Scout Notebook: Arch Has One For The Ages, Clemson Playmaker Declares, NFL Draft Risers & More

All Access Football examines top performers and draft risers from the college football weekend that was with the latest news, scouting reports, projections and more, courtesy of NFL Draft Bible.

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SCOUT NOTEBOOK: 150 DAYS UNTIL THE 2026 NFL DRAFT

We are excited to report that as of today, the 2026 NFL Draft is exactly 150 days away! Over the next five months, All Access Football and NFL Draft Bible will be counting you down to ‘Destination Pittsburgh,’ every step of the way along the process. From bowl games, to the all-star circuit, FCS and NFL combines, the pro day trails, plus the most up-to-date NFL Draft news.

In this edition of the AAF Scout Notebook, we highlight seven NFL Draft risers below, complete with player evaluations, background reports, verified measurements, projections and intel gathered by our internal scouting department.

Amongst the prospects you will learn about include a potential first round wideout who comes with a worrisome risky injury history, an offensive tackle with All Pro potential, an aggressive cornerback who has CB1 written all over him and a booming punter who has an opportunity to hear his name called come April.

We also shine the spotlight on the UConn Huskies, an independent program who continues to defy the odds with a look at a trio of players who have captured the attention of NFL scouts. Of the seven players profiled, four have been invited to the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl. In case you missed our previous East West Shrine Bowl notebook editions, you can get caught up here: PART I — PART II.

Before we open up the notebook, there are several notable headlines from the NCAA weekend action:

EWS TRACKER — CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF EAST-WEST SHRINE BOWL INVITES

WHO’S THAT MAN? ARCH ANNIHILATES ARKANSAS

The Texas Longhorns kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive on the back of quarterback Arch Manning (photo: Texas Athletics) who turned in a performance for the ages, as they steamrolled Arkansas 52-37. For Manning, it was the kind of performance that NFL scouts have been waiting on. The prodigy completed 18-of-30 passes, for 389 yards and accounted for six total touchdowns.

In doing so, Manning became the first player in school history to throw, run and catch a touchdown in the same game. It was his third 300-yard passing performance of the season and he connected on three deep balls that traveled over 40 yards in the air (he had just two all year entering the game).

The understated Manning was not overly impressed, “I left a lot out there,” he said following the game. “I could have been more accurate.” While Manning is still assumed to return back to school for another season, he displayed the talents of a first round signal-caller.

“The thing that I’m probably most impressed with is his poise,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “Even going into the game, he feels different in pregame than he did two months ago. Even in the moments tonight when things broke down a little bit, he just seems so under control as he was avoiding the rush and keeping his eyes downfield. I think Arch two months ago was just dropping his head and running as fast as he could towards the line of scrimmage.”

However, his biggest challenge could come during the SEC regular season finale, as Texas welcomes undefeated Texas A&M to Austin for the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown. A win over the Aggies would very likely propel the Longhorns into the playoffs. They’ll need another big game from Manning. The collective football community will be watching.

SEC TRACKER — CLICK HERE FOR TOP PROSPECTS FROM EVERY SEC PROGRAM

PENN STATE RUNNERS ERASE BARKLEY FROM RECORD BOOKS

It was another record-setting day in State College, as Penn State won their second consecutive game, defeating Nebraska 37-10 and head coach Matt Rhule, who was previously rumored for the Nittany Lions current head coaching vacancy by the score of 37-10. In what has seemed like a dark cloud cast over Happy Valley all year, the Penn State backfield provided something to cheer about on this day

Fresh off his 181 rushing yard outing against Michigan State a week ago, running back Kaytron Allen (photo: PSU Athletics) rambled for another 160 rushing yards versus the Cornhuskers, passing Penn State legends Saquon Barkley and Evan Royster to become the school’s all-time leading rusher (3,954 yards). “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Allen said after the game. “Unfortunately, the season didn’t go how I planned. If I can be winning the whole season and not get the record, I’d rather do that than get that record, but I got the opportunity to do this and, man, I’m just grateful.”

The monumental day didn’t end there. His running mate Nicholas Singleton etched his name into the record books as well, tying Barkley for the most career touchdowns (43). The backfield duo have mostly split carries together over the past four seasons, which makes the feats even that much more impressive. Now, they appear set to enter the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft as potential top 100 overall prospects.

B1G TRACKER — CLICK HERE FOR TOP PROSPECTS FROM EVERY B1G PROGRAM

CLEMSON WIDEOUT DECLARES HIS INTENT FOR NFL DRAFT

Clemson redshirt junior wide receiver Antonio Williams (photo: Clemson Athletics) participated in senior ceremonies this past Saturday in what was his final game in ‘Death Valley.’ When asked whether he could be using his final year of eligibility following the game, Williams responded with a firm, “No sir.”

After suffering a strained hamstring during the season opener, Williams got off to a slow start and even missed several weeks due to the injury. Since his return, he has hauled in 25 catches, for 313 receiving yards and four touchdowns over the past four games. His two score performance against Furman on Saturday, now gives him over 20 career touchdowns. He also recorded his 200th career catch.

In what is shaping up to be a deep wide receiver crop, Williams is projected to land in, or around the first round. “He’s ready,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “Somebody gonna get a great one. He’s as good as we ever had.” The Tigers playmaker is the second underclassmen to have made his intent to known for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Last week, Boise State offensive tackle Kage Casey, announced his decision to declare for the draft.

ACC TRACKER — CLICK HERE FOR TOP PROSPECT FROM EVERY ACC PROGRAM

KEEP READING FOR SEVEN IN-DEPTH SCOUTING REPORTS ON NFL DRAFT RISERS

*All Access Football player evaluations are compiled by the NFL Draft Bible front office scouting department, which consists of Dom Ambrose, Lauren Davidov, Will Donoghue, Ryan Paglia and Jarrett Reigel.

PLAYER GRADE KEY: DAY 1 = ROUND 1 || DAY 2 = ROUND 2-3 || DAY 3 = ROUND 4-7 || HPFA = HIGH PRIORITY FREE AGENT || PFA = PRIORITY FREE AGENT || FA = FREE AGENT (TRYOUT)