Ohio State vs Miami highlights under-the-radar NFL prospects — punters might find value in player-prop markets: target Max Klare receptions/receiving yards and Akheem Mesidor sack props, with Sonny Styles tackle lines as a conservative play. Team props favor Ohio State, but Miami’s skill players could deliver upside for long-shot bets.
NYE CFP Quarterfinal Spotlight: Ohio State vs Miami and Draft Implications
The New Year’s Eve College Football Playoff quarterfinal between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 10 Miami doubles as a showcase for NFL evaluators. While names like Carnell Tate, Caleb Downs and Reuben Bain Jr. will draw headlines, several lesser-hyped players could boost their draft stock with standout performances in the top college postseason game.
Underrated NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
Max Klare, TE — Ohio State
Klare, a redshirt junior, has 448 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season. Film shows a versatile tight end who pairs reliable route-running and hands with aggressive in-line blocking. Projected in the Day 2 range (late second–third round), Klare can spike his stock with a multi-reception game; his production also makes him a viable target for tight end reception or yardage props.
Sonny Styles, LB — Ohio State
Styles flew under the louder hype surrounding some Buckeyes defenders but finished the regular season with 81 tackles, three pass breakups, one interception and a forced fumble. He excels at shedding blocks and operating in space, projecting as a late first- to early second-round pick. For bettors, Styles is a realistic play for tackle-based player props and defensive impact markets.
CJ Daniels, WR — Miami (FL)
A sixth-season veteran under COVID eligibility rules, Daniels stands 6-foot-2, 205 pounds and posted 37 catches for 420 yards and seven scores. He’s known for dependable hands and physical run blocking. Daniels profiles as a Day 3 pick but can be a high-value target in this game if Miami leans on experienced pass-catchers—consider his receiving yards or touchdown props on long-shot bets.
Akheem Mesidor, DL/Edge — Miami (FL)
Mesidor functions as a collegiate edge rusher with the build and agility to play inside at the next level. He totaled 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles this season and has been a consistent collegiate pass-rush producer. Mesidor’s blend of burst and interior versatility projects him as a late Day 2 to Day 3 selection; sack props or quarterback pressure markets could be lucrative if he draws favorable matchups.
Draft Takeaways and Betting Angles
The quarterfinal offers a twofold storyline: players can improve draft positioning with high-leverage plays, and bettors can exploit less-publicized player-prop markets. Team-wise, Ohio State looks like the safer bet in team props, but individual markets—tight end receptions, edge rusher sacks, and linebacker tackles—offer value for bettors willing to target sleepers rather than chalk favorites.
What Scouts Are Watching
Scouts will prioritize consistent technique, play-finishing ability and how each prospect handles the heightened intensity of a playoff environment. A single standout performance can move a player from Day 3 consideration into Day 2 conversation, making this matchup a key evaluation point ahead of the 2026 draft cycle.
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