With the 2026 NFL Draft officially in the books, it's never too early to look ahead at the next wave of talent. While the transfer portal has reshaped the college football landscape—especially for programs in the Mountain West and Pac-12—there are still plenty of standout players ready to make their mark in the 2027 NFL Draft. Here are five names to keep on your radar.
1. A'Marion McCoy – Cornerback/Nickel, Boise State
After transferring from Notre Dame, McCoy quickly became a Swiss Army knife for the Broncos. Playing primarily at nickel, he did it all: blitzing, stopping the run, and dropping into coverage. Last season, he racked up seven tackles for loss, forced two fumbles, and defended five passes. His pass defense was elite, and now he's moving back to cornerback for his final season in 2026. At 6'0", he has the frame and versatility that NFL scouts love. If he can lock down receivers and stay active in run support, McCoy will definitely hear his name called.
2. Jayden Virgin-Morgan – Edge Rusher, Boise State
In the NFL, quarterbacks are king—and that means left tackles and edge rushers are always in high demand. Virgin-Morgan fits that mold perfectly. Over the past two seasons, he's been a force off the edge: 96 total tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and three forced fumbles. At 6'3", he may not have the ideal length of a top-tier rusher, but his production speaks volumes. Expect teams to take a flier on him with a late-round pick, especially if he puts together another dominant season in 2026.
3. Pofele Ashlock – Wide Receiver, Hawaii
Ashlock has thrived in Hawaii's high-octane Run-and-Shoot offense, posting three straight consistent seasons. Over his college career, he's averaged 73 receptions, 762 yards, and nearly eight touchdowns per year. Sure, some of that production comes from a pass-heavy system, but you can't teach size or skill. At his best, Ashlock has shown he can compete at the next level. Don't be surprised if he gets a long look from NFL teams next spring.
4. Elijah Williams – Offensive Tackle, Fresno State
Protecting the blindside is a premium skill, and Williams has the tools to do just that. After a strong 2025 campaign, he's entering his senior season with a chance to solidify himself as a mid-round pick. His footwork and technique have improved each year, and at 6'5", he has the length scouts look for. If he can stay healthy and dominate in pass protection, Williams could be one of the first Group of Five linemen drafted in 2027.
5. Marcus Tuiasosopo – Linebacker, San Diego State
Tuiasosopo is the heart of the Aztecs' defense. A tackling machine with a nose for the ball, he posted 110 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and three sacks in 2025. He's also shown versatility in coverage, breaking up six passes. At 6'2" and 235 pounds, he has the size to play in any defensive scheme. If he adds another strong season to his résumé, Tuiasosopo could become a steal on Day 3 of the draft.
These five players prove that talent runs deep beyond the Power Four conferences. Whether you're a fan of underdog stories or just love spotting future NFL stars early, keep an eye on these names as the 2026 college season unfolds.