Look, if you’re a Bears fan and you’re not scouting college tape by now, what the hell are you doing? The NFL Draft may be months away, but Saturdays are where championship rosters are built. And with the Bears still in talent acquisition mode (despite Caleb-mania taking over), there are holes that need filling. I'm talking Grand Canyon-sized holes at edge, safety, and yes, running back — because D'Andre Swift is currently averaging fewer yards per carry than a damn QB sneak.
So I’ve done the work. Scoured the slate. And I’ve got five absolute dogs you need to watch TODAY, October 4th. These are real-deal prospects that align with the Bears’ biggest 2026 draft needs. Set your alarms. Fire up the DVR (if they still make those) and let’s ride.
1. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (vs. Boise State, 3:30 PM ET, NBC)
The Bears’ biggest need in 2026? RB1. Period.
D’Andre Swift has been a ghost behind the line, averaging a disgusting 3.3 YPC. The run game is DOA, ranking 24th league-wide. Enter: Jeremiyah Love. This dude isn’t just the best back in the draft — he might be the only one worth a damn in the first round.
Why He Fits Chicago: Ben Johnson’s offense hums with versatile backs (see: Gibbs, Jahmyr). Love is that type of weapon. He's not just fast — he’s purposeful. Cuts hard. Finishes runs. Can catch out the backfield. Marcus Freeman straight up said he's "a never seen talent." Love’s already got 341 yards, 5 TDs, and a 5.2 YPC clip this year.
Today’s Game: Boise State gives up 168+ on the ground. Love’s about to feast on national TV.
2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (vs. Minnesota, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
If Caleb Downs falls to the Bears, sprint the damn card in.
I’m not exaggerating — Downs is arguably the best defender in the country and a top-5 lock in every legit mock. The Alabama transfer turned Buckeye is a heat-seeking missile in the secondary.
189 tackles. 14 pass breakups. 11 tackles for loss. And oh yeah, a 2024 unanimous All-American who helped win a natty. Downs isn’t just a tackler—he’s a tone-setter. Physical. Smart. Ballhawk. Exactly what the Bears have been missing since peak Eddie Jackson.
Why He Fits Chicago: The Bears’ secondary lacks identity. Downs IS identity. He’d immediately become the soul of the defense.
Tonight’s Test: Minnesota has some decent vertical concepts. Watch how Downs diagnoses and closes.
3. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (at Florida State, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
Edge rush? More like edge hush in Chicago.
The Bears are sleepwalking through pass-rush situations with a league-worst 10.2% pass rush win rate. Rueben Bain Jr. might be the cure — and the hype is real. ESPN called him the potential #1 overall pick for a reason.
Why He Fits Chicago: He’s built like a brick wall (6-3, 275) but moves like a ballerina with C4 in his cleats. 19 pressures, 3 sacks, 22 tackles in four games. Oh, and a 95.8 PFF grade, which basically means he’s playing like a damn cheat code.
Tonight’s Matchup: FSU has legit tackles. Bain puts a big performance here? His stock skyrockets.
4. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (vs. Arizona, 10:00 PM ET, FS1)
If you want a mauler who fits the Bears' nasty streak, Spencer Fano is your guy.
Fano may not be a household name like some blue-blood tackles, but he's quickly becoming a rising star in the 2026 class. At 6-5, 310, he brings that Polynesian lineman DNA — tough, technical, and absolutely relentless. Chicago needs a tone-setter on the line, and Fano plays like every snap is personal.
Why He Fits Chicago: The Bears want physicality and versatility. Fano has played both tackle spots and has the athleticism to pull, climb, and block in space — perfect for Ben Johnson’s wide-zone scheme. He’s a technician in pass pro and finishes guys like he’s angry they exist.
Stats + Tape: Utah's run game averages 5.4 YPC when running behind him, and he’s only allowed 1 sack in 18 career starts. Scouts are already buzzing about his explosive first step and ability to reset hands mid-rep.
Tonight’s Matchup: Late-night Pac-12 action against Arizona. Fano will be tested by speed off the edge, so it’s a great chance to see how he handles twitchy rushers.
5. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (vs. North Carolina, 12:00 PM ET, ESPN)
Wake up early. T.J. Parker is worth it.
Another edge beast to watch, and arguably the most polished of the bunch. Parker has drawn Jared Verse comparisons, and CBS called him “the cleanest prospect” among all DEs.
51 pressures. 12 sacks. 6-3, 265. The size, strength, and bend are all there. He wins with power, technique, AND effort — rare combo in a college edge. The Bears haven’t had that kind of complete guy since Khalil Mack was still wrecking gameplans.
Why He Fits Chicago: Parker isn’t a project — he’s plug-and-play. And if Bain is the flashy upside guy, Parker’s the rock-solid starter who gives you 10 sacks and 900 snaps a year.
Today’s Game: Noon kick vs. a good UNC offense. Watch how he sets the edge and compresses pockets. Scouts will.
Final Verdict
If you're serious about this Bears rebuild, you better have your Saturdays booked. Each of these five guys — Love, Downs, Bain, Tyson, Parker — are playing TODAY, and every snap they take could be shaping the future in Chicago.
Ben Johnson needs weapons. He needs dogs on defense. He needs versatility and edge. These dudes bring it. And who knows? A couple of them might be putting on a navy and orange hat come April.
