2027 NFL Draft: Indiana Stars Nick Marsh and Carter Smith Lead Week 6 Risers

analysis

Week 6 of the college football season provided another wave of standout efficiencies from a few of the leading potential customers in the 2027 NFL Draft class. From Indiana’s exhilarating resurgence win over Nebraska to Missouri’s dominant hurrying attack versus Texas A&M, numerous potential customers reinforced their draft stock with huge efficiencies.

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Notre Dame’s Boubacar Traore continued his excellent season, and Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker made another declaration as he presses to develop himself as one of the leading quarterbacks in the class. With the NFL Draft still months away, let’s break down the most significant risers and the potential customers who made a declaration this weekend in college football.

analysis No. 7 Indiana vs. Nebraska

Both groups entered this match unbeaten, and for both, it was their very first significant test. It’s taken longer than anticipated for Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule to change this Cornhuskers program, however with Anthony Colandrea at the helm, it appeared like this was the season. For Indiana head coach Curt Cignettiit was his opportunity to see how his own quarterback, TCU transfer Josh Hooverwould manage a difficult roadway environment.

Early in the 4th quarter, Nebraska added a 17-6 lead. Simply like Indiana did all last season, it didn’t provide up. The Hoosiers fought back and won the video game 20-17, scoring 14 unanswered points. Here are the most significant efficiencies from the video game.

Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana

It’s been a sluggish start to the season for Marsh with Indiana. Before the video game, the Michigan State transfer had 341 lawns and 4 goals. Marsh once again had a sluggish start, however he took off for 2 goals in the 4th quarter.

Marsh is an explosive and effective professional athlete who grows after the catch. Not just that, however he’s a clever path runner. Entering into the year, he was my WR5, however he’s dropped one area due to an absence of production. After taking an RPO 75 backyards to your housethen scoring another 44-yard goal, he’s best back into that top-five discussion.

The scoring, Marsh had 6 receptions for 187 lawns and 2 goals. It’s been 2 straight weeks with Marsh amounting to over 100 backyards, and with a huge video game versus Ohio State next weekend. Marsh can turn heads with another strong efficiency.

Carter Smith, OT, Indiana

There was argument over this summertime if Carter Smith might play deal with in the NFL or if he ‘d need to move out into guard. He ended up being a consentaneous All-American last season and, at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, I seemed like he could. Entering into the year, he was my OT4 and showed why versus Nebraska.

Smith pitched a nothing in pass security versus the Cornhuskers with no permitted pressures. Not just that, however he demonstrated how elite he remains in the zone running video game.

Elijah Pritchett, OT, Nebraska

Pritchett wasn’t the only Nebraska gamer who had a great video game, however he stood apart. He permitted simply 2 overall pressures on the day and was a force in the running video game like Smith. Pritchett is 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, and there are concerns about whether he can play take on at the next level. Seeing him today versus Indiana, it sure appeared like he can. Anticipate Pritchett to be a riser after this week’s action.

analysis Texas A&M vs. No. 14 Missouri

It simply hasn’t been the season Texas A&M fans have actually anticipated. The group isn’t carrying out approximately the basic head coach Mike Elko anticipates and didn’t once again, losing 27-6 to Missouri. The Aggies could not stop the Tigers ‘hurrying attack, quiting over 252 hurrying backyards on the ground.

Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons had his very first turnover of the season and revealed growing discomforts in his young profession. He’s been a huge riser for me over the previous number of weeks, however due to a quieter efficiency, he will not be highlighted for this video game. Here are the 2 Missouri gamers who stuck out in this video game.

Jamal Roberts, RB, Missouri

Roberts got the opportunity to be the No. 1 back for the Tigers offense due to a gunshot injury Ahmad Hardy continual this offseason. With the modification, Roberts has actually made the most out of it.

Versus the Aggies, Roberts ran for 222 backyards and 2 goals. He required 3 missed out on deals with and had 7 runs of 10-plus lawns. It’s his 2nd straight video game with over 200 hurrying backyards, and if he keeps this kind of production up, he can discover himself as a Day 2 choice in the NFL draft.

Cayden Lee, WR, Missouri

When Simmons moved to Missouri, Cayden Lee followed. Lee is 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, implying he’ll likely be a slot receiver in the NFL. Do not get it twisted, he’s one of the most unsafe path runners in this class and simply understands how to get open.

It sounds simpler stated than done, however comprehending protection and finding areas to do damage takes work. Lee makes it look simple, and his chemistry with Simmons is unrivaled. He’ll be a possibility who gets a great deal of love on Day 2 of the draft, and for excellent factor. Lee ended up the day with 7 receptions for 94 lawns and one goal.

analysis No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 6 Alabama

The most significant video game of the day was no doubt Georgia vs. Alabama. Whenever these 2 satisfy, something interesting tends to take place, and the exact same thing occurred in Tuscaloosa tonight. A questionable noncall on a possible pass disturbance might’ve altered the result, however we do not harp on “what-ifs.”

Georgia got away with a close 20-17 win over Alabama to remain unbeaten this season and most likely moved into the No. 1 area in the AP Poll after today’s Texas loss. The defenses were the headings of this video game, and no doubt the gamers on that side of the ball should have shoutouts. It ‘d be not a surprise if we saw these 2 groups satisfy later on in the season, however without losing anymore time, here are the gamers who stuck out.

Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama

Regardless of the loss, Bray Hubbard stood apart versus Georgia. He’s a restricted gamer in the back half due to his size at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, however he provides worth in package. Hubbard will be deemed a more conventional box security, however a protective organizer can move him anywhere they desire.

Hubbard had a smart interception versus Georgia, playing right into the passing window of an RPO and tipping the ball to himself. He likewise developed a clutch late-game pass separation that required Georgia into a late basket effort. He’ll be an enjoyable security possibility for groups to assess for late Day 2 or early Day 3.

Chris Cole, POUND, Georgia

Both linebacking cores placed on an outright program in this face-off, however Chris Cole has actually engraved himself as LB1 in the 2027 class with another strong efficiency. Cole is a 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker who is an uncommon professional athlete for his size. He can genuinely run sideline-to-sideline, and his velocity is frightening to see when he tracks a play.

Cole completed the video game with 8 overall deals with and a sack.

Caleb Woodson, POUND, Alabama

The last gamer to yell out is the linebacker on the other side of this video game, Caleb WoodsonWoodson led the Virginia Tech defense for the previous 2 seasons and chose to move to Alabama this offseason to lead the Kane Wommack defense.

Far, it’s looked like the best choice for Woodson, who once again had 7 deals with, 4 of them being run-stop deals with versus Georgia. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Woodson moves easily for his size and ought to amass Day 3 enjoyment within the 2027 NFL Draft, possibly Day 2.

analysis Other gamers to bear in mind of

Boubacar Traore, EDGE, Notre Dame

The greatest riser for me this season has actually been Boubacar TraoreThe 6-foot-5, 251-pound edge rush for Notre Dame has excellent length for an edge rush. In 2025, you saw flashes of his length; you simply wished to see more versatility. Far in 2026, he’s revealed he’s a more total edge rush and can get to the quarterback more successfully.

Versus Stanford today, Traore included an interception to his stat sheet by dropping into protection and getting himself an interception. He’s up to 21 overall pressures, 4 sacks, and 10 run-stop deals with on the season.

Xavier Gilliam, DT, Tennessee

You desire an explosive defensive tackle who can hurry the passer? Look no more than Xavier Gilliamwho has actually been on fire for Tennessee. He’s had at least 4 pressures in the last 3 video games and was once again dominant versus Arkansas. Gilliam got home for a sack and had 3 run-stop takes on to assist Tennessee get rid of the Razorbacks.

With frustrating starts to the season from protective takes on such as David Stone and Justin Scott, Gilliam is playing himself into first-round discussion with how dominant he’s been.

Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State

After a surprise loss to Tulsa in Week 1, a great deal of individuals were out on Oklahoma State. A huge factor individuals were in on Oklahoma State this offseason was Drew MestemakerHe didn’t even play quarterback in high school, today he’s taking the country by storm.

Mestemaker went 19-of-28 for 304 backyards and 2 goal passes versus UCF. It’s the 4th straight win for the Cowboys, and as soon as again, Mestemaker had numerous emphasize tosses on the dayHe’s 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, acquiring 10 big-time tosses this season, displaying his special arm skill. It does not constantly look tidy from Mestemaker, however the raw capability exists. He’s skyrocketed up to my No. 1 quarterback for this draft season and, with a strong end to the year, might remain there.

Jalen Mayo, CB, Houston

After moving from Stephen F. Austin this offseason, Mayo had a lots of enjoyment entering into the season. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Mayo has the size and length NFL groups try to find in No. 1 corners. Versus Kansas State, he had one pass separation and enabled 12 overall backyards on 4 targets.

Over 6 video games this season, Mayo has actually begun to discover his stride in this Houston defense, publishing a 66.7 passer ranking when targeted. He’s a huge factor the Cougars are 5-1 this season.