Round 1 contenders headline 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Week 11

Week 11 has arrived, and with it comes three top-25 clashes, plenty of conference play, and another step toward the 2026 NFL Draft.

At this point in the cycle, every game matters. A bad game might come without redemption, and a good one could leave evaluators with a strong lasting impression. The class is taking shape, with blue-chip prospects separating themselves from the pack and first-round hopefuls adding to their case.

On Saturday, college football fans looking for Sunday starters can focus on four prospects facing pivotal Week 11 games.

Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (vs. LSU)

Bernard keeps making big plays, and as his productive senior season continues, the LSU Tigers offer a big stage to showcase his talents. He's logged either 50 yards or a touchdown in all but one SEC game this season. Against LSU corner Mansoor Delane, he'll have the opportunity to put reps on tape against NFL-level competition.

He's not an elite athlete, nor does he boast impressive size (6'0", 204 pounds). Yet, the nuance in his game is backed by his production as Ty Simpson's battery mate. Bernard has a knack for producing after the catch thanks to a well-rounded athletic profile. He's never had a drop problem and has inside-outside versatility, allowing him to remain a quarterback-friendly target from any alignment.

Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest (at Virginia)

Claiborne is unlikely to cross the finish line in April as a first-round pick. However, in a running back class that has suffered perhaps more than any position group, there's a power vacuum in the backfield. With a strong enough home stretch, Claiborne could be the class's RB2.

He'll have to continue fighting the inherent limitations of his 195-pound frame to do so.

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Virginia is a ranked test for a Wake Forest team fighting to remain bowl eligible. The Demon Deacons are happy to rely on Claiborne, who is having his most efficient season to date. His blend of acceleration, vision, and footwork is among the best in the class. There is work to be done to prove he has NFL-level physicality and enough viability to stick on passing downs, but there's a Sunday player in this profile. 

This is Wake Forest's final ranked opponent of the regular season.

A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon (at Iowa)

Arguably the best game of the Saturday slate is Oregon at Iowa. As such, there are important matchups to monitor across the field and in the trenches. Iowa has made a name for itself by producing quality pros at tight end and offensive line, and they'll be tasked with stopping Washington, who is having one of the best seasons in college football.

Washington is a riser who is having his best season as a junior. One year of early-round level play might be a concern for teams, but the bigger the sample he has against quality competition, the easier it is to dissuade those concerns.

Washington may not have enough pass-rushing juice to earn early investment as a nose tackle. His lack of production is a concern (one career sack), but his ability to impact the pocket and soak up blockers in pass production is admirable. 

Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa (vs. Oregon)

Speaking of NFL-bound linemen, Dunker is the favorite to be the Hawkeyes' first draft pick come April.

Despite taking a bit of a step back from last season, another year of high-level play has done his stock well, and he projects as a starting right tackle from the jump. It's encouraging that he's a better pass protector than run blocker, despite Iowa's tendencies, and he's held up well against Big Ten competition.

An Oregon defensive line with Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, and the aforementioned Washington is no small task. How Dennings holds up against one of the best fronts in football could push him into Round 1 territory for good.

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