2026 NFL Draft: Small-school prospects who will make a big impact

Allen was the DII Player of the Year with a gaudy 2,409 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in only 12 games. He faces a big jump to the pros, but the production makes him an intriguing prospect.

Barnett has plenty of size at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, and he was a key part of Wyoming’s lineup for four seasons. He has a chance to tag on as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.

Demmings earned a Senior Bowl invite after a strong college career. He capped off his career with four interceptions last season and offers a lot of length with the potential to be a middle-round pick.

Fuller earned an invite to the NFL Combine after finishing first-team All-MAC last season. He has the physical traits to succeed at the next level, standing at 6-foot-1 with good speed.

Heidenreich is an intriguing prospect due to his versatility. He’s capable of playing running back, wideout, or on special teams, and was a key cog in Navy’s offense last season with over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns.

Gyllenborg didn’t produce eye-popping numbers in college, but a strong Senior Bowl showing could move him up draft boards. He finished his college career with 80 catches for 1,023 and seven touchdowns in four seasons at Wyoming.

Heldman has garnered attention after a breakout senior season at Central Michigan. He capped off his career with 10.5 sacks and could sneak in as a late-round pick.

Henry lacks size but was highly productive in three seasons at UTSA. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry last season and has also shown up as a pass catcher.

Hurst proved difficult to cover over the last two seasons at Georgia State, with a combined 15 touchdowns. He has the potential to be a serious deep threat at 6-foot-3.

James-Newby created some buzz after transferring from Idaho last year, with nine sacks and two forced fumbles. He’s somewhat undersized but has made up for it with his production.

Johnson earned a Senior Bowl invite after an outstanding 2025 season, with four interceptions and two scores. The Aztecs star could capitalize on his momentum to become a late-round pick.

The younger brother of former first-round quarterback Trey Lance, Bryce, capped off his college career with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He was a notable deep threat, averaging more than 21 yards per reception last season.

Lemieux has displayed versatility across the offensive line but is likely to settle at interior lineman due to his lack of size. He has a chance to build his stock at the Senior Bowl.

McNeil-Warren is a tall, very productive safety who has posted solid numbers over the last three seasons at Toledo. He capped off his career with 77 tackles, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles last season.

Montgomery earned an invite to the Senior Bowl, and profiles as a slot receiver at sub-six feet. He had more than 1,500 yards receiving last season for John Carroll.

Owens stepped up big for Florida International last season, with 1,334 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He shows potential as an early-down back and late-round pick.

Payton is a versatile signal caller who has rushed for nearly 2,000 yards over five seasons at North Dakota State. He showed off very good passing accuracy last season and should receive an invite from NFL teams.

An LSU transfer, Sampson finally found the field at Louisiana last season and finished with 537 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. At 6-foot-4, his deep ability should attract attention.

Proctor has plenty of size and finished his college career with 16 sacks. He shows upside as an interior pass rusher.

Murdock was a tackling machine over the last two seasons at Buffalo, with 156 tackles in 2024 and 142 tackles last season. He could hear his name called on Day 3 of the draft.

Smith is slightly undersized at 5-foot-10, but showed good production over the last two seasons at Toledo. During that time, he totaled 24 passes defensed and three interceptions.

Tucker’s breakout 2025 season as one of the country’s top pass rushers has certainly helped his NFL prospects. He finished last year with 14.5 sacks after transferring from Houston.

Voisin is older than much of the competition after first arriving at South Alabama in 2019, but shouldn’t be overlooked. He profiles as a slot receiver, and leaped forward last season with 67 catches for 776 yards and four touchdowns.

Walthall was highly productive over the last two seasons at Incarnate Word after transferring from Hawaii. Over two seasons, he scored 22 touchdowns and was a major threat on the outside.

A transfer from Eastern Washington, Wortham made a difference with the ball in his hands last season. He had over 1,200 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns, and also added seven touchdowns on the ground. Wortham’s NFL future could come as a kick returner.