2026 NFL Draft Joel Klatt releases initial big board, top ten prospects

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt released his initial Big Board and Top 10 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. When one draft ends, another one’s prep begins!

This is a rough look at the top prospects that are draft eligible for the upcoming college football season. And they’re spread out throughout the country! 

Without further ado, let’s dive into Klatt’s newest Big Board. Of course, it’s subject to change!

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State Safety

Downs could very well be the best overall player next season. He was the SEC Freshman of the Year at Alabama and then transferred to Ohio State after Nick Saban’s retirement.

He helped the Buckeyes win the national title and was a unanimous All-American. For that, he gets the top spot on Klatt’s Big Board.

2. Arch Manning, Texas QB

Manning is next year’s top quarterback on Klatt’s Big Board for 2026. Yes, he hasn’t been a full time starter yet, but Manning has the tools, as his family name suggests.

The 2025-26 season will reveal a lot about if he’s ready for the NFL. He could conceivably stay for the 2026-27 season if he wanted to, but we shall see. But there’s no doubt Manning can sling it and is far more mobile than his uncles.

3. T.J. Parker, Clemson EDGE

Parker is a guy that flew under the radar this past season but is due for a breakout campaign in 2025-26. It’s hard to fly under the radar when you log 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss though!

If he increases production again in Year 3, watch out. Klatt has him in the top three of his Big Board and it’ll be hard to pass him!

4. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama OT

Proctor had a whole thing where he transferred from Alabama to Iowa on an NIL deal but immediately transferred back to Alabama. But let’s forget about that. He’s really good.

With that, Klatt has him as his top lineman on his Big Board and the No. 4 overall prospect. Another solid year at tackle should vault him up draft boards going into next spring.

5. Peter Woods, Clemson DT

Now, if you want to talk about a Clemson defensive lineman that flew under the radar, it was definitely Woods. It was because his stats weren’t gaudy, but he’s a force in the middle.

Heck, Clemson might have one of the best tandems in college football. He’s a top five guy on Klatt’s Big Board.

6. Spencer Fanu, Utah OT

Fano is an incredibly athletic offensive tackle coming out of Utah. It’s a matter of whoever drafts him will keep him at right tackle or move him over to the left side.

He’s the second lineman on Klatt’s Big Board and could certainly climb the list and pass Proctor. Only time will tell.

7. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami EDGE

The peak of Bain in college was in 2023, not quite 2024, at least based on the stats. If he turns back the clock, he’s going to be one to watch all season long.

Pass rushers come at a premium in the NFL and are sorely needed for Super Bowl champions. Bain could be key once he gets to the NFL and at least at this point, Bain is in the top 10 of Klatt’s Big Board.

8. Isaiah World, Oregon OT

Another offensive lineman! This time, World gets his shine on Klatt’s Big Board coming in at No. 8 overall heading into 2026.

World played at Nevada for four years and was twice named All-Mountain West Honorable Mention. Now playing for Oregon, he might get more deserved attention.

9. Drew Allar, Penn State QB

Allar has the NFL tools and we think a lot of people saw that last season, albeit inconsistently. The Penn State quarterback can turn more heads if he leads Penn State back to the College Football Playoff.

In 2023, he tossed 25 touchdowns and just two picks but had a 59.9% completion percentage. Last year, he bumped it to 66.5% but had 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Needs to be some balance there, but the’s second best QB on Klatt’s Big Board.

10. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame RB

Love was a joy to watch last season for Notre Dame and with the NFL’s resurgence in running back value, he’s high up on Klatt’s Big Board. Another big season and we’ll seriously be watching top 10 territory.

Last season, Love had 1,125 yards, 27 touchdowns and 6.9 yards per carry. He also reeled in 28 catches for 237 yards and two touchdowns.