The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be a proving ground for a handful of prospects who could dramatically alter the 2027 NFL Draft landscape. While traditional powerhouses continue to dominate headlines, five players are drawing particular attention because their recent moves and emerging skill sets suggest they could become the draft’s next marquee names.
The Transfer Landscape
Sam Leavitt, the quarterback who began his collegiate career at Arizona State before entering the transfer portal, is now slated to lead LSU’s offense. The move comes with a reported $6 million name, image and likeness agreement that underscores the shifting economics of college sports. After a breakout 2024 campaign in which he displayed poise in the pocket and a willingness to extend plays, Leavitt’s 2025 season was cut short by an ankle injury. Health permitting, his blend of arm strength and mobility could position him as a late‑first‑round candidate if he can recapture that momentum.
Wide receiver Cam Coleman has taken a similar route, swapping Auburn for the University of Texas. Ranked as the No. 6 overall prospect for the 2027 draft, Coleman’s physical tools are elite — his body control near the sideline and in the end zone is described as near‑perfect. However, coaches have noted that his catching technique still needs refinement, a detail that could determine whether he climbs into the top tier of receiver prospects.
Eric Singleton Jr., another Auburn alumnus, has landed at the University of Florida, where his speed and athletic ability have already turned heads. Analysts point to his 2024 performance at Georgia Tech as a template for success, suggesting that if he can translate that production to the SEC, he may emerge as a dynamic playmaker in the eyes of NFL talent evaluators.
Jordan Seaton, an offensive tackle whose pass‑protection skills are considered surefire first‑round material, is set to showcase his talents in a larger spotlight after moving to LSU. The SEC stage offers a broader audience for a player whose footwork and leverage have been praised by scouts, and his performance this fall could cement his status as a top‑10 pick.
Running back CJ Baxter is chasing a fresh start at the University of Kentucky after injury‑marred years at Texas. His combination of contact balance and power through defenders has drawn comparisons to more established NFL backs, and coaches believe that a full‑season workload could unlock the potential that made him a highly touted recruit.
Scouting the Next Wave
Each of these athletes carries a distinct set of attributes that could influence draft boards long before the combine. Their recent transfers not only signal personal ambition but also reflect a broader trend of elite talent seeking environments that maximize exposure and development. As the season unfolds, the performance of these five will be closely monitored by general managers, offensive coordinators and analytics teams eager to lock in early projections for the 2027 draft.