On Monday, the national championship game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers will take place at Hard Rock Stadium, showcasing potential future NFL stars. While attention may be drawn to the anticipated top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, it is the other prospects that should capture the interest of Detroit Lions fans.
Among the key players are Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback for Indiana, who has led his team to an impressive season after transferring from California. Conversely, Carson Beck from Miami aims to secure a championship title after his tenure at Georgia. Mendoza is projected to be a top selection by the Las Vegas Raiders come April, while Beck is expected to be drafted in the middle rounds.
This preview will identify ten prospects from both teams who could be appealing to the Lions, especially with their first-round pick at No. 17, while considering their positional needs. For example, Indiana”s Elijah Sarratt is a noted talent, but with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa all under contract through 2028, the Lions may not prioritize a wide receiver this draft.
Prospects from Miami
Francis Mauigoa, offensive tackle: Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 335 pounds, Mauigoa is expected to be a first-round pick. He could be a strong candidate to replace Taylor Decker, who is contemplating retirement. A true freshman starter in 2023, Mauigoa has excelled at right tackle, allowing only 14 pressures this season, ranking him among the best in the nation.
Rueben Bain Jr., defensive end: Another first-round talent, Bain measures 6-foot-3 and weighs 270 pounds. He has recorded 8.5 sacks this season and has been a key player in the trenches, particularly noted for his performance against Texas A&M. Bain is highly regarded as a run defender, having achieved 20 run stops so far.
Akheem Mesidor, defensive end: With 10.5 sacks under his belt, Mesidor is slightly older than many prospects, as he will turn 25 in April. His statistics from his time at Miami highlight his experience, with a total of 24 sacks. He has shown impressive run defense skills, earning a strong PFF grade.
Keionte Scott, cornerback: At 6 feet tall and 195 pounds, Scott has been a standout player in the nickel position for Miami. He has tallied 61 tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns. His experience at multiple schools adds to his value as a potential draft pick.
Zechariah Poyser, safety: After transferring from Jacksonville State, Poyser has made a significant impact at Miami. He has recorded 62 tackles, a sack, and six pass deflections this season. His future in the draft remains uncertain as he has yet to declare.
Prospects from Indiana
D”Angelo Ponds, cornerback: Ponds, at 5-foot-9 and 173 pounds, has been a reliable defender for Indiana. His pass coverage rating ranks among the top in the country, showcasing his abilities despite concerns about his size.
Carter Smith, offensive tackle: Smith, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 313 pounds, faces a significant challenge against Miami”s strong defensive line. He has only allowed six pressures this season and has extensive experience at left tackle, making him a potential candidate for the Lions.
Pat Coogan, center: With a wealth of experience at center and left guard, Coogan has been a consistent performer for Indiana. He has started every game this season, allowing just nine pressures, indicating his reliability in the offensive line.
Mikail Kamara, defensive end: An All-American last season, Kamara has shown promise with his pass-rushing abilities. His transition to Indiana has seen him maintain solid production, although his sack numbers have dipped.
Aiden Fisher, linebacker: Fisher, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 231 pounds, has been a key contributor for Indiana, demonstrating his tackling prowess. His versatility on defense could make him an appealing option for the Lions in the later rounds.
The players participating in the championship have until January 23 to make their decisions regarding entering the draft or returning for another college season.
