Texans Draft Scouting: Three Matchups Fans Must Watch During The Week 11 College Football Slate

The Houston Texans are clawing their way back into playoff contention, which makes it easy for fans to forget about the college football season and the upcoming NFL Draft. However, the Texans must watch these three matchups, as they could directly shape their future in the draft.

These aren’t only highlight matchups. Instead,  some are lesser-known prospects that should be on Houston's radar.

That said, let’s dive into three Week 11 college football matchups the Texans should be watching.

Jordan Seaton vs. Colin Simmons

LSU offensive tackle Jordan Seaton vs. Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons is a marquee matchup that will directly determine their draft stock. 

Despite missing two games with an injury, Simmons is second nationally with 10.5 sacks. He’s a well-rounded prospect who wreaks havoc as a pass rusher and dominates against the run. He can single-handedly break an opposing offense’s game plan.

On the other side, Seaton is the consensus top tackle in college football. He’s an exceptional athlete and quarterback Sam Leavitt's blindside protection. Seaton’s had an exceptional season, only surrendering one sack. He must mitigate Simmons for LSU to pull off the upset.

It’s not irrational to assume the winner of this matchup decides the game.

The Texans should be invested in this matchup. Both prospects should sit high on their draft board and fill major needs. Each will still be options after this game, but one will undoubtedly raise his stock.

Shadre Hurst vs. Santan Hopper

Unlike the previous matchup, Houston left guard Shadre Hurst vs. Colorado defensive tackle Santana Hopper isn’t a household face-off. However, both are intriguing day-two/three prospects in April.

Hurst and Hopper were teammates at Tulane last year. Now, they are having outstanding seasons after transferring. Hurst is among the nation's best offensive linemen and has allowed only three pressures with zero sacks all season.

Hopper is equally impressive with 2.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 31 pressures (7th among defensive tackles). He’s undersized, six-foot-two, 265 pounds, but compensates with his otherworldly explosiveness and burst.

Not many fans will be watching Houston and Colorado on Friday night. But there’s a serious matchup happening between Shadre Hurst and Satana Hopper that will have direct implications for the Texans’ draft strategy.

Chris Cole vs. Missouri offense

Georgia linebacker Chris Cole has been dominant in 2026. Now, the six-foot-three, 235-pound junior has another major test against Missouri’s high-octane offense.

Cole will face the ringer against the Tigers. They have a dynamic passing attack led by quarterback Austin Simmons, while their run game is arguably more dangerous with Jamal Roberts and Ahmad Hardy (if healthy).

Georgia’s the top-ranked team, meaning everyone wants the crown. Missouri will be hungry, and it’s pivotal that Chris Cole and company shut down their offense.

Cole is already an enticing first-round option for the Texans, but he has an opportunity to cement his stock with an elite performance on Saturday.