The 2026 NFL Draft draft is scheduled for April 23 in Pittsburgh. With the close of the college football regular season, we reveal our initial ranking of the top 50 prospects. This list is a snapshot of the current situation, based on our own analysis (both in person and on video) and conversations with NFL scouts and evaluators. These are not definitive: some players will stand out in the next five months, while others will slide or may not even make it to the draft. But this is where we see the Class of 2026 at this moment. We have included exploration reports for each prospect and our rankings by position are at the end. Seniors are marked with an asterisk. Let’s get started, beginning with one of the biggest risers in the class!
Contents
1. Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State*2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*4. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*5. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*6. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU7. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*8. Francis Mauigoa, G, Miami*9. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*10. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*11. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*12. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*13. Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*14. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*15. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*16. Makai Lemon, WR, USC*17. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*18. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State19. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech20. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*21. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*22. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*23. A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*24. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M*25. Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M26. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State*27. Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon*28. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington*29. LT Overton, Edge, Alabama30. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State*31. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*32. T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson*33. Zion Young, Edge, Missouri34. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee*35. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville36. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati37. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas*
1. Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 Reese is one of the players who has risen the most in this class, regardless of position, and has been the best player on a Buckeyes defense. He is a hybrid defender who is used both as an off-ball linebacker and on the edge. Because of his explosiveness, we like Reese more as an edge rusher in the NFL, where his combination of flexibility, power, and violence in the game can be best utilized, although he can also be used sporadically on the second level. We believe Reese has Pro Bowl potential early in his NFL career.2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205 Downs has been a very successful player for both Alabama and Ohio State. He has found the perfect role for his instincts and awareness this season, as first-year Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia uses him as a “middle hole” player. Downs is a consistent tackler with great ball skills, and is capable of mirroring and matching tight ends and receivers in the middle of the field. He reminds us a lot of Brian Branch coming out of Alabama and could have a similar impact in the NFL.
3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214 Love is a generator of explosive plays whose versatility and explosiveness provide an immediate boost to any offense. He is a slippery runner who can twist and turn his body to get through tight folds. Love accelerates quickly, and his 32 runs of more than 10 yards this season are the fourth-most among FBS running backs. His smooth, effortless style is reminiscent of James Cook III, and Love can become a similar mismatch option for a creative playmaker.4. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275 After a 2024 campaign plagued by injuries, Bain has regained his 2023 form and has been a disruptive presence on the defensive line. He can play any position ranging from the 0 to the 9 technique. Bain has heavy, fast, and powerful hands that allow him to overwhelm blockers with force and help him win with his arsenal of pass-rush moves. According to our NFL sources, Bain is a polarizing prospect due to his “tweener” build, and questions will arise about his true position at the next level.5. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 206 Moore is a calm and serene operator who plays the game with a calm attitude. He is a natural passer who understands how to place the ball over the defense, but can still put pace on it when testing narrow windows. He plays with an excellent base where his upper and lower body are always synchronized. That, along with a fluid throwing motion, has helped Moore complete 72.8% of his passes (fourth in the FBS) for 2190 yards, 21 touchdown passes and 5 interceptions. With only 15 career starts and two seasons of eligibility remaining, Moore could return to school in 2026.6. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 It could be argued that Delane has been the most impactful defensive addition in the country since the transfer portal. He has been exceptional for the Tigers since arriving from Virginia Tech. Delane is a technically sound and intelligent man-to-man cornerback with excellent quickness and backpedal speed. He has the hips and speed to turn and run with any receiver and is timely in getting his eyes back on the ball when out of phase.7. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225The talent scouts had Mendoza listed as a quarterback who could rise significantly in the draft, and the transfer from Cal hasn’t disappointed. He’s a consistent player who has completely flourished in Curt Cignetti’s offense, passing for 2641 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, while completing 73% of his passes (the third-best in the FBS). Mendoza has a good build with sufficient arm strength. He will need high-level players around him in the NFL, but there’s a clear path for him to become a productive professional starter.
8. Francis Mauigoa, G, Miami*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 Mauigoa is a constant presence at right tackle and the anchor of the Hurricanes’ offensive line, but we believe he projects better as a guard in the NFL due to his natural strength, quickness in short areas, and barrel-like build. He is a physical run blocker who uses his excellent body strength to open up running lanes. Mauigoa is also good in pass protection, as his 1.6% allowed pressure rate is the tenth-lowest among FBS offensive tackles this season. He is capable of being a “plug-and-play” starter on the interior or at right tackle, although he has more potential on the interior.9. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195 Tate is next in the seemingly endless line of Ohio State receivers, perfectly assuming the role of Emeka Egbuka as the Buckeyes’ number 2 receiver. Tate is a polished route runner who is capable of executing any branch on the route tree. He has a gliding running style that mixes exaggerated movements and head fakes, and is a natural-handed receiver with fantastic body control. With 39 receptions on 47 targets this season, without dropping the ball, Tate’s skillset should make him an immediate impact player in the NFL.10. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315 Woods entered the season as our highest-ranked player, and even though Clemson hasn’t had the season they imagined, Woods continues to shine in a significant way. He is an explosive penetrator who causes frequent disruption at the first level when defending the run and pressuring the passer. He has two sacks this season after adding three as a sophomore in 2024.11. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200 Tyson burst onto the scene in 2024 after transferring from Colorado and hasn’t slowed down this season. He has 57 receptions for 628 yards and eight touchdowns this season after catching 75 passes for 1101 yards and 10 TDs the previous year. Although he doesn’t have marquee top-end speed, Tyson is able to win despite that. He’s a creative route runner who can make catches outside his frame look routine. Durability is a potential concern, as Tyson has missed three games this season and has had nagging injuries throughout his career.
12. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 McCoy hasn’t played this season after suffering an ACL tear in January. Before the injury, McCoy was not only the CB1 of the class; he was one of its best players overall. He had four interceptions in 2024, showing his ability to create turnovers and his easy change-of-direction skills. Opinions on McCoy are mixed due to the injury and the potential of being out for the entire season. It will be interesting to see where he ultimately ranks among the cornerbacks and how high he will be drafted.13. Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 285 Faulk is already a career defender ready for the NFL and is also a strong, long-edge rusher. His ability to stack and shed at the first level stands out, as he uses his length well to disengage from the first point of attack. His ability to play any alignment up front makes him a fit in multiple defensive schemes, as his 13.2% pressure rate from the edge ranks 41st among FBS defenders. He is a direct replica of Mykel Williams with the frame and length that NFL teams covet, but he is still a work in progress due to his inconsistency as a pass rusher.14. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 208 Simpson has gone from being completely off the radar in the preseason to being in the Round 1 conversation. He’s an extreme processor who can dissect and attack defenses with ease, with 2787 passing yards, 22 touchdown passes, and 2 interceptions. While he has good arm strength and accuracy (66.9% completion percentage), Simpson doesn’t have great size, which could limit his ceiling. He also needs to work on ball security in the pocket, as he has six fumbles (five lost) this season.15. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 304 Lomu is our highest-rated pure offensive tackle (remember, we have Mauigoa at guard), and he has made a big leap forward in his second season as a starter. He has good initial quickness and shows poise before hitting and latching onto defenders in pass sets. His strength has improved, which must continue to sustain and finish his blocks more consistently. But his frame, youth (he’s a redshirt sophomore) and overall potential at left tackle have Lomu ahead of Utah teammate Spencer Fano in our rankings.16. Makai Lemon, WR, USC*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 Lemon’s physical attributes and speed are not flashy, but he knows how to win against all types of coverage. He is averaging the second-most receiving yards per game in the FBS this season (109.0) and excels at finding gaps in zones. Lemon’s lack of size does not inhibit him in traffic, as his 11 contested receptions are the nineteenth-most in the FBS and feature many highlight-reel catches. He also returns punts and is adept at running after the reception, with his 19 forced missed tackles ranking eighth among FBS receivers this season.17. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 302 Fano is extremely light on his feet, as he has the lower body quickness to mirror pass rushers. His physical hands help him play with urgency and aggressiveness. Fano also excels in space and on the move. His body control and poise are seen in both run and pass blocking. However, his lack of lower body mass shows up when trying to anchor. Scouts want to see him continue to add weight, but right now his strength limitations remind me a lot of Troy Fautanu.18. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 Styles began his college career as a safety, but became a linebacker without missing a beat. He hasn’t missed a tackle this season defending the run, as his attacking style helps him effectively bring down ball carriers. Styles has excellent range and awareness, and is timely in his downhill decisions. Despite his DB background, Styles needs to keep improving his feel in zone coverage.19. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 Bailey, who transferred to Texas Tech from Stanford, has a Rolodex of pass-rushing moves to go along with an incredible burst off the blocks. Bailey has consistently demonstrated the ability to bend and chart the edge of the pocket to win, with his 12.5 sacks and a 22.6% edge pressure rate, both leading the FBS. With a tenacious effort and an endless appetite for sacks, Bailey is a dynamic edge rusher who projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker.20. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 235 Allen has continued to ascend in his second season as a starter in the center of Kirby Smart’s defense. He is a second-level defender with quick reaction, excellent range, and closing speed. He can decipher running plays, fight off blocks, and attack downhill. Allen runs through ball carriers on contact and is a wrap-up and finishing tackler. He has improved his feel in zone coverage, especially when scanning routes, but needs to be more consistent there.21. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245 This is Sadiq’s first season as a starter and he immediately emerged as one of Dante Moore’s top options. Sadiq is a true F-type tight end who can put his hand in the dirt and flex out. He is a fluid athlete who can stretch defenses vertically up the seams, and his six touchdown receptions this season are the second-most among FBS tight ends. He is also a willing and able inline blocker who is capable of straining and holding his own against defensive ends (he’s also solid as an open-field blocker).22. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180 The younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon Terrell is an energetic playmaker. His nine pass breakups this season are tied for 14th among FBS defensive backs, and his seven career forced fumbles are tied for seventh in Clemson history. Despite his size, Terrell has inside-outside flexibility. He is also an intense tackler in run support. His size and attributes are similar to those of Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.23. A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 330 Washington quickly became a reliable interior presence in his first season as a starter. With a lot of lower body strength, Washington is a penetrator who can create a quick disruption in the backfield. He has many flashy plays that are interspersed with inconsistent moments when maintaining gap integrity as a run defender. And Washington’s inexperience manifests itself most in run defense, as he gets out of plays too often.24. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190 Concepcion has become the Aggies’ preferred target; his eight receiving touchdowns are tied for fifth in the FBS. He has also added two scores as a punt returner. He is a shift-geared runner who can accelerate and decelerate instantaneously. He regularly separates against man coverage and generates explosive plays in bunches. Concepcion needs to be more consistent with his hands, as he has six drops this season.25. Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 248 I fully admit that I am higher on Howell than most. After waiting his turn behind Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, Howell has flourished in his first season as a starter, with his 11.5 sacks placing him second among FBS defensive linemen. He is an energy-charged threat from the edge who has a good combination of flexibility and power. His arms measured 30¾ inches this spring, and there will be teams that will not feel comfortable drafting him high because of that. Questions will continue to persist about arm length, but Howell’s production cannot be ignored.
