The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. College football playoffs have given us a front-row seat to some incredible performances.
From Indiana’s historic national championship run to Miami’s intimidating defense, this draft class is stacked with talent. There’s a real sense that several of these players could make an immediate splash in the NFL.
Let’s dig into the key players who’ve separated themselves and are expected to be top picks in the upcoming draft.
Top Prospects to Watch
The 2026 NFL Draft will feature a ton of talented players who’ve shown out on college football’s biggest stages. Here are some prospects who could make serious noise:
Quarterback: Mendoza
Mendoza is the clear-cut number one overall pick in April. His leadership, decision-making, and toughness pushed the Hoosiers to their first national championship.
He’s cool under pressure and always seems to come through in the clutch. That’s made him a standout prospect, no doubt about it.
Running Backs: Lacy and Smith
Lacy is probably the top running back prospect in a loaded 2027 class. His power and explosiveness woke up the Ole Miss offense more than once.
He’s got all the tools you want in a first-round back. Smith didn’t have his best national championship game, but Indiana wouldn’t have gotten there without him.
He’ll be back at Indiana for the 2026 season, so he’s got another shot to boost his draft stock.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
This draft class has some of the most electric receivers and tight ends we’ve seen in a while. Their playoff performances cemented their spots as top prospects.
Wide Receivers: Toney, Becker, and Stribling
Toney’s true freshman year was just ridiculous—one of the most dominant in recent memory. He did whatever Miami needed, whenever they needed it.
Charlie Becker was Indiana’s go-to guy for clutch catches, and De’Zhaun Stribling played a similar role for Ole Miss during their Fiesta Bowl run.
Tight End: Nowakowski
Nowakowski didn’t rack up a ton of catches, but he made big plays when it counted for Indiana. His blocking, both on the edge and out of the backfield, was a huge part of the Hoosiers’ offense.
He’s got that rare versatility NFL teams crave. Whoever drafts him is getting a real chess piece.
Offensive Line Standouts
The offensive line rarely gets the spotlight, but this year’s class has some big-time performers. Several linemen proved themselves in the playoffs.
Guards: Pregnon and Cooper
Pregnon’s late-season run blocking was just nasty. His size and quickness don’t come around often at guard.
Anez Cooper is a huge presence with the ability to move defenders out of the way. His playoff showing should get him noticed in April.
Tackle: Mauigoa
Mauigoa never flinched during the championship run. His pass protection all year was as steady as anyone’s in recent decades.
Defensive Powerhouses
Defense wins championships, right? This draft class has some game-changing defenders who made their mark.
Edge Defenders: Miami’s Duo
This position group is loaded, but Miami’s edge duo was just different. They dominated as pass rushers in every playoff game and were the team’s best players in 2025.
Defensive Tackles: Moten and Washington
Moten’s steady presence in the middle helped Miami’s pass rush shine. A’Mauri Washington impressed up front for the Ducks before they ran into Indiana.
Linebackers: Fisher and Boettcher
Both Fisher and Boettcher racked up tackles all season. Fisher’s consistency set the tone for an Indiana defense that rarely missed tackles or gave up ground.
Secondary Stars
The secondary is the last line of defense, and this year’s draft class has some real standouts.
Cornerbacks: Ponds and Sharpe
Ponds and Sharpe locked things down when it mattered most. Indiana’s defense barely gave up big plays through the air.
Ponds’ pick-six against Oregon and Sharpe’s game-sealing interception against Miami were some of the best moments of the playoff run.
Safeties: Scott, Thomas, and Thieneman
The lasting image of Scott’s season? That unforgettable pick-six against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
Scott was a steady presence in the secondary, even as the unit battled injuries and suspensions.
He found ways to make an impact as a pass rusher, stepping up when it mattered most.
Thomas, a bit like Keionte Scott, brought some much-needed physicality to the middle of the field for Miami.
That team was desperate for someone to hold things down at the back, and Thomas answered the call.
Thieneman stood out as one of the few defenders who actually played well for Oregon in their tough loss to Indiana.
Curious for more on these guys? Check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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