Week 4 featured some big matchups and primetime performances from several of the top prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The week got off to a fantastic start as Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff and Indiana’s Charlie Becker continued to show the nation why they are two wide receivers to watch in the draft. While there were some underwhelming performances, Week 4 also produced historic performances that made the Heisman Trophy race even more interesting.
In this edition of NFL Draft Rapid Fire, NFL Mocks takes a look at some of the top performances and biggest storylines from the Week 4 college football schedule.
Colin Simmons makes his case for DE1
While Texas barely survived Tennessee on Saturday, the Longhorns’ defense, led by Colin Simmons, was a big reason why the SEC showdown ended in favor of the No. 1-ranked team in the nation.
In making a statement in his bid for DE1 status, Simmons was simply outstanding with 5.0 sacks and eight total tackles. If you are wondering about the Texas single-game sack record, Simmons tied it with those five sacks.
In doing so, he may have gained some ground in the race with South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart to be the first edge rusher off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Jeremiah Smith looks ready for the NFL right now
If he is not setting records, Jeremiah Smith is putting together monster games that make the nation stand still and say WOW!
The outstanding wide receiver not only continues to cement his status as WR1 in the draft, but he is also showing why he looks capable of making an immediate impact in the NFL. That is what he is demonstrating week in and week out.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
In Ohio State’s 42-19 victory over Illinois, Smith had the Illini secondary on its heels all game long, setting career highs with 12 receptions and 217 receiving yards. He also tied an Ohio State record with four touchdown catches.
The overall performance put him in rare company and added another statement performance to his Heisman Trophy campaign.
Hit that Heisman pose, Jeremiah Smith!
Jadan Baugh makes his own Heisman statement
Well, not so fast, Mr. Smith.
Another non-quarterback talent making his own case for the Heisman Trophy is our NFL Draft 360 feature, Jadan Baugh.
The outstanding Florida running back had himself another stellar day, rushing 29 times for 142 yards and three touchdowns as the No. 21 Gators blew out No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28.
In demonstrating his power and second-effort drive, Baugh was tough to take down at the goal line while further showing his ability to score even when opposing defenses stack the box to stop him.
Touchdown number 9 for RB1 🤙 pic.twitter.com/orJREZpPip
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) September 26, 2026
Although we connected Baugh with the New England Patriots in NFL Draft 360, there are quite a few teams that should have Baugh high on their draft boards come draft time.
All eyes were on Trinidad Chambliss
After breaking through into the NFL Mocks Power 5 2027 NFL Draft quarterback rankings, all eyes were on Trinidad Chambliss to see if he could continue climbing the list.
Although he couldn’t find a way to hold off Florida in the upset loss, Chambliss still produced. He completed 25-of-34 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns while adding 44 rushing yards and two more scores.
With the way the Florida defense played, it would have taken a herculean effort for Chambliss to lead Ole Miss to victory. He did his part, but the loss gives us another important piece of his evaluation as the QB race continues to take shape.
Darian Mensah keeps making his QB1 case
Well, that is if there wasn’t a Darian Mensah.
In a 52-3 blowout win over Central Michigan, the Miami Hurricanes quarterback continued his hot start to the season. He completed 23-of-27 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns while adding 21 rushing yards and another score.
Quick strike for six more 👏
📺: The CW pic.twitter.com/7Hp7RTwD9s
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 26, 2026
As has been the case the last few weeks, the level of competition hasn’t been top-notch, but Mensah looks fantastic in the pocket and almost unstoppable at times leading the Miami offense.
The tests and challenges will come. How Mensah embraces those challenges could determine whether he separates himself as one of the true alpha quarterbacks in this draft class.
All thoughts are with Dante Moore after scary hit
The big matchup between No. 20 Oregon and No. 12 USC was shaping up to be a showdown between quarterbacks Dante Moore and Jayden Maiava. It was an especially important game for Moore, as scouts and critics wanted to see how he performed on a big stage.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Moore started the game 8-of-11 for 94 yards and a touchdown before unfortunately taking a scary hit from USC linebacker Desman Stephens II while sliding on a scramble.
The second-quarter hit led to Stephens being ejected for targeting and Moore being taken from the field in an ambulance and transported to a nearby hospital.
Behind backup quarterback Dylan Raiola, Oregon went on to beat USC 41-27, but the final score became secondary to Moore’s health.
All eyes are now on Moore with hopes that the frightening hit doesn’t lead to any long-term health issues.
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