Unveiling the Hidden FCS Stars Poised to Shake Up the 2026 NFL Draft!
Ever wonder why the FCS gets labeled as a draft factory every spring, even though most of its players tiptoe into the NFL via undrafted free-agent signings and tryouts? Well, small school NFL Draft maestro Josh Buchanan peels back that myth, spotlighting the real gems ready to make noise—not just draftees, but every hopeful carving their path onto NFL rosters. North Dakota State, still a powerhouse, and a roster full of savvy wide receivers headline this year’s FCS prospects, even as the landscape shifts and star programs jump tiers. As we inch closer to Pittsburgh’s draft rendezvous, Buchanan’s updated rankings give us a fascinating glimpse into who’s got the juice and who might just surprise us. So, who’s on your radar? Let’s dive into the grit and grind of these rising stars before the buzz gets too loud. LEARN MORE.
Small school NFL Draft analyst Josh Buchanan ranks the top FCS football prospects prior to the Combine. North Dakota State and wide receivers lead the way.
They’re always labeled as NFL Draft prospects at this time of the year, but that can be a tad misleading.
Most FCS players are more NFL prospects, not necessarily draft prospects, ready and willing to take on any opportunity at the next level. Many will sign with a team after the draft or gain a tryout, and they help contribute to the nearly 200 FCS alums on NFL rosters annually.
The draft numbers have declined for the FCS this decade as player transfers to the upper-tier FBS have occurred more frequently. Plus, entire programs that often provided prospects keep moving up, and the depth will dwindle more than ever in 2027 after 10-time FCS national champion North Dakota State departs for the Mountain West Conference later this year.
This year, though, NDSU still leads the way for the many FCS NFL prospects.
Josh Buchanan, a leading small school draft analyst, has updated his FCS rankings prior to the NFL Combine, although the list will continue to evolve through pro days and up to the draft, which Pittsburgh will host from April 23-25.
Josh Buchanan’s FCS NFL Draft Prospects
Pre-NFL Combine
1. Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Position: Wide Receiver; Height: 6-3; Weight: 209; NFL Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round
Notable: All but one 7-yard catch in Trey Lance’s younger brother’s career (127 receptions, 2,157 yards, 25 touchdowns) occurred in the last two seasons.
2. Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Position: Quarterback; Height: 6-2½; Weight: 229; NFL Draft Projection: 4th-5th Round
Notable: The FCS’ 2025 leader in passing efficiency is a left-hander with good arm strength and elusive running skills. NDSU has had four quarterbacks selected in the last 10 drafts.
3. Charlie Demmings, Stephen F. Austin
Position: Cornerback; Height: 6-1; Weight: 190; NFL Draft Projection: 7th Round
Notable: Having logged 1,731 career snaps, according to PFF, Demmings had nine interceptions among his school-record 35 pass breakups.
4. Daniel Sobkowicz, Illinois State
Position: Wide Receiver; Height: 6-2; Weight: 205; NFL Draft Projection: 7th Round-PFA (Priority Free Agent)
Notable: Excellent route runner displayed year-to-year consistency while ranking first in Redbirds history in receptions (262) and TD catches (41) and second in receiving yards (3,559).
5. Michael Wortham Jr., Montana
Position: Wide Receiver/Returner; Height: 5-8; Weight: 182; NFL Draft Projection: 7th Round-PFA
Notable: Former junior college QB filled a slash role at Eastern Washington, then Montana. He set the Grizzlies’ single-season all-purpose yardage record (2,431) in his final season.
6. Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana
Position: Defensive Tackle; Height: 6-1½; Weight: 275; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
Notable: Quick burst off the snap led to Proctor finishing second among FCS interior D-linemen in 2025 with 13 tackles for loss. He had a three-TFL, two-sack performance against LSU.
7. Jalen Walthall, UIW
Position: Wide Receiver; Height: 6-1; Weight: 200; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
Notable: Outside receiver who can stretch the field, Walthall had nine 100-yard games and 22 TD catches in two seasons at UIW following a transfer from Hawaii.
8. Sam Hagen, South Dakota State
Position: Offensive Tackle; Height: 6-6; Weight: 327; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
Notable: Four-year starter in the MVFC (two seasons at North Dakota) impressed at the Hula Bowl after missing four games as a senior due to a knee injury.
9. Barika Kpeenu, North Dakota State
Position: Running Back; Height: 5-10; Weight: 213; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
Notable: Between-the-tackle ability led to Kpeenu tying for fourth in the FCS in rushing TDs (20) as a senior.
10. Jarod Washington, South Carolina State
Position: Cornerback; Height: 6-0; Weight: 186; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
Notable: Top-rated HBCU prospect led the FCS in passes defended (23) and pass breakups (21) in his final season.
11. Jalen Jones, William & Mary
Position: Cornerback; Height: 6-0; Weight: 195; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
12. Derek Robertson, Monmouth
Position: Quarterback; Height: 6-1½; Weight: 200; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
13. Max Tomczak, Youngstown State
Position: Wide Receiver; Height: 6-0; Weight: 195; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
14. Temi Ajirotutu, Villanova
Position: Offensive Guard; Height: 6-5; Weight: 310; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
15. Michael Otty, Bryant
Position: Defensive Tackle; Height: 5-11½; Weight: 281; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
16. Shadwel Nkuba II, Illinois State
Position: Cornerback; Height: 5-11; Weight: 190; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
17. Ike Ojukwu, East Texas A&M
Position: Offensive Guard; Height: 6-4; Weight: 309; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
18. Isiah King, Idaho
Position: Outside Linebacker; Height: 6-2; Weight: 215; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
19. Chris Mosley, North Carolina Central
Position: Running Back; Height: 5-11; Weight: 180; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
20. Michael Briscoe, Cal Poly
Position: Wide Receiver; Height: 6-1; Weight: 205; NFL Draft Projection: PFA
Top photo, from left, via NSDU, Illinois State and South Carolina State Athletics. For more FCS football coverage, follow on social media at X, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.
The post FCS Prospects to Know Heading Toward the 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on Opta Analyst.
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