Who Are the Top Prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft From College Football?
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
As the NFL Scouting Combine nears in Indianapolis, draft analysts and scouts are laser-focused on the top college football players poised to become impact professionals in the 2026 NFL Draft. With a mix of elite quarterbacks, dynamic defenders, and game-changing skill players, this class is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory.
Here’s a deep dive into the standout prospects every NFL team will be tracking.
Quarterbacks
At the top of the 2026 draft class, the quarterback position is headlined by a player with true franchise-changing potential.
Fernando Mendoza – Indiana
- Position: QB
- School: Indiana Hoosiers football
- Measurables: 6-5, 225 lbs
Mendoza is widely considered the top quarterback prospect in this class thanks to his size, accuracy, and field vision. Known for elite anticipation and ball placement, he threw for 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions last season, showcasing pinpoint efficiency and decision-making.
Mendoza’s blend of accuracy, poise, and production has him on the shortlist for the No. 1 overall pick, with teams valuing his ability to run pro-style reads and deliver consistent touch at all levels of the field.
Other QB Names to Watch
- Ty Simpson (Alabama): A well-rounded signal-caller with solid accuracy and depth-chart experience.
- Carson Beck (Miami) & Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): Pocket passers with strong leadership traits and day-two draft potential.
Offensive Playmakers Poised for Impact
Carnell Tate – Wide Receiver, Ohio State
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes football
Tate has emerged as a true WR1 prospect thanks to his elite route running, contested-catch ability, and ability to create separation. On tape, Tate’s route precision and ball skills draw comparisons to some of the NFL’s top receivers, and his performance during championship runs has scouts buzzing.
Francis Mauigoa – Offensive Tackle, Miami
- School: Miami Hurricanes football
- Size: 6-6, 315 lbs
Arguably the top offensive lineman in the class, Mauigoa’s combination of strength and technique makes him a likely Day 1 starter in the NFL. A Consensus All-American and ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, he allowed only a handful of pressures last season, making him a rare tackle prospect with both power and polish.
Defensive Standouts: Game-Changers on Every Level
Rueben Bain Jr. – EDGE Rusher, Miami
- School: Miami Hurricanes football
Bain Jr. has proven to be one of the most disruptive defenders in college football, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and impacting the run game. His relentless motor and pass-rush production could make him a top-10 pick in April.
Top 5 Defensive Tackle Prospects
According to league scouts, the defensive tackle class is anchored by:
- Peter Woods (Clemson): Athletic and disruptive interior force
- Kayden McDonald (Ohio State): Large, stout nose tackle with instincts
- Caleb Banks (Florida): Rare combination of size and burst
- Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) & Domonique Orange (Iowa State): Rugged run-stoppers with upside
These interior D-line talents provide stout run defense and pass-rush disruption deep into the draft.
Conclusion: A Class With Star Power and Depth
The 2026 NFL Draft class offers a compelling blend of talent across all position groups. From potential franchise quarterbacks like Fernando Mendoza to elite playmakers like Carnell Tate and disruptive defenders such as Rueben Bain Jr., this draft promises to reshape franchises and deliver future stars.
