Week 2 College Football Scouting Notebook: John Mateer Emerges, Aidan Chiles Shines, and Dante Moore Dominates

John Mateer proved his dual-threat chops against Michigan, Aidan Chiles delivered a gutsy primetime win, and Dante Moore lit up Oklahoma State as NFL Draft stocks continue shifting. Week 2 scouting notes.

Week 2 Scouting Notebook

The second week of the college football season brought more chaos, defining performances, and key NFL Draft takeaways. For scouts, Michigan’s trip to Norman to face Oklahoma headlined the weekend, offering a chance to evaluate John Mateer against an SEC-caliber defense. Elsewhere, Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles battled through injury to lead his team in a double-OT thriller, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik continued to slide, and Oregon’s Dante Moore delivered a career performance in a 69–3 demolition of Oklahoma State. Add in another strong outing from Michigan RB Justice Haynes and the emergence of Texas WR Parker Livingstone, and Week 2 provided no shortage of risers for the 2026 and 2027 draft classes.

Spotlight Game of the Week: Michigan @ Oklahoma

John Mateer Impressing NFL Scouts

The Washington State transfer is now firmly in the 2026 NFL Draft conversation after his performance against Michigan. Mateer’s dual-threat ability was on full display — designed runs, scrambles, and off-script playmaking — but what stood out was his comfort in Ben Arbuckle’s offense against one of the nation’s most physical fronts. Scouts still want to see refinement in his accuracy and processing from the pocket, but Mateer’s tools are undeniable. Performances like this cement him as one of the most intriguing high-upside QBs in the class.

Michigan’s Reality Check

Freshman Bryce Underwood faced his first true test against a playoff-caliber opponent. The arm talent was there, but Oklahoma’s defensive disguises forced him into rushed decisions and stalled drives. Justice Haynes once again looked like Michigan’s most reliable offensive weapon, but the Wolverines’ offensive line struggled to protect consistently. For NFL evaluators, the tape will be scrutinized as Underwood develops, while Haynes continues to validate his RB1 profile.

Key 2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Takeaways

Aidan Chiles – Michigan State (Stock Up)

Chiles proved his toughness in a primetime showcase, shaking off an injury scare to lead MSU to a double-OT win over Boston College. He finished with 231 yards passing, four touchdowns through the air, and another on the ground, showing poise and competitiveness that evaluators value. His tools remain raw at times, but this was a statement performance that solidified his spot on draft boards.

Cade Klubnik – Clemson (Stock Down)

After a rough opener vs. LSU, Klubnik needed a bounce back. While his 18-for-24, 196-yard, two-TD day against Troy looked cleaner, the context matters. He still threw a costly interception, and Clemson’s offense sputtered for most of the first half. Scouts are questioning if Klubnik has the consistency to justify early-round hype.

Dante Moore – Oregon (Stock Up)

The Ducks’ star dismantled Oklahoma State with 266 yards and three touchdowns through the air in a 69–3 rout. Moore’s deep-ball accuracy, poise under pressure, and polished release all flashed at a high level. While evaluators still want to see more consistency on shorter throws, this was the kind of dominant tape that can elevate his 2026 NFL Draft stock.

Big Board Spotlight – Week 2

John Mateer – QB, Oklahoma

Mateer’s dual-threat performance against Michigan moved him from “tools-based prospect” to legitimate thrower of the football. If he continues to pair playmaking with improved accuracy, he could rise into the top QB tier.

Aidan Chiles – QB, Michigan State

Chiles delivered one of the weekend’s gutsiest performances, bouncing back from an injury scare to carry Michigan State past Boston College in double overtime. He accounted for five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) while displaying the leadership and resilience evaluators love to see in a developing quarterback.

Justice Haynes – RB, Michigan

Haynes continues to show RB1 traits for 2026. Compact but powerful, he runs with excellent balance, burst, and finishing strength. He shrinks the target for tacklers yet plays bigger than his size, consistently powering through contact.

Ja’Kobi Lane – WR, USC

Lane only needed three catches to flash his upside against Georgia Southern, finishing with 91 yards and a highlight-reel one-handed touchdown grab that belongs in the early “Catch of the Year” conversation. At 6’4”, he’s becoming a consistent vertical threat who can win in contested situations.

Makai Lemon – WR, USC

Lemon exploded for 158 yards and two scores on four receptions, showcasing elite separation skills and game-breaking acceleration. He ranks sixth in the nation in receiving yards (248) through two games and is trending as one of the most dangerous playmakers in the country.

One for the Future: Parker Livingstone, WR, Texas

The redshirt freshman is forcing evaluators to take notice. Against San Jose State, Livingstone posted 128 yards and two touchdowns on just four catches, including an 83-yarder that sparked a 28–0 Texas run. At 6’3” with downfield speed and body control, he looks like the next great Longhorns wideout. Steve Sarkisian put it simply: “Stop doubting Parker Livingstone.” With continued production, his name will be on every 2028 draft watchlist.