Although Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season is just around the corner and the excitement in this fanbase is palpable, the Las Vegas Raiders are still early in their rebuild, and it never hurts to continue looking ahead at talent from the collegiate ranks. It at least makes college football more fun to watch.
Plus, those in the building in Las Vegas have been hard at work since the end of April's draft, so it's about time that we caught up here. Assistant general manager Brian Stark told reporters last week that their college scouting process is already in full swing.
"We've already had scouts out for about a month now on the road, already at games last week, and it's in full swing. So, the process is the same, where we've got boots on the ground and we're getting eyes on players."
So, let's do the same. Here are five 2027 NFL Draft-eligible players who had big performances in the first official week of the college football calendar and should have the Raiders' attention in the early going, focusing on positions of need.
5 big-time college football performers in Week 1 for Raiders to monitor
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Everyone in Raider Nation knows about Smith. But his first reception on Saturday was a 48-yard touchdown in which he pinned the ball against his helmet with one hand. He is unbelievably smooth and just has a different gear and movement pattern than anybody else on the field. Smith played just 36 snaps against Ball State but caught 8 passes for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Jide Abasiri, DT, USC
Abasiri built off a solid 0-week performance against San Jose State and absolutely tormented Fresno State on Friday. He had a whopping six pressures against the Bulldogs, including three quarterback hits, and flashed immense power and burst off the line of scrimmage. Double teams were no match for Abasiri, as at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, he dominated on the interior all game.
Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Becker has a rapport with Fernando Mendoza from last season, but the Indiana wideout proved that he can develop chemistry with anyone on Saturday against North Texas. He caught just four passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns, but what was most impressive was the style in which he reeled in balls. Becker readjusted for a big catch near the sidelines and climbed the ladder for a touchdown.
Francis Brewu, DT, Notre Dame
Brewu is one of the few major college players who had tons of success against a Power 4 opponent. The undersized 3-tech got home frequently against Wisconsin, notching four pressures, which included one sack, and Brewu also made three run stops. His pass-rush win rate of 43.8% on 16 pass rush snaps was just ridiculous; Brewu looked like a man amongst boys.
KJ Duff, WR, Rutgers
Duff was the lone brigh spot for Rutgers in their embarrassing loss to UMass. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound wideout caught 10 passes for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns on 17 targets. He was the entire offense and put up video game numbers. Duff has a massive catch radius and is great at the catch point, as he uses his big body to haul in passes and shield himself from hits. Keep watching for him.
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