2026 NFL Draft: PFF releases updated mock draft after underclassmen declarations

The deadline has passed for college football players to announce whether they intend to return to college next season. With the draft pool officially set, PFF released an updated mock of the 2026 NFL Draft.

With events such as the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the scouting combine still ahead, players will have more opportunities to improve their draft stock. However, based on the 2025 campaign, PFF believes it has a strong vision of who NFL teams are hoping to add to their respective rosters.

Like most lists, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the projected top pick. Alas, there are numerous other intriguing names below him. With so much talent to discuss, let’s dive into PFF’s latest mock draft.

1. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Most experts expect Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After a stunning regular season, Mendoza only boosted his draft stock in January while leading Indiana to its first national title in program history.

In Indiana’s three College Football Playoff games, Mendoza recorded eight passing touchdowns without throwing an interception. Moreover, he posted a 74.6% completion percentage.

2. EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

While Rueben Bain couldn’t lead Miami to a national title, he came extremely close. Bain was pivotal in the Hurricanes’ standout season.

He tallied 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. His 9.5 sacks were the third-most in the ACC. Bain would be a monstrous addition to the New York Jets’ defensive line.

3. EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Arvell Reese was a nightmare for opposing offenses this past season. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker racked up 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two pass deflections in 2025.

His 6.5 sacks were tied for the 12th most in the Big Ten. Reese primarily played outside linebacker in 2025 after previously serving as the Buckeyes’ inside LB. NFL teams will be hungry to add the talented defender to their respective rosters this offseason.

4. EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech

David Bailey was a terror off the edge for Texas Tech during the 2025 season, consistently disrupting opposing backfields. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound defender amassed 52 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks while also forcing three fumbles.

Bailey put his talents on national display in Texas Tech’s showdown against Oregon in the CFP quarterfinals. Although the Red Raiders lost, Oregon had no answers for Bailey, who amassed nine tackles, including two for loss, and a sack.

5. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Jordyn Tyson was one of the most productive receiving threats in college football this past season. In just nine appearances, Tyson hauled in 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns.

There are few pass-catching prospects who are more reliable than Tyson. He only had one drop on 100 targets in 2025. While Tyson has a history of injuries, PFF believes the New York Giants could draft the all-conference receiver and pair him with star wideout Malik Nabers.

6. WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

While Tyson is widely regarded as the top wide receiver in the 2026 draft class, Carnell Tate isn’t far behind. Tate notched 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns this past season.

More impressive, Tate stockpiled those statistics while sharing targets with arguably the best wide receiver in the country, Jeremiah Smith. Tate didn’t drop a pass in the 2023 or 2025 seasons.

7. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

There isn’t a more accomplished defensive draft prospect than Caleb Downs. The Ohio State safety is a two-time Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, three-time all-conference first-team member and two-time unanimous All-American.

Downs tallied 68 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles and two interceptions this past season. With the ability to play all over the field, Downs is expected to be the first safety drafted in the top 10 since Jamal Adams in 2017.

8. RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

After putting on a show in the 2024 campaign, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love only stepped up his game this past season. He finished the year with 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries.

Additionally, Love recorded 27 receptions for 280 yards and three more scores. His 21 total touchdowns are the most in a single season in Notre Dame history. Love will be a welcome addition to a lucky NFL backfield next season.

9. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Francis Mauigoa was the cornerstone of Miami’s offensive line this past season. With Mauigoa paving the way, the Hurricanes allowed just 1.25 sacks per game.

At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Mauigoa boasts an incredibly strong base that NFL defensive linemen will struggle to move. In fact, he had the lowest pressure percentage allowed out of all tackles in the FBS this past season (1.2%).

10. DL Peter Woods, Clemson

Peter Woods’ 2025 campaign wasn’t as spectacular as some analysts were expecting. Nonetheless, he’ll be one of the most sought-after players in the draft this spring.

Woods recorded 30 tackles and two sacks for Clemson this past season. Woods is a versatile defender with the ability to line up not only on the interior but on the edge as well.

11. CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
12. LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
13. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
14. OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
15. EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
16. WR Makai Lemon, USC
17. OT Spencer Fano, Utah
18. DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
19. EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
20. CB Aveion Terrell, Clemson
21. QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
22. OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
23. TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
24. OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
25. DL Caleb Banks, Florida