Week 9 in the college football calendar presents an incredibly appetizing slate of matchups. There are various must-watch contests on the schedule, including Ole Miss-Oklahoma, Missouri-Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M-LSU. With NFL scouts in attendance around the nation, this will be an intriguing weekend in the 2026 NFL Draft process.
Our Draft Network 100 rankings received a timely update last week. Several prospects possess opportunities for "resume games" against legitimate opposition in Week 9. With an eye pointed toward the action, we've identified five prospects who can raise their draft stock this weekend.
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Texas A&M has climbed to No. 3 in the AP Top 25. They are slight favorites over LSU this weekend. A big-time performance from EDGE Cashius Howell could help the Aggies claim victory while maintaining their current position in the poll.
The athletic Howell has registered five sacks in Texas A&M's previous three games, including a three-sack showing versus Mississippi State. It was his second three-sack showing of the season. Howell pairs first-step quickness with smooth movements in space. He'll attempt to harass Garrett Nussmeier on Saturday.
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss made our Draft Network 100 prospect rankings update, clocking in at QB9 (No. 87 overall). The Rebels are underdogs versus John Mateer and Oklahoma on Saturday, so Chambliss is tasked with rising to the occasion.
Chambliss has thrown for eight touchdowns and one interception. A dual-threat athlete, he's added 323 rushing yards and five additional scores to his offensive totals. A showdown with Oklahoma is the definition of a "resume game" for Chambliss' pre-draft stock.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston has prototypical boundary X-receiver traits. He's fluid for a wideout of his size and stature, but physical dominance on the boundary is his calling card. Body control and ball skills are routinely on display.
Boston recorded 71 receiving yards against Michigan last weekend. The big-bodied playmaker had 98 yards and two touchdowns in a recent victory over Rutgers. Illinois has struggled to defend the pass, allowing the fourth-most air yards (240.0) per game in the Big Ten.
Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
Baylor tight end Michael Trigg failed to make our Draft Network Top 100 update. Our in-house scouts may be sleeping on his ability. Trigg is arguably the best TE in this class not named Kenyon Sadiq. After lackluster stints at USC and Ole Miss, he’s breaking out at Baylor.
Trigg had his national spotlight game against Kansas State in Week 6, registering eight receptions for 155 yards, averaging 19.4 yards per catch. The Bears are underdogs versus No. 21 Cincinnati this weekend. The Bearcats feature an intriguing TE in their own right in Joe Royer.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, SAF, Toledo
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is among the better "small-school" prospects in this class. Scouts are enamored with his 6-foot-3 and 210-pound size. A premier athlete with sideline-to-sideline speed, Warren's football IQ is starting to match his traits.
The 4-3 Rockets have a tight-knit matchup versus Washington State. The Cougars are producing a respectable 220.7 passing yards per game. McNeil-Warren should possess opportunities to make plays on the ball.