The 2025 college football season is winding down, with the College Football Playoff right around the corner. While some players are preparing for a run at the national championship, others are focusing on their NFL futures. Most of the top prospects in 2026 come from the Power Four conferences, but not all of them. Every year, there are Group of Five prospects that fly under the radar during the draft process. Players like Josh Allen, Davante Adams, and Ashton Jeanty all hailed from mid-major programs before turning pro. Smaller college football programs may not be factories for NFL talent, but they do produce some diamonds in the rough. So that begs the question: Who are the top Group of Five prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft?
2026 NFL Draft: Top Group of Five Prospects
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren – S Toledo
Caleb Downs is the clear-cut top safety in this upcoming draft class and is a generational prospect. After Downs, the second-best safety in the class is up in the air. Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has made a case after a remarkable 2025 campaign. He had 73 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles as a senior. McNeil-Warren earned AP Third-Team All-American honors in 2025. He’s shown an ability to create splash plays, and there’s a good chance he’s the first mid-major prospect selected. McNeil-Warren is projected as a second-round pick but could be taken late in the first round.
Chris Johnson – CB San Diego State
Sticking with defensive backs, Chris Johnson is another prime candidate to be the best Group of Five prospect in this class. His ball skills are evident, having four interceptions and two pick-sixes for the Aztecs this season. He is a versatile playmaker with strong instincts. Johnson was named an AP Second-Team All-American his senior year and has ascended draft boards. Like McNeil-Warren, he currently projects as a second-rounder but has a chance to be taken on day one.
Skyler Bell – WR UConn
UConn is technically an independent, but it’s a smaller FBS program like the Group of Five. This draft class is deep at wide receiver, with several promising prospects at the position. Skyler Bell was every bit as productive as any receiver in the nation. He racked up 101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns en route to being an AP First-Team All-American. Bell can be a value pick for a team looking to add depth to its wide receiver room. He should be a mid-round selection, ranging from a third to a fifth-round selection.
Red Murdock – LB Buffalo
When it comes to production, Murdock is one of the most proven prospects in this class. He broke the FBS record for career forced fumbles with 17 this season, surpassing Buffalo alum Khalil Mack. Murdock had 142 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks in 12 games this season. He brings value as a run defender as a late-round selection. Murdock is an excellent choice for a team looking to address linebacker on day three.
Kage Casey – OT Boise State
Casey has already declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after four seasons with the Broncos. He was named First-Team All-Mountain West each of the past two seasons and was the 15th-ranked tackle in the country according to PFF. Casey projects as a day-three pick and can provide depth at a premium position.
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