College Football Draft Prospects Rise and Fall After Week 3

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The 2025 college football season is three weeks in, and top prospects are already making their mark in the lead-up to the NFL Draft.

Notably, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has emerged as a leading candidate, throwing for 708 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception. His impressive performance has raised eyebrows among scouts as Indiana prepares to face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Miami‘s Carson Beck is trending upward, having amassed 812 passing yards and seven touchdowns through three games, showcasing a strong 89.9 QBR. Beck’s performance against USF was particularly notable, contributing to Miami’s improving draft stock.

On the other hand, Arch Manning‘s struggles continue to raise concerns. The Texas quarterback has completed just 55% of his passes with three interceptions, causing his No. 1 draft odds to slip from +850 to +1500 this week. Analysts are increasingly doubtful about his readiness for the NFL.

Also catching attention is LSU‘s Garrett Nussmeier, who has led his team to a 3-0 start, accruing 689 passing yards and three touchdowns. His connection to NFL potential is bolstered by his father, New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.

As the draft approaches, many scouts are keeping an eye on Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., who has made a significant impact with 1.5 sacks and several disruptive plays. His performance has solidified his first-round prospect status.

Evaluators are also watching Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and Indiana’s Mendoza closely as potential first-round picks. However, Klubnik’s performance has been inconsistent, raising red flags about his future drafts.

In the realm of wide receivers, Arizona State‘s top prospect continues to shine with four touchdowns this season, establishing himself as a primary weapon in the class.

As teams buckle down for conference play, the next few weeks will reveal crucial insights into the prospects vying for a spot in the draft.