The stage is set for the College Football Playoff National Championship game as the Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers clash on Monday, January 9, in Atlanta, Georgia. The highly anticipated matchup kicks off at 4:30 PM. As fans gear up for this thrilling encounter, here are ten NFL prospects to keep an eye on during the game.
Leading the list is Indiana”s quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is projected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Heisman Trophy winner has proven his mettle under pressure, throwing for 369 yards and eight touchdowns without an interception in two playoff games against formidable opponents Alabama and Oregon. The question remains whether teams like the Jets, Cardinals, Browns, Dolphins, or Steelers will make a significant trade offer to the Raiders for the coveted first pick.
On the other side, Bain from Miami is another prospect to watch. At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, Bain may not possess the traditional length expected at his position, yet he has been a dominant force in the playoffs. Named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Bain recorded four sacks in three playoff games against Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss, contributing to his growing reputation.
Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, has also made a name for himself during his tenure with the Hurricanes. A three-year starter, he has shown consistent improvement and is expected to draw attention during the draft process due to his powerful and aggressive playing style.
Another intriguing prospect is Mesidor, who had a solid performance at West Virginia before transferring to Miami. With 10.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss this season, he has proven to be a reliable contributor on defense.
For Indiana, linebacker Ponds stands out despite being undersized. His tenacity on the field has earned him accolades, including defensive MVP in the Rose Bowl against Alabama. His performance in the Peach Bowl, featuring a pick-six, further solidified his status as a player to watch.
Left tackle Smith from Indiana has established himself as one of the top pass protectors in the nation. With an impressive pass-blocking grade, he has not allowed a sack this season, making him a potential top-50 selection in the draft.
Wide receiver Sarratt has been a key player for Indiana, leading the nation in touchdown receptions. Known for his physicality and clutch performances, he has scored in nine consecutive games, showcasing his ability to come through when it matters most.
With Dante Moore opting to return to school, the competition for the second quarterback spot in the draft has opened up. Players like Beck and Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss are poised to benefit from this shift.
Finally, Cooper, who leads the Hoosiers in receptions and yards, is another name to watch. His combination of size, vision, and agility makes him a difficult challenge for defenders in the open field.
While some players may not be on this list, names like Ahmad Moten, Jakobe Thomas, Louis Moore, CJ Daniels, and Mikail Kamara have also garnered attention as potential NFL prospects. As the championship game approaches, all eyes will be on these athletes as they showcase their skills on the national stage.
