff will remain at 12 teams for the 2026-27 season. However, expansion seems to be inevitable, as speculation grows that it could expand to 16 or even 24 teams down the road. On Friday, Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko pushed back against the CFP expansion. Elko, who is 48 years […] The post Mike Elko pushes back on expanded College Football Playoff talk appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The transfer portal officially opened Tuesday, and the Duke Blue Devils are looking to hit the ground running. They enter the offseason after a disappointing end in the NCAA Tournament. Entering as a No. 1 seed, they were eliminated by the UConn Huskies in an Elite Eight matchup. Jon Scheyer and ...
Michigan basketball secured Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella Thursday in a massive early offseason move. Yet the national champs are rising as a potential suitor for a former five-star and Alabama transfer. College basketball insider for On3/Rivals Joe Tipton revealed the Wolverines as one to watch for Aiden Sherrell. The 6-foot-10 forward entered the College Basketball […] The post Michigan emerges as possible suitor for Alabama transfer forward appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Fernando Mendoza’s incredible heroic talents and the Indiana Hoosiers’ dominant 2025 season run have taken the sports world by storm. Mendoza leading the Hoosiers to a perfect season, a College Football National Championship, and winning the Heisman Trophy for his performance throughout the season is something straight out of a movie, and we would like to see this story become a movie someday. He will likely get drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, as his talent is unmatched among all of the quarterbacks on the draft board. Mendoza’s talent will be talked about in the sporting world for decades to come, and here at TPS, we’re going to talk about some of the most interesting facts you didn’t know about Fernando Mendoza. How well do you know Fernando Mendoza? Mendoza began his collegiate career with the California Golden BearsCalifornia Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with fans after the game as Auburn Tigers take on California Golden Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. California Golden Bears defeated Auburn Tigers 21-14. Before Fernando Mendoza took his collegiate career to a whole new level, his college football journey began at the University of California, playing for the Golden Bears. Before that, Mendoza almost went to Yale, as that was his safety school at the time. Then, a Cal quarterback prospect flipped his commitment from the Golden Bears to the UCLA Bruins, opening the door for Mendoza to be accepted into the program and earn a scholarship, as the Golden Bears are a much better football program than the Yale Bulldogs. Mendoza played 20 games for the Golden Bears for two seasons, completing 418 passes for 4,712 yards, throwing 30 touchdowns against 16 interceptions, rushing for 197 yards on 135 carries, and scoring four rushing touchdowns. He led the Golden Bears to the 2023 Independence Bowl and the 2024 LA Bowl, both of which the team lost. Mendoza led the Golden Bears to an impressive 44-7 blowout win over Oregon State, where he completed 27 passes for 364 yards and scored two touchdowns during the 2024 season. Despite being a two-star recruit and being redshirted, Mendoza brought resilience and excellent leadership to the Golden Bears during his tenure with the program. Mendoza’s Brother was a backup quarterback at IndianaJan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Alberto Mendoza (16) against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Fernando’s brother, Alberto Mendoza, was the Hoosiers’ backup quarterback from 2024 to 2025 before transferring to Georgia Tech for the 2026 season. Alberto was one of the big reasons Fernando transferred to the Indiana Hoosiers, and the rest became history: playing in the same football program with Alberto made the transition more comfortable for Fernando, and sharing the same field with a sibling is an exciting and memorable experience. Although Alberto didn’t see much action on the field, he did complete 18 passes for 286 yards, threw five touchdowns against one interception, rushed for 190 yards on 13 carries, and scored a rushing touchdown in the 2025 season for the Hoosiers. Alberto and Fernando are very close, and taking advantage of the opportunity to play on the same team was a must for Fernando when transferring to the University of Indiana. Their mother, Elsa, found it much easier to support both brothers playing for one college football team than for two teams. Alberto has shown he’s just as talented as his older brother. However, he has transferred over to Georgia Tech and will play for the Yellow Jackets in the 2026 season. We can’t wait to see what Alberto Mendoza will do for the Yellow Jackets in the ACC this upcoming season. Mendoza is a devout CatholicFernando Mendoza (Credit: IMAGN) Mendoza comes from a very Catholic family and expresses the importance of his faith by saying glory to God after games. He coordinated the Hoosiers’ bible studies on campus and credits said Catholicism for building a strong camaraderie among him and his teammates. After winning the 2025 College Football National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes, Mendoza said, “I don’t praise God because we won. I praise Him because He’s worthy – no matter the outcome. Tonight just happened because of a blessing.” Fernando Mendoza even brought his Heisman Trophy to the St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington on Christmas Eve as an act of gratitude to God for the spiritual mentorship he received over the years, instead of a public display. Mendoza has inspired young people to make their religious faith a normal part of their lives, as his faith makes him a very authentic and genuine person. Mendoza is an advocate for the Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIndiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images) Mendoza speaks up for those who have multiple sclerosis, because his mother, Elsa Mendoza, has the disease. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, and there is no cure for the disease. Mendoza says his mother is his best friend and is an inspiration for everything he accomplishes. German sportswear brand Adidas, which sponsors Mendoza, has also stepped up and helped raise money for MS Research, as mentioned in a Facebook post by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Adidas hosted families who are also dealing with the disease at its flagship store in New York, and had them meet the Mendozas and treat their guests to a $10,000 shopping spree. Mendoza has helped raise between $100,000 and $170,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Mendoza and his family have raised funds for MS research, and the Mendoza brothers have gotten local restaurants, like BuffaLouie’s, which is very close to Indiana’s campus, to create Cuban-inspired menu items like the “Mendoza Bros. Burger,” with proceeds going to MS research. Mendoza and local restaurants stepping up to help get donations, research, and find a cure for multiple sclerosis is a heartwarming cause. Mendoza is a Miami Native, despite being born in BostonJan 17, 2026; Miami Beach, Florida, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza during media day for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Mendoza was born in Boston, but is a true Miami Native, as his family moved to South Beach shortly after he was born. His family is of Cuban heritage, and sees that heritage in his and his brother’s passion for playing football. Mendoza’s grandparents emigrated from Cuba in the 1950s after the Cuban Revolution, seeking the “American Dream.” He cites his upbringing in Miami as a central factor in his current work ethic and journey as an athlete. Mendoza grew up less than a mile from the University of Miami’s campus and attended Christopher Columbus High School, helping his high school team win an 8A State Title in 2019. Fernando Mendoza was a fan of the Hurricanes growing up and wanted to stay local and play for his hometown team, but he was never offered a scholarship. The cherry on top for Mendoza was playing the 2026 College Football Championship game against the Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium and defeating them. Mendoza Idolizes Tom BradyTom Brady (Photo via Imagn Images) Although Mendoza grew up in Miami, he idolized New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, calling him the ultimate football role model, his childhood idol, and his dream dinner guest. He admires Brady’s approach to preparation, his philosophy, his resilience, and his ability to shape his views as a quarterback. Mendoza also said that the mental demands of playing quarterback echo traits closely associated with TB12. Mendoza expressed on Yahoo Sports’ Instagram that it would mean so much for him to be mentored by the five-time Super Bowl MVP and future Hall of Famer. The “Goat” himself is also a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, the team with the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, who’ll very likely draft Mendoza with that pick. Mendoza did have a brief phone call with Brady, and he described it as very special during his scouting combine interview. If the Raiders draft Mendoza, which is very likely, we hope Brady will mentor him and teach him the ropes of handling the pressures of being an NFL quarterback. Mendoza is working on getting an MBAFernando Mendoza (Photo By Brad Penner-Imagn Images) Besides leading the Indiana Hoosiers to their first National Championship in football, Mendoza is working on getting his Master’s of Business Administration from IU at the Kelley School of Business. Fernando Mendoza graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in three years. Mendoza lost his Cal football scholarship when he made the switch to Indiana, but he used his NIL money to cover tuition and class costs while pursuing the MBA, which is a very smart way to avoid student debt. Mendoza approaches football similarly to how he does business school, using flashcards and whiteboard sessions to study plays. He plans to use his degree to pursue a career in finance and real estate alongside his football career. Mendoza has interned at real estate investment firms like Newmark and ACRE, while also playing football, which is no easy feat. Acquiring a Master’s Degree is also a special feat, as about 13 to 15 percent of adults over the age of 25 pursue one, according to the Urban Institute. Having an MBA is also a great asset, especially once Mendoza’s professional football career concludes, as he’ll have an impressive network of business professionals and other NFL players who also want to pursue their own businesses. The Only Apps on Mendoza’s phone are YouTube and LinkedIn(Photo by Imagn Images) The only apps Mendoza has on his phone are YouTube and LinkedIn, as he wants to eliminate social media distractions that most people fall for in everyday life. Mendoza’s goal is to maintain his focus on football and expand his professional network to support his business aspirations off the field. With YouTube and LinkedIn as the only apps on Mendoza’s phone, he avoids reading comments, negative feedback, opinions about his performance, and other outside noise to keep him on track to become a professional quarterback. Mendoza uses YouTube to watch game film and educational content, while Mendoza signed a partnership with LinkedIn immediately after the Hooisers won the College Football National Championship. Honestly, we need more athletes like this who try to keep away from the noise and focus on improving their craft on the field rather than getting distracted by the social media comment section rabbit hole or by athletes who keep posting every little detail about their lives daily. Mendoza comes from a family of athletesJan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Alberto Mendoza (16) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) pose for photos after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Mendoza’s athletic prowess comes from a family thing, as his parents were also gifted athletes in their younger years. His mother, Elsa, played tennis for the University of Miami and ran tennis drills with him, hoping he would become a tennis player. Mendoza’s father, Fernando Senior, also played football at Christopher Columbus High School and was on the same team as current Miami Hurricanes head coach, Mario Cristobal, and Hurricanes offensive line coach, Alex Mirabal. Fernando Senior competed in the rowing league at Brown University and won the gold medal in the 1987 Junior World Championships. And Alberto, Fernando’s brother, was the backup quarterback for the Hoosiers, as we mentioned earlier. Coming from a family of athletes suggests Mendoza will likely achieve great success no matter where he ends up in the NFL. Mendoza has always been an UnderdogCalifornia quarterback Fernando Mendoza gearing up to throw a pass at a practice before the 47th annual Independence Bowl in Shreveport, LA on 13 December 2023 Despite likely getting drafted with the first overall pick, Mendoza has always been an underdog. Mendoza was a two-star recruit coming out of high school, and the University of California was the only Division I school to give him an opportunity, as mentioned earlier. Not to mention, he was ranked as the 140th-best quarterback in the class of 2022. Mendoza began his collegiate football career as a redshirt freshman and third-string quarterback, and didn’t see playing action until 2023. He had a shaky start but cleaned things up in the 2024 season. Even after Mendoza transferred to Indiana, he struggled in spring practices by taking too many sacks and struggling with accuracy. Luckily, everything was cleaned up, and Mendoza led the Hoosiers to one of the greatest runs in college football. However, guys like Dan Orlovsky recently said that he considered Ty Simpson to be the best quarterback in the 2026 draft as opposed to Mendoza on the Pat McAfee show, and McAfee and the crew rightly dismantled Orlovsky’s take. Takes like that further add to Mendoza’s underdog story and to the likelihood that his on-field production will silence doubters like Orlovsky. Mendoza and Simpson squared off in the 2026 Rose Bowl, with Mendoza outplaying Simpson, completing 14 passes for 192 yards and throwing three touchdowns compared to Simpson’s 12 passes for 67 yards. Furthermore, we can’t wait to see what Mendoza accomplishes in the NFL when he’s drafted. Especially when he potentially gets to don the Silver and Black of the Raiders and possibly change that team’s culture for the better.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is in some hot water for an alleged comment he made on an Instagram post regarding Derek Chauvin and George Floyd.
Eric Mangini compares consensus number one pick Fernando Mendoza to a former Jets quarterback.
Entering the NCAA Tournament as a No. 4 seed, the Kansas Jayhawks were looking to win their fifth national championship in program history. However, their run didn't last very long, suffering a close 67-65 second-round loss to the No. 5 St. John's Red Storm. While the Jayhawks didn't end the season ...
Most signs point to the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. What is much less certain, however, are Mendoza’s chances of becoming a star in the pros. One concern surrounding Mendoza is whether the Indiana Hoosiers product will be able to adapt to a pro-style … The post Fernando Mendoza is unfazed by a concern about his NFL future appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer can no longer argue the Big 10’s rise in college football. The last three CFB National Championships have gone to Big 10 teams, including Indiana Hoosiers (2025), Ohio State Buckeyes (2024) and Michigan Wolverines (2023). Generally, when it comes to the most accomplished conference in college football, it […]
Ex-NFL QB Chris Simms has high praise for the projected No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza, comparing him to superstar Joe Burrow.
Heisman Trophy winner and presumed #1 overall NFL Draft pick Fernando Mendoza has done an excellent job of procuring a squeaky clean personal image. An old skeleton in his social media closet, however, has become the first stain on that finely-tuned public face. A comment that Fernando Mendoza left on a LeBron James Instagram post […] The post Fernando Mendoza’s Problematic Take On Derek Chauvin Murdering George Floyd Resurfaces, Becomes First Stain On His Squeaky Clean Image appeared first on BroBible.
Let yourself know about the PFF Rating and key performance numbers for Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers.
Even though the 2026 NFL Draft is less than a month away, it’s never too early to start paying attention to collegiate athletes who’ll make a huge impact during the 2026 College Football season before they declare for the 2027 NFL Draft. Though some of these guys could’ve declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, sometimes these players want to maximize their earning potential with NIL deals, improve their draft stock for the next NFL Draft, and potentially avoid injuries that would derail their NFL careers before taking the field on Sundays. These college football players should have a solid 2026 season and make some noise, attracting NFL Scouts with their on-field production and stats they’ll produce, whether it’s record-breaking or career-highs. Here at TPS, we’re going to take a look at these college athletes NFL fans should be paying attention to for the 2026 college football season, for the potential of watching them get drafted to the NFL in 2027. Here are 10 College Football Players to Pay Attention to in the Upcoming 2026 season for the 2027 NFL Draft. Who are the college prospects to look out for in next year’s NFL Draft? Arch Manning: Quarterback: TexasArch Manning (Image Credits: Imagn) Despite losing 14-7 to Ohio State in the first week of the 2025 season, Manning pieced together a productive year in his first full season as a starter for the Longhorns, completing 248 passes for 3,163 yards, throwing 26 touchdowns against seven interceptions, and leading the team to a 41-27 win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. With Manning returning to the Longhorns for the 2026 season, he should improve upon the mistakes he shook off from the previous season. Manning and the Longhorns are also aiming to make a return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since the 2024 season. Manning should be able to lead the Longhorns to the College Football Playoffs, as well as become a Heisman Trophy finalist, depending upon how he performs during the regular season. He will also have a blast working with wide receiver Cam Coleman, who transferred over from Auburn, giving him another weapon to utilize during key games against fierce SEC opponents. If Manning continues to show significant growth during the 2026 season, don’t be surprised if he gets drafted first overall in the 2027 NFL Draft by a quarterback-needy team, depending upon how the 2026 NFL season shapes up. Jeremiah Smith: Wide Receiver: Ohio StateOhio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a punt during the first day of spring workouts for the 2026 football season at Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026. The Ohio State University is widely considered “Wide Receiver U,” as we’ve seen incredible wideouts emerge from the program over the years, with Smith being the next big name wide receiver to watch out for in the upcoming 2026 season, as he returns to the Buckeyes’ lineup. Smith caught 87 receptions for 1,243 yards, scored 12 touchdowns, rushed for 21 yards on three carries, and scored a rushing touchdown to add to his résumé, despite suffering a quad injury in November of the 2025 season. Smith will be healthy and 100 percent ready to roll in the Buckeyes’ offense for the 2026 season, causing havoc against opposing secondaries as he did in 2025 and 2024. Clips have emerged of Smith looking even stronger and faster for the upcoming 2026 season, as he’ll make opposing secondaries fear what he has in store for them. Especially during conference play against some of the Big Ten’s best defenses. That should make NFL scouts drool for wanting to draft him to a team desperately needing that effective pass catcher to complement their quarterbacks for the 2027 NFL season. Darian Mensah: Quarterback: MiamiDec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) celebrates after the Blue Devils score a touchdown in overtime during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images After dealing with some NIL drama behind the scenes, Mensah’s transfer to the Miami Hurricanes will be a great addition to the team’s offense for the 2026 season. Mensah is coming off a 2025 season where he completed 334 passes for 3,973 yards and threw 34 touchdowns against six interceptions during his lone season with the Duke Blue Devils. He also led the team to a 42-39 win over Arizona State in the Sun Bowl. Mensah will be a part of a Hurricanes team that almost led a comeback win over the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2026 College Football National Championship game. He’ll elevate their offensive attack, making them more lethal. Mensah will work with Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney and fellow Duke transfer Cooper Barkate, making for a more dangerous passing attack. We, as football fans, are looking forward to seeing this upgraded passing attack in action for the 2026 season. Mensah has the talent and potential to take the Hurricanes’ offense far in the 2026 season under head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s system. Don’t be surprised if Mensah becomes a Heisman Trophy finalist and a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft when the 2026 college football season is all said and done. Carter Smith: Offensive Tackle: IndianaIndiana Hoosiers offensive lineman Carter Smith (65) stretches Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, ahead of the College Football Playoff Championship game at HardRock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The defending College Football National Champions will have one of their best offensive linemen back in Bloomington, ready to protect newly transferred quarterback Josh Hoover from TCU. Smith started all 15 games for the Hoosiers during their magical run, becoming National Champions over the Miami Hurricanes, didn’t allow a single sack against Fernando Mendoza, and is ranked as the best lineman in the Big Ten, per Pro Football Focus. Smith returning for his senior season also bolsters the offensive line, which lost Pat Coogan and Kahlil Benson to graduation and the 2026 NFL Draft. He is incredibly reliable and will continue to do wonders on the Hoosiers’ offensive line for their title defense in the 2026 season. Smith has seniority, excellent leadership, and will help keep Indiana extremely competitive during the 2026 season. Smith is also the guy NFL Scouts will keep their eyes on, as they look for talent who’ll form a great offensive wall, making their quarterbacks feel comfortable in the 2027 season. Trust us, Smith is the real deal for incredible offensive tackle talent. Dylan Stewart: Edge: South CarolinaOct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Dylan Stewart (6) attempt to knock down a pass by Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images Stewart returning to the Gamecocks’ defense is must-watch football for the upcoming 2026 season. He had 33 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and three forced fumbles during the 2025 season. Stewart will be a mainstay on the Gamecocks’ defense, as the team looks to improve upon its disastrous 4-8 record from the 2025 season, despite playing through a back injury. Stewart will be healthy and ready to cause havoc against opposing offenses in the 2026 season in a fierce and competitive SEC, thanks to the leadership he’ll bring to the team. He is expected to be one of the nation’s top pass rushers, as he is set to cause some intense havoc against opposing SEC quarterbacks in the 2026 season, despite his back injury from the 2025 season. The scouts ahead of the 2027 Draft should be impressed with his leadership and then some, as they look to improve their defenses for the 2027 NFL season. Ryan Coleman-Williams: Wide Receiver: AlabamaDec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) runs after making a catch during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Williams, now going by Coleman-Williams, had a decent 2025 season, despite dealing with a concussion. Williams caught 49 receptions for 689 yards and scored four touchdowns with the Crimson Tide in 2025, and helped them reach the 2025-26 Rose Bowl in the College Football Playoffs, before losing to the eventual champion Indiana Hoosiers 38-3. Coleman-Williams returning to the Tide helps with their offense, as he’ll be healthy and ready to square up against opposing secondaries for the 2026 season. The 2026 Alabama Crimson Tide will either be led by Austin Mack or Keelen Russell, eying the starting quarterback job. Mack and Russell should work well with Coleman-Williams during the 2026 season. Scouts will keep their eyes on Cooper-Williams improvements, as the Crimson Tide offense is expected to have a competitive season and have a fast-paced look under head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. We look forward to seeing Coleman-Williams continue his development for the 2026 season. Colin Simmons: Edge: TexasNov 22, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Colin Simmons (1) reacts after a fumble was recovered for a touchdown during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Just like Arch Manning on offense, Simmons returning to the Longhorns on defense will make for some exciting football to watch in Austin. Simmons had 43 tackles, a career-high 12 sacks, two pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in the 2025 season. Simmons is expected to be a dominant force on the Longhorns’ pass rush, as his on-field maturity continues to increase. His goals for the 2026 season are to break the team’s sack record, currently held by Kiki DeAyala with 40.5, and lead the SEC Conference in defensive productivity. Simmons currently has 21 sacks, so far. He needs 20 more sacks to break the record. Simmons had more penalties than sacks at the beginning of the 2025 season, but with improvements under defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, Simmons should be able to clean that up just in time for the upcoming 2026 season. The 2026 season will likely be Simmons’ final season with the Longhorns, as his continued defensive performance will attract NFL draft scouts from far and wide looking to bolster their defenses for the 2027 season. Dante Moore: Quarterback: OregonOregon quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Moore and the Oregon Ducks had a very good 2025 season, finishing the season with a 13-2 record. Moore completed 296 passes for 3,565 yards, threw 30 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Even though Moore was expected to be a first-round draft pick in 2026, his decision to return to Oregon is great for the program, and his draft capital in a loaded quarterback class for the 2027 NFL Draft. Moore and the Oregon Ducks’ offense have their eyes set on a National Championship or bust, as they look to further improve upon their 2025 season, after their College Football Semi-Final beatdown loss against the Indiana Hoosiers. Moore will continue to work with running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill on the ground. Not to mention Moore will still have wide receivers Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore to throw the ball to in the passing attack for more vertical shots, instead of short passes. If Moore continues to shine on the field, he’ll likely be a Heisman Trophy finalist and a top 10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Cam Cook: Running Back: West VirginiaJax State’s Cam Cook tries to evade the tackle of Kennesaw State’s Alexander Ford during the C-USA Championship at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama December 5, 2025. (Dave Hyatt / Hyatt Media LLC) After a single season at Jacksonville State University, Cook announced his plans to transfer to West Virginia University and join the Mountaineers’ offense for the 2026 season. Cook rushed for 1,659 yards on 295 attempts (the most rushing yards in the country in 2025), scored 16 rushing touchdowns, and caught 30 receptions for 286 yards. Cook brings elite speed, vision, and a physical workhorse mentality to a Mountaineers’ offense that struggled in the Big 12, finishing the 2025 season with a 4-8 record and 2-7 in conference play. Cook’s athleticism and speed should help the Mountaineers’ offense, which has a lot of work ahead of it before the start of the 2026 season. However, scouts shouldn’t be worried about the team around Cook, but rather focus their attention on Cook’s performance on the field during the season. Sure, the West Virginia Mountaineers aren’t the flashiest program in college football, but they have talent, and Cook is expected to be the primary running back to open the 2026 season against Coastal Carolina. Analysts have mentioned that Cook is a perfect fit for West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez’s system and schemes for the upcoming season. Cook also won the Conference USA Player of the Year award for his production in 2025. We can’t wait to see him potentially repeat that production in the Big 12 for the 2026 season. Omarion Miller: Wide Receiver: Arizona StateOct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) is tackled by Utah Utes defensive back JC Hart (14) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Miller stunned the college world by announcing his plans to transfer out of Colorado and take his talents to Arizona State for the 2026 season. Miller finished the 2025 season with 45 receptions for 808 yards and scored eight touchdowns, which were career highs for him at the time. He joins an Arizona State team that has former Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver Hines Ward as their wide receiver coach. Miller should see a spike in production and stats under Ward’s tutelage, even though the team is still looking for their next starting quarterback for the 2026 season. The Sun Devils will prioritize a strong passing attack, which Miller will likely benefit from under offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo. Miller should excel in the Sun Devils’ offense and help them improve upon their 2025 performance, and a fresh start after being on a Colorado Buffaloes team that finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record. If Miller’s stats and production increase in the 2026 season, look out for NFL teams wanting to select him in the first or early second round of the 2027 NFL Draft.
Buckeyes WR Jeremiah Smith revealed the money multiple programs, including Miami, offered him to transfer from Ohio State.
Former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl says the Final Four in Indianapolis proved Americans can unite, and he wants that same passion directed toward pride in the country.
