In the first round of the College Football Playoff, there were many standout draft prospects who had great performances. Here are four prospects from round one of the playoffs who became big NFL Draft risers with standout performances.
Top NFL Draft Risers of the College Football Playoff First Round
QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss helped lead Ole Miss to a 41-10 playoff victory over No. 11 Tulane. Chambliss made a big impact as a dual-threat quarterback in the game. He recorded 318 total yards and three total touchdowns with no turnovers. Chambliss was in complete control of the game, finishing the day with a 79.3% completion percentage and a 93.3 QBR. He has been a breakout star this season after transferring from Ferris State, and ranks in the top 5 for total QBR this season with an 86.4 QBR. If Chambliss ends up entering the 2026 NFL Draft, he could go early on Day 3 of the draft.
Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
Rueben Bain Jr. has been one of the top NFL defensive prospects in college football all season, and with a strong College Football Playoff performance, he further increased his chances of being a top 10 pick in the draft. Bain made his presence felt the entire game, leading the way in a defensive battle with three total sacks and a blocked field goal in the game. Bain now has 7.5 sacks on the season. He also ranks as the fourth-highest rated edge rusher in the country according to PFF with a 92.6 defense grade. Bain has a chance to be the first defensive player selected in the draft and is currently projected to be a top 10 pick.
LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
Bryce Boettcher led his team in tackles with nine total tackles, helping Oregon advance to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff with a win over James Madison. He also recorded a 0.5 tackle for loss and one pass deflection in the game. Boettcher is a smart and experienced linebacker who excels as a run defender. He is also a star baseball player who was selected by the Houston Astros in the 2024 MLB Draft. However, if he chooses to go to the NFL, he is projected to be a fifth or sixth-round draft pick.
Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
DB Keionte Scott, Miami (FL)
Keionte Scott has greatly improved his draft stock this year with stellar play throughout the season. This week was Scott’s first game played since Nov. 15. However, in his first game back from injury he quickly returned to a high level of play. Against Texas A&M, he had a team-leading ten total tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks in the game. Scott was all over the field making impact plays for the Hurricanes. He has an elite 90.5 overall PFF defense grade on the season, and a good chance to be a top-100 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Main Photo: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images