The third week of the 2026 college football season brings a marquee SEC clash as Ole Miss travels to Baton Rouge to face LSU. While the national spotlight will be on this top‑ten showdown, several other contests across the country offer early NFL Draft implications for hopeful prospects.
Ole Miss at LSU
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss will test the LSU defense that features standout players such as defensive end Princewill Umanmielen, who has recorded five sacks in just two games, and safety Dashawn Spears. LSU’s offensive line, anchored by tackle Jordan Seaton, and tight end Trey’Dez Green are both projected as potential first‑round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. The Rebels also have running back Kewan Lacy, who has already tallied three touchdowns this season.
Legal disputes linger off the field. Ole Miss has filed a lawsuit against former players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper, alleging they transferred to LSU after signing new NIL agreements with Ole Miss. Meanwhile, LSU is engaged in ongoing litigation with the SEC over conference matters.
Big 12 Opener: Texas Tech vs. Houston
On Friday night, No. 13 Texas Tech hosts No. 22 Houston in the Big 12’s conference opener. Texas Tech comes off a tighter‑than‑expected 35‑24 win over Oregon State, while Houston posted a dominant 77‑6 victory over Southern and a 33‑20 win over Oregon State in Week 1.
Watch Houston running back Makhi Hughes, an Oregon transfer who has amassed 142 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season, as he faces a Texas Tech defense led by senior linebackers Ben Roberts, Austin Romaine and John Curry, who have combined for 37 tackles over two games.
SEC Action: Arkansas at Georgia
Saturday’s SEC slate opens with Arkansas traveling to Fayetteville to meet Georgia. The Bulldogs enter the game 2‑0 after decisive wins over Tennessee State and Western Kentucky, outscoring those opponents 133‑23.
Key players to watch include Georgia center Drew Bobo, a fifth‑year senior and son of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, who allowed only six pressures last season. Left tackle Earnest Greene III provides a strong presence in both pass protection and the run game. Arkansas will rely on pass rusher Quincy Rhodes Jr., who nearly entered the 2026 NFL Draft after posting 15.5 tackles for loss and 20 pressures last season, and defensive tackle David Oke, a transfer from Abilene Christian making his SEC debut.
ACC Highlight: Florida State vs. Alabama
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell, who entered the season on the hot seat, faces Alabama in a game that could affect his job security. The Seminoles suffered a 27‑24 loss to SMU after a power failure delayed the game at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Prospects to watch include Florida State wide receiver Duce Robinson, a 6‑6, 230‑pound athlete with a baseball background, and Alabama cornerback Zabien Brown, a true freshman from Nick Saban’s final recruiting class who returned two interceptions for touchdowns last season.
Other Notable Prospects
- LSU offensive tackle Jordan Seaton – potential first‑round pick.
- Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles – early‑round candidate.
- Houston’s Makhi Hughes – 142 rushing yards, two touchdowns.
- Georgia left tackle Earnest Greene III – strong run blocker.
- Arkansas defensive end Quincy Rhodes Jr. – 15.5 TFL last season.
Fans should mark their calendars for the following broadcast times: Friday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX; Saturday, September 19 at 12:00 p.m. ET on ABC (Arkansas at Georgia) and at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC (Florida State at Alabama); and the evening matchup at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
These Week 3 games provide a valuable early look at players who could rise on the 2027 NFL Draft boards. Whether you’re a fan of the SEC, Big 12 or ACC, the upcoming contests promise exciting action and plenty of talent to evaluate.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
