The College Football Playoff (CFP) is heating up as Tulane University faces the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) on Saturday afternoon. This matchup features the No. 6 seed Tulane against No. 11 seed Ole Miss, with a multi-score spread favoring the Rebels. As both teams prepare for this crucial contest, attention turns to the eight standout draft-eligible players who could make a significant impact in the game.
Key Players to Watch
Zxavian Harris, a formidable interior defensive lineman for Ole Miss, stands out in this matchup. Known for his ability to halt the run and disrupt the pocket, Harris has shown improvement in his pass-rushing skills this season, achieving a career-best of three sacks. His performance will be critical as Tulane may struggle to protect their quarterback up the middle.
Another notable player is Suntarine Perkins, who registered an impressive 10.5 sacks last season. Despite his smaller size for an EDGE player, Perkins is an explosive force on the field, capable of making significant plays. Although he has committed to returning to Ole Miss for the 2026 season, his potential continues to attract attention from NFL scouts.
Tulane’s top draft prospect is Shadre Hurst, who has excelled at left guard without allowing a single sack throughout the 2025 season. Hurst’s versatility, demonstrated by his ability to temporarily fill in at left tackle, has earned him recognition with top-150 grades from scouts.
On the offensive front for Ole Miss, Dae’Quan Wright has delivered a standout season as a tight end. The former Virginia Tech player has amassed 30 receptions for 489 yards and four touchdowns, showing his knack for finding the end zone with a total of eight touchdowns since last season. His impressive average of 16.3 yards per catch highlights his explosive playmaking ability.
Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff is another player to watch closely. Transferring from BYU, Retzlaff has led the Green Wave to their first-ever CFP appearance, throwing for 14 touchdowns while also rushing for 16. His dual-threat capability has caught the eye of NFL scouts, who are assigning him a developmental grade as he prepares for an NFL training camp.
For Ole Miss, Trinidad Chambliss has displayed strong performance throughout the season, throwing for 18 touchdowns against just three interceptions. With six rushing touchdowns to his name, Chambliss combines good arm strength with the ability to make plays; however, his smaller stature by NFL standards may raise concerns about his future.
Chambliss has relied heavily on Harrison Wallace III, his primary target this season. The senior wide receiver has made 46 receptions for 719 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his athleticism and ability to win contested catches. Scouts are placing a day-three grade on Wallace, reflecting his potential at the professional level.
Lastly, Mo Westmoreland has had a mixed season after transferring to Tulane. Following productive years at UTEP, where he recorded 7.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024, Westmoreland has tallied only 2.5 sacks this season. Despite this, he remains a name to watch as a potential undrafted free agent, recognized in scouting circles.
As the anticipation builds for the Ole Miss versus Tulane clash, the performances of these eight players will be pivotal. Not only will they be showcasing their talents on a national stage, but they will also be vying for favorable evaluations ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. The outcome of this CFP showdown will have lasting implications, not only for the teams involved but also for the futures of these promising athletes.
