Top 2027 NFL Draft Prospects Face Challenging Matchups

The 2026 college football season features significant matchups that will impact NFL Draft evaluations, particularly for the top eight prospects identified by PFF. Most of these players are from the SEC or Big Ten, where they will face formidable opponents throughout the season.

Jeremiah Smith, a leading prospect, will encounter Oregon cornerback Brandon Finney Jr., who had a standout performance last season with a low passer rating allowed. This matchup marks their first meeting since Smith's impressive performance against Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Other notable matchups include Ohio State's defense, which will challenge several prospects, including Julian Sayin, who struggled against Indiana last season.

Additionally, prospects like Malachi Toney and Arch Manning will face tough defenses, with Manning's trip to LSU expected to draw significant attention from NFL scouts. The matchups are crucial for these players as they aim to solidify their draft positions ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.