As the 2026 college football season kicks off, scouts and analysts are closely monitoring emerging talent ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft. The upcoming Notre Dame versus Wisconsin matchup presents an excellent opportunity to evaluate several prospects who could significantly impact next April’s draft proceedings. Early evaluations suggest this year’s draft class could rank among the strongest in recent years, with particular depth at quarterback and secondary positions.
Notre Dame’s quarterback CJ Carr headlines the Notre Dame roster as a player some project to be selected within the top five. Against Wisconsin’s defense, Carr will have the chance to demonstrate his complete skill set, including decision-making ability and passing accuracy. Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish secondary features two standout cornerbacks: Leonard Moore, who many consider a potential top prospect overall, and DJ McKinney, a Colorado transfer known for excellent ball tracking and man-to-man coverage capabilities. Both defenders are expected to see significant opportunities during the contest.
On the safety side, Notre Dame’s Tae Johnson has garnered first-round consideration from multiple draft evaluators due to his versatility in coverage and run support abilities. For Wisconsin, running back Abu Sama III, who transferred from Iowa State, represents the primary draft-eligible prospect worth monitoring. Despite likely facing limited offensive opportunities, Sama retains the potential to create explosive plays with his available touches.
