2026 NFL Draft Big Board Rankings: Updated Top 50 and Position Rankings

As we enter the final stretch of the 2025 college football season, the top names in the 2026 NFL Draft class are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. The draft may still be months away, but the college football landscape is already shaping the conversation. As the regular season winds down, bowl games and the College Football Playoff will serve as the final proving ground for the nation’s best talent — and this year’s NFL Draft Big Board looks as deep and unpredictable as any in recent memory.

Over the past several months, I’ve been studying film and grading the top players eligible for next April’s draft. This updated Top 50 Big Board and position-by-position rankings will continue to evolve through the rest of the season, into the pre-draft process, and up to Round 1 in Pittsburgh on April 23, 2026.

At the top, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs headlines the class with elite instincts, versatility, and a pro-ready skill set. Right behind him, Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. anchors one of the strongest defensive line groups in college football. Offensively, the quarterback battle between Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), Dante Moore (Oregon), and Ty Simpson (Alabama) continues to shape the draft narrative — though all three still hold college eligibility, keeping their 2026 status fluid.

That uncertainty is part of what makes this draft cycle so fascinating. With NIL opportunities allowing top underclassmen to return, several key players could reshape the 2026 class by staying in school. Even so, the overall depth — particularly along the defensive front — is undeniable. From Rueben Bain Jr. and Clemson’s Peter Woods anchoring the trenches to a talented group of corners and linebackers, this class looks loaded on defense. On the other side of the ball, the wide receiver group is emerging as one of the deepest in recent memory, led by Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, and USC’s Makai Lemon — all generating early top-15 buzz.

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2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 50 Overall Prospect Rankings

1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6’0”, 205)

Downs plays with elite football IQ, anticipation, and positional flexibility, thriving as a split-field safety capable of rolling down into the box or matching routes from the slot. His tackling consistency and instincts make him the prototype for modern match-zone and hybrid 4-2-5 systems that demand interchangeable safeties. A seamless fit for any coverage-heavy scheme, Downs projects as an immediate impact starter with perennial All-Pro potential.

2. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6’3”, 275)

Bain is a violent, compact edge defender who wins with hand precision, leverage, and relentless effort. His play strength and balance allow him to line up as a base end or reduced 5-tech in attacking 4-3 fronts, while his first-step quickness provides inside counter ability against over-sets. His scheme-diverse skill set and motor make him a plug-and-play disruptor who can anchor or rush with equal effectiveness.

3. Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson (6’3”, 315)

Woods brings rare interior explosiveness and alignment versatility, thriving as a 3-tech in one-gap systems or a power end in odd fronts. His first-step quickness and hand violence overwhelm single blocks, while his pad level and anchor hold against doubles. Built to dominate in gap-shooting defenses that rely on interior penetration, Woods projects as an every-down difference maker with Pro Bowl upside.

4. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6’5”, 304)

Fano’s blend of mobility, technique, and finishing strength make him the most complete offensive lineman in college football. His balance and timing translate across zone and gap schemes, and his positional flexibility gives him value at either tackle spot or even inside. A tone-setter in the run game who rarely loses in pass pro, Fano projects as an immediate starter with long-term All-Pro potential.

5. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6’3”, 250)

Bailey’s game is built on explosiveness and flexibility, combining speed-to-power rushes with the ability to flatten around the edge. His motor and lateral quickness make him ideal for 3-4 outside linebacker roles, but he also fits as a stand-up rusher in even fronts. With advanced bend and pursuit range, Bailey projects as a three-down playmaker who can pressure or drop effectively in hybrid systems.

6. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (6’4”, 243)

Reese is a rangy, violent second-level defender who thrives in space and downhill attack roles. His length and fluidity allow him to play in multiple fronts—stacked linebacker, overhang, or sub-package edge—while his improving instincts make him scheme-versatile. Perfect for defenses that emphasize hybrid linebackers with coverage range and blitz capability, Reese profiles as a modern three-down enforcer.

7. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6’5”, 225)

Mendoza is a rhythm passer with NFL arm strength and precision to attack vertically or on layered throws. His mechanics are clean, and he’s comfortable operating from pro-style or spread systems that marry play-action with intermediate timing concepts. Mobile enough to extend plays but wired as a pocket thrower, Mendoza fits best in offenses built around structure, anticipation, and vertical balance.

8. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6’6”, 315)

Mauigoa blends power and fluidity, excelling as both a drive blocker and pass protector. His athleticism suits wide-zone and RPO-heavy offenses, while his strength and anchor make him effective in traditional power schemes. With his physicality and foot quickness, Mauigoa projects as a long-term bookend tackle who can thrive on either side.

9. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6’1”, 195)

Tyson is a dynamic separator with top-tier acceleration and smooth route pacing. He fits seamlessly in vertical or spread passing attacks that emphasize spacing and tempo, where his ability to win at all three levels creates consistent mismatches. A natural fit in motion-based or slot-heavy systems, Tyson projects as an immediate WR1 caliber weapon in the right offense.

10. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6’0”, 210)

Love is an explosive playmaker with instant burst and contact balance, built for outside-zone and spread concepts that highlight his open-field creativity. His fluid receiving ability makes him a perfect fit for modern offenses that value dual-threat backs who can motion out wide or attack from the slot. A true home-run threat, Love projects as a three-down feature back with first-round traits.

11. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6’0”, 195)

McCoy is a long, instinctive corner with the anticipation and ball skills to thrive in zone-heavy or multiple-coverage schemes. His technique, route recognition, and closing burst give him true CB1 upside in match-zone or quarters systems. He’s recovering from a torn ACL suffered in January 2025 but has returned to limited practice. If fully healthy, McCoy projects as a high-IQ boundary corner with early NFL starter potential.

12. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6’3”, 191)

A refined route runner who wins with precision and control, Tate excels in rhythm-timing or West Coast systems built on spacing and leverage. His polished technique and strong hands make him a chain-mover who consistently separates underneath and at the break point.

13. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6’6”, 290)

Faulk’s power profile and length translate across fronts, giving him the flexibility to line up as a 4-3 base end or 3-4 5-tech. He wins with strength and leverage in the run game while flashing a developing power-rush arsenal. Built for schemes that value edge-setters with interior versatility.

14. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6’7”, 369)

Massive, dominant, and improving technically, Proctor fits best in gap or power-based systems where he can use raw strength to overwhelm defenders. His surprising mobility gives him adaptability in zone looks, but his calling card remains his anchor and displacement power.

15. Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5’11”, 195)

Lemon thrives in the slot, where his IQ, tempo, and route-craft allow him to uncover against zone and find voids underneath. He’s best utilized in spread or option-route concepts that stress defenses horizontally, projecting as a reliable possession and third-down weapon.

16. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6’0”, 190)

Physical and disciplined, Delane is a press-man specialist who mirrors with fluidity and plays through the catch point. His reactive athleticism and football IQ make him an ideal fit for Cover 3 or quarters systems that demand both run-fit toughness and coverage confidence.

17. Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida (6’6”, 325)

Banks offers rare size, length, and lateral agility for an interior defender. His best fit is as a penetrating 3-tech in a 4-3 or hybrid front where he can use first-step explosiveness to disrupt gaps. With improved pad level and counter hand usage, he projects as a versatile interior disruptor with top-20 upside.

18. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6’3”, 265)

Parker is a violent, power-based edge rusher who wins with heavy hands and leverage. His compact frame and lower-body torque make him a natural fit as a 4-3 defensive end who can kick inside on passing downs. A tone-setter with double-digit sack potential in even fronts.

19. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6’2”, 208)

Simpson excels in rhythm and timing offenses built on quick decisions and defined reads. His compact release and anticipatory throwing allow him to attack tight windows from the pocket. He’s ideally suited for West Coast or spread-based systems emphasizing precision over raw arm talent.

20. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5’11”, 180)

Terrell is a twitchy, aggressive corner who mirrors routes with clean transitions and exceptional balance. He thrives in press-man and zone-match concepts, showing top-tier tackling and ball disruption skills. A natural fit for Cover 3 or press-quarters schemes with immediate starter upside.

21. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6’3”, 245)

Sadiq is a dynamic, hybrid tight end with explosive YAC ability and positional versatility. He fits modern NFL spread systems that flex tight ends into the slot or use them as motion mismatches. Best in offenses emphasizing play-action and vertical seams, Sadiq projects as a move-TE with high-end upside.

22. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (6’2”, 220)

Bell is a physical possession receiver who thrives at the catch point and through contact. His frame and strong hands make him a natural fit in West Coast or vertical play-action schemes that emphasize contested catches and middle-field routes. He profiles as a red-zone threat with WR2 potential.

23. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6’2”, 250)

Howell is an explosive, undersized edge rusher who wins with first-step burst and bend. He projects best as a situational pass rusher in even fronts or a 3-4 outside linebacker with space freedom. With added functional strength, Howell could become a three-down weapon in pressure-heavy systems.

24. Jaishawn Barham, LB/EDGE, Michigan (6’4”, 248)

Barham is a physical hybrid linebacker transitioning full-time to edge defender in 2025. His explosive lower body and heavy hands give him immediate three-down versatility in 3-4 or hybrid fronts. He’s tailor-made for aggressive, blitz-heavy defenses that value multipositional athletes.

25. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6’4”, 210)

Boston is a big-bodied boundary receiver who excels on vertical routes and contested catches. His size and catch radius fit perfectly in play-action or RPO offenses that emphasize downfield shot plays. He projects as a red-zone mismatch and reliable outside target in timing-based systems.

26. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon (6’3”, 206)

Moore is a poised pocket passer with natural touch and movement skills. He’s best suited for pro-style or spread hybrid systems that incorporate play-action, movement throws, and layered progressions. His arm talent and poise give him long-term franchise quarterback potential.

27. LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6’5”, 283)

Overton brings rare inside-out versatility with the power to play 4i/5T and the burst to win on the edge. His blend of size and quickness fits hybrid fronts that value multi-gap defenders. With refined technique, he projects as a high-level disruptor in even or odd alignments.

28. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech (6’3”, 240)

Height is an agile, flexible pass rusher who excels attacking off the edge with bend and closing burst. He projects best in 3-4 schemes that use wide alignments or NASCAR packages. His speed and pursuit motor make him an ideal sub-package specialist with developmental starter potential.

29. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (6’0”, 195)

Hood is a feisty, physical corner who plays with violent hands in press coverage. He thrives in aggressive zone-match schemes that emphasize route anticipation and quick trigger downhill. His instincts and competitiveness give him CB2 upside in hybrid coverage systems.

30. Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa (6’5”, 316)

Dunker is a rugged, technically polished run blocker who projects inside at the next level. He’s best suited for gap or inside-zone schemes where his leverage, power, and motor can shine. While limited athletically, his strength and toughness make him a plug-and-play interior starter.

31. Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee (6’5”, 200)

Brazzell is a long, fluid mover with vertical stretch ability and catch-point dominance. His frame and body control make him a natural fit in play-action or RPO systems that emphasize deep digs, posts, and boundary fades. With refined route pacing and improved physicality, he projects as an X-receiver with WR1 upside.

32. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6’2”, 205)

A confident pocket thrower with elite release quickness and touch, Nussmeier fits perfectly in rhythm-timing or West Coast offenses. He processes well pre-snap, throws with anticipation, and shows enough mobility to extend plays. With continued growth in decision-making, he has late-first-round starter potential.

33. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6’4”, 230)

Styles is a hybrid defender who bridges safety and linebacker traits. He thrives in multiple-front defenses that emphasize versatility—able to cover, blitz, or fill downhill with equal comfort. Best in 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 looks, he projects as a matchup-neutralizing chess piece with Pro Bowl potential.

34. Austin Barber, OT, Florida (6’8”, 315)

Barber is a long, athletic tackle whose movement skills shine in zone-blocking schemes. His lateral quickness and hand placement allow him to mirror speed rushers, while his frame and length give him recovery range. Projects as a developmental left tackle with starter-level athletic traits.

35. Christen Miller, IDL, Georgia (6’3”, 305)

Miller is a power-based interior disruptor who plays with heavy hands, leverage, and a relentless motor. He fits best as a 3-tech or 4i in hybrid fronts that demand gap control and penetration. A breakout candidate with Day 2 value as a high-floor rotational starter.

36. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma (6’2”, 250)

Thomas is a twitchy, compact edge rusher with a violent first step and flexible lower half. His best fit is as a stand-up rusher in 3-4 schemes where he can isolate tackles and win with burst. Brings double-digit sack upside as a situational weapon early in his career.

37. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6’5”, 308)

Lomu’s foot quickness, recovery balance, and body control make him an ideal fit for wide-zone offenses. He maintains leverage through fluid hips and strong hands, excelling in space and on reach blocks. With added play strength, he profiles as a long-term blind-side protector.

38. John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma (6’1”, 210)

Mateer is a creative dual-threat quarterback who thrives in RPO and quick-game concepts. His twitchy athleticism and natural off-script instincts fit spread systems that emphasize tempo and movement. With improved processing and deep-ball accuracy, he projects as a developmental starter with high-end backup floor.

39. A’Mauri Washington, IDL, Oregon (6’3”, 310)

Washington is a leverage-driven interior defender who wins with first-step quickness and hand pop. His power and anchor make him effective as a 1-tech or shaded 2i in odd fronts. Projects as an early-down disruptor with interior-pressure potential in attacking schemes.

40. A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State (6’1”, 200)

Harris is a long, disciplined corner who excels in man-match and Cover 3 systems. His combination of size, twitch, and tackling makes him a scheme-diverse boundary defender capable of handling physical receivers. Projects as a plug-and-play starter with first-round athletic traits.

41. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (6’0”, 205)

Thieneman is a high-IQ safety with elite range and diagnostic speed from single-high or split-field alignments. His instincts and tackling make him a fit for multiple-front defenses that rotate coverages. Projects as a tone-setting deep defender with immediate starter potential in Cover 3 or quarters-heavy schemes.

42. Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State (6’3”, 326)

McDonald is a stout, powerful nose tackle who wins with leverage, hand strength, and short-area explosiveness. Built for 3-4 fronts as a two-gapper or 1-tech, he anchors against doubles and collapses pockets on early downs. A plug-and-play run defender with functional pass-rush flashes.

43. Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern (6’7”, 320)

Tiernan is a long, smooth-moving tackle who projects best in pass-heavy or outside-zone systems. His length and patience allow him to neutralize wide rushers, and his balance in space stands out. Needs more lower-body power but profiles as a developmental swing tackle with starter upside.

44. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina (6’3”, 235)

Sellers is a toolsy dual-threat quarterback with high-end arm strength and physical running ability. He fits best in vertical or play-action offenses that incorporate design QB runs and movement throws. With improved consistency and decision-making, he offers rare developmental upside.

45. Carson Beck, QB, Miami (6’4”, 220)

Beck is a rhythm-based passer with NFL arm strength and precision in layered concepts. He’s best suited for West Coast or Shanahan-style systems that emphasize timing and progression reads. A steady, pro-ready operator who projects as a mid-round starter-caliber quarterback.

46. Domonique Orange, IDL, Iowa State (6’4”, 330)

Orange is a power-oriented nose tackle built to control interior gaps. His leverage, strength, and hand torque make him ideal for 3-4 base fronts that prioritize run fits and two-gapping. Brings early-down value and rotational anchor ability with developmental pass-rush upside.

47. Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana (6’2”, 210)

Sarratt is a polished route runner with strong hands and body control who thrives in possession-based offenses. His ability to separate through tempo and physicality fits well in West Coast or timing-based schemes. A reliable chain-mover with immediate WR3 utility.

48. Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor (6’4”, 245)

Trigg is a fluid, athletic tight end who wins as a flexed receiver or power slot. His smooth route transitions and sure hands make him ideal for spread systems that isolate tight ends against linebackers. With refined blocking, he can become a complete TE2/low-end TE1 in the NFL.

49. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon (6’8”, 320)

World is a high-upside tackle with outstanding length, knee bend, and movement skills. His athleticism fits perfectly in zone-based run games and quick-pass systems. With continued technical growth and added mass, he projects as a long-term starter with high developmental value.

50. Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan (5’11”, 210)

Haynes is a compact, balanced runner with vision and burst to excel in both gap and zone concepts. His low pad level and contact balance make him difficult to tackle, while his improving pass-game value enhances his three-down potential. A breakout candidate with RB1 upside in the right scheme.

2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings

With the updated Top 50 Big Board in place, it’s time to break down the top players by position. These rankings highlight how each prospect stacks up within their positional group — factoring in overall grade, athletic profile, and schematic fit at the next level.

Quarterbacks (7 Top 50 Overall)

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (6’5”, 225) — No. 7

2. Ty Simpson, Alabama (6’2”, 208) — No. 19

3. Dante Moore, Oregon (6’3”, 206) — No. 26

4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (6’2”, 200) — No. 32

5. John Mateer, Oklahoma (6’1”, 225) — No. 38

6. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina (6’3”, 240) — No. 44

7. Carson Beck, Miami (6’4”, 220) — No. 45

Running Backs (2 Top 50 Overall)

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (6’0”, 210) — No. 10

2. Justice Haynes, Michigan (5’11”, 210) — No. 50

3. Jonah Coleman, Washington (5’9”, 229)

4. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame (5’11”, 210)

5. Cam Cook, Jacksonville State (5’11”, 200)

Wide Receivers (7 Top 50 Overall)

1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State (6’1”, 195) — No. 7

2. Carnell Tate, Ohio State (6’3”, 191) — No. 12

3. Makai Lemon, USC (5’11”, 195) — No. 15

4. Chris Bell, Louisville (6’2”, 220) — No. 22

5. Denzel Boston, Washington (6’4”, 210) — No. 25

6. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee (6’5”, 200) — No. 31

7. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (6’2”, 210) — No. 47

Tight Ends (2 Top 50 Overall)

1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (6’3”, 245) — No. 21

2. Michael Trigg, Baylor (6’4”, 240) — No. 48

3. Max Klare, Ohio State (6’4”, 240)

4. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (6’4”, 225)

5. Marlin Klein, Michigan (6’6”, 250)

Offensive Tackles (8 Top 50 Overall)

1. Spencer Fano, Utah (6’5”, 304) — No. 3

2. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (6’6”, 315) — No. 5

3. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (6’7”, 369) — No. 14

4. Gennings Dunker, Iowa (6’5”, 316) — No. 30

5. Austin Barber, Florida (6’8”, 320) — No. 34

6. Caleb Lomu, Utah (6’5”, 295) — No. 37

7. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern (6’7”, 325) — No. 43

8. Isaiah World, Oregon (6’8”, 312) — No. 49

Interior Offensive Linemen (0 Top 50)

1. Connor Lew, Auburn (6’3”, 300)

2. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State (6’4”, 328)

3. Jake Slaughter, Florida (6’5”, 308)

4. Charles Jagusah, Notre Dame (6’7”, 333)

5. Logan Jones, Iowa (6’3”, 293)

Interior Defensive Linemen (6 Top 50 Overall)

1. Peter Woods, Clemson (6’3”, 315) — No. 4

2. Caleb Banks, Florida (6’6”, 325) — No. 17

3. Christen Miller, Georgia (6’3”, 305) — No. 35

4. A’Mauri Washington, Oregon (6’3”, 330) — No. 39

5. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State (6’3”, 326) — No. 42

6. Domonique Orange, Iowa State (6’4”, 325) — No. 46

Edge Defenders (8 Top 50)

1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (6’3”, 275) — No. 2

2. David Bailey, Texas Tech (6’3”, 250) — No. 5

3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn (6’6”, 290) — No. 13

4. T.J. Parker, Clemson (6’3”, 265) — No. 18

5. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M (6’2”, 250) — No. 23

6. LT Overton, Alabama (6’5”, 283) — No. 27

7. Romello Height, Texas Tech (6’3”, 240) — No. 28

8. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma (6’2”, 250) — No. 36

Linebackers (3 Top 50 Overall)

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State (6’4”, 243) — No. 6

2. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan (6’4”, 248) — No. 24

3. Sonny Styles, Ohio State (6’4”, 243) — No. 33

4. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas (6’3”, 235) — No. 55

5. C.J. Allen, Georgia (6’1”, 235) — No. 57

Cornerbacks (5 Top 50 Overall)

1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee (6’0”, 195) — No. 11

2. Mansoor Delane, LSU (6’0”, 190) — No. 16

3. Avieon Terrell, Clemson (5’11”, 180) — No. 20

4. Colton Hood, Tennessee (6’0”, 195) — No. 29

5. A.J. Harris, Penn State (6’1”, 191) — No. 40

Safeties (2 Top 50 Overall)

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State (6’0”, 205) — No. 1

2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon (6’0”, 207) — No. 41

3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo (6’2”, 202) — No. 60

4. Kamari Ramsey, USC (6’0”, 204) — No. 62

5. A.J. Haulcy, LSU (6’0”, 222) — No. 64