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9 hours ago
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Life as a late-round quarterback prospect isn't easy. With so many draft-eligible passers jostling for positioning, the margins are incredibly thin. A bad week, drive, or pass could have downstream effects that cost players capital, cash, or the chance to make some more at the next level.
As a class of true, redshirt, and sixth-year seniors graduate into the professional ranks, it's nearly impossible to stack this crop of quarterbacks, particularly with the fog of war that comes with mid-draft uncertainty. That doesn't mean these quarterbacks aren't worth monitoring.
Let's take a look at some NFL hopefuls who helped themselves under center in Week 8.
Byrum Brown, South Florida
Brown is one of the pet projects of this 2026 class, a developmental project to monitor thanks to his promising physical tools. With a 230-pound frame and a penchant for making big plays on the ground, Brown is reminiscent of a collegiate Jalen Hurts. He does his best work on boundary streaks, boasting the requisite arm talent; he's also quite comfortable between the tackles as a runner.
What Brown has in physical tools he lacked in proof of concept and consistency, but he put his best foot forward early in the year. Knocking off Boise State and Florida got his season off on the right foot, but a dominant Miami Hurricanes squad proved troublesome.
In the weeks since, he's bounced back, stacking wins and quality performances against lesser competition. Against FAU in Week 8, Brown threw for 256 yards and three scores while running for another 111 yards and a score. There are games in which he's the best player on the field, and as his midseason hot streak continues, he's kept himself on NFL radars, even if staying in school is a more likely outcome.
Taylen Green, Arkansas
One of the more experienced passers in college football, Green is the Charmeleon to Brown's Charmander. A more seasoned version of USF's dynamo, Green has enough tools to get drafted and plays in a similar mold with his physical rushing prowess and flashes of arm strength.
Frankly, Green shows plenty of NFL-level traits, both physically and intangibly, but consistency has been an issue. This season, he's done a better job of keeping the offense on track and supplanting the passing offense with his legs when necessary.
MORE: How Drew Allar's injury impacts the 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class
In Week 8, Green led the Razorbacks into battle against the No. 4 Texas A&M Aggies and nearly came out with a massive upset, falling 45-42. Green threw for 256 yards and three scores on the day while adding 85 more yards on the ground. Against one of the toughest teams on the schedule, he met the moment.
There's a world in which Green is a viable backup at the next level. Handling adversity like he did on Saturday adds to that notion.
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
The Commodores' magical season continued over the weekend as they tallied another win against elite SEC competition. This time, the LSU Tigers fell victim to one of the season's most surprising stories.
In an act of incredible cliché, Pavia continues to prove that he's the heart and soul of Vanderbilt's football operation. He outproduced potential first-round quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, in large part by posting 86 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.
The road to the pros looks a lot like former Penn State product Trace McSorley, carving out a role as a scheme-specific backup with some package-play potential. That's not an easy profile to bet on, and he'll have to exceed every expectation to convince NFL decision-makers he is worth a roster spot. Within his role, he's doing everything possible to make that happen.
At this point, finding an ideal destination as an undrafted free agent is still more likely than getting drafted.
Miller Moss, Louisville
Likewise, Moss's stock wasn't very high entering the year, having transferred from USC and lacking a standout trait. He's far from the most athletic passer in the class, and he lacks prototypical size. That hasn't stopped him from carving up ACC defenses.
Moss followed up back-to-back 300-yard performances with a shocking upset over Miami. As Chris Bell's sentry gun, Moss has operated quickly and responsibly, keeping the ball out of harm's way and, on Friday, avoiding sacks.
There's still plenty of work to be done, but Moss is having a productive platform year, giving himself the opportunity to rise later in the cycle.
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