Big Ten spring review: NFL draft prospects emerge as quarterback battles intensify

CBS Sports has released a comprehensive post-spring practice analysis of the Big Ten conference, utilising anonymous sources to evaluate player performance and team outlooks as the summer approaches. The report highlights ongoing quarterback competitions at Iowa and Rutgers, while identifying Oregon’s Dante Moore as a top NFL draft prospect. Michigan is projected to lean on its running game, featuring Jordan Marshall and freshman Savion Hiter. Other key developments include the recovery of Oregon wide receiver Even Stewart, USC’s strong 2026 recruiting class, and Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. moving past previous transfer portal controversy. The analysis also notes emerging talent such as Indiana’s Charlie Becker and Ohio State’s true freshmen, alongside various offensive and defensive line improvements across the league.

The most significant narrative emerging from the spring is the status of Oregon’s offence, where wide receiver Even Stewart has fully recovered from a 2025 knee injury. Sources indicate Stewart is back to his pre-injury form and is expected to be a key weapon for quarterback Dante Moore. Moore is viewed by NFL front-office sources as the top quarterback prospect for next year’s draft, with one official noting his tape was better than expected. Moore has also demonstrated improved leadership and comfort in his role, solidifying Oregon’s position as a team with potentially the nation’s top quarterback and one of its best wide receiver groups.

In contrast, Michigan is expected to rely heavily on its running game as its passing programme remains a work in progress. The Wolverines will lean on Jordan Marshall, who rushed for 932 yards last season, alongside five-star true freshman Savion Hiter. Hiter has made an immediate impression in Ann Arbor, described by sources as tough to tackle and physical for a freshman. One source went as far as to suggest Hiter looks like a first-round draft pick, highlighting the team’s strategic shift towards a ground-based offence this season.

Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. has moved past a January transfer portal controversy and performed well during spring practice. Despite a messy period in early January where Williams sought to enter the portal before reversing course, sources indicate the issue is resolved. Williams looked fantastic during the spring, with coaches and players having moved on from the incident. This stability allows Washington to focus on Williams’ development as he continues to lead the Huskies’ offence following a turbulent offseason.

Recruiting and roster depth remain critical themes, with USC landing nine top-100 players in the 2026 class and Ohio State utilising impactful true freshmen. USC’s class is viewed as the future of the program, with several freshmen expected to contribute immediately. Meanwhile, Ohio State features receivers Brock Boyd and running back Legend Bey, alongside five-star Chris Henry Jr., all positioned to make early impacts. Indiana’s Charlie Becker is also emerging as a solid first-round NFL draft prospect, noted for his speed and contested-catch ability, further underscoring the conference’s depth of talent heading into the 2026 season.