Ole Miss predictably dusted aside Tulane 41-10 in their first-round College Football Playoff matchup. Their reward is a quarterfinal Sugar Bowl date with Georgia on New Year’s Day. There are serious 2026 NFL Draft implications with several intriguing prospects participating.
We've identified and analyzed the eight most notable draft-eligible prospects in Thursday’s Ole Miss-Georgia CFP showdown.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
CJ Allen is the best player on a Georgia team that lacks its usual high-end talent. The physical linebacker is violent and rangy with legitimate sideline-to-sideline ability. Allen should confirm his status for scouts as a first-round prospect throughout the College Football Playoff.
Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
Zxavian Harris is Ole Miss’ best interior defensive lineman. The fourth-year senior is capable of being a high-level run stopper, and he pushes the pocket as a pass rusher as well. The Rebels can’t let Georgia bully them around the line of scrimmage. Harris is key to Ole Miss’ efforts to prevent that from happening.
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch projects as a speedy slot receiver at the next level. The former USC transfer is an elusive yards-after-catch threat who has produced 50-plus receiving yards in three straight contests, with two touchdowns to boot. Branch is also a dangerous return man on special teams who can flip momentum in an instant.
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Death, taxes, and Georgia defensive linemen. This year, Christen Miller is the best draft-eligible one. Still scratching the surface of his long-term outlook, Miller has spurts on tape where his initial quickness and movement skills highlight a potentially future dominant NFL player.
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
De'Zhaun Stribling has a prototype X-receiver frame. He makes plays for the Ole Miss offense on the boundary, having recorded five receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown against Tulane in the first round. Stribling has four receiving touchdowns in his latest three appearances.
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Monroe Freeling is capable of throwing a wrench into this unpredictable offensive tackle class. Freeling has remaining eligibility, but he could consider turning pro. The Charleston, South Carolina native has put three years of experience at left tackle on tape, and has only been credited with allowing two sacks this season.
Dae’Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss
Tulane had no answer for Rebels tight end Dae'Quan Wright. The athletic pass catcher accumulated 64 receiving yards on four receptions, including an explosive 25-yard grab. Wright is an explosive mid-round prospect with a ton of red-zone prowess (eight touchdowns across 2024-25).
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss can prove his NFL Draft legitimacy with a strong showing versus Georgia. Chambliss completed nearly 80% of his passing attempts in the first round with more than 300 total yards of offense and three touchdowns. NFL scouts want to see him play with more poise when post-snap recognition has been a problem, and Georgia's defense will look to create issues.
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Cornerback Daylen Everette is among Georgia's most experienced leaders. The fourth-year senior has appeared in 54 career games with five interceptions and 21 pass breakups. The Bulldogs will rely on Everette's experience and leadership throughout the College Football Playoff. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he has NFL cornerback size.
Harrison Wallace III, WR, Ole Miss
Ole Miss' leading receiver Harrison Wallace III was quiet versus Tulane, settling for just two receptions and 19 receiving yards. Wallace offers Chambliss a sizable catch radius on the outside. His ability to win 50-50 balls has to come into play if the Rebels hope to upset the Bulldogs.