Top Fifth-Year MAC 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 Mid-American Conference (MAC), highlighting talented players deserving of All-Star consideration. Check out the list below.

1. Michael Molnar, LB, Ohio
Molnar has earned MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice this season. He has shown strong instincts, tackling ability and a consistent ability to impact the game in the backfield. Through eight games, Molnar has recorded 71 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. His production and physical style make him a key piece of Ohio’s defense and a reliable leader in the front seven.

2. Jalen Buckley, RB, Western Michigan
Buckley has been one of the MAC’s most productive running backs over the past four seasons, totaling 3,350 career rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. A powerful, physical runner with good vision, speed, burst, and contact balance, he remains the centerpiece of Western Michigan’s offense in 2026. He showcases the ability to run between the tackles, break tackles, and create explosive plays. Buckley brings an impressive combination of size, power, and speed.

3. Timmy Hinspeter, LB, Massachusetts
UMass opened the season with an impressive upset over Rutgers, with Hinspeter serving as a game captain against his former team. He has established himself as a versatile, physical presence at linebacker, showcasing his ability to defend the run, contribute in pass coverage, and make plays in multiple areas of the field. His all-around skill set and leadership have made him an important piece of the Minutemen defense.

4. Jordan Gant, RB, Akron
Gant is a powerful, productive running back who has emerged as a cornerstone of Akron’s offense. Through eight games in 2026, he has rushed for 618 yards and six touchdowns, including a season-best 162-yard, two-touchdown performance against Kent State. In 2025, he earned Second-Team All-MAC honors after rushing for 1,032 yards and six touchdowns. Previously a Freshman All-American at Tennessee State, Gant has established himself as a proven, consistent back with excellent vision and downhill running ability.

5. Tyler Martin, LB, Massachusetts
Martin is an experienced, physical linebacker who has become a key cog in the middle of the Massachusetts defense. A multi-sport athlete at Buckingham Browne & Nichols High School in Massachusetts, Martin brings athleticism, versatility and competitive toughness. A 2026 Preseason First Team All-MAC selection and East-West Shrine Bowl Watch List honoree, he has established himself as a reliable defensive presence with good size, instincts, leadership and tackling ability.

6. Rocco Nicholl, OLB, Kent State
Nicholl possesses the physical tools to impact the defense at multiple positions. Standing 6-foot-5 with 33½-inch arms, he offers an impressive combination of length, strength and positional flexibility. A veteran who returned to Kent State after spending a season at South Florida, Nicholl brings valuable experience and leadership to the locker room. He is a physical, active defender who can attack downhill and disrupt opposing offenses as both a run defender and pass rusher.

7. Nate Levicki, TE/FB, Western Michigan
Levicki is an athletic, versatile tight end who has quickly established himself at Western Michigan following a standout career at Presbyterian. A 2025 unanimous First Team All-Pioneer League selection and Second Team FCS All-American, he finished his final season with 34 receptions for 471 yards and six touchdowns. A high school lacrosse All-American, Levicki continued the sport at Mount St. Mary’s University before returning to football. He brings excellent hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and toughness to the position. At Western Michigan, he contributes as a receiver, blocker, and special teams player, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

8. Chris Hood, OT, Ball State
Hood is an experienced offensive tackle at Ball State, entering his third season as a starter at left tackle. Standing an imposing 6-foot-10 and 330 pounds, he possesses rare size, length, and physical presence. A former high school basketball standout, Hood brings athletic coordination and body control to his position. His veteran leadership along with his elite measurables gives Hood considerable upside as an NFL prospect.

9. Tyler Gillison, EDGE, Ohio
Gillison is an experienced, versatile edge defender who has made an impact at Ohio after transferring from Michigan State and Cincinnati. A former Pickerington Central standout, Gillison has shown the ability to disrupt opposing offenses, defend the run and make plays behind the line of scrimmage using his athleticism, motor and ability to win with both speed off the edge.

10. Eric Smith, OT, Miami (OH)
Smith is in his second year as Miami (OH)’s full-time starting left tackle in 2026. A three-time state champion at Fairmont Senior High School in West Virginia, the 6’6″, 306-pound lineman brings impressive size, leadership and experience while anchoring the RedHawks’ offensive line.

11. Blayne Myrick, LB, Miami (OH)
Myrick is a physical, versatile linebacker who combines above-average size with exceptional speed and athleticism. A two-time All-Sun Belt selection at South Alabama, he brings proven production, valuable experience and a reputation as a tough competitor to the Redhawk defense. His ability to cover ground, make plays in space and contribute on special teams further highlights his well-rounded skill set.

12. Isaiah Reed, CB, Massachusetts
Reed is an intriguing cornerback prospect at UMass who brings valuable experience from Brown and UCF. A former First Team All-Ivy selection, Reed established himself as a productive defensive back at Brown, recording seven interceptions and 27 pass breakups over 34 career games. He possesses impressive speed, explosiveness and fluid hips, allowing him to transition smoothly and maintain tight coverage. Reed’s movement skills make him particularly effective in man coverage, while his proven ball production and athleticism give him an appealing profile for NFL scouts.

13. Joshua Nobles, DE, Massachusetts
Nobles is a versatile defensive lineman at Massachusetts whose 6-foot-4, 270-pound frame allows him to line up across the defensive front. After spending three seasons at Western Michigan, he transferred to Jackson State, where he emerged as a standout pass rusher, earning First-Team All-SWAC honors in 2024 after recording 10 sacks. Following a season-ending injury that sidelined him in 2025, Nobles returned to UMass in 2026, bringing proven pass-rush ability and valuable experience to the defense.

14. Chance Morrow, WR, Buffalo
Morrow offers an impressive physical presence at wide receiver for Buffalo. Listed at 6-foot-4 on Buffalo’s official roster, Morrow’s size and length give him an advantage as a pass catcher. His impressive frame and wingspan create a large target for the quarterback, allowing him to extend his catch radius, win contested balls, and present a favorable matchup against opposing defensive backs.

15. Reece Adkins, TE, Massachusetts
Adkins is a massive in-line tight end for UMass, measuring 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds. A physical blocker, he uses his size and strength to impact the point of attack in both the run game and pass protection. Adkins was named a 2025-26 Michael Boland Inspirational Award recipient, recognizing his toughness, determination, integrity and commitment to UMass football.

Honorable Mention:
Bryce Llewellyn, S, Eastern Michigan
Jarvarius Sims, CB, Western Michigan
Amariyun Knighten, CB, Miami (OH)
Quentavius Scandrett, S, Ball State
Langston Lewis, WR, Central Michigan
Grant Lyons, DE, Miami (OH)