2026 NFL Draft Big Board Rankings Update: Caleb Downs, Rueben Bain Top Prospects | Fernando Mendoza vs. Dante Moore Battling for QB1

The first month of the 2025 college football season has already reshaped the 2026 NFL Draft Big Board rankings. At the top, Caleb Downs (Ohio State) remains the No. 1 overall prospect, while Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) has overtaken Peter Woods (Clemson) for the No. 2 spot, reinforcing the strength of this defense-heavy class.

Behind them, several risers are surging into early-round territory. Quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) and Dante Moore (Oregon) are positioning themselves as potential QB1s, while linebackers Arvell Reese (Ohio State) and Jaishawn Barham (Michigan) are climbing fast. Add in the emergence of Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) at tight end, and this updated Top 50 reflects both the staying power of proven stars and the rise of new names pushing toward Day 1 draft status.

2026 NFL Draft Big Board Update

1. Caleb Downs, SAF – Ohio State

Caleb Downs enters the 2025 season as the consensus top defensive player in college football and a generational safety prospect. His instincts, tackling consistency, and versatility allow him to thrive in any alignment—deep safety, slot, or box. Downs brings an elite football IQ, a high motor, and refined technique well beyond his age. Already proven at both Alabama and Ohio State, he’s produced in high-leverage moments and profiles as an immediate NFL starter with Pro Bowl upside. His ceiling mirrors the best safety prospects of the modern era, making him a legitimate top-10 pick with Defensive Rookie of the Year potential.

2. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE – Miami

Rueben Bain Jr. is a disruptive, high-motor edge defender who flashes polished technique and positional versatility. Despite missing time in 2024, Bain has already tallied 73 pressures and 11 sacks across two seasons, combining leverage, hand usage, and bend to win from multiple alignments. At 6’3”, 275, he can play hand-in-the-dirt edge, reduce to 5-tech, or slide inside on passing downs. Healthy, he profiles as one of the safest edge defenders in the class with first-round upside and plug-and-play pass-rush impact.

3. Spencer Fano, OT – Utah

Fano has proven himself as the most complete offensive lineman in the country, starting 24 games across both tackle spots with elite production. In 2024, he graded as the nation’s best run blocker (93.6) while allowing just two sacks all year. His footwork, technique, and competitive edge translate to multiple schemes, whether in zone or gap-based systems. At 6’5”, 304, Fano could even shift inside if length concerns surface, but his versatility and floor as a Day 1 starter make him a near-certain first-rounder with long-term Pro Bowl potential.

4. Peter Woods, IDL – Clemson

Few defensive linemen in the country combine Woods’ blend of power, explosiveness, and alignment versatility. At 6’3”, 315, he’s thrived inside and on the edge, earning an 83.3 PFF grade despite being asked to play multiple roles. His first-step quickness and natural leverage overwhelm single blockers, while his violent hands make him disruptive against both run and pass. Woods fits any front—odd or even—but projects best as a 3-tech in an aggressive one-gap scheme. A dominant 2025 could push him into the top-five pick conversation.

5. Francis Mauigoa, OT – Miami

A former 5-star recruit, Mauigoa wasted no time becoming Miami’s tone-setter up front. After starting every game as a freshman, he elevated his play in 2024, allowing just two hits/sacks across more than 500 pass-block snaps. At 6’6”, 315, he combines rare movement skills with anchor strength and a violent finish. He’s scheme-diverse, thriving in both power and wide-zone concepts. Mauigoa is still refining his hand usage, but his natural gifts and steady growth give him All-Pro potential at right tackle and possibly on the left side.

6. T.J. Parker, EDGE – Clemson

The most productive returning edge defender in the nation, Parker posted 12 sacks in 2024 while forcing six fumbles. At 6’3”, 265, he brings a violent, heavy-handed pass-rush style with the strength to collapse pockets and set the edge. His get-off and bend are solid but not elite, though his motor, technique, and finishing ability make him a complete defender. He projects as a true 4-3 end with the ability to kick inside situationally. With continued refinement, Parker could push into the top-10 conversation as EDGE1 in 2026.

7. Jordyn Tyson, WR – Arizona State

Tyson is one of the most natural separators in college football, breaking out in 2024 with 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns after transferring from Colorado. At 6’1”, 195, he’s a versatile inside-outside threat with explosive release, fluid route pacing, and consistent ball skills. He fits best in vertical or spread systems where his ability to attack multiple levels shines. Injuries are the only thing holding him back from solidifying WR1 status in the 2026 class.

8. Avieon Terrell, CB – Clemson

Terrell is quickly building his case as one of the premier corners in the country. At 5’11”, 180, he plays bigger than his frame, excelling in press-man and zone-match coverages. He finished 2024 with 58 tackles and one of the top run-defense grades among Power Five corners, showcasing his physicality and instincts. Terrell mirrors routes with fluid hips and quick feet, and his closing burst at the catch point makes him a boundary CB1 in multiple schemes. He profiles as a first-round lock with Pro Bowl ceiling.

9. Keldric Faulk, EDGE – Auburn

Faulk has been a force for Auburn since his freshman season, steadily developing into one of the most feared defenders in the SEC. At 6’6”, 290, his prototype build and violent playing style allow him to impact the game from virtually any alignment—0-tech to 5-tech. His greatest strength today is his run defense, where he consistently sets hard edges and controls gaps. As a pass rusher, he wins with speed-to-power, length, and advanced counters, though questions remain about his ability to consistently beat top-tier athletic tackles on the edge. Still, Faulk’s floor as a versatile run defender with disruptive upside makes him a strong first-round projection.

10. Jaishawn Barham, LB/EDGE – Michigan

Barham is one of the most physically imposing defenders in the country, a hybrid linebacker-edge prospect who is transitioning full-time to the defensive line in 2025. At 6’4”, 248, he offers rare explosiveness and striking power, projecting as either a MIKE/SAM in a 3-4 or as a situational edge in pressure-heavy fronts. His versatility and raw athletic profile give him a top-40 ceiling, but if his move to EDGE unlocks consistent pass-rush production, Barham could vault into the first-round mix as a three-down disruptor.

11. Jeremiyah Love, RB – Notre Dame

Explosive playmaker with elite speed, contact balance, and home-run hitting ability. Best fit is in outside-zone or spread offenses, where his acceleration and receiving upside can shine. A projected first-round feature back with modern three-down utility.

12. Caleb Banks, IDL – Florida

At 6’6”, 325, Banks blends rare size and lateral agility with disruptive pass-rush flashes. Still raw against doubles and pad-level consistency, but his upside as a versatile 3-tech or hybrid front disruptor mirrors Chris Jones.

13. Arvell Reese, LB – Ohio State

Explosive, instinctive linebacker with elite size/speed blend and versatility to blitz, cover, or play downhill. Needs refinement in hand placement and functional strength, but profiles as a high-upside three-down defender.

14. Jermod McCoy, CB – Tennessee

All-American ballhawk who led the SEC in takeaways before a 2025 ACL injury. Instinctive in zone, fluid in man, and physical at the catch point. If healthy, he projects as a high-end CB1 in multiple cover schemes.

15. Kadyn Proctor, OT – Alabama

Massive 6’7”, 360-pound blindside protector with rare movement skills for his frame. Best fit is in gap/power schemes, but his athleticism gives him zone potential too. With polish, he carries franchise left tackle upside.

16. Mansoor Delane, CB – LSU

Versatile corner with starting experience at safety and nickel; excels in press and off-zone thanks to smooth movement and physicality. Needs added bulk to handle bigger NFL wideouts but owns Day 1 starter traits.

17. Gennings Dunker, OT/IOL – Iowa

Tough, technically polished run blocker who projects best at guard. Stiff as a tackle in space, but his consistency, leverage, and effort make him a plug-and-play interior starter with Day 2 value.

18. Kenyon Sadiq, TE – Oregon

Explosive athlete with versatility to line up in-line, slot, or even backfield. Big YAC threat and physical blocker with rare play strength, but route detail and focus drops need improvement.

19. Fernando Mendoza, QB – Indiana

Prototypical pocket passer with vertical touch, anticipation, and arm strength to push defenses deep. Needs mechanical consistency and stability under pressure, but carries high-end starter ceiling in pro-style or spread systems.

20. C.J. Allen, LB – Georgia

Fast, instinctive, and physical second-level defender with sideline-to-sideline range. A proven tackler with developing coverage skills, Allen fits modern zone-heavy defenses as a future three-down starter.

21. A.J. Harris, CB – Penn State

Long, twitchy boundary corner with man-match and Cover 3 versatility. Physical in run support and sticky in coverage, though ball production remains a work in progress. Profiles as a plug-and-play NFL starter.

22. Isaiah World, OT – Oregon

Athletic, long-framed left tackle with fluidity and natural leverage. Still developing consistency and anchor strength, but his traits project him as a future franchise tackle, particularly in zone-heavy systems.

23. Cashius Howell, EDGE – Texas A&M

Undersized but explosive edge defender with natural bend and quick first step. Best fit as a rotational pass-rush specialist early while he adds functional strength versus the run.

24. Dante Moore, QB – Oregon

Highly talented passer with clean mechanics, anticipation, and strong deep-ball accuracy. Needs better decision-making under pressure, but his arm talent and poise fit modern vertical passing schemes.

25. David Bailey, EDGE – Texas Tech

Former Stanford standout with elite burst and bend who transferred to Texas Tech to showcase his versatility. Thrives as a 3-4 OLB or even-front rusher; has Day 1 starter upside if his strength profile catches up.

26. Makai Lemon, WR – USC

Smart, tough receiver with inside-out alignment versatility and strong production in zone-beating routes. Lacks top-end speed, but his polish and contested-catch toughness make him a reliable NFL slot option.

27. Austin Barber, OT – Florida

Experienced SEC left tackle with length and fluid pass sets. Best in zone-run concepts, but must add strength to handle power rushers. Solid Day 2 projection with starting LT upside.

28. Romello Height, EDGE – Texas Tech

Quick, active-handed rusher who wins with variety and high motor. Can be neutralized by bigger linemen, but fits hybrid OLB/EDGE roles in pressure-heavy schemes.

29. Colton Hood, CB – Tennessee

Versatile DB with ball skills and athletic change-of-direction ability. Projects as a boundary corner with safety flexibility, offering value in zone-heavy or disguise-heavy secondaries.

30. LaNorris Sellers, QB – South Carolina

Dual-threat quarterback with elite size, arm strength, and mobility. Flashes NFL-caliber off-script creativity but needs improved consistency in processing and limiting turnovers. High-ceiling developmental starter.

31. Denzel Boston, WR – Washington

Big-bodied boundary target (6’4”, 210) with strong hands, body control, and red-zone production. Lacks suddenness, but wins vertically with size and ball skills. Projects as a rotational WR3 with WR2 upside in mismatch-heavy schemes.

32. Carnell Tate, WR – Ohio State

Polished route runner with reliable hands and pro-ready traits. Not a burner, but thrives in rhythm-timing offenses as a chain mover and possession receiver. Could emerge as WR1 in Ohio State’s reloaded passing game.

33. Garrett Nussmeier, QB – LSU

Quick-trigger passer with NFL-level arm talent and strong anticipation. Best fit in West Coast or timing-based systems where his rhythm throws and confidence shine. Limited mobility, but a potential first-round riser if decision-making sharpens.

34. Caleb Lomu, OT – Utah

Technically sound tackle with smooth footwork, hand usage, and strong anchor. Athletic profile suits zone-blocking systems; could be a Day 1 pick if he continues to build strength and refine consistency.

35. LT Overton, EDGE – Alabama

Former 5-star who broke out at Alabama, flashing rare size-athleticism traits across multiple alignments. Wins with power and versatility as a 4i/5T; still developing technique but carries top-40 upside.

36. Domonique Orange, IDL – Iowa State

Massive nose tackle built for gap-control roles. Thrives in early-down run defense with strength and anchor, though limited in scheme versatility. Projects as a plug-and-play 1T in 3-4 fronts.

37. R Mason Thomas, EDGE – Oklahoma

Explosive first step and natural bend make him a dangerous situational rusher. Undersized with run-game concerns, but offers high rotational pass-rush value with developmental starter potential.

38. Carson Beck, QB – Miami

Structure-based passer with clean mechanics, processing, and layered accuracy. Lacks top-end creation but fits perfectly in Shanahan/McVay-style systems. At his best in timing-heavy play-action attacks.

39. Daylen Everette, CB – Georgia

Long, physical corner who thrives in Cover 3 and quarters. SEC-tested with strong instincts and tackling ability, though fluidity in man coverage remains inconsistent. A CB2 with CB1 traits in the right scheme.

40. Dillon Thieneman, S – Oregon

Instinctive, battle-tested safety with elite range and open-field tackling ability. Thrives as a deep safety in split-field or single-high looks. High football IQ and versatility make him a top-40 lock with first-round ceiling.

41. Anthony Hill Jr., LB – Texas

Explosive, rangy linebacker with 3-down versatility and hybrid value as a blitzer, run stopper, and coverage weapon. Still refining block disengagement and processing, but athletic upside is first-round caliber.

42. Caleb Tiernan, OT – Northwestern

Tall, technically polished pass protector (6’7”, 325) with strong anchor and top-10 pass-blocking grades in the Big Ten. Length and leverage can be issues, but projects as a reliable tackle/guard swing with starter potential.

43. John Mateer, QB – Oklahoma

Dynamic dual-threat with live arm, mobility, and improvisational flair. Decision-making and mechanics remain raw, but his playmaking mirrors a Baker Mayfield-style chaos agent. High-upside developmental QB prospect.

44. Antonio Williams, WR – Clemson

Polished slot receiver with elite separation quickness and tempo as a route runner. Tough, reliable, and productive on third downs. Best fit in motion-heavy West Coast systems where leverage manipulation is key.

45. Sonny Styles, LB – Ohio State

Big-bodied former safety transitioning to linebacker with closing speed and physicality. Still raw in coverage and tackling technique, but offers massive upside as a hybrid chess-piece defender.

46. Christen Miller, IDL – Georgia

Emerging interior disruptor with strength, motor, and growing technical refinement. Versatile enough to play 3T or 4i in hybrid fronts. With more sack production, could rise into Day 2 contention.

47. Justice Haynes, RB – Michigan

Compact, tough runner with balance, vision, and one-cut explosiveness. Limited resume at Alabama, but now Michigan’s lead back with breakout potential in both gap and zone schemes.

48. Drew Allar, QB – Penn State

Prototype-sized passer with one of the strongest arms in college football. Vertical accuracy and decision-making are developing, but his ceiling fits a downfield, play-action NFL scheme.

49. Darrell Jackson Jr., IDL – Florida State

Massive interior lineman (6’5”, 337) with rare power to collapse pockets. Flashes dominance but struggles with consistency and pad level. A developmental disruptor with starting-caliber physical tools.

50. Connor Lew, IOL – Auburn

Smart, technically sound center with strong anchor, leadership, and ability to handle SEC-level interior defenders. Not overly powerful, but projects as an early starter in zone-heavy NFL blocking schemes.