Week 7 of the college football season didn't disappoint. Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore went toe to toe, Ty Simpson delivered one of his best performances of the season, and Arch Manning finally rebounded.
Last Saturday's slate helped shape a first-round crop of quarterbacks. Not every weekend can play host to as many high-profile matchups, but there are still plenty of fun contests to pay attention to with an eye towards the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pivoting away from the quarterback position allows us to examine a handful of prospects with much to gain from a strong Saturday in Week 8.
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (at Miami)
The first month of college football has accelerated Bell's path to his biggest matchup of the season. No longer is a loaded Clemson roster the biggest beast on the Louisville Cardinals' schedule. Rather, Miami's defensive buzzsaw has arrived, and as the No. 2 team in the country, the stage is set.
Bell has been exceptionally productive in 2025, posting 305 yards over the last two weeks. Doing so against Pitt and Virginia is a credit to his prowess, too. Bell's game can use some refinement, but his athleticism helps him impact every level of the field, and his blend of physicality and trustworthy hands should earn the trust of his future passers. In a quality receiver class, showing out against elite competition could further solidify his Round 1 stock.
Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma (at South Carolina)
Daniels has quietly rounded into one of the 2026 class's most interesting profiles. At 6'5", 240 pounds, Daniels is a linebacker who is frequently asked to be the Oklahoma Sooners' "Cheetah." It's worth noting that he is still more of an overhang defender than a true slot, but Daniels has taken snaps at safety, edge rusher, and off-ball linebacker.
He's one of the most versatile defenders in the country. Against the sport's most physically talented quarterback, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, the athleticism that makes it all possible will be put to the test. We've seen versatile standouts crumble when their tools are put to the test. Being asked to cover Gamecocks pass-catchers, transition into scramble drills, and tackle Sellers near the line of scrimmage will be a stress test for Daniels and a talented Oklahoma defense.
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia (vs. Mississippi)
Georgia has turned itself into a quality tight end factory. Delp is their next NFL product. As a receiver, Delp has consistently flashed high-level hands and elite athleticism, which makes him useful after the catch.
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However, Delp has never been particularly productive, never topping 300 yards in a season. Being the best tight end on the field in a top-10 matchup with Mississippi would be important in proving his NFL viability, especially if he looks better than Rebels senior Dae'Quan Wright.
There is a good amount of projection built into Delp's profile. Strong performances against quality SEC competition could earn him more optimism.
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (vs. USC)
Price, as the second running back in an awesome backfield, isn't getting a ton of hype. On my board, he earned a sixth-round grade, albeit with a good amount of optimism alongside it. Price is an easy mover whose explosiveness borders on elite.
While he hasn't produced much through the air, his path to playing time could one day come on passing downs. Price is a smooth route runner with natural hands, despite a limited sample size. The pass protection needs work, but his fundamentals (both here and as a ball carrier) should provide some runway for development.
Notre Dame lost its first two ranked matchups of the season (Miami and Texas A&M). A third ranked game against USC is a chance to step toward the College Football Playoff. Price playing an outsized role in the Fighting Irish offense -- against a defense that is capable of getting got -- would be an encouraging sign, especially after a fumble in Week 7.
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