The 2026 college football schedule moves into Week 5 today, giving us another chance to look at some players who may be on the Miami Dolphins’ radar for the 2027 NFL Draft. The Dolphins will likely have a very early spring pick, and they could get just about anyone on the board. Over the past few weeks, he’s highlighted games featuring players the team could target in the next draft; now, we turn to a player who could end up in the first overall slot.
The Big Ten has our attention today, with the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes facing the 14th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. It’s not just a big-time conference game between two ranked teams, but it gives us a chance to take a look at wide receiver Jeremiah Smith – a Miami native who could bring South Florida home in 2027.
Kickoff for the game is at 3:30 pm Eastern on CBS and Paramount+.
As we have for each week of the college football schedule this year, we’re taking a quick look at some players to watch for each team in today’s game.
Ohio State 2027 Draft prospect
Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver (Junior) – Looks like he could be the first wide receiver selected with the first overall pick since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996, and just the fourth in league history. He brings size (6-foot-4, 225 pounds ) and explosiveness to the position, gets down the lane quickly, attacks his route, and goes up to get contested balls. If the Dolphins are convinced Malik Willis is their man at quarterback, or at least looking to give him a 2027 season to prove himself, Smith could be their top pick, giving them a 2027 wide receiver group that will feature rookie Smith, second-year receivers Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman, and fourth-year receiver Malik Washington. That could be a dominating group. Bringing Smith home to Miami could be in the Dolphins’ plans.
Julian Sayin, quarterback (Redshirt Sophomore) – Sayin is a pocket passer with hope and vision. He is a rhythm passer who uses his timing and his understanding of what the offense is trying to do to put the ball in the right place at the right time. Of course, having Smith as your top wide receiver helps. Could the Dolphins consider adding Smith in the first round, then selecting Sayin in the second round, giving him time to develop at the NFL level and keeping him as their top receiving target?
Jaylen McClain, safety (Junior) – Moved into the starting lineup in 2025, McCalin proved himself as a leader on defense, settling and communicating in the second. He is a sure tackler with the range to be a very good free safety. He played in the shadow of Caleb Douglas last year, so he’s working hard to make a name for himself this year, and he’s doing great. Turnovers haven’t been there for him (he has one career interception, coming in Week 2 against Texas this year), but if he can develop that part of his game, he could be a strong centerfield option at the NFL level. He’s likely a third-round option right now and could be a developmental starter with special teams value as well.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr., side (Redshirt Senior) – A long-limbed edge rusher who uses speed and strength to his advantage, Jackson has great flexibility and can get into the backfield in passing situations. However, he needs to improve his finishing. As he continues to work on his technique, he should only get better, especially if he adds more options to his game, allowing him to get off blocks if his speed doesn’t immediately win the snap. He’s probably a day-two prospect who could continue to climb the boards based on the potential that’s there.
Luke Montgomery, guard (Senior) – Montgomery could be the definition of a solid guard that you forget is there – exactly what you want in a guard. In 2025, he allowed just three sacks and was penalized twice. That’s impressive over 14 games played. He is a good prospect with room to continue to grow. He can move outside to tackle if needed, but his strength is as a guard, and that’s where he should end up in the NFL. He has the athleticism to be a pulling guard who can penetrate the second level and clear a path through linebackers. A strong day-three prospect who could play his way to hearing his name called at the end of day two.
Iowa 2027 Draft prospect
Reece Vander Zee, wide receiver (Junior) – A big-bodied receiver (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), Vander Zee has a great catch radius and can win contested catches. He’s not afraid to support the run as an outside blocker. He needs to improve his route running and become more consistent to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. He could use another year in college, but if he declares for the Draft, he’ll likely be a late-round option that will need time to develop in the NFL while potentially adding a day of special teams work.
Addison Ostrenga, tight end (5th-year Senior) – Ostrenga is an in-line, blocking tight end who can function as a sixth offensive lineman and provide some possession-style receptions. He suffered an Achilles tear early in 2025, missing most of the season but returned to the field this year, playing in all four games with seven receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown early in the year. There have been comparisons to former Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe, and it might be a good comparison. He is likely destined to be a deep tight end at the NFL level, but there is a role for him.
Zach Lutmer, cornerback (Redshirt Junior) – Lutmer is a nickel cornerback who isn’t afraid to get into the run defense. He covers well, steps to the rim, and blitzes when asked. He can slide outside when needed, but his strength is in the gap; he is a versatile option who tackles well and does whatever is asked of him. He needs to improve as a press-corner, and his footwork is not always clean. He has decent speed, but if he’s facing a real deep threat, he’ll probably need help up top. He projects as a mid-round prospect who could sneak into the early rounds with a strong 2026 season and his upside as a special teams player
Trevor Lauck, offensive tackle (Redshirt Junior) – A strong pass-protecting left tackle, Lauck looks like an Iowa left tackle prospect. He knows how to pass the block; he keeps his quarterback clean and tracks his assignment through stunts and blitzes. He needs to improve as a run blocker, and his footwork can be improved, especially against speed rushers. He’ll need time to develop at the NFL level, especially as the speed of the game increases dramatically, but he can be a solid swing-tackle option early in his career, or he can kick inside to play guard, where he could excel in the NFL. He’s probably a day three draft prospect.
Hank Brown, quarterback (Redshirt Junior) – Brown looks like your old-school pocket passer. He will likely depend on the system at the NFL level which will require time to develop, but he could be a solid backup option who can step in and sustain an offense when needed. He has had limited playing time, has only been a starter this year, and needs to clean up his turnovers, but has flashes of potential. He won’t be the franchise quarterback, but he could be asked to step in and provide solid play when needed once he gets comfortable in his professional system.