5 Players who can Improve their Draft Stock at their New School

The 2025 college football season is just a couple of months away, and we’ve already seen over a thousand players transfer to new schools in preparation. As scouts and fans turn their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft, many will be keeping a close eye on players who’ve made moves in hopes of boosting their draft stock. I put together a list of five players who, in my opinion, have a great chance to elevate their draft profile at their new schools—just a few names that immediately came to mind.

Carson Beck-QB-Miami (FL)–Transferred from Georgia

There were many people at this time last year that were pegging Carson Beck as QB1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Beck plummeted his draft stock last season with inconsistent play and a bad habit of costly turnovers. Transferring to Miami where OC Shannon Dawson helped develop Cam Ward into the No. 1 pick in the most recent draft, Beck has a real opportunity to build back his draft stock if he can cut down on the turnovers. When in rhythm, he has the arm talent to make every throw and ability to layer passes to all areas of the field.

Makhi Hughes-RB-Oregon–Transferred from Tulane

Oregon’s last two starting running backs, Bucky Irving and Jordan James, have gotten drafted by NFL teams in the past two seasons. OC Will Stein knows how to build a running game, and sliding in one of the more underrated running backs to step in will help Oregon continue offensive success. Hughes is a physical runner who can handle a heavy workload, and likes to deliver contact when running the ball.

Max Klare-TE-Ohio State–Transferred from Purdue

There isn’t a lot of tight end hype for the 2026 NFL Draft, as of right now. Not many people were familiar with Purdue football last season, as they went 1-11. However, they had a tight end who broke out in Max Klare. Klare had 51 receptions for 685 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns on a staggant Boilermaker offense. Now going to Ohio State where they are known for the offense, expect Klare to start getting some looks as TE1 in this upcoming draft class.

Patrick Payton-EDGE-LSU–Transferred from LSU

When Florida State went 13-0 and barely missed the playoff back in 2023, the pass rush was one of the strengths of the team. Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Joshua Farmer made up a ferocious defensive line and the fourth member of that defensive line is still in college football. Patrick Payton totaled 7 sacks in 2023 but didn’t have the same impact he had in 2024 (granted everyone on that Florida State team didn’t). Still, he is an athletic pass rusher with quick get off speed and ability to drop into coverage. LSU needs to replace its top two edge rushers so hopefully a new change of scene can help build back up Payton’s stock.

Tacario Davis-CB-Washington–Transferred from Arizona

Tacario Davis had a great 2023 season for the Wildcats, having 15 pass break ups and gathering second team All-Pac 12 honors. Earning second team All-Big 12 honors last season, Tacario decided to bypass the draft and transferred to Washington, reuniting him with Jedd Fisch and his position coach (John Richardson). Tacario has good size and speed for the position, and can ascend himself to top of draft boards discussions if he has a third straight strong season in college football.