As college football approaches the pivotal month of October, draft evaluators are already circling the emerging names who could sneak into the first round or pay dividends as late-round steals in April’s 2026 NFL Draft. Beyond the blue-chip standouts like LaNorris Sellers and Cade Klubnik, a handful of under-the-radar talents are carving out intriguing resumes. Below is a deep dive into five sleeper prospects flying under the radar and how their early 2025 performances suggest they could deliver massive draft-day value.
1. Gracen Halton, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma
- Height/Weight: 6’2”, 291 lbs
- 2024 Resume: Halton led all FBS defensive tackles with a 14.1% pressure rate, compiling five sacks in 13 games after recording none the previous two seasons.
At an undersized frame for the interior, Halton’s first-step quickness and hand technique give Big 12 guards fits. Scouts have compared him to Gerald McCoy for his gap-shooting ability and heads-up run defence. Through the early phase of the 2025 CFB season, Halton is already flashing the same twitchy burst, logging multiple quarterback hurries against top-25 opponents, and has become a focal point of Oklahoma’s revamped front.
Teams covet a three-technique who can disrupt both run and pass without schematic crutches. Halton’s blend of high-motor effort, refined pass-rush moves and positional versatility could vault him into the Day 2 conversation.
2. Sawyer Robertson, Quarterback, Baylor
- Height/Weight: 6’4”, 220 lbs
- 2024 Resume: In his first full season as a starter, Robertson threw for 3,071 yards, 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding 230 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
Draft boards often overlook dual-threat QBs outside the Power Five elite, but Robertson embodies the modern prototype: sturdy build, plus arm strength and natural mobility. An AFC South scout dubbed him “the next Drew Allar,” as a big-arm, moving target who thrives attacking downfield and extending plays with his legs. Early in 2025, he’s shown sharper processing against man-press coverage and already sports multiple 400-yard passing games.
With at least 52 completions of 20-plus yards last year, Robertson’s aggressive style and improving accuracy suggest he could sneak into Top 100 picks or become a coveted “plan-B” target on QB-needy rosters.
3. Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
- Height/Weight: 6’3”, 191 lbs
- 2023–24 Resume: Over his first two seasons, Tate tallied 70 receptions for 997 yards and five touchdowns amid a Buckeyes WRU that included Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka.
Now that Ohio State’s receiving corps has graduated two All-Pros, Tate is poised for a breakout. He’s earned rave reviews for generating separation through crisp route-running, using his size to fight through press and displaying sudden acceleration downfield. An NFC East scout calls him “a really good WR2 in the pros,” citing his balance of length and technical polish.
Tate’s physical and mental processing could make him Day 2 fodder, especially for teams that prioritize polished route concepts and yards-after-catch ability in their boundary packages.
4. Aamil Wagner, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame
- Height/Weight: 6’6”, 296 lbs
- 2024 Resume: Started in all 16 games for the Irish last season and was named a Second Team 2025 Outland Trophy Watch List and 2025 All-State Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalist.
Wagner combines arm length with surprising lateral agility, allowing him to mirror edge rushers through complex blitz schemes. His zone-scheme run grades highlight his spatial awareness and coordinated second-level blocks. NFL evaluators like that he can improve his play strength by adding 15-20 pounds without sacrificing foot speed.
If Wagner refines his hand placement and adds functional mass, he could rise from Day 3 consideration to a late Day 2 pick, filling a premium need for tackle-hungry clubs.
5. Jack Endries, Tight End, Texas
- Height/Weight: 6’4”, 240 lbs
- 2024 Resume: Before transferring to Texas, Endries led UCLA with 56 passes for 623 yards, proving adept on in-line splits and in the slot as a chain-mover receiving threat.
Endries stands out for his rapport in zone-receiving concepts and ability to adjust to poorly thrown balls. One AFC West scout lauded his rare blend of athleticism and route versatility, calling him “one of the two most talented tight ends in the country”. With Arch Manning’s deep-ball frequency expected to open seams across the middle, Endries could double his target share over the remainder of the 2025 season.
As teams covet multi-use tight ends in modern playbooks, Endries’s dual-threat capacity could push him into Day 2 territory, especially if he adds a pro-level blocking element.
Betting on Value: Futures, Underdogs and Draft Daylines
For those eyeing the 2026 draft from a betting angle, identifying underappreciated prospects before public boards catch up can unlock hidden odds value. Draft futures markets often overvalue blue-chip names and undervalue the sleepers who rise as the college season unfolds. By following early movers, bettors can anticipate breakout stars before the general arbitrage.
When scouting platforms list long-shot odds on players, say, 150-1 on a late-Day 2 WR or 500-1 on a defensive interior disruptor, you can compare prices across the best NFL betting platforms Canada and secure those lines at the optimal moment. Pulling the trigger on a +5000 long shot tie-in or a +2000 edge rusher before his stock skyrockets in November can offer a lean way to mix high upside into your futures portfolio.
Conclusion: A Shift in Draft Day Narratives
This cohort of sleepers underscores how modern scouting blends analytics, scheme fit and film-room nuance. As analytics drive decision-making across the league, identifying under-the-radar stars early confers strategic advantage, whether you’re a front-office executive or a futures bettor. These sleeper names are a great reminder that every draft cycle yields hidden gems whose value emerges only when you peel back the hype and trust the tape.