Top Fifth-Year Conference USA Draft Prospects

With All-Star invite season upon us, I want to spotlight players from G6 schools who don’t always get the attention they deserve. This list features fifth-year+ seniors whose eligibility is expected to expire after this season. If your favorite player isn’t listed, there’s a good chance he has another year of eligibility remaining. Some players may still have opportunities to extend their careers elsewhere under evolving NCAA eligibility rules.

This article focuses on Conference USA, highlighting talented players deserving of All-Star consideration. Check out the list below.

1. Caleb Nix, S, Jacksonville State
Nix is an explosive, versatile safety at Jacksonville State who has established himself as one of Conference USA’s top playmakers. A 2025 First-Team All-Conference USA selection, Nix recorded four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. His exceptional ball skills, instincts and ability to create turnovers make him a difference-maker defensively. He also provides tremendous special teams value, highlighted by a 75-yard punt return touchdown against Georgia Southern, earning CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

2. Jaylen Lewis, S, Western Kentucky
Lewis is an explosive, physical safety at Western Kentucky with legitimate NFL athleticism. A 2026 Bruce Feldman Freaks List selection, Lewis recorded a 41-inch vertical, 1.53-second 10-yard split and 22.9 mph GPS speed. He posted 74 tackles and three interceptions in 2025 before leading WKU in tackles again in 2026. Lewis combines outstanding range, pursuit speed, versatility and downhill physicality. His consistent production and elite athletic traits make him an intriguing 2027 NFL prospect.

3. Isaiah Myers, WR, Missouri State
Myers is an explosive 6-foot-4 wide receiver at Missouri State who has established himself as one of Conference USA’s top receiving threats. A former First Team JUCO All-American at Independence Community College, Myers combines an impressive catch radius, contested-catch ability, quick lateral cuts, and precise route running. Leading Conference USA in receiving yards and touchdowns, his playmaking ability and physical tools highlight his potential as an outside receiver.

4. Baron Hopson, LB, Kennesaw State
Hopson is an instinctive, high-motor linebacker at Kennesaw State, earning 2025 Conference USA Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Conference honors after recording a program-record 138 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble. A defensive centerpiece, he combines exceptional play recognition and pursuit ability with physicality and consistent tackling production. His instincts, leadership and relentless effort make him an impactful defensive presence and difference-maker.

5. James Jones, RB, New Mexico State
Jones is an explosive running back who leads Conference USA with 889 rushing yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Against Western Kentucky, he rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in a 34–13 win, earning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honors and becoming the first Aggie to record back-to-back 100-yard rushing games since 2019. His elusiveness, contact balance, and big-play ability make him an intriguing prospect.

6. Tre’Quon Fegans, CB, Jacksonville State
Fegans entered the season as one of the premier defensive prospects in Conference USA and nationally, earning Senior Bowl Top 300 recognition and multiple preseason accolades. A former four-star recruit out of Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, Fegans possesses ideal size, length and coverage ability. He’s a proven playmaker and leader in Jacksonville State’s secondary with intriguing NFL potential.

7. Mustafa Kanneh, OG, Delaware
Kanneh (formerly Mustafa Feika) is a physical, experienced offensive guard with a proven track record. A two-time All-G-MAC selection at Tiffin, he anchored an offensive line that consistently ranked among the conference’s best. After an impressive spring at Delaware, he earned a significant role at left guard. Kanneh brings strong grip and core strength, balance, intensity, and an aggressive playing style, impressing many scouts.

8. Gabe Peterson, EDGE, New Mexico State
Peterson ranks among Conference USA’s top edge defenders, combining physicality, versatility and an established ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Comfortable playing multiple positions, he offers consistent pass-rush production while contributing against the run and on special teams. A dependable playmaker with a relentless motor, Peterson brings valuable experience and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

9. Ugonna Nwoha, EDGE, Kennesaw State
Nwoha is an athletic EDGE prospect who developed from a walk-on into a respected leader at Kennesaw State. Possesses good flexibility and the ability to disrupt the backfield, highlighted by increased sack production in 2026, establishing himself as one of Conference USA’s most productive edge rushers. His athleticism, versatility, leadership, and upward trajectory make him an intriguing prospect with significant potential.

10. Nick Session, S, New Mexico State
Session is an experienced, hard-hitting safety who brings physicality, strong instincts and playmaking ability to New Mexico State. He opened the Mercyhurst game with a 26-yard pick-six, earning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week honors. A 2026 team captain, he is a respected leader whose impact extends beyond the field, earning a spot on the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List and an AFCA Good Works Team nomination.

11. Makai Jackson, WR, Liberty
Jackson is an explosive playmaker in the Liberty Flames offense, bringing big-play potential to the receiving corps. He consistently stretches defenses vertically, creates separation downfield, and excels at turning receptions into significant gains after the catch. His 149-yard, two-touchdown performance against Coastal Carolina showcased his game-breaking speed and deep-threat capability.

12. TK King, WR/RS, New Mexico State
King is an explosive wide receiver and return specialist boasting blazing speed, backed by a record-setting track & field career at Alief Taylor HS. A proven big-play threat, King combines vertical receiving ability, reliable hands and open-field playmaking. His 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in 2024 showcased his potential to score on any given play.

13. Steven Demboski, OC, Delaware
Demboski is an intelligent center who has developed into a cornerstone of Delaware’s offensive line. A two-time team captain, he is trusted to make protection calls and direct the offensive front. Known for his toughness, poise and football IQ, Demboski earned Second Team All-CUSA honors in 2025 while allowing no sacks. His pass-protection ability, leadership and commitment off the field reflect the consistency and character he brings to the position.

14. Jared Lloyd, LB, Missouri State
Lloyd is a physically imposing, instinctive linebacker with an above-average frame (6-foot-3, 240 pounds). He consistently finds the football, keeps his shoulders square, navigates traffic and demonstrates the ability to shed blocks. A productive tackler and vocal leader, Lloyd is defined by his toughness, physicality and football intelligence. An established defensive presence at Missouri State, he warrants evaluation as a professional prospect.

15. Ishmel Atkins, CB, Sam Houston State
Atkins is an intriguing prospect at Sam Houston State with rare size at nearly 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, combining length, physicality and versatility. A former safety at Elon, he transitioned to cornerback in 2025, earning Second-Team All-CAA honors. His three interceptions, nine pass breakups and ability to disrupt passing lanes highlight his playmaking instincts and considerable upside at the next level.

Honorable Mention:
Noah Matthews, EDGE, Delaware
Jason Hardy, CB, Middle Tennessee State
Tony Newsome Jr., CB, Western Kentucky
Antonio Martin, RB, Middle Tennessee State
De’Marcus Peters, CB, New Mexico State
CC Ezirim, TE, Western Kentucky
Jo Silver, RB, Delaware