The 2025 college football regular season has concluded, paving the way for bowl games and the College Football Playoff. As the excitement builds for the upcoming *NFL Draft*, expert analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released his updated rankings for the top 25 prospects eligible for the 2026 draft. This list, compiled through extensive tape study, provides a clearer picture of the elite talent poised to make an impact at the professional level.
While the draft process continues to evolve leading up to April 23, 2026, when Round 1 will take place in Pittsburgh, Kiper’s rankings offer valuable insights into the top players. He will maintain and update this list throughout the postseason and preceding predraft events. Importantly, this ranking is not a mock draft but rather a reflection of Kiper’s personal evaluations of talent.
Top Prospects and Their Credentials
At the forefront of the rankings is Dante Moore, a quarterback from Oregon, who holds the top position. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 206 pounds, Moore completed 72.5% of his passes in 2025, amassing 2,733 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions. Despite having only 17 career starts, his ability to throw from multiple arm angles and demonstrate accuracy while on the run has caught the attention of scouts. At just 20 years old by draft time, his potential is significant.
Following Moore is Fernando Mendoza, another quarterback, this time from Indiana. Mendoza, who transferred from California, has shown remarkable improvement, posting a 71.5% completion rate and 2,980 passing yards along with 33 touchdowns in 2025. His quick release and accuracy have led to fewer sacks, a crucial development for any aspiring NFL quarterback.
The running back position features Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame, who has impressed with his combination of speed and agility. Over 12 games, Love recorded 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. His ability to catch passes adds an extra dimension to his game, making him a versatile asset for any team.
Defensive Standouts and Other Notable Players
On the defensive side, Arvell Reese from Ohio State stands out as a linebacker. With an impressive 62 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2025, Reese is recognized for his instincts and playmaking ability. Another notable player is Francis Mauigoa, an offensive tackle from Miami, who has demonstrated formidable strength, allowing just one sack in his 12 starts this season.
Other prospects making a mark include David Bailey, an outside linebacker from Texas Tech, who recorded 13.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to pressure quarterbacks effectively. Meanwhile, wide receivers like Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State and Carnell Tate from Ohio State have also garnered attention for their impressive statistics and playmaking skills.
As the draft approaches, Kiper’s evaluations will continue to evolve, with the potential for shifts in rankings as bowl games and player performances unfold. For fans and teams alike, this “Big Board” provides a valuable resource to understand the emerging talent in college football and their prospects for success in the NFL.
With a diverse pool of talent, the 2026 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event for teams looking to bolster their rosters with fresh talent. As Kiper continues to provide insights, the anticipation for who will be selected first on draft day builds among fans and analysts across the league.
