With the 2025 college football season edging closer by the day, so is the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Granted, we haven’t seen the top college players in action this fall, much less established which NFL teams will be making the top picks. Those fine details aside, here’s a way-too-early view of the top 2026 NFL Draft prospects.
Way-too-early 2026 NFL Draft Top Prospects
1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson QB
The 6’2″ Klubnik is a pro-style passer who has improved steadily over his three seasons at Clemson. Last year, Klubnik threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns. But he’s not a statue in the pocket. Klubnik rushed for 463 yards and seven scores on the ground. He’s been well groomed for NFL success under Dabo Swinney at Clemson and could genuinely end up as the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2. Arch Manning, Texas QB
At 6’4″, Manning is the closest thing to a genetic certainty as an NFL prospect. After sitting on the bench for two seasons behind Quinn Ewers, Manning has finally earned his time to start at Texas.
In spot duty last season, he threw for 939 yards and nine scores while connecting on 68% of his passes. He also rushed for 108 yards and four scores, and will bring a running threat to the UT offense. Manning could also be the No. 1 in ’26.
3. Caleb Downs, Ohio State S
Downs has proven himself at two of the nation’s premier programs. As a frosh, he had 107 tackles while leading the Alabama defense. Downs transferred to Ohio State, where he had 82 tackles and broke up six passes. The 6′ player was a first-team All-American pick and showcased the diversity of his skills. Downs can hit like a linebacker and run like a cornerback. It’s no wonder NFL defenses would do well to nab him in the ’26 Draft.
4. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama OL
The only issue with Kadyn Proctor has been off-field drama with his transfer to Iowa after his freshman season and more or less immediate return to Alabama. After a slightly disappointing freshman campaign, the 6’7″, 360-pound Proctor was a second-team All-SEC pick last year.
He’s massive, physical, and capable as either a mauler in the run game or a protector in the passing attack. Proctor feels like a high-ceiling pick that would be safe.
5. TJ Parker, Clemson DE
A 6’3″, 265-pound edge rusher, Parker has the kind of elite burst off the edge that leaves NFL scouts drooling. Parker managed 64 tackles from his end spot last season, including 11 sacks, an additional 8.5 tackles for loss against runs, and 13 QB hurries. None of this is new, though. As a true freshman, Parker had 51 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss. He’s big enough to engage NFL linemen, but fast enough to outrush them.
6. Francis Mauigoa, Miami OL
Another one of those massive linemen who coaches love, the 6’6″, 338-pound Mauigoa came to Miami and started as a true freshman. From there, he’s only improved, earning second-team All-ACC honors last season. In his two seasons as a starter, Miami has allowed just 39 sacks total; the Hurricanes recorded 71 sacks over the same span. Mauigoa has good feet and athletic intangibles that will make him a top offensive line prospect.
7. Reuben Bain Jr., Miami DE
Bain is the rare top prospect whose numbers don’t necessarily tell his story. The 6’3″, 275-pound end was nearly unblockable in his freshman campaign at Miami, racking up 7.5 sacks and helping Miami immensely in the trenches.
But last season, he battled injuries, missed four games entirely, and had just 3.5 sacks. With his size and athleticism, Bain figures to be back to his freshman form. If so, he’s a top-flight NFL prospect.
8. Spencer Fano, Utah OL
Fano is a bit smaller (“just” 6’6″ and 302 pounds) than the other top tackle prospects for 2026. What that could mean is that he could be a more versatile prospect, capable of shifting inside or playing tackle at the next level. At Utah, Fano started at tackle as a freshman and then became an All-Big 12 pick and second-team All-American in 2024.
9. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas LB
The 6’3″, 237-pound Hill is a monster in the middle of Texas’ hard-charging defense. A season ago, he managed 113 tackles and eight sacks. Hill has the entire package at linebacker, with smarts, physical tools, and the ability to either rush the passer or drop into coverage. He had 67 tackles in 2023 as a true freshman and is ready to be an immediate impact player on an NFL defense.
10. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU QB
The 6’2″ Nussmeier waited his turn at LSU, and Brian Kelly set him free in 2024. Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. He’s not a rushing threat, but throws a nice deep ball and runs the LSU offense capably.
Nussmeier might not be the highest-ceiling prospect in the 2026 Draft class, but he seems to be one with a relatively high floor. He feels like a solid NFL veteran who could help many teams reach significant success.
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