Kiper's updated 2026 Big Board: Ranking the top 25 NFL draft prospects, plus position reports

As we get closer to the end of the 2025 college football regular season, the top names in the 2026 NFL draft class are starting to emerge from the pack. I've spent the past few months watching tape on the best players eligible to get drafted, and I have an updated top-25 Big Board ranking.

Of course, the class will change a ton between now and April 23 when Round 1 begins in Pittsburgh. But for now, this is how I see the top of the class, starting with a talented QB prospect. I will keep this list updated throughout the rest of the season and into predraft events. I have scouting reports for the top 25 overall, and I have stacked the best of the best at every position at the bottom.

A key note to please remember: This is not a mock draft or a prediction of where players will be drafted. These are my personal rankings focusing on talent -- the best players based on what I'm seeing and my own evaluations. Let's get started. (Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.)

Jump to Kiper's positional rankings

1. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 206 | Prev. rank: 1

2025 stats over nine games: 70.5% completion rate, 1,884 passing yards, 19 TD passes, 5 INTs

Moore is a third-year sophomore with some impressive traits. His accuracy has been solid all season, and he shows good touch on his deep ball. Moore can throw from different arm angles with precision and delivers strikes while rolling either left or right out of the pocket. He can scramble a bit too.

Moore started five games at UCLA in 2023 before sitting behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, so he has only 14 career starts to date. Moore is still developing and will be only 20 years old at draft time. But the toolbox is loaded, and he plays with true command of the Ducks' offense. I see a lot of confidence in Moore's game; nothing ever seems to faze him.

2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225 | Prev. rank: 3

2025 stats over 10 games: 71.3% completion rate, 2,342 passing yards, 26 TD passes, 5 INTs, 5 rushing TDs

Mendoza transferred to Indiana after playing two seasons at Cal, and his game has taken off. The key? He has cut down on sacks, with only 10 so far this season after taking 41 in 2024. Mendoza is getting the ball out quicker. And while he doesn't have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is fantastic. I wouldn't consider him a dual threat, but Mendoza also has enough mobility to pick up first downs as a scrambler.

3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214 | Prev. rank: 2

2025 stats over nine games: 154 carries, 988 rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs, 24 catches, 254 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs

Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside, and he can break tackles with ease (48 forced missed tackles on the season). Once he gets into space, he can take it to the house with his breakaway speed too. But Love isn't only an outstanding runner. He also is a high-impact pass catcher. An NFL team will be able to flank him out wide and create a whole other dimension of the offense.

4. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 4

2025 stats over nine games: 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 7 run stops, 2 pass breakups

This is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can't make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class.

5. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 208 | Prev. rank: 5

2025 stats over nine games: 66.9% completion rate, 2,461 passing yards, 21 TD passes, 1 INT, 2 rushing TDs

His lack of experience might be a concern, as Simpson didn't start a game until this season, but the production is hard to ignore. Simpson knows the game and competes on every down. He's a battler who is always trying to make a play -- sometimes to his detriment. And Simpson maneuvers well in the pocket and can beat defenses with his legs when the passing play isn't there.

6. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 6

2025 stats over nine games: 27 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 9 pressures, 5 run stops, 2 pass breakups

Woods hasn't been elite in 2025, but the skill set is exactly what NFL teams covet. He just needs to finish strong over the second half of the season. In the pros, Woods would fit nicely at 3-technique, though he has the versatility to move around on a defensive front. He plays on the inside the majority of the time, but he also can be disruptive off the edge. His strength will intrigue a lot of NFL teams no matter where he lines up.

7. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200 | Prev. rank: 7

2025 stats over seven games: 57 catches, 628 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs

The Colorado transfer has teamed up with quarterback Sam Leavitt to light up defenses for two seasons now. Tyson's superpower is being open even when it looks like he's completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. Tyson is dealing with a hamstring injury, which has kept him out since late October.

8. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 11

2025 stats over eight games: 39 catches, 711 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs

Ohio State has turned into Wide Receiver U, with Emeka Egbuka being the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. And while most of the college football world focuses on Jeremiah Smith (who isn't eligible for the 2026 draft), Tate is putting up some serious numbers and showing why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate has produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 18.2 yards per catch this season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he'll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see.

9. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 8

2025 stats over nine games: 44 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 6 run stops

Downs -- the brother of NFL wide receiver Josh Downs and the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs -- is basically an extension of the defensive coordinator. His football knowledge shows in his play; it's obvious when you watch him in the Ohio State defense. But what really impressed me is how well he picked up Nick Saban's system as a 2023 freshman at Alabama before transferring.

He diagnoses quickly thanks to excellent pre-snap instincts, and that allows him to play faster than his straight-line speed might suggest. Plus, Downs is solid in coverage, and he is a very reliable open-field tackler.

10. Makai Lemon, WR, USC*

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 9

2025 stats over nine games: 61 catches, 937 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs

This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I'd want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he currently ranks third in the nation in receiving yards.

11. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 302 | Prev. rank: 12

2025 stats over nine games: 9 starts, 0 sacks allowed

Fano started 12 games at left tackle in 2023 before moving to the right side in 2024, and he has started 21 games there over two seasons. Working opposite another highly regarded bookend in Caleb Lomu, Fano does a great job of keeping his big frame between the pass rusher and his QB. He is technically sound and shows good punch to compensate for his lack of ideal arm length.

12. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275 | Prev. rank: 10

2025 stats over nine games: 41 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 40 pressures, 5 run stops, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT

Bain is powerful and has really strong hands. He routinely gets the best of some very good offensive tackles, often with his dominant rip move, and he knows every trick in the book in getting home to the QB. Bain also shows speed and bend off the edge, and he takes good angles. Plus, he can hold the edge against the run and get off blocks to chase down ball carriers. His tape is just filled with disruption.

But even with all those A-level traits, it's actually Bain's hustle that really stands out to me. He never takes a play off and fires at the ball on every play. His arms are shorter than most scouts prefer, but there's so much to like with his game. Opponents have to account for him in their game plans, and he can keep them guessing even then with his inside-outside flexibility.

13. David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Prev. rank: 13

2025 stats over 10 games: 50 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 54 pressures, 5 run stops, 2 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups

A transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he has notably become more of a finisher this season. His 20.4% pressure rate is best in the nation, and he is up to 11.5 sacks in 10 games with the Red Raiders, unlocking another level of his game.

14. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 16

2025 stats over nine games: 9 starts, 1 sack allowed

Here's a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He has more than 2,200 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa has allowed one sack and blown only nine run blocks since the start of last season.

15. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Prev. rank: 17

McCoy hasn't played yet in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL in January, but he still has the chance to be the first cornerback off the board in April. He began his college career at Oregon State, picking off two passes there in 2023. McCoy's ball-hawking traits really emerged once transferring to Tennessee, as he picked off four passes and broke up nine last season. Even if he doesn't make it back onto the field this season, his on-the-ball production will get Day 1 interest.

16. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 15

2025 stats over eight games: 22 catches, 311 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs

Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with roughly half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball is in his hands. And he's nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq has been consistent this season, and he could be the first tight end off the board.

17. Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 195

2025 stats over 10 games: 23 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 INTs

Jones can absolutely fly; I think he could end up in the 4.4-second range in the 40-yard dash in the lead-up to the draft, if he declares. But the third-year sophomore also brings terrific length, ball skills and feel for coverage. Jones seems comfortable with his back to the QB, is able to turn to locate the ball in the air and is disruptive at the catch point. He has allowed just 3.6 yards per pass attempt in his direction this season, which ranks in the top 20 in the nation. And Jones is also a willing tackler in run defense.

18. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220 | Prev. rank: 14

2025 stats over nine games: 62 catches, 792 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs

The production has steadily improved over the past three years, as Bell has gone from 29 catches in 2023 to 43 last season to 62 in 2025. He is a physically imposing pass catcher who excels in 50-50 situations. Bell wins across the middle and on the deep ball, and he can tack on yardage after the catch.

19. Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 280

2025 stats over eight games: 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 28 pressures, 6 run stops, 1 forced fumble

Mesidor started at West Virginia in 2020 and 2021, racking up 9.5 sacks. He transferred to Miami before the 2022 season and had seven sacks in that first season. An injury limited him to three games in 2023, but he came back with 5.5 more sacks in 2024 and looks great in 2025. The Canadian makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass, and he shows good bend, closing burst and power. When his initial move is thwarted, Mesidor never stops battling. He also brings some versatility, with the ability to shade inside to DT and get pressure on the interior.

20. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 209 | Prev. rank: 19

2025 stats over nine games: 52 catches, 730 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs

Boston has developed into a nuanced route runner who uses his size and physicality to shield defenders from the football. His length and catch radius make life miserable for opposing cornerbacks. And the way Boston quickly finds openings in coverage jumps out on tape, helping him to 14.0 yards per catch on the season. He has Velcro-esque hands, allowing him to go high or low to haul in difficult receptions.

21. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 240 | Prev. rank: 21

2025 stats over nine games: 61.7% completion rate, 1,536 passing yards, 7 TD passes, 5 INTs, 3 rushing TDs

Sellers has all the talent in the world when it comes to physical traits. The redshirt sophomore has great size for the QB position, a live arm and the mobility to pick up chunks of yardage on the ground (442 rushing yards in 2025). I've heard comps to Josh Allen and Cam Newton. But Sellers hasn't translated all those traits into consistent production. His ball location has been erratic, and his decision-making still isn't there. On top of that, he has taken 33 sacks, most in the FBS. Sellers is still developing as a prospect, but you can't teach his skill set. There will be teams that get excited about his potential.

22. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180 | Prev. rank: 23

2025 stats over nine games: 32 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 9 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 3 sacks

Terrell is a proven cover man, much like his brother, A.J. Terrell Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons. Avieon is consistent and reliable in man coverage. He can flip his hips, turn and run with the fastest wideouts, and still be able to locate the ball in the air to make the play at the right moment. He had 12 pass breakups last season, and he is limiting opponents to 4.1 yards per attempt in his direction this season (top 40 in the nation).

23. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia*

Height: 5-10 | Weight: 180 | Prev. rank: 22

2025 stats over nine games: 53 catches, 542 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs

Branch doesn't have ideal size, but he has a track background and is lightning quick. He reminds me a little of Zay Flowers. Branch plays the game at a different speed than everyone else, and it is why he's so effective in space. A transfer from USC, he can take a short completion for a big gain with his explosive skill set, averaging 8.3 yards after the catch per reception. And Branch also is a dynamic returner, which will help his draft stock.

24. Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn*

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 18

2025 stats over 10 games: 38 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 24 pressures, 12 run stops

If you could draw up the perfect NFL 4-3 defensive end, it would be Faulk. He's what I call an "LTPer" -- someone who looks the part. He can win with outside and inside moves, and he moves blockers with his super powerful hands. I see good overall instincts on tape too. Faulk makes his presence felt against the run and the pass, and he is scheme versatile.

25. A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: 24

2025 stats over nine games: 28 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 run stops, 3 pass breakups

Washington is putting it all together. He is powerful. He's quick and explosive. He's tough as nails. Teams are going to be interested in that combination, even if his game is still a little raw, with no career starts before this season. Washington can clog up the middle against the run, and he can power through with his bull rush to get interior pressure. We saw such a sack in Oregon's Week 7 game against Indiana. He is very difficult to contain at the point of attack. Washington is still developing, and he could continue to rise up boards before April.

Kiper's position rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Dante Moore, Oregon
2. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
3. Ty Simpson, Alabama
4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
5. John Mateer, Oklahoma
6. Carson Beck, Miami (Fla.)
7. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
8. Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
9. Jaden Craig, Harvard
10. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Just missed: Jayden Maiava, USC; Drew Allar, Penn State; Garrett Nussmeier, LSU; Josh Hoover, TCU; Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

Running backs

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Justice Haynes, Michigan
3. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
4. Jonah Coleman, Washington
5. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
6. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
7. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
8. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
9. Jeremiah Cobb, Auburn
10. Quintrevion Wisner, Texas

Just missed: CJ Baxter, Texas; Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M

Wide receivers

1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
2. Carnell Tate, Ohio State
3. Makai Lemon, USC
4. Chris Bell, Louisville
5. Denzel Boston, Washington
6. Zachariah Branch, Georgia
7. Germie Bernard, Alabama
8. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
9. Ja'Kobi Lane, USC
10. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Just missed: Bryce Lance, North Dakota State; Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State; Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn; Nyck Harbor, South Carolina; Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana; Duce Robinson, Florida State; Ted Hurst, Georgia State; Antonio Williams, Clemson

Tight ends

1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
2. Joe Royer, Cincinnati
3. Max Klare, Ohio State
4. Lake McRee, USC
5. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
6. Chamon Metayer, Arizona State
7. Jack Endries, Texas
8. Miles Kitselman, Tennessee
9. Peter Clarke, Temple
10. Brett Norfleet, Missouri

Fullbacks/H-backs

1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
2. Michael Trigg, Baylor
3. Oscar Delp, Georgia
4. Justin Joly, NC State
5. Tanner Koziol, Houston
6. Lawson Luckie, Georgia
7. Dae'Quan Wright, Ole Miss
8. Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
9. Josh Cuevas, Alabama
10. Hayden Large, Iowa

Just missed: Marlin Klein, Michigan; Rohan Jones, Arkansas; Max Bredeson, Michigan

Offensive tackles

1. Spencer Fano, Utah
2. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
3. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
4. Caleb Lomu, Utah
5. Gennings Dunker, Iowa
6. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
7. Trevor Goosby, Texas
8. Isaiah World, Oregon
9. Brian Parker II, Duke
10. Carter Smith, Indiana

Just missed: Niki Prongos, Stanford; Kage Casey, Boise State

Interior offensive linemen

1. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
2. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
3. Connor Lew, Auburn
4. Cayden Green, Missouri
5. Logan Jones, Iowa
6. Jake Slaughter, Florida
7. Alex Harkey, Oregon
8. Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
9. Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
10. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon

Just missed: Matt Gulbin, Michigan State; Parker Brailsford, Alabama

Defensive ends

1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
2. Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
4. Quincy Rhodes Jr., Arkansas
5. Zion Young, Missouri
6. LT Overton, Alabama
7. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
8. Caden Curry, Ohio State
9. Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State
10. Will Whitson, Mississippi State

Just missed: Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon; Max Llewellyn, Iowa; Ethan Burke, Texas; Jack Pyburn, LSU

Defensive tackles

1. Peter Woods, Clemson
2. A'Mauri Washington, Oregon
3. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
4. Caleb Banks, Florida
5. Christen Miller, Georgia
6. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
7. Tim Keenan III, Alabama
8. Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
9. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
10. Kemari Copeland, Virginia Tech

Just missed: Bear Alexander, Oregon; Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss; Domonique Orange, Iowa State; Nick Barrett, South Carolina

Off-ball linebackers

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State
2. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
3. CJ Allen, Georgia
4. Jake Golday, Cincinnati
5. Sonny Styles, Ohio State
6. Justin Jefferson, Alabama
7. Eric Gentry, USC
8. Taurean York, Texas A&M
9. Daniel Wingate, Maryland
10. Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

Just missed: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech; Aiden Fisher, Indiana; Deontae Lawson, Alabama; Antonio Watts, Louisville; Jack Kelly, BYU

Outside linebackers

1. David Bailey, Texas Tech
2. T.J. Parker, Clemson
3. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
4. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
5. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
6. Damon Wilson II, Missouri
7. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
8. Romello Height, Texas Tech
9. Derrick Moore, Michigan
10. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan

Just missed: Harold Perkins Jr., LSU; Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame; Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss; Teitum Tuioti, Oregon; Eddie Walls III, Houston; Keyron Crawford, Auburn

Cornerbacks

1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
2. Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
3. Avieon Terrell, Clemson
4. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
5. Mansoor Delane, LSU
6. Colton Hood, Tennessee
7. D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
8. Chris Johnson, San Diego State
9. Chandler Rivers, Duke
10. Keionte Scott, Miami (Fla.)

Just missed: Malik Muhammad, Texas; Will Lee III, Texas A&M; A.J. Harris, Penn State; Jadon Canady, Oregon; Cam Miller, Rutgers; Josh Moten, Southern Miss; Hezekiah Masses, California

Safeties