2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper reveals updated Top 10 wide receiver rankings ahead of CFP

There are few positions in football more electrifying than wide receiver. Evidently, NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. foresees several teams adding some talent out-wide in the upcoming draft. On Dec. 11, the ESPN analyst released his updated NFL draft Big Board rankings, including his top-10 wide receiver draft prospects.

There will be no shortage of great pass catchers up for grabs in the draft this spring. In fact, Kiper expects three of the top-10 draft picks to be wide receivers.

With stars like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase making a massive impact in the league, teams will be eager to add young receivers to their respective rosters in April. Let’s dive into Kiper’s top 10 wide receiver prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.

1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Kiper believes Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson is the best wide receiver prospect in the 2026 draft class. In just nine games this season, Tyson recorded 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns.

He notched four 100-yard receiving games. For his efforts, he was named an AP Third-Team All-American for the second season in a row. Tyson is a nightmare for defenses in man-to-man coverage and could be a significant red zone threat at the next level.

2. Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Not just any player can compete with Jeremiah Smith for targets. While Carnell Tate is still WR2 for Ohio State, he’s one of the best wideouts in the country. Despite splitting targets with Smith this season, Tate has amassed 48 catches for 838 yards and nine touchdowns.

With Ohio State earning a first-class ticket to the College Football Playoff, Tate will have more opportunities to impress NFL scouts before the season is over. Emeka Egbuka, who was Ohio State’s WR2 last season, has thrived in his debut professional campaign. NFL front offices will hope Tate can find similar success.

3. Makai Lemon, USC

Obviously, Kiper wasn’t going to leave the Biletnikoff Award winner off his list. Lemon was named the best WR in the country this past week after finishing the regular season with 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 scores.

Lemon is only the second player in USC history to win the Biletnikoff Award, joining former All-American wide receiver Marqise Lee. Lemon’s 1,156 receiving yards were the most of any Power Four player in the regular season.

4. Zachariah Branch, Georgia

Speed is an invaluable asset in the NFL, and there are few—if any—players in the 2026 draft class who are faster than Zachariah Branch. Branch transferred to Georgia this past offseason after spending his first two collegiate seasons at USC.

He’s made an enormous impact on the Bulldogs, leading the team with 73 receptions, 744 receiving yards and five TDs this season. While Branch is only 5-foot-10, he’s extremely dangerous in open space and a talented kick returner as well.

5. Denzel Boston, Washington

Unlike Branch, Denzel Boston has excellent size. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, he’s a matchup issue for opposing defenses. He’s certainly used his size to his advantage in the 2025 campaign.

Boston hauled in 56 passes for 755 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Mel Kiper Jr. is impressed with Boston’s route-running abilities and is confident he could be a valuable asset in the league.

6. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

KC Concepcion has been a pivotal piece of Texas A&M’s historic season. He transferred to College Station ahead of this season after spending two years at NC State.

He leads the Aggies with 57 catches for 886 receiving yards and nine touchdowns this season. He’s also an elite punter returner. His 20 yards per punt return are the third-most in college football. He’s returned two punts for scores this season as well.

7. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee

Chris Brazzell II was the only wide receiver from the SEC to be named an AP All-American this season. Other players aide, Brazzell earned his spot. He logged nine touchdown catches and 1,017 receiving yards on 62 receptions this season.

His 1,017 receiving yards were the most in the SEC during the regular season. Moreover, Brazzell’s receiving total is the ninth-most in a single season in Tennessee history. Brazzell never shined brighter than in Week 3, when he erupted for a career-high 177 receiving yards and three scores against Georgia.

8. Germie Bernard, Alabama

Germie Bernard has shown NFL teams he’s capable of consistency. After tallying a career-high 794 receiving yards last season, Bernard picked up right where he left off this year.

He finished the regular season with 762 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, much improved from his two receiving scores last season. Bernard will look to boost his draft stock as the Crimson Tide compete in the CFP for the first time under head coach Kalen DeBoer.

9. Ja’Kobi Lane, USC

Though Ja’Kobi Lane hasn’t received nearly as much attention this season as fellow Trojan Makai Lemon, he’s been spectacular. In the 2025 regular season, Lane recorded 49 catches for 745 yards and four touchdowns.

Lane undoubtedly turned heads in USC’s loss against Oregon in Week 13, when he notched 8 receiving yards on six catches. He officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Monday.

10. Malachi Fields, Notre Dame

Unfortunately for Malachi Fields, he won’t have an opportunity to show off his talents in the CFP this season. Nonetheless, he posted a surplus of eye-catching performances this fall for NFL scouts to review.

In total, Fields recorded 36 catches for 630 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games this season. At 6-foot-4, 223 pounds, Fields has professional size. Now, he’ll look to use his standout attributes to find a home at the next level.