2026 NFL Draft prospects fans should look for in Texas A&M vs. Miami?

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The College Football Playoff is starting this weekend, and with it comes four high-powered matchups with eight of the best teams in the amateur landscape of football. Four teams received byes and get to enjoy these eight teams beating themselves up, but for NFL fans, it means you get to see these players for potentially the last time before they head to the NFL Draft.

With that in mind, we wanted to highlight some players that fans should be watching in the Oklahoma vs. Alabama matchup.

The game is a rematch, the third of which we are seeing this weekend, between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Miami Hurricanes. Both teams have loaded defenses, with the Hurricanes having a quarterback who has a lot to prove and gain from an impressive performance. With all of that in mind, this could be the most entertaining matchup in the opening round of the playoff.

With that in mind, here are three prospects from each team we will be watching this weekend.

Texas A&M Prospects

KC Concepcion, Wide Receiver

The Paul Hornung Award winner comes into the College Football Playoff as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the game. Every time he touches the ball, he has a chance to score, especially on special teams. Watch Concepcion as they try to get the ball in his hands in the slot or across the middle and let his explosiveness do the rest.

Dametrious Crownover, Offensive Tackle

Crownover recently accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl in January, and he has a chance to really improve his stock in front of every NFL team in that setting. However, he can do it starting this weekend if he can contain Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor to kick off the playoffs. Crownover has the size and physical style desperately needed in the 2026 NFL Draft class at the tackle position, so keep an eye on him.

Cashius Howell, Edge Rusher

Cashius Howell has some questions in terms of size, but do not let that stop you from wanting him on your team in 2026. He explodes off the ball, pursues ball carriers and quarterbacks well with his big motor, and he is the biggest game-changer for Texas A&M's defense. If Carson Beck has a bad game, it is because the Hurricanes' offensive line could not contain Howell.

Miami Prospects

Carson Beck, Quarterback

Carson Beck has gone from being the phoenix that rose from the ashes at the beginning of the season to crashing and burning all over again. He is very much not going to be a top-end quarterback prospect, but so many players returning to school have opened the door for him. Beck needs to have a big game against the Aggies, and he can, but he will need to keep turnovers down and not force the ball beyond what they give him.

Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle

Francis Mauigo is tossed around as a potential guard after playing tackle in his college career. Either way, he is one of the best offensive linemen in the class and could be a first-round pick in April's draft as a result. Mauigoa will be tested one last time by this talented Aggies' defense, and it could be a showcase game for him.

Akheem Mesidor, Edge Rusher

Mesidor is an elder statesman of the college football landscape, but that doesn't mean his impact on the Hurricanes' defense is fizzling out anytime soon. He does really well working in a complementary fashion with Rueben Bain Jr., and it allows him to avoid double teams, which frees him up to create chaos if the Aggies contain Bain Jr., Mesidor will be the bull creating chaos in the backfield.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Draft prospects fans should look for in Texas A&M vs. Miami?

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