As the Giants prepare to decide officially on GM Joe Schoen and interview head coaching candidates, this week’s College Football Playoff semifinals also present them with opportunities to further improve their staff and roster in 2026.
Here are some names to watch when No. 6 Ole Miss takes on No. 10 Miami on Thursday night in the Fiesta Bowl and No. 5 Oregon battles No. 1 Indiana on Friday night in the Peach Bowl.
CHARLIE WEIS JR., OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, OLE MISS
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ star turn, and continued strong play since the departure of ex-Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, has created more NFL intrigue about Chambliss’ offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis Jr. The son of three-time Patriots Super Bowl winning offensive coordinator Charlie Weis could be a great fit on the Giants’ next staff if the team continues to build around Jaxson Dart, since Weis called Dart’s plays during the QB’s explosive final college season that prompted the Giants to trade up into the first round to draft him. Don’t be surprised if his name comes up around the league, including in New York.
FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANA
The Heisman Trophy winner, a transfer from Cal, has played well enough to force every team at the top of the NFL Draft to look closely into drafting him. Mendoza has completed 72.3% of his passes and thrown 36 touchdowns to only six interceptions for the undefeated (14-0) Hoosiers, who just smoked former powerhouse Alabama in the quarterfinal to push closer toward a national title. He also has 256 rushing yards and six TDs on the ground.
RUEBEN BAIN, JR., EDGE & FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OT, MIAMI
The Hurricanes boast players on both lines of scrimmage that would immediately upgrade the Giants’ fronts. Bain and Mauigoa both look like top 10 picks and Day 1 contributors with the kind of power and pro-ready physiques to have staying power in this violent league. If the Giants want to get back to the physical and hardnosed identity of their 1980s teams under Bill Parcells, they could start by adding players like Bain, Mauigoa or Ohio State safety Caleb Downs — the best player on a Buckeyes team that Miami upset to reach the semi.
DANTE MOORE, QB, OREGON
Moore has not declared his intentions for 2026 yet, but if he enters the NFL Draft, the Ducks’ redshirt sophomore quarterback will make the top five even more intriguing for the Giants. It will either add a second top QB to scout as the Giants’ pick or a second trade target, along with Mendoza, for other NFL teams seeking to give the Giants a haul in a first-round trade to select their franchise QB. Moore has 3,280 passing yards, 28 TDs and nine interceptions, plus 184 rushing yards and two more TDs with his legs. Even if the Giants don’t plan to take a QB, the more on the board at the top of the draft the better for New York.
