2026 NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board: The battle for QB1 is still wide open and elite edge rusher ranks continue to shift

Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Dante Moore, and others all still trying to prove they’re the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft

Adam Holt, AJ Schulte, Brentley Weissman, Destin Adams, Ian Valentino, Kyle Crabbs, Rob Gregson, Ryan Roberts, Travis May, Tyler Forness
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The NFL season is already half over. College Football has just one month remaining in the regular season. That means it’s time to start looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. The best players in the nation have been rising quickly up big boards while many others have disappointed, falling completely out of early-round status.

The A to Z Sports NFL Draft team of analysts has done an excellent job predicting future drafts in recent years. This past spring for instance, our team’s collective rankings predicted nearly 90% of the variance in the Top 100 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. That’s going to be hard to repeat, but our team of a dozen draft analysts has already gotten this collaborative Top 100 big board put together again to see if we can predict the future once more.

We’ve added some new faces to our NFL Draft team this year, so here are all the contributors (and the teams they primarily cover) who helped with these rankings and will be pumping out excellent draft content year-round:

Adam Holt – New Orleans Saints
AJ Schulte – Oklahoma Sooners
Brentley Weissman – Oregon Ducks
Destin Adams – Indianapolis Colts
Ian Valentino – Alabama Crimson Tide
Joe DeLeone – New York Giants
Kelsey Kramer – Georgia Bulldogs
Kyle Crabbs – Miami Dolphins
Rob Gregson – Pittsburgh Steelers
Ryan Roberts – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Tyler Forness – Minnesota Vikings
Travis May – College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

For those unfamiliar with our prospect grading system we’ll be using throughout this 2026 NFL Draft season, it’s a scale from 1 to 10 (that you’ll see in parentheses next to each prospect). 9+ is first round. 8-8.99 is possible first round. 7-7.99 is day two. 6-6.99 is possible day two or early day three. 5-5.99 is mid day three. 4-4.99 is late day three. Everything below 4 is undrafted free agent territory. Enjoy the big board, and let us know what we got right or wrong @AtoZSportsNFL on X!

First Round 2026 NFL Draft Prospects

  1. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE Miami (9.58)
  2. Spencer Fano, OT Utah (9.55)
  3. Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana (9.50)
  4. Caleb Downs, S Ohio State (9.46)
  5. Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami (9.45)
  6. Ty Simpson, QB Alabama (9.44)
  7. Jermod McCoy, CB Tennessee (9.42)
  8. Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn (9.35)
  9. Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State (9.24)
  10. Dante Moore, QB Oregon (9.19)
  11. Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame (9.18)
  12. Mansoor Delane, CB LSU (9.04)
  13. Peter Woods, DL Clemson (9.00)
  14. Arvell Reese, LB Ohio State (9.00)

It’s been a strange quarterback season, so the top of NFL Draft big boards have completely flipped on their heads. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza continues to look more and more like the QB1 thanks to his elite efficiency marks across the board. He ranks first in adjusted yards per pass attempt, touchdown rate, first downs per drop back, and much more. Ty Simpson continues to rise after a slow start in Week 1, looking like a true field general for Alabama. Dante Moore has had a couple tough weeks, but he’s looked like a future NFL star quarterback too.

Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU) and Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State) have been two of the most impressive risers in the entire nation, both dominating at their position. Delane is allowing a completion rate of just 32% and a passer rating of less than 30 when targeted. Arvell Reese has seven sacks, a ton of tackles, and has quickly become the best defensive player for the Ohio State Buckeyes, which is tough to do considering Caleb Downs plays safety there.

There aren’t likely many controversial names listed in this early first round group of prospects, but our A to Z Staff began to diverge quite a bit beyond this obvious list of future NFL studs.

Possible First Round 2026 NFL Draft Prospects

  1. Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State (8.91)
  2. Connor Lew, IOL Auburn (8.72)
  3. T.J. Parker, EDGE Clemson (8.69)
  4. Caleb Lomu, OT Utah (8.67)
  5. Denzel Boston, WR Washington (8.60)
  6. Makai Lemon, WR USC (8.60)
  7. Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon (8.59)
  8. David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech (8.53)
  9. Kadyn Proctor, OT Alabama (8.51)
  10. Jonah Coleman, RB Washington (8.47)
  11. Dillon Thieneman, S Oregon (8.42)
  12. Olaivavega Ioane, IOL Penn State (8.4)
  13. Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson (8.32)
  14. Chris Bell, WR Louisville (8.27)
  15. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE Penn State (8.26)
  16. A.J. Harris, CB Penn State (8.25)
  17. Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State (8.23)
  18. Caleb Banks, DL Florida (8.21)
  19. R Mason Thomas, EDGE Oklahoma (8.14)
  20. Kamari Ramsey, S USC (8.14)
  21. Drew Shelton, OT Penn State (8.11)
  22. Isaiah World, OT Oregon (8.07)
  23. LaNorris Sellers, QB South Carolina (8.06)
  24. Max Klare, TE Ohio State (8.06)
  25. LT Overton, EDGE Alabama (8.04)

A trio of wide receivers have continued to emerge as near slam dunk first round prospects this season in Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Denzel Boston (Washington), and Makai Lemon (USC). Our staff saw those three standing in a tier of their own, and just nearly rated all three inside our “first round locks” range (9+ out of 10).

There are a couple players in this tier that might spark some questions, but the talent is obviously there. Connor Lew of Auburn, is the best interior linemen in the class by far when healthy, but he’s been lost for the rest of this season with a torn ACL.

Kadyn Proctor might be seen as rated “too low” here at 23, but our team was split on him given his inconsistencies at left tackle for Alabama. Chris Bell (WR, Louisville) really only has the one impressive season of production, so he may feel like more of a projection here to some, but a few of our writers are extremely high on his athleticism and abilities. And yes, R Mason Thomas might be a bit undersized at 6’2″ coming off the edge for Oklahoma, but his production is undeniable. Three of our NFL Draft analysts who were highest on each one of these three broke down why they belong in the extremely early round conversation.

Kadyn Proctor, OT Alabama

“Proctor was considered the top tackle in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft class before the season. He’s slid down many boards due to some struggles in pass protection. I think you still very much see how much potential he has. I think he needs to develop better footwork, and you want to see him get a better sense of what type of pass rush moves may get thrown at him. I think a lot of that can be fixed relatively quickly if he lands with a high quality offensive line coach at the next level. I still think he will be one of the top tackles drafted. The best situation for him may be landing somewhere with a top-tier tackle he could learn from and play opposite of to begin his career. And who knows, maybe he will land with a creative enough play caller to utilize him in other ways on offense, like we’ve seen at Alabama this season.” – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

Chris Bell, WR Louisville

“For the first time in 2025, Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell has gotten the chance to be the top wide receiver for the Cardinals, and he has flourished so far. Outside of his improved production, the impact that Bell has every Saturday is extremely impressive. At over 6-1 and 227 pounds, Bell’s body type and play style reminds me a lot of AJ Brown. He is very explosive, which is shown off with his ability to win after the catch. Bell is also a lot more flexible than you would expect, having legit route running upside. If developed, this is a WR1 on the NFL level.” – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

R Mason Thomas, EDGE Oklahoma

“R Mason Thomas is an exciting pass rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He is a bit undersized and lacks the prototypical length that you want in a premier pass rusher, but he still has a lot to like. Thomas is an explosive athlete who flashes excellent first step quickness. He is loose and fluid and has the ability to bend at the top of his rush and finish at the quarterback. Thomas has an excellent speed to power and can set a firm edge at the point of attack in the run game. He plays with an outstanding motor and is relentless down to down.” – Brentley Weissman, A to Z Sports Oregon

Likely Day Two 2026 NFL Draft Prospects

  1. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S Toledo (7.98)
  2. CJ Allen, LB Georgia (7.96)
  3. Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE Oregon (7.91)
  4. Cashius Howell, EDGE Texas A&M (7.89)
  5. Chris Johnson, CB San Diego State (7.87)
  6. Anthony Hill Jr., LB Texas (7.83)
  7. Eli Stowers, TE Vanderbilt (7.82)
  8. Jake Slaughter, IOL Florida (7.79)
  9. Gennings Dunker, OT Iowa (7.77)
  10. Chase Bisontis, IOL Texas A&M (7.76)
  11. Brian Parker, OT Duke (7.74)
  12. Malik Muhammad, CB Texas (7.71)
  13. Justice Haynes, RB Michigan (7.66)
  14. Kaytron Allen, RB Penn State (7.66)
  15. Germie Bernard, WR Alabama (7.66)
  16. KC Concepcion, WR Texas A&M (7.65)
  17. A’Mauri Washington, DL Oregon (7.64)
  18. Kayden McDonald, DL Ohio State (7.64)
  19. Ja’Kobi Lane, WR USC (7.64)
  20. Nicholas Singleton, RB Penn State (7.63)
  21. Colton Hood, CB Tennessee (7.62)
  22. Antonio Williams, WR Clemson (7.60)
  23. Brendan Sorsby, QB Cincinnati (7.60)
  24. Zion Young, EDGE Missouri (7.59)
  25. Boubacar Traore, EDGE Notre Dame (7.52)
  26. Tyreak Sapp, EDGE Florida (7.46)
  27. Zakee Wheatley, S Penn State (7.45)
  28. Chris Brazzell, WR Tennessee (7.41)
  29. Christen Miller, DL Georgia (7.36)
  30. Xavier Scott, CB Illinois (7.36)
  31. Cayden Green, IOL Missouri (7.33)
  32. Demond Claiborne, RB Wake Forest (7.32)
  33. Elijah Sarratt, WR Indiana (7.31)
  34. Gabe Jacas, EDGE Illinois (7.27)
  35. Joshua Josephs, EDGE Tennessee (7.27)
  36. Domani Jackson, CB Alabama (7.27)
  37. Caleb Tiernan, OT Northwestern (7.23)
  38. Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL Oregon (7.21)
  39. Keith Abney, CB Arizona State (7.2)
  40. Tacario Davis, CB Arizona (7.18)
  41. Trevor Goosby, OT Texas (7.16)
  42. Domonique Orange, DL Iowa State (7.16)
  43. Trey Moore, EDGE Texas (7.15)
  44. Deontae Lawson, LB Alabama (7.1)
  45. Carter Smith, OT Indiana (7.1)
  46. Kage Casey, OT Boise State (7.1)
  47. Michael Taaffe, S Texas (7.07)
  48. Jadarian Price, RB Notre Dame (7.07)
  49. Lawson Luckie, TE Georgia (7.04)
  50. Dontay Corleone, DL Cincinnati (7.04)
  51. Brenen Thompson, WR Mississippi State (7.02)
  52. Julian Neal, CB Arkansas (7.02)
  53. Blake Miller, OT Clemson (7.01)
  54. John Mateer, QB Oklahoma (7.00)
  55. Derrick Moore, EDGE Michigan (6.97)
  56. Waymond Jordan, RB USC (6.97)
  57. A.J. Haulcy, S LSU (6.95)
  58. Will Lee III, CB Texas A&M (6.95)
  59. Michael Trigg, TE Baylor (6.95)
  60. Austin Barber, OT Florida (6.95)
  61. Taurean York, LB Texas A&M (6.94)

Breaking down the next big group of 60+ prospects who could or should hear their name called on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft was impossible to do so succinctly, so I (your narrator and writer, Travis) asked nine of our analysts to highlight and break down a player they were higher on than anyone else on our staff to give you an idea as to why they belong in this day two discussion (find those all just a couple scrolls down).

There will still be a ton of movement in this group as the season comes to a close, but it’s been amazing to see some of these names rise from seemingly out of nowhere.

For example, it took wide receiver Brenen Thompson transferring from Texas to Oklahoma, then Oklahoma to Mississippi State in year four for much of the country to realize he might be the fastest player in the entire sport. He’s accounted for over 30% of the Bulldogs receiving yards and 40% of their receiving touchdowns.

Colton Hood has stepped up big time for the Tennessee Vols at cornerback, allowing just a 42% completion rate, defending four passes, and racking up a ton of tackles.

Waymond Jordan transferred to USC this season after playing two years of JUCO ball for Hutchinson Community College and immediately became one of the best running backs in the nation. He’s averaged nearly seven yards per touch for the Trojans, but unfortunately will still miss a few more weeks now with an ankle injury.

Anthony Hill Jr., LB Texas

“Dynamic linebackers are hard to find, and Texas’ Anthony Hill Jr. has grown into a true three-down piece for the Longhorns. He’s already a solid pass rusher on third downs entering the year. Now we’ve seen Hill peak as a more versatile player in 2025. His missed tackle rate is nearly three times better than it was in 2024, and his coverage stats are much more palatable for defensive coordinators who need a rangy linebacker. The 238-pounder fits the modern mold for the position and has the experience to play on day one. He’s logged almost 1,400 snaps at linebacker but has added another 254 in the slot and 192 as a lineman this year. That’s rare for someone his size, and I think he’ll be a plus NFL starter for years.” – Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports Alabama

Malik Muhammad, CB Texas

If you’re not going to be a pure lockdown corner in the NFL, then I believe you need to be versatile. It’s hard to argue that there is a defensive back with as much versatility as Muhammad in this class. Need him to play the boundary? Sure. The Field? No problem. What about the slot or nickel? He can do it. But not safety, right? Wrong, he can do that too. He’s a tad wiry, and you might hesitate to put him at safety because of his tackling, but he’s a wildcard hat can play anywhere in the secondary and excel. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

Brendan Sorsby, QB Cincinnati

Brendan Sorsby has actually been the QB1 in the nation via the meaningful metrics like total adjusted net yards per attempt, EPA per play, QBR, passer rating, and more. He’s thrown 20 touchdowns to just one interception this season while adding over 50 rushing yards per game for the Cincinnati Bearcats this season. Sorsby hasn’t gotten the hype he deserves yet because he plays for Cincinnati, but he’s been trending towards becoming a great quarterback dating back to his days with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2023. All of his potentially has just finally released this year. Sorsby is easily cemented as my QB4 right now. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football Managing Editor

Christen Miller, DL Georgia

“Christen Miller is a player who has consistently been on the rise this season for good reason. He didn’t enter the season nearly this high on my radar, but his physicality, active hands, and awareness on the rush are all exciting aspects to his game. He’s a really smart defensive lineman who shows it on a consistent basis. In a draft class where some of the projected top defensive line talent hasn’t performed quite up to their billing, Miller has proven himself to be in the upper echelon at his position. Intrigued to see his landing spot in April.” – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans

Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL Oregon

“I’m a big fan of Pregnon’s physical profile at left guard. He’s a well-tenured starter with experience on both sides of the center throughout his college career and he’s made what feels like to me a significant jump in his pass protection execution for the Ducks in 2025. Add in a major reduction in penalties from his 2023 season and this is someone I believe to be a starting guard in the league. He’s got high-end physical traits to boot, making it feel like everything is coming together at the right time.” – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami

Jadarian Price, RB Notre Dame

“There’s no beating around the bush here. The running back class as a whole is a bit of a disappointment. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen from Penn State haven’t lived up to the hype. Neither has Minnesota’s Darius Taylor. Even so, Price has stepped up in a class begging for someone to do so. There are some concerns with him in the passing game, both through the air and as a pass protector, but he’s got all the tools as a runner. Price shows great patience and cutback ability while having legitimate home run speed. With the running game in the NFL turning into a committee approach, Price is perfect to be in a partnership.” – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota

Michael Trigg, TE Baylor

“When watching Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson this season, Michael Trigg repeatedly flashed his big play ability as a legitimate seam threat with great speed. His basketball background pops with his body control and contested catch ability, making him an intriguing receiving option. In a class without much consensus behind the top guy, I’m willing to bank on the traits of Trigg’s game ahead of the field.” – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Final word on A to Z Sports 2026 NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board

The 2026 NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board is still a work in progress, and the final remaining college football games will certainly change this order up quite a bit, but this is a great place to start as we look ahead to next spring.

If you’re wondering where big names like Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, and other quarterbacks are, they’ve been left off this board for a reason. They have all played terrible football this year compared to expectations. That’s been a theme not just for quarterbacks, but for several positions. The number of players who were thought to be solid NFL Draft prospects but have dropped off a cliff this season has been astonishing.

November typically separates the men from the boys every single year considering the number of important games played, so there’s still time for some players who missed the Top 100 cutoff to step up. However, things are truly beginning to solidify now that we have 9+ weeks of 2025 college football action.

We’ll be back with more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

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