Week 8 of college football gave us another reminder that a prospect’s performance does not always follow the final score. Indiana survived a defensive battle in Ann Arbor, Texas held off Ole Miss, and Wisconsin shut down USC. LSU also put together an impressive offensive afternoon at Auburn, while a receiver at Missouri State delivered one of the biggest performances of the season. Behind those results were several players worth revisiting as we continue evaluating prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Let’s begin in Ann Arbor, where Indiana escaped with a 13-6 overtime win. EDGE Tobi Osunsanmi finished with four tackles and two sacks, giving him consecutive two-sack performances after producing the same total against Ohio State. The Kansas State transfer is beginning to turn his athletic ability into consistent disruption, and doing it against consecutive Big Ten opponents makes the production more meaningful. His explosiveness gives offensive tackles something to account for immediately, but maintaining that effectiveness when opponents adjust their protection will be an important next step. Osunsanmi is giving evaluators reasons to move him up their watch lists, and he could put himself in the Day 2 conversation with a couple more strong performances.

Michigan defensive back Zeke Berry deserves attention despite the loss. Berry recorded six tackles, a pass breakup, and an interception that he returned 37 yards to set up Michigan’s first points. In a game where neither offense could find much rhythm, that takeaway gave the Wolverines a valuable opportunity. Berry’s work at the catch point was encouraging, particularly against an Indiana receiving group with legitimate talent. He has not always been the most aggressive at the catch point, but that is one area we have seen major improvement in this season.

In Austin, Texas’ 34-27 win over Ole Miss featured another productive outing from linebacker Rasheem Biles. His four tackles were only a small part of his contribution. Biles also recorded a tackle for loss, an interception, two pass breakups, and four pressures. His interception on fourth-and-goal late in the first half kept Ole Miss out of the end zone, and he contributed another breakup on the Rebels’ final possession. Coverage consistency has been a question in his evaluation, so this was particularly useful evidence of what he can offer on passing downs. Affecting the quarterback as both a blitzer and a coverage defender gives Biles a path toward a more complete and immediate NFL role. He is trending toward becoming a top-50 selection. Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald was just as important, leading the Longhorns with 12 tackles and adding an interception. A high tackle total does not automatically mean a defensive back played well, but McDonald contributed more than simply cleanup work. I want to see that production continue alongside improved footwork in coverage as we approach November.

Wisconsin’s 24-7 win over USC provided another pair of defensive performances worth discussing. Sebastian Cheeks finished with five tackles and 2.5 sacks, repeatedly putting the Trojans behind schedule. Cheeks needs to keep building on this production, but Saturday gave evaluators a useful example of his ability to finish pass-rush opportunities. His closing speed is rather impressive in pursuit. Defensive back Matt Jung had an impressive game in his own right, adding three pass breakups. For Jung, translating opportunities at the catch point into consistent disruption will be important as he works to establish his NFL value. His athletic testing will likely determine his draft ceiling.

At Auburn, LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt delivered one of his strongest performances of the season in a 38-17 win. Leavitt completed 32 of 45 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, adding 54 rushing yards and another score. After an uneven start to the season, consecutive games without an interception are an encouraging development. This does not erase the earlier concerns about his decision-making, but productive road performances are exactly what he needs to rebuild confidence in his evaluation. His mobility remains an asset, and Saturday showed how effective the offense can be when that is accompanied by efficient passing. He is a Day 2 prospect as we sit here today, but a strong finish could put him back in the first-round conversation.

Receiver Jackson Harris played a major role in that success, catching nine passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Harris caught four passes on LSU’s first touchdown drive, then turned a third-and-5 completion into a 70-yard touchdown later in the half. He is only junior and could certainly return to school in 2027, but this was a substantial performance against SEC competition and another reason to take his draft outlook seriously.

Lastly, Missouri State receiver Isaiah Myers deserves recognition for his Tuesday-night performance at Delaware. Myers caught 11 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears’ 61-38 loss, producing what I believe is the highest single-game receiving total to date in the FBS this season. His touchdowns came from 11 and six yards out, so the production included more than simply breaking loose on a couple of deep throws. Myers has been one of the country’s most productive receivers, and, while the level of competition will remain part of his evaluation, production like this should earn him a closer look as the draft approaches.

Those are a few of the prospects who stood out in Week 8. Which performances caught your eye? Let us know in the comment section below!