2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch when Ohio State and Miami face-off

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The College Football Playoff is in full swing, and with it come high-powered matchups between the best teams in the amateur landscape of football. The teams that remain from the original 12 are the best in the country. What that means for NFL fans is that 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 fans should watch in the Cotton Bowl matchup between Miami (FL) and Ohio State.

The matchup itself is one that many fans were clamoring for when the bracket was announced for the playoffs. For Hurricane fans, they will be seeking revenge for the loss the Buckeyes handed them in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl to decide the BCS National Champion. For NFL fans as a whole, it allows for some prospects to put some final games on tape ahead of draft season.

With that in mind, here are three prospects from each Ohio State and Miami that we will be watching on New Year's Eve.

Miami Hurricanes Prospects to Watch

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge Rusher

The star attraction for the Miami defense made himself known in their opening round matchup with Texas A&M. He racked up a game-wrecking five tackles, four tackles for a loss, and three sacks. In the process, he helped the Hurricanes make it to the next round of the playoffs, but he also reminded the NFL what they get when he is drafted in April. I have stood firm on the player comparison for Bain being that of Aaron Donald as an undersized defensive lineman, he uses his speed and hand fighting to win reps against offensive linemen. He will have the Buckeyes' attention all game, as well as yours and the NFL's.

Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle

Francis Mauigoa has evaluators split on whether he will be a tackle or forced to move inside when he is drafted to the NFL. Regardless, he is one of the best offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft if he declares. Mauigoa demonstrates quick feet, strong hands at the point of attack, and balance to not be overwhelmed by defenders regardless of size. He will have his work cut out against a plethora of Buckeye talent coming off their front seven, but if he holds firm, it could make the difference for Miami.

Keionte Scott, Cornerback

After Bain, Keionte Scott had the most impressive showing for the Buckeyes in the opening round of the College Football Playoffs. The Hurricane nickel defender gave up seven catches on eight targets, but only surrendered 35 total yards. He showcases good closing speed, fluid movement skills, and instincts to be a day-one starter when he is drafted. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is prone to mistakes early on in games, and if Scott can help him make some, it can kickstart the Hurricanes' chances of advancing.

Ohio State Buckeyes Prospects to Watch

Kayden McDonald, Defensive Tackle

The Ohio State defense is loaded in its front seven, but no one makes the same impact that McPounder does for the Buckeyes. McDonald has been a dominant force in the middle of their defense while clogging running lanes and making opponents pick their poison in how they attack them. McDonald doesn't have the pass-rushing chops some may look for in their interior players, but he is a bona fide run stuffer and a fit for teams in round one because of it.

Sonny Styles, Linebacker

Everyone talks about Arvel Reese in the Ohio State linebacking group, but Styles is the forgotten star in their unit. His NFL bloodlines and athleticism have him utilizing his physical traits, while his processing shines when he drops back in coverage and looks like a safety with the range he displays. He is the ultimate difference maker in this defense and will be all over the field on New Year's Eve and in the NFL next year.

Caleb Downs, Safety

Downs is the crown jewel of the 2026 NFL Draft, and if he didn't play an undervalued position, he would be in consideration for being the top pick. Because he plays safety, that means someone will get a steal and an instant impact player. Downs roams all over the back of the Buckeye's defense, picking up scraps in the run game, breaking up deep balls, and even showcasing some pass rush in unique situations. He is the ultimate utility player for a defense and will start day one wherever he is drafted.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch when Ohio State and Miami play

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