With the Detroit Lions on their bye week, it is a great time to catch up on the college football action and continue tracking which 2027 NFL Draft prospects could be the best fits for the Lions.
Unlike most NFL Draft-centric college football previews, the primary focus here is not to tell you which players are the top, most athletically gifted prospects. This is the Grit Index. For more information on what the Grit Index is and how it has evolved, check out the preseason version of this series.
Below
is a breakdown of the Intangible Qualities (IQs) used to determine a player’s Grit Index score.
It’s the midseason check-in; it’s time to start looking at the next group of prospects.
Local Spotlight
Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan
Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+
Jalen Buckley, running back, Western Michigan
In the battle for the Victory Cannon Trophy, Buckley is a former walk-on running back turned team captain for the Broncos.
Beyond the work ethic to ascend from his walk-on status, Buckley has demonstrated passion and toughness playing through injuries. He played most of the 2025 season with a fractured wrist and proceeded to win 2025 MAC Championship Offensive Player of the Game honors.
Draft projection: Day 3
National Spotlight
Indiana (5) vs. Ohio State (4)
Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX
Carter Smith, offensive line, Indiana
Smith, a team captain, returned to Indiana for another season as their starting left tackle despite being highly regarded by NFL Draft analysts. Although he entered the 2026 season with 41 straight starts at tackle, Smith is frequently viewed as having guard/tackle versatility at the next level. Unique for an offensive lineman, Smith has a background playing volleyball in high school.
“He’s a great kid, high-character guy, good leader on this team,” Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said of Smith.
Draft projection: Day 1-2
Jaylen McClain, safety, Ohio State
McClain enters his junior year named a team captain with two Iron Buckeye honors to his name, an award given for effort demonstrated in the team’s strength and conditioning program.
Off the field, McClain is also a 2026 AFCA Good Works Team Nominee and on the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List (academic Heisman) for founding the Everyday Legends Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening underserved communities.
Draft projection: Day 2
Alabama (6) vs. Tennessee (14)
Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
DeSean Bishop, running back, Tennessee
Growing up, Bishop was the oldest of five with a single mother, instilling a never-quit mindset leading to his walk-on-to-team-captain story. On the field, 1,407 of his 2,209 yards have come after contact with 67 missed tackles forced, finishing as a semifinalist for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy (nation’s best former walk-on).
Despite playing as the bellcow back in the Vols’ win over Auburn on Oct. 3, setting career highs in rushing attempts (34), rushing yards (220) and rushing touchdowns (3), his passion for the game manifests even without the ball in his hands as a blocker.
Draft projection: Day 3
Zabien Brown, cornerback, Alabama
A team captain and recognized as one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the nation, Brown still earned the team’s special teams player of the week recognition for his efforts on the punt block team this season at Kentucky.
Brown’s effort and passion stood out from the start, as he continued to practice during fall camp despite having to wear a club on his hand, and earned a starting role to start the season as a true freshman. He also has a knack for big plays in big moments, including multiple pick-sixes and game-sealing interceptions.
Draft projection: Day 1-2
Notre Dame (2) vs. BYU (8)
Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX
Isaiah Glasker, linebacker, BYU
Glasker is a questionable game-time decision for the big game against Notre Dame, but has a journey worth putting in the spotlight. Again, Glasker is another former walk-on to team captain with a ton of potential in his 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame.
But Glasker’s story is one of overcoming adversity, starting after his final high school game, where he experienced groin pain resulting in surgery a few weeks later. Pain lingered from the surgery for years without a clear explanation, visiting at least ten different doctors searching for answers. Ultimately, there was a determination of an infection in his pelvic bone that had been impacting him, which created serious doubt as to whether he could continue his football career.
Draft projection: Day 3
Adon Shuler, safety, Notre Dame
Shuler is a multi-year team captain for the Fighting Irish and is credited with having a very high work ethic.
“The big thing with Adon that you admire is like he’s just not going to be outworked,” said former defensive coordinator Al Golden. “He’s just got that blue-collar mindset, and he’s always in the building. He’s always trying to be better. He’s ultra-competitive. He loves the game.”
Draft projection: Day 2-3
