As soon as the 2025 NFL draft ended with Kobee Minor hearing his name as this year’s “Mr Irrelevant,” preparations for next year’s draft started. Talks have begun about the 2026 potential draft picks and teams that might be targeting them.
Although it is still very early and anything could happen between now and the 2026 NFL Draft, college football analyst Joel Klatt has made his early top 10 prediction.
Joel Klatt Drops Early 2026 NFL Draft Big Board and Arch Manning Isn’t at the Top
Arch Manning is one of the prospects turning heads in college football. The next one up in the Manning Quarterback dynasty started two games last season for Texas, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come when he becomes a full-time starter next season. Some outlets are already touting Manning as a potential number one overall pick.
Arch Manning NOT at No. 1?🤔@joelklatt shares his way-too-early Top 10 prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/8NmOJk8EYK
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) April 29, 2025
Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt released his initial Big Board and Top 10 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, and he doesn’t believe Manning would be the number one pick next year. Here’s Klatt’s list of the Top 10 players who are draft-eligible next year.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is a safety for Ohio State. He was the SEC Freshman of the Year at Alabama, helped the Buckeyes win the national title, and was a unanimous All-American. He gets Klatt’s top spot, although it is nearly impossible for a safety to go number one.
Arch Manning, Texas
Manning gets the number two spot on Klatt’s list. Next year, he will play his first season as a starter, and he has already shown what he can do. While he’s draft-eligible next year, he could also decide to wait until the 2027 draft.
T.J. Parker, Clemson EDGE
Parker plays for Clemson as an EDGE. His performances flew under the radar this past season, but he is due for a breakout campaign in 2025-26. He had 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Klatt has him as his top lineman on his Big Board and the No. 4 overall prospect. The offensive lineman had a solid year for Alabama last season, and big things are expected of him next year.
Peter Woods, Clemson
Clemson might have one of the best tandems in college football right now, as Woods is one of the best defensive linemen. Klatt considers him good enough for a top-five spot.
KEEP READING: How Loaded Is the 2026 NFL Draft QB Class?
Spencer Fanu (Utah, OT), Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami, EDGE), Isaiah World (Oregon, OT), Drew Allar (Penn State, QB), and Jeremiah Love (Notre Dame, RB) complete Klatt’s top 10 list, which is dominated by linemen.
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