Future NFL talent will be abundant during this year’s College Football Playoff semifinals.
On Thursday night, Miami will play Ole Miss for the first time since 1951 in this year’s Fiesta Bowl. The following day, Oregon will look to avenge its lone loss this season in the Peach Bowl against Indiana.
NFL scouts will be tuned in to see prospects who could be selected early in April’s NFL Draft.
Here are the five players fans should keep an eye on during this year’s heavyweight semifinal showdowns.
TRINIDAD CHAMBLISS, QB, OLE MISS
Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore are widely considered the top two quarterbacks who could be available in this year’s draft. But Chambliss turned heads with his sensational performance in Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl victory against Georgia. He passed for 362 yards and two touchdowns in the shocking upset of the No. 3 Bulldogs.
Chambliss has one of the most interesting storylines of any player in the semifinals. He transferred to Ole Miss after winning a Division II national championship at Ferris State. He didn’t become the Rebels’ starting quarterback until Week 2 after an injury to then-starter Austin Simmons.
Chambliss is attempting to gain a medical redshirt for the 2022 season, when he didn’t play in any games. If it is granted, Chambliss will be able to start for the Rebels in 2026. But according to ESPN, the NCAA’s first communication with Ole Miss was that his waiver is unlikely to be granted.
If Chambliss has another outstanding game in the Fiesta Bowl, he should forget about returning to college anyway. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can use his legs to put pressure on defenses as both a passer and a runner. He also has the arm talent to make just about any throw.
Chambliss has a real opportunity to become QB3 after Mendoza and Moore.
RUEBEN BAIN JR., DL, MIAMI
Bain could be the best incoming prospect if he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft. In CFP victories against Texas A&M and Ohio State, Bain registered 16 quarterback pressures. He also had 10 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
At 6-3, 270 pounds, Bain has an NFL body along with outstanding quickness and movement along the line. The most impressive aspect of Bain’s game is his physicality at the point of attack, which gives him an advantage over most tackles.
During his three seasons at Miami, Bain has registered 31 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. There’s been debate about where on the line Bain will play at the NFL level because he lacks the ideal wingspan for defensive ends.
Whatever he plays, defensive tackle or end, Bain has the explosiveness and ability to make an immediate impact at the next level.
ZXAVIAN HARRIS, DT, OLE MISS
Harris is a massive, intriguing prospect for the draft. His size stands out at 6-8, 330 pounds, and he is a defensive tackle known for his length, power and bear-like nimble moves.
Harris can line up as a nose tackle and has the versatility to be a one-technique defensive tackle, who lines up on the outside shoulder of the center in 4-3 formations. In 14 games, Harris has registered 56 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. Harris is expected to be a late first- or early second-round pick.
KENYON SADIQ, TE, OREGON
Sadiq has made the most of his opportunity this year after former Ducks tight end Terrance Ferguson was drafted by the Rams last year. He has 46 catches for 531 yards and eight touchdowns.
Not only is Sadiq a dynamic pass catcher, but he is one of the more physically imposing and best blocking tight ends in the nation. He uses his 6-3, 250-pound body to open up lanes for running backs. Sadiq can also be a downfield threat in the passing game, and he can be challenging for defenders to bring down.
Sadiq’s play resembles that of 49ers tight end George Kittle, who is equally impactful in the run and passing attack. With another excellent showing, Sadiq could solidify his case to be TE1 in the draft.
A’MAURI WASHINGTON, DT, OREGON
At 6-3, 330 pounds, Washington has climbed up draft boards with his combination of power, quickness and explosiveness. He is a nasty defensive tackle who loves to do the dirty work defensively by living in opponents’ backfield as a run defender. Washington is also an improving pass rusher, which could eventually make him a three-down player.
After being an anchor in the middle of Oregon’s defense, Washington is considered a first-round talent. Several teams could use a run stuffer like Washington, and that’s why he could make an immediate impact at the next level.
