While it is too early to have a strong grasp on the 2026 NFL Draft class, the preseason is still an important time to formulate opinions about the incoming prospects. In last season’s Top 25 Big Board, I chose 14 future 1st Round picks, 5 future 2nd Round picks, one 3rd, one 4th, one 5th, and 3 players who did not declare. Even though I was far from perfect, I still captured many of the blue chip players who went onto to the NFL. The 2026 NFL Draft Big Board 1.0 is even stronger.
When I evaluate these prospects, I care much more about their traits than their stats. Many prospects with little-to-no production will rise up to become 1st Round picks. It is a difficult job this early; however, these are the players that I expect will be at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bobby Bishop’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board
No. 1 | Arch Manning | QB | Texas | 6’4’’ | 219 lbs
Everyone around Arch Manning, including his grandfather, maintains that Arch will “be at Texas” in 2026. Arch Manning, himself, has come out and denied these claims, surrounding his draft future in more mystery. As an NFL Draft analyst, I have to treat prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft as such until declaration day in January. At the moment, Arch Manning is the top prospect eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite only starting a few games in 2024, he looked comfortable and polished, with clean footwork and intelligent processing. Manning is capable of firing fastballs and lofting changeups, and most importantly, knowing which to choose. He’s the most mobile Manning quarterback we’ve ever seen. Has a projected 1st overall pick ever chosen to return to college? This decision would be completely unprecedented in recent memory, but the Manning family will make sure that Arch Manning does what is best for his career, no matter what.
No. 2 | LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina | 6’3’’ | 240 lbs
If LaNorris Sellers has the type of off-season development and 2025 campaign that I’m expecting, he will push to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. First and foremost, Sellers has shades of Cam Newton. He’s larger than linebackers, so he’s hard to pull down. Sellers has the best contact balance I have seen in a quarterback prospect, which allows him to break sacks where the defender has him dead to rights. Sellers’ ability to throw on the run is top tier. He routinely turns blown up plays into explosive gains.
As a passer and offense operator, Sellers improved throughout his redshirt freshman season. I love his over-the-top release. It is quick and repeatable. He has struggled with overthrows at times, but often throws a beautiful, accurate ball. Sellers is quick to scramble, but I would love to see him hang in the pocket a little longer, going through reads. His comfortability hanging in the pocket will continue to grow with time. I envision a Heisman caliber season for LaNorris Sellers as he leads the South Carolina Gamecocks into the College Football Playoff.
No. 3 | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State | 6’0’’ | 205 lbs
Caleb Downs was considered a 5-star recruit and the top safety in the high school class of 2023 by 247sports. He chose Alabama out of his 34 college offers. After a dominant freshman season, Downs was named as the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year. Unfortunately, his time in Alabama came to a close. Iconic coach Nick Saban retired. His replacement, Kevin DeBoer did not retain Downs’ position coach. Caleb Downs entered the portal and chose Ohio State. This choice was rewarded with the ultimate prize: a national championship. Although known as a safety, Caleb Downs has showcased his prowess as a returner as well throughout his college career. Regardless of position, Caleb Downs is one of the best football players in the country.
Downs plays old school football with complete abandon for personal protection. He annihilates the run game, flying downhill to fill gaps. Downs continues to accumulate tackles, racking up 188 total tackles in his 2-year college career. He is a well-rounded safety prospect who is strong in coverage, protecting the backend of the defense. Downs intercepted two passes in each of his college seasons so far. Ultimately, positional value will cause Downs to be much lower than this in the Draft, but whoever selects Caleb Downs will be adding a lethal defensive playmaker to the backend of their defense.
No. 4 | T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson | 6’3’’ | 265 lbs
T.J. Parker is a force off the edge. Parker was rated as a 4-star recruit and a top 50 player in the country in the high school class of 2023 by 247sports. As a sophomore, he established himself as one of the best players in the country. Parker turned 51 pressures into 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. His 15.3% pass rush win rate showcased his ability to consistently wreak havoc in the opponent’s backfield. T.J Parker has been named to several preseason award watchlists before the much anticipated 2026 season.
Parker is a ferocious finisher. He doesn’t just look to sack QBs—he wants to bury them 6 feet under the field. Parker’s 4 sack game against Pitt was one of the most impressive performances had by an edge rusher. Everyone in the stadium knew they needed to stop Parker, and they were completely helpless. Parker has extremely active hands with the awareness to swipe and often times force fumbles when approaching a quarterback. He is well-rounded at rushing the passer and defending the run game. I feel very comfortable that T.J. Parker’s status as the best edge rusher in this class will stick all the way until April.
No. 5 | Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama | 6’7’’ | 366 lbs
Kadyn Proctor was a 5 star recruit, rated the 5th best high school player in the class of 2023 by 247 sports. He enrolled at Alabama, and he immediately won the starting left tackle job. His freshman year was tough. Proctor gave up 36 pressures and 12 sacks. The program saw potential in him, but he had to step up. Proctor made drastic improvements before his sophomore season. He only allowed 15 pressures and 3 sacks. Proctor has continued to put in the work and wants to improve again this season.
Proctor is built like The Mountain from Game of Thrones. You couldn’t design a better offensive tackle body in a lab if you tried. Proctor’s intense power shows up in the run game when he consistently pushes defensive linemen off their spot. He’s an impressive mover going downhill to the second level. Linebackers and defensive backs stand no chance against him. He’s already shown improvements from freshman to sophomore year in pass blocking, but this is still his weaker area. If Kadyn Proctor can put it all together, he will be the best offensive tackle prospect we’ve had in several years.
No. 6 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame | 6’0’’ | 214 lbs
Jeremiyah Love is one of the few true blue-chip prospects in this class. Love is everything you want in a running back. He’s extremely tough, bouncing off would-be tacklers. His touchdown run against Penn State is an iconic play—sure to be etched into football history—which showcases Love’s relentless effort to get into the endzone. Jeremiyah Love oozes athleticism. His vertical is easily 40 inches, demonstrated by his frequent hurdles over defenders. He is patient to wait for a hole to open up and then accelerates downfield.
No running back has won the Heisman trophy since Derrick Henry in 2015. Could Jeremiyah Love end that positional drought? He is poised to do great things this season. Ideally, Notre Dame showcases Love as a receiver more often. He only has 36 receptions in his college career. NFL offenses adore utilizing running backs in the passing game, so Love needs to expand that aspect of his game to solidify his three down role in the NFL. No matter what, Jeremiyah Love is must-watch TV this season.
No. 7 | Peter Woods | DT | Clemson | 6’3’’ | 315 lbs
Peter Woods was a 4-star recruit and a top 40 player in the class of 2023 according to 247sports composite rating. He won a starting job immediately and had a very strong freshman season. Woods was named as a Freshman All-American. As a sophomore, he began to be utilized around the field more. He showcased versatility taking snaps as a defensive tackle, as an edge rusher, and even as a fullback. T.J. Parker (See No. 4) and Peter Woods form the best defensive line duo in the country.
Woods utilizes superior agility to maneuver into the backfield. At 315 lbs., he moves similarly to someone 50 lbs. smaller. His punch-slap move is powerful, combined with his agility to quickly get around his opponent. Woods had a 18.0% pass rush win percentage last year, even better than 5th overall pick, Mason Graham (17.8%). While Woods stats don’t jump off the page, he is consistently in the backfield, messing up the offense’s plans and affecting the play. Peter Woods is the best defensive tackle prospect in the country.
No. 8 | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | DT | Auburn | 6’6’’ | 285 lbs
If you love the Travon Walker/Mykel Williams archetype, Keldric Faulk is the defensive lineman for you. He’s the next guy up with an impressive blend of length, size, athleticism, and versatility. Faulk, a 4-star recruit in the class of 2023, took a massive leap in performance from freshman to sophomore year. He went from 20 pressures and 1 sack to 45 pressures and 7 sacks. Only 19-years old, Faulk is primed for yet another leap this season.
Keldric Faulk moves so well for his size. His wingspan allows him to reach the offensive lineman first before they touch him, and then Faulk slingshots himself around them. His run defense is very strong, shedding blocks and making plays consistently. His missed tackle percentage is only 7.9% throughout his college career. If Faulk can continue to improve his pass rush win percentage and can convert more pressures into sacks, he could push to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 9 | Spencer Fano | OT | Utah | 6’6’’ | 302 lbs
Spencer Fano has emerged as one of the best offensive tackles in the country. As a high schooler, Fano was a 4-star recruit, rated as a top 50 player in the country by 247sports. He decided to stay close to home and committed to Utah. Fano won the starting left tackle job as a freshman, but he switched to right tackle for their bowl game that season. This move stuck, as Fano emerged as one of the best right tackles in the country in 2024.
Fano is flat out dominant as a run blocker. His athleticism allows him to fly into the second level. He is a pancake machine, flattening his assignment play after play. Fano’s pass protection is above average as well. His awareness versus stunts is extremely strong. As a sophomore, he only allowed 14 pressures and 1 sack in 424 pass blocking downs. My biggest knock on Fano is his weight. He is 15 pounds lighter than the average NFL offensive tackle (317 lbs). Fano has already gained 26 lbs. since freshman year. If Spencer Fano can add another 10-15 pounds while maintaining his athleticism, he is a lock to be a top-10 draft pick in 2026.
No. 10 | Drew Allar | QB | Penn State | 6’5’’ | 235 lbs
Drew Allar has many qualities which make it obvious that he will be an NFL quarterback. The former 5-star recruit was the top quarterback in the high school class of 2022, according to 247sports. He has prototypical size of an NFL quarterback. Allar is an extremely natural thrower of the football with great zip on his passes. He varies his arm angles and the pace on his throws, capable of threading the needle on a bullet pass through a tight window or placing a touch pass over the shoulder of his receiver.
I hope that Penn State places more on Allar’s plate in 2025. During his sophomore and junior season, they didn’t ask much of him. Hand the ball off 25 times and get the ball out to your playmakers quick. Allar is capable of driving the ball down the field, but it was rarely asked of him. With both top running backs returning, the Penn State running game will be strong. Still, NFL Draft analysts are hoping they open up the playbook for Drew Allar to show off his full skillset.
No. 11 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State | 6’2’’ | 200 lbs
Destined to be a coveted dynasty 1st round pick, Jordyn Tyson is a well-rounded receiver. He has above-average size, speed, and route running ability. Tyson is versatile enough to play in the slot or on the outside. His strength is his hands. Tyson is extremely strong at the catch point, showcased by his 10 contested catches last season. He is consistently working back to the football and snatching it out of the air. Out of every Power 4 receiver with at least 100 targets last season, Tyson ranked 2nd in yards per route run (3.04). Jeremiah Smith was 1st, and Tetaroia McMillan was 3rd. Unfortunately, a broken collarbone ended Tyson’s 2024 season early. Jordyn Tyson just needs a healthy season to ensure that he will be a 1st Round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 12 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | 6’5’’ | 225 lbs
I am genuinely surprised that Fernando Mendoza didn’t get more buzz in the offseason transfer portal window. It’s rare that a quarterback with Round 1 potential hits the portal. Last year at Cal, he threw for over 3,000 yards. Mendoza features above-average arm talent and accuracy. I love his ability to ad lib when a play breaks down. Can he adjust to a new scheme and tougher defenses? Mendoza has already risen from being a 2-star prospect (140th ranked QB in the 2023 class according to 247sports composite) to being one of the top quarterbacks in the country. If Fernando Mendoza shreds the Big Ten, he may be in the top 3 pick conversation a year from now.
No. 13 | Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee | 6’0’’ | 193 lbs
Originally a 3-star prospect out of high school, Jermod McCoy transferred from Oregon State to Tennessee after his freshman year. As a sophomore, McCoy broke out, immediately making an impact at Tennessee. He showcased a truly special mirroring ability in man coverage. McCoy seemingly can read the minds of receivers—consistently beating them to their spot, even on double moves. He came down with 4 interceptions last season. McCoy is a very physical corner—reminiscent of Jaycee Horn—who can get caught grabbing too much. He racked up 8 penalties in 2024 which is certainly too many. Ultimately, Jermod McCoy will be able to be left on an island against receivers, which is invaluable to a defense. He stands out as the top player in the draft at a premium position.
No. 14 | Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami | 6’6’’ | 315 lbs
Francis Mauigoa is a very strong pass protecting right tackle. He was a 5-star prospect out of high school and a top-10 recruit in the class of 2023. He won the starting right tackle job as a freshman, but Mauigoa made a big jump during his sophomore season while protecting Cam Ward. In 576 pass blocking snaps, Mauigoa only allowed 19 pressures and 1 sack. He has a great first step and mirrors edge rushers very well. Mauigoa’s run blocking is average to slightly above average. I wasn’t impressed with his athleticism when climbing to the second level. In the pass-happy modern NFL, Francis Mauigoa’s elite pass protection will make him a high coveted draft prospect.
No. 15 | Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah | 6’6’’ | 304 lbs
Caleb Lomu is the second part of the best offensive tackle duo in the country (see No. 9 — Spencer Fano). After redshirting his freshman year, Lomu won the starting left tackle job last year and broke out. He only allowed 2 sacks in 425 pass blocking snaps. I was extremely impressed with Lomu’s discipline. He was only called for 1 penalty all season. Holding calls are drive killers, so Lomu’s ability to play by the rules is a great attribute. Similar to Fano, I would love for Lomu to add another 10-15 lbs. to reach my offensive tackle desired weight threshold. He’s already gained over 40 lbs. since high school, so I have no doubt that Lomu is capable. Caleb Lomu will be a day 1 starter for a team that needs a left tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 16 | Reuben Bain Jr. | EDGE | DT | Miami | 6’3’’ | 275 lbs
We are one year removed from Reuben Bain Jr.’s incredible freshman season. He had 45 pressures and 7.5 sacks as a true freshman. He took a step back last year, dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. Bain is a wrecking ball. It seems like he is fueled by an endless energy source as he relentlessly fights to get into backfields. He has an A+ swim move and is a versatile defender. Bain has primarily played edge rusher, but he took 72 snaps in the B gap last year. I see him fitting any scheme as a defensive end in a 4-3 or a 3-4. He would need to add more bulk to play 3-4 DE at the next level, but he is capable. Ultimately, a healthy season from Reuben Bain Jr. would go a long way to prove to scouts that he is even better than his breakout freshman season suggested.
No. 17 | Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU | 6’1’’ | 205 lbs
Garrett Nussmeier is one of the top senior quarterbacks in the country. He may be undersized, but he’s a high level processer who gets the ball where he wants it to go. Nussmeier survived the high pressure environment of the SEC by releasing the ball quickly and varying his arm angles. He made some extremely impressive NFL level throws downfield last season. Nussmeier had a tendency to have antsy feet at times in 2024. Also, he failed to recognize dropping backers in zone coverage on occasion, leading to broken up plays. Nussmeier lacks the desired mobility and size of an NFL QB, but if he continues to stack up high-level downfield throws, Nussmeier will wind up as a 1st Round pick in 2026.
No. 18 | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington | 6’4’’ | 209 lbs
Denzel Boston is a giant X receiver. Boston was a 3-star recruit that took 2 seasons of learning and grinding before he finally earned more playing time as a junior. He broke out to the tune of 63 catches and 834 yards. Boston is a significant red zone threat, consistently mossing defenders on 50/50 balls. He came down with 9 touchdowns last season. Boston is an above-average route runner and is solid after the catch. I think Denzel Boston is a significant threat to push Jordyn Tyson for the WR1 crown.
No. 19 | Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC | 6’4’’ | 200 lbs
Difficult to distinguish between, Ja’Kobi Lane and Denzel Boston have almost identical bodies. Both are massively talented long and fast outside receivers. I gave Boston the edge because Lane doesn’t offer much after the catch, only 3 yards after the catch per reception. Lane, to his credit, was a higher rated recruit (4 star) and broke out as a sophomore. Lane is a touchdown machine (12 TDs last season) with 27.9% of all of his receptions resulting in touchdowns. With increased targets, Lane has the ability to have an explosive 2025 season.
No. 20 | Makai Lemon | WR | USC | 5’11’’ | 195 lbs
Makai Lemon is a gritty slot receiver. He is physical through the break and can separate at a high level. My favorite attribute about Lemon is his ability after the catch. He averaged 7.3 yards after the catch per receptions—closing in on a first down on its own. This ability was also showcased in his electric kick returns. Lemon’s 3.03 yards per route run was extremely impressive in a stat category that many analysts value. Lemon is going to be a PPR monster at the next level.
No. 21 | Dani Dennis-Sutton | EDGE | Penn State | 6’5’’ | 265 lbs
Dani Dennis-Sutton’s excellent 2024 season was overshadowed by his teammate, Abdul Carter, who just so happened to be the best edge rusher in the country. Obviously, Carter drew the focus of the protection, so Dennis-Sutton benefitted from consistent 1-on-1 matchups on the outside. Dennis-Sutton feasted with 45 pressures and 8.5 sacks. This season Dennis-Sutton has an opportunity to emerge as the guy with nobody else casting a shadow. If Penn State produces another round 1 edge rusher, they will push to be known as DEU.
No. 22 | Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson | 5’11’’ | 180 lbs
Avieon Terrell is the younger brother of one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, A.J. Terrell. With that in mind, I tried to be especially hard on Avieon, not allowing any biases from his older brother to bleed over. He has earned the 1st Round hype with his own merit. Avieon is undersized, but he has the speed to stay with any receiver. He is a strong tackler, accumulating 58 tackles in 2024 from the cornerback position. He also forced three fumbles, swiping, punching, clawing at the football to make a play for his squad. His 90.7 run defense grade from PFF was tied for the 4th highest among cornerbacks. Avieon Terrell will have multiple opportunities to shut down some of the best receivers in the country this season.
No. 23 | Cade Klubnik | QB | Clemson | 6’2’’ | 210 lbs
The leader of one of the best teams in the country, Cade Klubnik, is entering his senior year with an opportunity to rise up draft boards. When watching his tape, Klubnik’s quick and precise footwork impressed me. He has the ability to get the ball out to his playmakers extremely quickly—Bo Nix-esque. Cade Klubnik is a frequent and instinctive scrambler. While he won’t have designed runs in the pros, the scrambling ability will translate. I would rate Klubnik’s arm strength and his accuracy in the B range—neither trait will blow scouts away. In a West Coast style offense, Klubnik fits the mold of an operator that gets the ball to his playmakers quickly, but he needs to showcase more arm talent to rise into the top-tier of quarterback prospects.
No. 24 | Caleb Banks | DT | Florida | 6’6’’ | 330 lbs
Caleb Banks is a mammoth defensive tackle. After two years at Louisville, a redshirt year, and a freshman year where he rarely stepped on the field, Banks transferred to Florida. He was able to immediately make an impact as a redshirt sophomore with 19 tackles, 24 pressures, and a sack. Last season, he racked up 21 total tackles, 29 pressures, and 4.5 sacks. While his stats are underwhelming, Banks’ potential with his size and athleticism is through the roof. He consistently works his way into the opponent’s backfield, and he holds his line well against the run. With a productive senior year, Caleb Banks could rise up draft boards.
No. 25 | Xavier Chaplin | OT | Auburn | 6’7’’ | 348 lbs
Xavier Chaplin was a heavily pursued transfer from Virginia Tech this offseason. He landed in the SEC for the Auburn Tigers. Chaplin is raw technically, but he certainly has an S-tier NFL body. Last year, Chaplin improved his pass protecting abilities. Pressures allowed dropped from 18 to just 13, and sacks allowed dropped from 5 to 2. Now, he will face elite edge rushers week after week during a grueling SEC schedule. If Xavier Chaplin can provide Jackson Arnold with consistently clean blind side protection, he could skyrocket in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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