The 2027 NFL Draft is approaching, featuring standout players like Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith. Several under-the-radar college football players are poised for breakout seasons that could elevate their draft stock significantly.
Key points
2027 NFL Draft is approaching with high-profile names.
Fernando Mendoza became the No. 1 pick after a breakout season.
Players like David Bailey and Arvell Reese improved their draft stock significantly.
Under-the-radar players are expected to rise in the 2026 season.
Mentioned in this story
Texas TechOhio StateCalifornia
Fernando MendozaDavid BaileyArvell ReeseArch Manning
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The 2027 NFL Draft is officially on the clock, and it has the potential to be a big one. High-profile names like Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith and Dante Moore will be household names from the start for NFL Draftniks, but if this year is any indication, many more are coming in the pipeline.
One year ago, Fernando Mendoza was a relative no-name after transferring from California. He later became the No. 1 pick in the draft. The same is true of Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, who were solid players but ascended to the top of the draft after fantastic seasons.
With that in mind, we looked at a few players with major breakout ability that could find themselves in high draft conversations next year. Some were transfers who landed in perfect spots to thrive. Others step into featured roles where their talents should shine.
[SEC poised to dominate 2027 NFL Draft: Arch Manning leads wave of stars ready to break league's Round 1 record
Brad Crawford
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Q&A
Who are the top under-the-radar players for the 2027 NFL Draft?
Several players are highlighted for their potential breakout seasons, including transfers and those stepping into featured roles.
What impact did last year's draft have on player visibility for 2027?
Last year's draft saw players like Fernando Mendoza rise from obscurity to the No. 1 pick, indicating that lesser-known players can dramatically improve their draft stock.
Which college football players are expected to rise in the 2026 season?
Players such as David Bailey from Texas Tech and Arvell Reese from Ohio State are expected to have standout seasons that could boost their draft prospects.
How does player transfer influence NFL Draft rankings?
Transfers often find themselves in better situations to showcase their skills, leading to increased visibility and higher draft rankings.
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Becker rose to prominence during Indiana's run to the national title, but there's reason to believe that he could be one of the nation's best in 2026. Despite receiving only 11.9% of the Hoosiers' targets, Becker posted 679 yards and four touchdowns thanks to an absurd 20.0 yards per reception, the best mark in the Big Ten. If he can come close to replicating those numbers with a higher target share, the 6-foot-4 Becker could emerge as a legitimate alpha receiver and can't-miss prospect in the '27 draft.
Texas Tech has potential NFL Draft picks all over the field, but don't discount the rising star Carter. The Killeen, Texas, native has posted more than 600 yards receiving each of the past two seasons while also playing a key role as an in-line blocker. His 6-foot-2 frame is a little undersized, but Carter's versatility and blocking ability will make him one of the nation's best on a likely College Football Playoff team.
Several quarterbacks could break onto the scene in Mendoza fashion, including Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby, Oklahoma State'sDrew Mestemaker and Indiana's Josh Hoover. However, Hoover's replacement is one of the most intriguing signal-callers in the country. Craig starred at Harvard, throwing for more than 5,000 yards and 58 touchdowns over the past two seasons to land on NFL Draft boards. At TCU, Craig will team up with first-year offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis, who helped UConn post a historic season in 2025. It doesn't take much squinting to see Craig as one of the fastest risers in the country.
If not for a torn Achilles, Daley very well could have been a first-team All-American and high draft pick in 2026. However, the Utah transfer has an opportunity to cement his draft stock after following coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan. In only 11 games, Daley exploded for 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks for the Utes, including sacks against conference finalists BYU and Texas Tech. If he can return to form, Daley could be one of the best edge rushers in the Big Ten. His quickness off the edge is a tough matchup.
Goosby, frankly, might be too highly rated to land on this list, but retaining him is one of the most important moves Texas made this offseason. The Melissa, Texas, native earned playing time as a freshman before emerging as one of the most talented tackles in the SEC last season. If Goosby can take another step, he could force his way into top-five consideration and power the Longhorns to a national championship.
No one invested more along the offensive line than Kentucky under first-year coach Will Stein, and Heard is the diamond of the bunch. The former five-star recruit is a two-year starter at Tennessee but stagnated at times in a veer-and-shoot blocking scheme. Stein demands a lot of his linemen with his diversified offensive system, which should allow Heard's natural skills to develop quickly.
Betting on Ohio State defensive linemen has become an easy moneymaking opportunity, and Jackson appears next in line. The rising senior posted 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks during his first major opportunity, including sacks against Indiana, Michigan and Penn State. With Caden Curry out of the way, Jackson's stats will rise to match his impressive frame.
Keeley struggled to find a consistent role at Alabama after entering as one of the top recruits in the nation. But after bulking up to 275 pounds and recording sacks in two of his three final games with the Tide, Keeley steps into an intriguing spot at Notre Dame. The junior projects behind Bryce Young and Boubacar Traore at defensive end, but the Fighting Irish should rotate him into the lineup plenty. During the recruiting process, he wowed scouts with his first step. If the Fighting Irish can harness it, he's a potential breakout player.
Satuala was a solid get as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024, but he flashed pro potential much faster than expected for the surging Cougars. The Utah native boasts a big, powerful frame at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds with the speed and range to make plays all over the field.
Oklahoma lost a few deeply talented players on the defensive line after R Mason Thomas and Gracen Halton went to the league. But while both will be missed, opening opportunities for the former five-star David Stone could be a blessing in disguise. The Sooners rotated defenders, holding him to only 454 total snaps, but Stone wreaked havoc when given the opportunity. As a sophomore, Stone posted eight tackles for loss, including a sack against Auburn and two TFLs against Ole Miss. Stone recorded two interior pressures against Alabama and helped pace a top-three national rushing defense. If he can continue to improve his pass rushing, Stone could get into the top 10 conversation.
