With the 2025 NFL Draft done and dusted, scouts’ eyes — including Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice — are on 2026.
Tice released his first top 25 for the 2026 season, headlined by Clemson’s junior defensive tackle Peter Woods and Ohio State’s junior safety Caleb Downs. Tice’s rankings include four quarterbacks, noticeably missing Texas quarterback Arch Manning, projected by many to be the number one overall pick in April.
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Tice is high on the 6’3”, 315-pound Woods following a sophomore season that saw him total 26 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble. Tice believes the interior defender has the ability to play the EDGE as well, giving him the versatility to impact every down.
Tice praised Downs, regarded by many to be the top defensive prospect in the draft, for his explosiveness and ability to take over games.
It’s a lot of fun to watch Fernando Mendoza operate on 3rd and 4th down.
He shows off a real understanding of the presnap operation and how to sort things out postsnap. And that’s before you get to see his arm zip, aggressiveness, and ball placement on some of these throws. pic.twitter.com/0bTieFP1sJ
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) May 6, 2025
After Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu at number three, the chaos begins.
Tice ranked Indiana redshirt junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza number four, the highest quarterback on his big board. High on Mendoza’s arm talent, footwork, and pocket movement, Tice really likes Mendoza’s accuracy and athleticism, drawing comparisons to Matt Ryan.
At number five, Tice ranks South Carolina redshirt sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers as the second-best quarterback in the class. His “high-end” arm talent gives him access to “all platforms,” and his athleticism allows him to work in the pocket. Combined with his size and relative youth, Tice thinks Sellers could rise to number one by the end of the year.
At number 11, Tice has LSU redshirt senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, complimenting his aggressiveness, creativity, and ability to avoid sacks. While Nussemeier’s size is currently average, Tice likes his athleticism and performance in the clutch.
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Cade Klubnik is the last quarterback on the list — and fourth Clemson Tiger — sneaking in at number 25. Tice is high on his accuracy and delivery, as well as his effectiveness using his legs to “grind out yards.”
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