Six College Players To Watch In Week 4

Welcome to the Patriots Prospect Preview, our annual series where we talk about the club’s future picks before literally anyone else! It’s already Week 4!?

The New England Patriots have been an interesting watch through two weeks with their season-opening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and come-from-behind victory over the Miami Dolphins.

I’d expect that to continue this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium, but until then…

I’ll be watching these six prospects during the college football slate:

Caleb Lomu (#71), OT, Utah

Week 4: vs. Texas Tech (12 p.m. ET on FOX)

Utah has two of the best offensive tackles in the entire country, with Caleb Lomu having the distinct honor of serving as the blindside protector for quarterback Devon Dampier.

Texas Tech spent seven figures on its defensive line, which include major additions like Stanford transfer defensive end David Bailey, UCF transfer defensive tackle Lee Hunter and Northern Illinois transfer defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard.

It’s going to be a heavyweight bout in the trenches.

The Patriots, despite receiving some incredible early contributions from rookie Will Campbell, should have a keen eye on the offensive tackle class as they’ll soon be tasked with replacing veteran Morgan Moses.

It’s never a bad idea to invest in the offensive line…

Spencer Fano (#55), OT, Utah

Week 4: vs. Texas Tech (12 p.m. ET on FOX)

I could copy and paste that previous section, but you probably get the point.

Spencer Fano is the bookend for Lomu, and will probably be one of the first offensive linemen off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft.

I’ll have my eye on him all season, because I think he might just be the dream selection for New England.

Jaren Kanak (#12), TE, Oklahoma

Week 4: vs. Auburn (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC)

Oklahoma had such a horrific experience with its pass-catchers in 2024 that they’ve literally turned to a converted linebacker to try and get something going— and his name is Jaren Kanak.

It’s working, too!

Kanak is the most prolific tight end in college football this season, carrying 14 catches for 245 yards into this weekend’s matchup against Auburn.

I don’t know if the dude is a legitimate prospect, but he’s fun to watch. I’ve also been screaming about the Patriots’ future need at that position, so let’s have some fun with it and talk about someone who will remain of interest throughout this season.

Rueben Bain Jr. (#4), EDGE, Miami

Week 4: vs. Florida (7:30 p.m. ET on ABC)

The Patriots have been surprisingly efficient in getting to the passer this season, but as we previously mentioned, there are some positions that can always afford some reinforcements — pass-rusher in particular.

Rueben Bain Jr. is one of the most versatile in this upcoming class, having produced as an exterior and interior rusher.

Bain returned from nagging leg injuries last season, and has exploded in the box score and on tape. Bain is extremely bendy for someone who can play both inside and out, and has the best pass-rush move (the rip — it’s a classic) of any draft-eligible prospect.

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Luke Altmyer (#9), QB, Illinois

Week 4: vs. Indiana (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC)

No, this isn’t my way of trying to replace Drake Maye.

I just don’t exactly think Tommy DeVito and Joshua Dobbs are long-term answers behind him…

Altmyer is a particularly interesting quarterback prospect, as he continues to improve but doesn’t have the same public relations team behind him as the likes of Texas’ Arch Manning, Miami’s Carson Beck or Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. I’ve been a big fan for. long time, and if no one else is willing to give him an opportunity, I would.

Fernando Mendoza (#15), QB, Indiana

Week 4: @ Illinois (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC)

Mendoza is extremely similar, having already made a major jump after transferring from California to Indiana.

I’d be willing to bet he becomes a more sought-after prospect, but in all, this is the kind of guy who you’d target if he slips.

If you’d like to hear about any prospects in particular, leave us a comment or send a note @KeaganStiefel on X!