As the weather worsens and the foliage changes, the college football season has transitioned into its midseason form. No longer are early-season struggles merely one-off causes for concern. The cream has risen to the top, teams' flaws have been exposed, and NFL Draft stocks have begun to fluctuate.
For those hoping to improve their standing for April, late-October action has become critical. Simply put, there aren't that many games left -- especially for those with fading College Football Playoff aspirations. Soon, there won't be time to produce quality film or compete with the best in the nation.
The time is nigh for players to plant their flag on 2026 NFL Draft stock or pivot to 2027, should their profiles and eligibility suggest as much. Here's who I'm keeping my eye on in an entertaining Week 9 slate.
Aidan Chiles, QB, Michigan State (vs. Michigan)
Chiles is one of the more interesting passers in this class, even without the hype that has defined so many of autumn's storylines. The tools are there; he's an above-average average with arm talent to spare. When he's in a rhythm, he threatens the intermediate part of the field, challenges tight windows, and operates from under center better than most quarterbacks in the country.
In 2024, consistency was harder to come by. This year, he's taken a step forward, but in an uncertain quarterback class, his spot in the first half of the draft isn't reserved. A statement game in his (most likely) last game of the year against ranked competition could make his case to declare. Otherwise, he figures to play into the QB1 discussion with another year of development.
Chiles played well in Michigan State's loss to Indiana and has done a better job of keeping the ball out of harm's way in 2025. If he's going to join the ranks of early-round passers in the 2026 class, continuing to look the part in adversarial situations could accelerate his NFL timeline.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington (vs. Illinois)
Coleman is a frequent flyer on my radar of guys to watch. He stood out during summer scouting, began the year with two massive games against lesser competition, and played well against Ohio State, the best defense he'll play this season. His game has improved, too, notably posting his best game as a pass-catcher against Washington State in Week 4.
This weekend, Coleman will lead the Washington Huskies into battle against Illinois, a rare ranked underdog. If Washington is going to prove that line worthy, Coleman will play a significant role.
MORE: Four late-round quarterbacks who improved their stock in Week 8
Carving a path to being the class's second running back won't be easy, but translatable skills between the tackles and at the point of contact have kept him viable. Without the guarantee of a bowl game performance, Coleman may see his last chance to impress against near-elite competition on Saturday.
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri (at Vanderbilt)
Young was one of the best players on the field against Auburn in Week 8. After coming up just short against Alabama a week prior, a trip to Nashville offers another chance to knock off a ranked SEC opponent.
The Commodores have exceeded every expectation by running the offense through quarterback Diego Pavia and dominating on the ground. Testing Young and an elite Missouri defensive line with a multi-dimensional offense should pique the interest of NFL decision-makers.
Against Auburn, Young all but announced that he'd win the game during the overtime coin toss and then asserted his will to prove himself right. With 5.5 sacks against SEC competition, Young is giving his profile helium on film and in the box score. As the stakes continue to rise, I expect Young to meet the moment.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (vs. Texas A&M)
Delane has done enough to establish himself as an early-round prospect, playing well on an unsteady LSU squad, stacking consistent performances, and continuing to make plays on the ball -- even if the interceptions have regressed back to the mean.
Thus, he doesn't have much to prove when the Aggies come to town. Delane isn't earning himself much with a strong performance. A bad game won't sink his stock. Fans should pay attention to Delane on Saturday night because a matchup with Texas A&M means a high-profile fight with wide receiver KC Concepcion, who's blazing his way to the top 50.
This is the kind of SEC showdown to get excited about, a preview of future Sundays with the intensity of two ranked rivals. Concepcion has six scores in seven games. Delane hasn't allowed a touchdown. Something's got to give, and lucky for us, it'll be under the lights.
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