2026 NFL Draft: Sun Belt prospects to watch

Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia State Panthers wide receiver Ted Hurst (16) runs after a catch against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

It’s NFL Draft day.

257 players will watch their NFL dreams come to fruition from Thursday night through Saturday evening in Pittsburgh, PA, forever remembering the moment their name is called on stage. How many of those 257 will hail from the Sun Belt Conference?

In 2025, the answer was one — the league’s smallest output since 2019. In comparison, the Sun Belt generated nine NFL Draft selections two years prior in 2023. However, in 2025, there were five additional selections that transferred from Sun Belt schools to other programs. Although developed in the Sun Belt, it’s a player’s final destination which always receives the credit.

Of the 319 prospects invited to the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, only one was from the Sun Belt. However, Combine snubs are always drafted, so there are several additional Sun Belt players to keep an eye on this draft weekend. Here’s a look at the league’s top prospects:

Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

6’4”, 206 pounds

NFL Combine measurements: 4.42-second 40-yard dash; 36.5-inch vertical; 11-foot-3-inch broad jump

Hurst was the lone Sun Belt invite to the NFL Combine, and that experience only raised the wide receiver’s stock. Per NFL.com’s “athleticism score” metric, Hurst posted the fifth-best numbers of all Combine receivers, particularly excelling in the broad jump and 40-yard dash. The lengthy receiver originated at Division II Valdosta State before transferring to Georgia State for the 2024 campaign. In two years as a Panther, Hurst posted 961 and 1,004 receiving yards. He warranted Second Team All-Sun Belt honors in 2024 and elevated to First Team in 2025. The big-play receiver, averaging 15.5 yards per catch, could warrant a day two selection — likely becoming the first Georgia State alum drafted before the sixth round.

Jaden Dugger, ILB, Louisiana

6’5”, 242 pounds

Pro Day measurements: 4.60-second 40-yard dash; 34.5-inch vertical; 10-foot-6-inch broad jump; 4.25-second shuttle; 7.00-second 3-cone drill, 17 bench press reps

Dugger was a surprising NFL Combine snub, leading the Ragin’ Cajuns defense with 125 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks. The First Team All-Sun Belt selection enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, and he had a unique path to get here. A former all-conference safety at FCS Georgetown, Dugger spent 2024 as a reserve for a 10-4 Louisiana team before elevating to full-time starter status in 2025. His background as a safety is evident in coverage, and he presents impressive length at 6’5” with a 7-foot wingspan. The pro day performance certainly elevated his draft stock, but even if he’s not one of the 257 selected, he will be a priority free agent taken off the board immediately.

Josh Moten, CB, Southern Miss

6’0”, 187 pounds

Pro Day measurements: 4.71-second 40-yard dash; 35.5-inch vertical; 9-foot-7-inch broad jump; 4.43-second shuttle

Moten is a well-traveled prospect, originally signing at Texas A&M as a 4-star recruit. After seldom playing time in College Station from 2020-22, Moten headed eastward to Marshall and became an instant starter for the Thundering Herd. In 2024, he anchored a Sun Belt championship-winning defense, securing 38 tackles, five pass breakups, and five interceptions — securing four in his final five games of the season. When head coach Charles Huff left for Southern Miss for the 2025 season, Moten followed and so did his production. A First Team All-Sun Belt selection, he corralled five interceptions again as a Golden Eagle, snatching three in a 27-21 win over Arkansas State. Moten also recorded career-highs in tackles (59) and pass deflections (11) in 2025 at Southern Miss.

Kentrel Bullock, RB, South Alabama

5’10”, 196 pounds

Pro Day measurements: 4.53-second 40-yard dash; 33.5-inch vertical; 10-foot-8-inch broad jump; 4.27-second shuttle; 7.25-second 3-cone drill

Bullock split his 6-year college career, spending his first three seasons at Ole Miss and the final three at South Alabama. But nearly all the production transpired in Mobile where he amassed 2,364 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns from 2023-25. The running back improved each year, jumping from a 448-yard rusher to 831 yards to 1,085 in his three seasons as a Jaguar. Bullock averaged at least 5.0 yards per carry in each go-around and garnered First Team All-Sun Belt honors in 2025. It was in that 2025 campaign where he logged four of his eight 100-yard outings, completely taking over South Alabama’s 42-35 win over Southern Miss with 187 yards and three touchdowns.

Devin Voisin, WR, South Alabama

5’10”, 178 pounds

Pro Day measurements: 4.50-second 40-yard dash; 35.5-inch vertical; 9-foot-11-inch broad jump; 4.14-second shuttle; 6.81-second 3-cone drill

Voisin takes on his NFL dream after a 7-year collegiate journey. It’s a rarity in today’s climate, but all seven years were spent at South Alabama. The Crestview, FL native rarely played from 2019-21, snagging two receptions for six yards over that 3-year span, primarily suiting up on special teams. But when Voisin finally got his opportunity in 2022, he capitalized with a team-high 867 receiving yards on 64 receptions for the winningest South Alabama team in program history. However, that positive progress was halted two games into 2023 when a torn ACL spoiled his season. Voisin stuck the course and returned in 2024 with 407 yards. In 2025, he finally returned to form as an All-Sun Belt receiver with 776 yards and four touchdowns, posting 152 yards and a pair of touchdowns on a College Football Playoff team in Tulane.