As the page turns on the 2025 NFL Draft, attention quickly turns to the upcoming college football season and who could build a case as a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Which players have already earned the awareness of scouts, and who looks on course to be an early draft selection in next year’s edition?
This 2026 NFL Mock Draft assumes that Arch Manning returns to school in 2026. The history of the Manning Family hints that the Texas QB will return for a second year as a starter despite being eligible.
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
The draft order has used reverse Super Bowl odds and follows the order of our Mock Draft Simulator, which you can use for free.
1) Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Cleveland Browns
Despite drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, taking another quarterback in 2026 will be unavoidable if the Cleveland Browns are drafting in the top 10. Never mind if they held the first overall selection.
Cade Klubnik is the top-rated quarterback on CSN’s top 100 players for the 2026 NFL Draft and played lights out in the second half of the 2024 season, showcasing outstanding accuracy and a live arm. The Clemson passer threw 3,639 yards in 2024, ranked 10th in the nation, whilst also throwing the third most touchdowns (36) in the FBS.
2) LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
New York Jets
If the Jets are picking No. 2 overall in next year’s draft, then you have to think that the Justin Fields experiment has failed.
LaNorris Sellers has exceptional upside as a dual-threat quarterback who has delivered 3,534 yards and 18 touchdowns through the air, as well as adding a further 674 yards and seven scores with his legs in 2024. The South Carolina Gamecocks’ quarterbacks’ elite physical tools and threatening rushing ability provide a high ceiling moving to the next level.
3) Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
New Orleans Saints
The Saints just took Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but they could revisit the quarterback well if they hold a top-three selection in 2026.
In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Garrett Nussmeier links up with his father Doug Nussmeier, the offensive coordinator in New Orleans. The LSU Tiger QB ranked fifth in the nation with 4,039 passing yards in 2024, the most of any returning player, displaying solid instincts, anticipation, and creation capacity.
4) T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Tennessee Titans
T.J. Parker currently holds the top spot on CSN’s early 2026 NFL Draft Big Board, and the 6’3”, 265-pound Clemson edge rusher is expected to put up huge numbers again in 2025. The Tigers’ pass rusher had more tackles for a loss (19) than any returning college football player in 2024 and used his relentless play style to be a physically intense sack merchant.
5) Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
New York Giants
The 2026 NFL Draft offers a deep offensive tackle class with much promise. But Francis Mauigoa may have the highest ceiling of them all.
MORE: Where Is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Miami Hurricanes’ right tackle gave up just one sack in 2024, using his 6’6”, 335-pound frame to drop anchor in pass protection. He also showcased nimble, active footwork and above-average athleticism to protect the pocket.
6) Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
Carolina Panthers
It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that Caleb Downs might be the best defensive player in college football, and potentially the top-rated player eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Ohio State Buckeyes transfer brings elite instincts and intelligence to be mentally one step ahead on any down. Meanwhile, his outstanding ball skills, keen athleticism, and flexible mobility combine to make him one of the top safeties to enter the NFL in recent years.
7) Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Indianapolis Colts
At 6’7 and 369 pounds, there aren’t many people on this planet who are built like Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. The mammoth tackle prospect possesses bruising strength and physicality, while also having unnatural smooth movement. Proctor allowed just three sacks in 2024 and can get caught against speed rushers. But his size, athleticism, and nasty demeanor provide fantastic upside at the next level.
8) Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Cleveland Browns
A versatile offensive tackle prospect, Spencer Fano is a nasty, physical offensive lineman whose appetite to overwhelm his opponent instantly stands out on film. In the run game, the Utah Utes’ right tackle uses his leg drive and strength profile to put his opponent in the dirt, while also having the hand usage and smooth agility to control the point of attack as a pass blocker.
9) Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Las Vegas Raiders
Peter Wood rounds out three Clemson prospects in the top 10 picks, highlighting why the Tigers currently sit No. 3 in CSN’s early Top 25 Power Rankings. The 6’3”, 315-pound defensive tackle is insanely disruptive as an interior presence, where his 8.5 TFLs and three sacks in 2024 showcase Woods’ ability to overpower with his upper body strength but also his instant first step that allows him to avoid contact and burst into the backfield.
10) Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Los Angeles Rams
Transferring from the Cal Golden Bears to the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025, Fernando Mendoza is expected to build on his already solid college resume. The 6’5”, 225-pound quarterback has a clean release and pinpoint accuracy, makes wise decisions with the ball, and breezes through his progressions. Furthermore, Mendoza is an underrated athlete who can make off-platform throws.
11) Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
Arizona Cardinals
Caleb Lomu is a refined, clean, technical offensive lineman who brings light footwork and stormy physicality and is the second Utah offensive tackle to be taken in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
At 6’5” and 295 pounds, Lomu offers positional versatility and uses his concrete base and active footwork to secure the pocket as a pass protector, while his work in the running game displays a prospect with an innate violent mentality.
12) Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Dallas Cowboys
Putting up 13 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, and one interception in 2024, Matayo Uiagalelei was incredibly productive on the Oregon Ducks’ defensive line and overwhelmed with his length. At 6’5” and 270 pounds, the disruptive pass rusher used his size and comprehensive wingspan to secure tackles, while his rare bend and refined pass rush plan allowed him to conquer offensive linemen with power and athleticism.
13) Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Miami Dolphins
With Jalen Ramsey on the trade block, the Miami Dolphins must address what will become a glaring need on their roster. Aveion Terrell is currently the top cornerback on CSN’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board and would be an instant starter in South Florida.
The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, the 5’11” and 180-pound Clemson cornerback has exceptional ball skills and a natural ability to take the ball away. His 13 pass breakups tied the school record for sophomores and were the most by any Tiger since 2014.
14) Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
New England Patriots
On tape, Anthony Hill Jr. is everywhere. The do-it-all linebacker led the SEC with 17 TFLs in 2024, as well as recording 113 tackles, eight sacks, and one interception. The Texas Longhorns defender is a maneuverable weapon whose athleticism, instincts, agility, and intelligence allow him to make plays in coverage and as a pass rusher.
15) Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Seattle Seahawks
Caleb Banks has the skillset to be an ascending prospect during the 2025 college football season. The Florida Gators’ defensive tackle is bruising when powering through contact, and has a potent burst off the line to barge past offensive linemen with his pure explosive force. At 6’6” and 329 pounds, Banks produced 29 QB pressures in 2024, registering 4.5 sacks, and has the potential to be even more disruptive.
16) Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Chicago Bears
At 6’6” and 288 pounds, Keldric Faulk is a big, strong, stout edge rusher whose frame, strength, and athleticism overwhelm offensive linemen. The Auburn Tigers pass rusher has 11 TFLs and seven sacks in 2024, displaying exemplary flexibility and pass rush arsenal to get after the passer. Meanwhile, his run defense ranks among the best in this class.
17) Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Houston Texans
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love is an explosive, dynamic playmaker with thunderous power and instant speed.
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The 6’6”, 206-pound rusher averaged 6.9 yards per carry in 2024, registering 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, and is projected to be the next first-round running back and figures to play a more expansive role in 2025.
18) Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Minnesota Vikings
After dominating college football as a true freshman in 2023, having 12.5 TFLs and 7.4 sacks in his maiden season, injury hampered Rueben Bain Jr.’s ascent in 2024. But if he can get back to his best now at full health, a beast is waiting to be unlocked.
The 6’3”, 275-pound, Hurricanes pass rusher has instant burst and twitchy body control, while having the flexible body contortion and instinctive movement to get around the edge and use his polished bag of pass rush moves to get after the passer.
19) Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Pittsburgh Steelers
At some point, the Pittsburgh Steelers will need to stop kicking the quarterback can down the road and invest in a young talent to be the future of their franchise.
Drew Allar still has some work to do to improve his accuracy, but as a field general QB who thrives from inside the pocket, the Penn State Nittany Lions passer has the processing ability, strong arm, and game management to diagnose defenses and make plays.
20) Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Denver Broncos
Antonio Williams ranked seventh in the nation with 11 receiving touchdowns in 2024, but showcased versatility, rushing for a further 101 yards and one touchdown, as well as passing for 62 yards and one touchdown. The 5’11”, 195-pound wide receiver was the key weapon for Klubnik and exhibited exceptional YAC ability, refined route running, and explosive movement.
21) CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers were heavily linked to Jihaad Campbell during the 2025 NFL Draft, but opted to push their linebacker need into the future. Here they land Georgia Bulldog CJ Allen, one of two linebackers from Athens currently in the top 25 of CSN’s 2026 NFL Draft big board.
At 6’1” and 235 pounds, Allen is incredibly instinctual and is inconspicuously fast. Run defense is the linebackers’ bread and butter, but his ability to work through traffic and stay sticky in coverage gives him a high floor and upside in the NFL.
22) Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Los Angeles Chargers
Expect the Washington Huskies to take a jump in 2025, and Denzel Boston’s connection with new starting QB Desmond Williams will be key. The wide receiver had 834 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, and at 6’4” and 209 pounds, has the size, physicality, but also fluid movement to dominate on the perimeter. He now needs to show he can take the next step.
23) Raylen Wilson, LB, Georgia
Green Bay Packers
The second Georgia linebacker in the first round of this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Raylen Wilson has the potential to have a similar effect on the Bulldogs’ defense as Jalon Walker a year ago. The 6’1” and 235 pounds defender is a promising playmaker in run defense (42 tackles in 2024, strong footwork and awareness in coverage, and offers brutal, dominating strength and a blazing, explosive pass rush plan as a blitzer.
24) Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon
Los Angeles Rams
Dillon Thieneman has been the best player on a poor Purdue Boilermakers side, but takes the step up to Oregon in 2025, expected to shine on a brighter stage. The Ducks’ transfer has exceptional coverage technique and blazing speed. The 6’0”, 207-pound safety is expected to run a 40-yard dash in the low 4.4s and has elite range.
25) Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
San Francisco 49ers
World by name, world by nature. At 6’8” and 312 pounds, Isaiah World has extreme length and towers over defensive linemen while possessing startling hand strength and bulky anchor. Transferring from the Nevada Wolfpack to the Ducks in 2025, the redshirt senior still needs to clean up some technique, which has seen him consistently penalized at the collegiate level, but World has the enviable size and raw tools to climb up draft rankings.
26) Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina
Cincinnati Bengals
Recording the joint-most interceptions in the SEC in 2024 (5), Jalon Kilgore is one of college football’s most productive defensive backs and will bring versatility and big-play ability to the NFL. The 6’2” and 219-pound defensive back has exceptional size, fluid movement, and powerful physicality to be used all over the secondary.
27) Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Washington Commanders
Carnell Tate could be the next Ohio State wide receiver to be drafted in the first round, after having a wideout taken in the last four editions of the NFL Draft. The 6’3”, 191-pound pass catcher is a technical route runner and confident separator, who registered 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns in 2024
28) Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Baltimore Ravens
Penn State sending pass rushers to the NFL is nothing new. Dani Dennis-Sutton could be the latest Nittany Lion to have his name called in the NFL Draft and is on course to build on his 13 TFLs and 8.5 sacks in 2024. Also a solid run defender, the 6’5”, 265-pound edge rusher has powerful motion attacking offensive linemen’s chests and has the play strength to disengage blockers.
29) Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Detroit Lions
An instinctive cover corner, Jermod McCoy is one of the top returning defensive backs in the nation and has the skillset to be a lockdown corner on Sundays.
MORE: Every Current Starting NFL QB Drafted Outside the First Round
At 6’0” and 193 pounds, the Tennessee Volunteer has 13 pass deflections in 2024, is the second most of any returning player, and is disruptive at the catchpoint while maintaining physicality and awareness in coverage.
30) Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
Buffalo Bills
At 6’3” and 275 pounds, Gabe Jacas has an NFL-ready frame and, with 13 TFLs, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles, has the production that is translatable to the next level. The Illinois Fighting Illini pass rusher is a leverage dominator and uses his wrestling background to dominate the point of attack. Meanwhile, he is ultra athletic and plays with a hot motor.
31) Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Kansas City Chiefs
Tacario Davis was expected to be in the 2025 NFL Draft but didn’t live up to expectations during the 20245 season, leading him to opt to return to college and transfer to Washington. At 6’4” and 200 pounds, the instinctual perimeter corner has elite length and uses his elongated arm length to disrupt the catch point and jam routes at the line of scrimmage.
32) LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Philadelphia Eagles
Howie loves his SEC guys. After transferring from the Texas A&M Aggies in 2024, LT Overton had a breakout season, leading to 42 tackles, three for a loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Despite his positive play, the Alabama defensive linemen didn’t put up the corresponding production and had nine missed tackles, but he could take the jump in 2025.
At 6’5” and 285 pounds, Overton is deemed a tweener and is still figuring out if his best home is inside or on the edge, but as a movable, versatile defensive lineman, the Crimson Tide prospect has the size, athleticism, and strength profile to be a long-time NFL player.
Round 2
33) Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Cleveland Browns
34) Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State
New York Jets
35) Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
New Orleans Saints
36) Eric Singleton, WR, Auburn
Tennessee Titans
37) Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss
New York Giants
38) Ethan Onianwa, OT, Ohio State
Carolina Panthers
39) DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
Indianapolis Colts
40) Deonte Lawson, LB, Alabama
Jacksonville Jaguars
41) Cayden Green, IOL, Missouri
Las Vegas Raiders
42) Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Atlanta Falcons
43) Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Arizona Cardinals
44) Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Dallas Cowboys
45) Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Miami Dolphins
46) Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
New England Patriots
47) Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Seattle Seahawks
48) Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Chicago Bears
49) Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Houston Texans
50) Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Minnesota Vikings
51) Mikael Kamara, EDGE, Indiana
Pittsburgh Steelers
52) Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
Denver Broncos
53) Luke Hasz, TE, Ole Miss
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
54) Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
Los Angeles Chargers
55) Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon
Green Bay Packers
56) Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan
Los Angeles Rams
57) Elijah Surratt, WR, Indiana
San Francisco 49ers
58) Roderick Kearney, IOL, Florida
Cincinnati Bengals
59) Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
Houston Texans
60) Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Baltimore Ravens
61) Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU
Detroit Lions
62) Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
Buffalo Bills
63) Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Kansas City Chiefs
64) Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 3
65) Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
Cleveland Browns
66) Jaeden Roberts, IOL, Alabama
Philadelphia Eagles
67) Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
New Orleans Saints
68) Jack Velling, TE, Michigan State
Tennessee Titans
69) Parker Brailsford, IOL, Alabama
Houston Texans
70) Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
Carolina Panthers
71) Keon Sabb, SAF, Alabama
Indianapolis Colts
72) Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Jacksonville Jaguars
73) KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Las Vegas Raiders
74) Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame
Atlanta Falcons
75) Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC
Arizona Cardinals
76) Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Dallas Cowboys
77) DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
Miami Dolphins
78) David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
New England Patriots
79) J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida
Seattle Seahawks
80) Isaac Smith, SAF, Mississippi State
Chicago Bears
81) Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Miami Dolphins
82) Amare Campbell, LB, Penn State
Minnesota Vikings
83) Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State
Pittsburgh Steelers
84) Damon Williams, EDGE, Missouri
Denver Broncos
85) Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
86) Lee Hunter, DT, UCF
Los Angeles Chargers
87) Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
Green Bay Packers
88) Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma
Los Angeles Rams
89) DJ Campbell, IOL, Texas
San Francisco 49ers
90) Conner Tollison, IOL, Missouri
Cincinnati Bengals
91) Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Washington Commanders
92) Tree Babalade, OT, South Carolina
Baltimore Ravens
93) Quintrevion Wisner, RB, Texas
Jacksonville Jaguars
94) Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Buffalo Bills
95) Bryson Washington, RB, Baylor
Kansas City Chiefs
96) Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Philadelphia Eagles
97) Cole Wisniewski, SAF, Texas Tech
Jacksonville Jaguars
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