Top Fifth-Year Mountain West 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 the Mountain West Conference, highlighting talented players deserving of All-Star consideration. Check out the list below.

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 the Mountain West Conference, highlighting talented players deserving of All-Star consideration. Check out the list below.

1. Darren Agu, EDGE, New Mexico
Hailing from the British Isles, Agu has emerged as one of New Mexico’s intriguing defensive playmakers. The 6-foot-6 edge defender earned a spot on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List for his rare blend of size, strength and explosiveness, highlighted by a 1.61-second 10-yard split. Agu shined against Hawaii, earning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors with seven tackles, a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. His length, motor and disruptive style give him considerable NFL upside.

2. Brian Booker, DT, New Mexico
Anchoring New Mexico’s defensive front, Booker is a rare combination of size, explosive power and athleticism. At 6-foot-3, 330 pounds, he pairs overwhelming strength with remarkably quick feet, allowing him to overpower blockers and wreak havoc in the backfield. A former Texas Southern transfer, Booker has emerged as a cornerstone of the Lobos’ defense, becoming the program’s first Outland Trophy Watch List candidate since 2020.

3. Nathan Hayes, QB, North Dakota State
Hayes has played a pivotal role in North Dakota State’s seamless transition to the FBS, bringing poise, leadership and versatility to the offense. An athletic, strong-armed quarterback, he combines downfield accuracy with the mobility to escape pressure, extend plays and create explosive opportunities. His arm talent and underrated running ability give him the flexibility to challenge defenses in multiple ways. A competitive, composed presence, Hayes has embraced the responsibility of leading the Bison while establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker.  

4. Darius Givance, S, North Dakota State
Givance stands out as a hard-hitting safety who pairs impressive size and strength with the speed and explosiveness to make plays all over the field. He brings strong run support, ball skills, and special-teams value. He showcased his athleticism against Sacramento State, earning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors with a 24-yard fumble recovery touchdown. His production and ability to impact the game in multiple ways give him a skill set that translates well to the next level.

5. Austin Brawley, S, New Mexico
Brawley has a natural knack for creating game-changing plays, combining sharp instincts with the athleticism to impact games in multiple phases. His playmaking ability was on full display with a 56-yard interception return for a touchdown against North Dakota State and a blocked-punt safety against UTEP. A 2026 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, Brawley combines natural ball skills, sharp anticipation, quick reactions, impressive range and open-field explosiveness, making him a dynamic defensive back prospect.

6. Trent Carrizosa, P, San Jose State
Carrizosa is an intriguing punter prospect with excellent size (6-foot-4, 235 pounds), impressive leg strength and the ability to flip field position. He consistently delivers powerful kicks with outstanding distance, solid hang time and precise placement. A two-time Ray Guy Award Ray’s Eight selection, recognizing him among the nation’s top eight punters on multiple occasions, Carrizosa combines impressive physical tools with the ability to pin opponents deep, giving him legitimate NFL potential.

7.  DeAree Rogers, WR/RS, Northern Illinois
A dynamic offensive weapon, Rogers combines quickness, acceleration and open-field elusiveness with proven special-teams ability. A former All-American return specialist at Lenoir-Rhyne, he has continued showcasing his playmaking ability since transferring to Northern Illinois, emerging as a productive slot receiver. He consistently creates yards after the catch, makes defenders miss and uses his athleticism to generate mismatches and impact the game in multiple phases.

8. Jack Foster, OT, Nevada
Foster is a lengthy, experienced offensive tackle at Nevada who combines an imposing 6-foot-6, 305-pound frame with versatility and proven leadership. After establishing himself at Idaho, he became a cornerstone of Nevada’s offensive line, earning the team’s top lineman award in 2025. A strong run blocker with experience at both tackle positions, Foster’s consistency and physical presence earned him preseason All-Mountain West honors and a spot on the 2026 Outland Trophy Watch List.

9. Ethan Stuhlsatz, LB, Wyoming
Stuhlsatz is an intriguing NFL linebacker prospect with a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism. A former All-State high school defensive back from Wichita, he began his college career at Butler Community College before earning All-Conference honors at Lindenwood. At Wyoming, he has developed into a defensive leader, wearing the green dot and directing the defense. His physicality, sideline-to-sideline range, and leadership make him an intriguing professional prospect.

10. Rex Johnsen, OT, Wyoming
A former standout heavyweight wrestler at Logan-Magnolia High School, Rex Johnsen brings an impressive foundation of balance, leverage and physicality to the offensive line. The Wyoming tackle possesses notable athletic ability and valuable position versatility, having started at both tackle spots and guard. He has demonstrated effectiveness as a run blocker while continuing to develop in pass protection. His athletic upside, positional flexibility and competitive toughness make him a prospect worth scouting.

11. Logan Larson, DT, North Dakota State
Larson is an experienced, physical defensive tackle at North Dakota State who was a pivotal player at East Ridge HS in Woodbury, MN, where he also played basketball. A respected team captain, he brings toughness, experience and interior pass-rush ability. His three pass breakups against New Mexico were particularly impressive, showcasing uncommon awareness and an ability to disrupt passing lanes and impact the passing game.

12. Kelton McCaslin, EDGE, North Dakota State
McCaslin is a physically imposing 6-foot-5, 250-pound athlete from St. Charles, Illinois, who has emerged as a disruptive pass rusher at North Dakota State, recording five sacks so far in 2026. He combines impressive short-area burst with solid balance, awareness and body control, making him an impactful presence along the Bison defensive front.

13. Zach Cochnauer, OL, Nevada
A former Central Arkansas transfer, Cochnauer brings impressive size, experience, and positional flexibility to Nevada’s offensive line. After establishing himself as the starting right tackle in 2025, he transitioned to left guard in 2026, continuing to provide stability up front. A strong run blocker with a physical presence and leadership qualities, Cochnauer’s ability to contribute at multiple positions makes him an intriguing professional prospect.

Honorable Mention:
Desman Hearns, DB, Wyoming
Ethan Powell, LB, San Jose State
Jake Pope, S, UNLV
Justin Stearns, EDGE, San Jose State
Keyan Burnett, TE, UNLV
Luke Weaver, QB, San Jose State
Chevy Trask, OT, Northern Illinois

**Disclaimer**: PFF lists some players as 2028 NFL Draft prospects; however, team player profiles indicate that certain players listed began their collegiate careers in Fall 2022, which would make them fifth-year players. Based on recent NCAA eligibility rulings, their eligibility is expected to expire prior to the 2028 NFL Draft.