Germie Bernard is the 2026 draft's Forrest Gump. He played with USC quarterback Jayden Maiava at the Nevada powerhouse Liberty, earning the Gatorade Nevada Player of the Year award. Next was one season with Michigan St. as a four-star prospect. He immediately transferred to Washington, serving as the primary backup to their NFL-bound trio of Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan on a National Championship runner-up team. After one season in Washington, he transferred again, following coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama. He led the team in receiving over the last two seasons, playing opposite the touted prospect Ryan Williams. Bernard was recognized as a Biletnikoff semifinalist in 2025. 

Bernard is a powerful receiver who frequently lined up in the slot or came out of the backfield. He is excellent after the catch, looking like a running back at times. He does his best work in the short- and intermediate-range, where his strength can shine. That package profiles well for volume, though he lacks the top-end explosion at the NFL level. Bernard rarely dropped passes, thanks to strong hands and usage in the short passing game. Bernard will likely land on Day 2 and may sneak into the end of the first round in some rookie drafts, though athletic testing may be a question.

Special Teamer to Above-Average Starter

 

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For more information on Germie Bernard and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!

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