NFL's Top 50 Prospects for the 2026 Draft: Complete Position Rankings Revealed

The focal point of the 2026 NFL Draft might be Texas QB Arch Manning, assuming he chooses to forgo his senior year following this upcoming one.

The challenge with Sporting News Top 50 Big Board lies in predicting future performance based on prospects. Last year, we placed Shedeur Sanders at the top position — and he indeed met our high expectations by being among the finest quarterbacks available for selection. This time around, Manning enters as a quarterback who will start his college career fresh; thus, this ranking places greater emphasis on untapped potential.

Overlooking his capabilities would be a misstep. Even with just a brief look, Manning has demonstrated qualities that position him as one of the premier quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. In the game set for August 30 against Ohio State, we'll see our top two prospects face off. Safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State has a compelling argument to lead our Big Board rankings.

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The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

Clemson will be represented in that draft. The Tigers top all institutions with five players featured on our Big Board, featuring edge rusher TJ Parker and quarterback Cade Klubnik. Ohio State, spearheaded by Downs, boasts four players on this roster. Similarly, Penn State and Alabama each have four players listed as well.

Below you'll find an overview of the top 50 most promising prospects expected to be available in the 2026 NFL Draft, irrespective of their positions. Each player’s potential draft spot has been estimated considering various elements such as team requirements, positional rarity, and additional influencing aspects.

MORE: Top 10 Quarterbacks for the 2026 NFL Draft

NFL Draft prospects 2026: Top 50 player rankings

1. Arch Manning*, Quarterback, University of Texas

(Manning stands at 6-4, weighing 225 pounds.) Despite appearing ambitious for this position since he hasn’t completed an entire season as a starter at Texas just yet, past years of patient development make him a strong candidate here. Last year, Manning threw for 939 passing yards along with nine touchdowns and two interceptions; additionally, he scored four times through rushes. His consistency when reading play-action and the precision on his long passes stand out significantly. Moreover, under pressure from blitzes, Manning maintained a commendable completion rate of 66.7%, securing five touchdowns without throwing any interceptions. With family ties to notable NFL quarterbacks—Peyton and Eli were first overall selections, while Archie came second—it’s clear that talent runs in their veins. It seems likely that Arch will live up to expectations. However, one uncertainty remains: Whether he decides to return for another college season before going pro.

2. Caleb Downs*, Safety, Ohio State

After his impressive sophomore year with the Buckeyes, during which he recorded 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and two sacks, Downs (6-0, 205) is strongly positioned as the top choice on this list. His capability to make stops against the run and excel in pass coverage—where opponents averaged only 5.1 yards per target when targeting him—is noteworthy. Downs stands out because opposing coordinators must always consider what role he might play each time the ball is snapped. With Matt Patricia taking over as the new defensive coordinator, Downs seems poised to continue excelling.

3. TJ Parker*, EDGE, Clemson

In his standout second year, Parker (6-3, 265) recorded an impressive 12 sacks along with 28 hurries, demonstrating his potential as a dominant force on the field. His prowess was particularly evident when he tallied four sacks against Pitt during Week 12. This performance was part of a remarkable run over five games, where he amassed six sacks and 12 hurries towards the end of the season. As a relentless pass-rusher from the edge, his skills led to six forced fumbles. Since 2019, Clemson has seen five defensive linemen selected in the first round of the NFL draft. With his exceptional abilities, Parker looks poised to become their latest addition among these elite players.

4. Kadyn Proctor*, Tailback, University of Alabama

Proctor (6-7, 369) is an imposing tackle with exceptional talent who has experienced several shifts during his time at Alabama. Last season, he secured a starting position and only conceded three sacks, indicating significant improvement. With another year under Coach Kalen DeBoer’s guidance, expectations for him are even higher. Proctor demonstrates sufficient agility to contribute effectively in the running game and possesses unquestionable strength. If a franchise prioritizes adding a tackle over selecting a quarterback, Proctor could very well emerge as the top draft choice.

5. Francis Mauigoa*, T, Miami, FL

Mauglio (6-6, 315) might also end up being the first selection in this draft. Standing out as an imposing offensive tackle and having started for two years at right tackle, he conceded only one sack throughout 534 passing attempts last season. His performance provided reliable shielding for Cam Ward, demonstrating both consistency and enhancement over time. With a prestigious background from IMG Academy where he earned five stars, spending additional seasons under the guidance of University of Miami’s head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line mentor Alex Mirabal is expected to cement his position among the top five picks.

6. Anthony Hill Jr.*, Linebacker, University of Texas

Hill Jr., standing at 6-3 and weighing 235 pounds, exudes an old-school presence as a versatile linebacker for the Longhorns. He accumulated 117 tackles, including 17 for loss, along with eight sacks and five forced fumbles. His exceptional skills make him stand out. focus on the Dallas Edge rusher Micah Parsons He needs to enhance his performance in covering the central area of the field and missed eight tackles across four CFP games. Nonetheless, Hill Jr., possesses the ability to become the premier linebacker in his cohort—along with having the leadership traits essential for becoming a traditional franchise linebacker. Thus, selecting him would be secure.

7. Jeremiah Love*, Running Back, Notre Dame

Love (6-0, 206) has the potential to become the first Notre Dame running back chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft since Jerome Bettis in 1993. There’s significant excitement surrounding him. Last year, Love ran for 1,125 yards and scored 17 touchdowns, also contributing with 28 receptions for 237 yards. Despite playing through injuries during their College Football Playoff push, his play includes flashes of exceptional athleticism—such as impressive hurdle moments—that draw attention each week. His efficiency shines at 6.9 yards per carry, averaging about 117 rushes over the past two years. It remains to be seen how well he can manage a heavier load. Should he prove capable, he would likely land within the top ten picks for a franchise seeking that dynamic force in their backfield.

MORE: Why does Jeremiyah Love enjoy hurdling?

8. Drew Allar, Quarterback from Penn State

Allar (6-5, 235) stands out as the most contentious quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft class. His performance over his two years at Penn State backs up this contention: he boasts an impressive tally of 53 touchdowns alongside just 10 interceptions and strong recognition skills when facing pressure from opposing defenses. As a starting player, Allar holds a commendable record of 23 wins and only six losses. It’s noteworthy that these achievements were accomplished even though he lacked top-tier receivers during those games. However, one area where Allar faces criticism is his inconsistent throwing accuracy—especially under high-pressure scenarios like big rivalry matches. Against teams such as Ohio State, Oregon, and throughout all three playoff contests for college football, Allar completed fewer than 60 percent of his passes. Despite this drawback, his physical attributes remain promising; his size combined with natural arm strength continues to impress observers, particularly noticeable improvements seen in his ability to execute accurate long throws downfield. If Allar leads Penn State through another successful postseason campaign, it could further elevate his standing among NFL scouts. Notably, since Kerry Collins—a former standout QB for Penn State—was selected fifth overall back in 1995, none of their quarterbacks have been drafted so early again.

9. Keldric Faulk*, EDGE, Auburn

Faulk (6-6, 288) is one of the top returning edge rushers with two years of experience for the Tigers. He also had 31 hurries with just four missed tackles. He has the ability to move to the interior if needed. He had seven hurries against Texas A&M and two sacks against Georgia. He should reach full potential as a junior – and the SEC offers more than enough opportunities to add to that highlight reel.

10. Rueben Bain Jr.*, EDGE, Miami

Bain (6-3, 275) may rank even higher were it not for a calf injury that sidelined him for four games last year. This powerful defender excels at getting into the backfield as a traditional down lineman, using his strength to pressure quarterbacks effectively; over the past couple of years, he has accumulated 13 sacks along with 46 hurries. With all the necessary skills to become an elite pass-rusher, Bain now has the opportunity to significantly boost his standing during what could be a pivotal junior season.

11. Jermod McCoy*, Cornerback, University of Tennessee

McCoy (6 feet tall, weighing 193 pounds) stands out as the premier cornerback in this draft class. Last season, according to Pro Football Focus, he ranked among the best six cornerbacks in terms of coverage efficiency. After transferring from Oregon State, he recorded four interceptions and nine pass deflections during his debut year in the Southeastern Conference, along with making 44 solo tackles. Known for his tenacity, McCoy limited opposing quarterbacks to a completion rate of just 50%, resulting in 12 incomplete passes due to his defensive pressure. His statistics were comparable to those of Ole Miss’ Trey Amos—a well-regarded cornerback in this year’s draft pool. At the professional level, McCoy promises to be a dependable shutdown cornerback.

12. Spencer Fano*, T, University of Utah

Fano (6-5, 304) is slightly lighter compared to other premier tackles in the top 10, yet he excels as a skilled pass protector, allowing only one sack and two hits last year when he was recognized as an All-Big 12 offensive lineman. With experience starting eleven games at left tackle and thirteen at right tackle, his adaptability to play on either flank adds significant value. Notably, four of his uncles were professional athletes in the NFL. By default, this makes him a secure choice for the first round, with potential even to climb into the upper echelons of the top ten selections.

13. Carnell Tate*, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Tate (6-foot-3, 192 pounds) stands out among a group of six highly ranked receivers. This upcoming season could serve as proof following his stats from last year: 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Tate managed an impressive 77.6 percent catch rate during the previous campaign. He’s set to take over the No. 2 receiver position across from Jeremiah Smith in 2026. Should Tate enhance his yardage after making catches this coming season, he might become the sixth Buckeye wideout chosen within the first round since 2022.

14. Matayo Uiagalelei*, EDGE, Oregon

(Uiagalelei, standing at 6-5 and weighing 270 pounds), was considered a premier pass rusher after recording 10.5 sacks and 18 hurried throws for the Ducks during his previous season. Last year, he paired up with Jordan Burch to form an assertive defensive line focused on pressuring quarterbacks. This upcoming season, Uiagalelei may face increased attention from opposing offenses through frequent double teams. His proficiency shines when using proper techniques as a versatile edge rusher; notably, he demonstrated dominance by contributing significantly to two out of Oregon’s ten total sacks against Washington in their final regular-season match. However, performances were less impressive against high-profile opponents like Penn State and Ohio State towards the end of the campaign. Such standout showings could solidify his position among the top draft picks.

15. Norris Sellers*, Quarterback, University of South Carolina

Seller (6-3, 242 lbs) needs to demonstrate his potential as the team’s cornerstone quarterback this season; however, his talent at making plays is evident. Last year, he recorded 2,534 passing yards along with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions, complemented by impressive 674 rushing yards and another seven scores on foot. Seller excels particularly when using play-action passes and showcased significant growth over the latter part of the season. In South Carolina's final five matches, he achieved a completion rate above 70 percent in four contests and performed exceptionally well against formidable opponents like Alabama and Illinois. This performance has elevated him into discussions about the Heisman Trophy. His combination of physical attributes—size, strong throwing arm—and mobility, highlighted by runs exceeding 100 yards versus both Texas A&M and Clemson, make him appealing to NFL scouts. As such, he stands poised to potentially secure one of the first ten draft picks without difficulty.

16. Caleb Banks, Defensive Tackle, University of Florida

Banks (6-5, 325) stands out as an imposing defensive tackle with impressive stats; he recorded four sacks and 21 hurries during the previous season, maintaining an average of 20 pressures from inside over the past couple years. In Florida’s final seven games, he only missed two tackles—a testament to his ongoing improvement against the run which could boost his draft status. With the 2026 NFL Draft shaping up to be highly competitive among defensive tackles vying for top grades, Banks finds himself squarely within this elite group.

MORE NFL DRAFT 2025:

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• Fourteen top-value selections, featuring Shedeur Sanders, are highlighted here.
• 12 poor value selections, including Tyler Shough
• Top late picks worth considering, such as Quinn Ewers
• UDFA signings tracker
• Get acquainted with this year's 'Mr. Irrelevant'
• Evaluating the professionals' simulated selections

17. LT Overton, Defensive End, Alabama

Overton (6-5, 283) is the classic Crimson Tide first-round pick with the ability to pressure the passer and defend the run. The Texas A&M transfer should be more impactful in his second season with Alabama, and that ability to be versatile in a 4-2-5 defense should carry over with more conventional looks. Overton needs to add to that sack total to stick in the first round – and we think he will as a team leader for the Crimson Tide.

18. Nick Singleton, Running Back, Penn State

Singleton (6-1, 226) boasts two 1,000-yard campaigns at Penn State. His potential as part of a rotation alongside Kaytron Allen could enhance his appeal since he hasn’t exceeded 172 rushes in one season. Additionally, Singleton contributed significantly through receptions, catching 41 passes for 375 yards. Notably, during the final four games of his college career, he managed 51 carries for 366 yards. While he must work on increasing his yardage post-contact, his capability to consistently generate big plays remains evident. As an all-around player, he’s poised to edge into the first round. Comparatively, Singleton and Allen remind us of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins from 2024—both have strong prospects in the NFL regardless of their draft sequence.

19. Jordyn Tyson, Wide Receiver, Arizona State

Tyson (6-1, 195) might mirror what we saw with Tetairoa McMillan last year. During his time at Arizona State University, he put up impressive stats—grabbing 75 receptions for 1,098 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns—in an outstanding campaign which ended prematurely due to a collarbone injury. In the mid-range throws, Tyson secured five touchdown passes and excelled under pressure, ranking eighth among eligible wideouts with a 66.7% contested catch rate. It’s likely that he deserves even greater consideration during the early rounds; adding another season alongside quarterback Sam Leavitt could significantly boost his visibility.

20. AJ Harris, Cornerback, Penn State

Harris (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) stands out among the top coverage cornerbacks in this year’s draft class. In 2026, the Big Ten will feature several strong returning cornerbacks such as D'Angelo Ponds from Indiana, Jyaire Hill from Michigan, and Davison Igbinosun from Ohio State. Last season, Harris performed impressively; when opposing quarterbacks targeted him directly, they completed only 56.3 percent of their passes for just one touchdown. With the arrival of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, how will Harris adapt? It’s worth noting that Penn State has yet to produce a cornerback who was picked in the first round of an NFL Draft.

21. Jalon Kilgore*, Cornerback, University of South Carolina

Kilgore (6-2, 214 pounds) has the versatility to potentially take on roles as either a cornerback or safety in the NFL. During his time with the Gamecocks in 2023, he excelled both at nickel cornerback and free safety, recording 48 tackles, five interceptions, and five passes defensed. In the prior year, he managed an impressive 76 stops. Although Kilgore faced some challenges with consistency during mid-season coverage assignments, he ended the campaign strongly and is expected to improve upon this showing. His adaptability across different defensive backfield spots provides significant value. However, stepping into next season’s lineup where key contributors like Nick Emmanuwo and O’Donnell Fortune depart from the secondary adds pressure for him to elevate his game.

22. Trey White, playing as an EDGE, hails from San Diego State

White (6-2, 245) was a consistent pass rusher for the Aztecs. He had 13 sacks and 20 hurries, although he had just one sack in his last five games. He will have to deal with more attention in the Mountain West this season. Still, White has the prototype edge rusher lean, and he finished with 19.5 tackles for loss. He could be the 2026 version of Marshall's Mike Green if he replicates that production in 2025.

23. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

(Klubnik, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds), is entering his third year as a starter for Clemson University. He has developed strong chemistry with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. Last season, their collaboration resulted in impressive statistics: 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and only six interceptions during the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title chase. Klubnik demonstrated particular prowess when facing defensive pressure, completing 57.7 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns without throwing any interceptions under those conditions. However, questions remain about how they will perform against tougher opponents like Georgia and South Carolina. The upcoming season opener against Louisiana State University (LSU) could offer some answers; interestingly, this game also includes another highly touted quarterback from that team. Could this matchup preview a potential showdown between two future NFL draft stars?

24. Garrett Nusmeyer, Quarterback from LSU

With his size (6-2, 200), Nussmeier had an impressive five-year stint with the Tigers. During this time, he dominated the SEC charts by leading in both pass attempts (525) and completions (337). His performance surged towards the end of the season as evidenced by his average yardage of 307.3 over LSU’s final three wins. Despite having a bold throwing style which resulted in 12 interceptions—four times where he tossed at least two picks each—he stood out amongSEC quarterbacks by amassing more than 4,000 passing yards in 2024 alongside Jaxson Dart. Projected to be picked somewhere between late first round and early second round, we’re banking on his potential here.

25. Sonny Styles, Linebacker, Ohio State

Styles (6-4, 235), who began his career as a safety, moved to linebacker in the previous season. During this time, he recorded 100 tackles, six sacks, and five pass deflections. His performance against the rush notably strengthened, particularly throughout their national championship campaign. Additionally, his skills in coverage make him an appealing versatile option for higher-level play. Styles is the following athlete out of the Pickerington pipeline to the NFL.

26. Darrell Jackson Jr., from Florida State

27. Tacario Davis, Corner Back, Washington

28. Avieon Terrell, Corner Back, Clemson

29. Kyle Louis, Linebacker, Pittsburgh

30. Sam Leavitt*, Quarterback, Arizona State

31. Isaiah World, T, Oregon

32. Harold Perkins, Linebacker from LSU

33. Peter Woods, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

34. Oscar Delp, Tight End from Georgia

35. Peyton Bowen*, Safety, University of Oklahoma

36. Keon Sabb, Safety, from Alabama

37. Adon Shuler*, Safety, Notre Dame

38. D'Angelo Ponds, Corner Back, Indiana

39. Suntarine Perkins, EDGE, University of Mississippi

40. Don'Tay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

41. Ethan Onianwa, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

42. Antonio Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson

43. Evan Stewart, Wide Receiver, University of Oregon

44. Parker Brailsford*, Catcher, University of Alabama

45. Rashaun Benny, Defensive Tackle, University of Michigan

46. Aaron Anderson, Wide Receiver from LSU

47. Drayk Bowen*, Linebacker, University of Notre Dame

48. Rod Moore, Safety, from Michigan

49. Zachariah Branch*, WR, Georgia

50. Kaytron Allen, Running Back, Penn State

2026 NFL Draft player rankings by position

Quarterback

1. Arch Manning, from Texas (1)

2. Drew Allar, from Pennsylvania State University (8)

3. LaNorris Sellers, from South Carolina (15)

4. Cade Klubnik, from Clemson (23)

5. Garrett Nussmeier from LSU (24)

6. Sam Leavitt from Arizona State (30)

Running back

1. Jeremiah Love, Notre Dame (7)

2. Nick Singleton from Penn State (18)

3. Kaytron Allen, Penn State (50)

Wide receiver

1. Carnell Tate, Ohio State (13)

2. Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State (19)

3. Antonio Williams, Clemson (42)

4. Evan Stewart from Oregon (43)

5. Aaron Anderson from LSU (46)

6. Zachariah Branch from Georgia (49)

Tight end

1. Oscar Delp from Georgia (34)

Tackles

1. Kadyn Proctor from Alabama (4)

2. Francis Mauigoa from Miami (5)

3. Spencer Fano, from Utah (12)

4. Isaiah World, Oregon (31)

5. Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State (41)

Interior line

1. Parker Brailsford from Alabama (44)

Defensive end/Edge rushers

1. TJ Parker from Clemson (3)

2. Keldric Faulk from Auburn (9)

3. Reuben Bain Jr., from Miami (10)

4. Matayo Uiagalelei from Oregon (14)

5. Lieutenant Overton, Alabama (17)

7. Trey White from San Diego State (22)

6. Suntarine Perkins, Ole MIss (39)

Defensive line

1. Caleb Banks, Florida (16)

3. Darrell Jackson Jr., from Florida State (26)

4. Peter Woods from Clemson (33)

5. Donny Corleone, Cincinnati (40)

6. Rayshaun Benny from Michigan (45)

Linebackers

1. Anthony Hill Jr., from Texas (6)

2. Sonny Styles, from Ohio State (25)

3. Kyle Louis, Pitt (29)

4. Harold Perkins, LSU (32)

5. Drayk Bowen, Notre Dame (47)

Cornerbacks

1. Jermod McCoy from Tennessee (11)

2. AJ Harris from Penn State (20)

3. Jalon Kilgore, from South Carolina (21)

4. Tacario Davis, from Washington (27)

5. Avieon Terrell, Clemson (28)

6. D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana (38)

Safety

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State (2)

2. Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma (35)

3. Keon Sabb, Alabama (36)

4. Adon Shuler, from Notre Dame (37)

5. Rod Moore from Michigan (48)

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