Mel Kiper Jr. has released his inaugural 2026 NFL draft Big Board, ranking the top 25 prospects with Oregon quarterback Dante Moore leading the list. This comprehensive evaluation comes midway through the college football season, highlighting emerging talents and setting the stage for next year’s draft.
Dante Moore, a third-year sophomore, claims the top spot due to his impressive accuracy, completing 72% of his passes for 1,396 yards and 15 touchdowns with only three interceptions over six games. Kiper praises Moore’s ability to throw from different arm angles with precision, his touch on deep balls, and his scrambling capability, noting that nothing seems to faze him despite his limited starting experience. At just 20 years old, Moore’s command of Oregon’s offense and loaded toolbox make him a standout in a quarterback class that is more open than expected, with other highly touted players like Texas’s Arch Manning failing to crack the top rankings.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love follows at number two, drawing comparisons to Reggie Bush for his vision, burst, and breakaway speed. Love has amassed 530 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 100 carries, plus 160 receiving yards and three scores through the air, showcasing his versatility. Kiper highlights Love’s 29 forced missed tackles and his impact as a pass catcher, suggesting an NFL team could use him out wide to add a new dimension to their offense. His all-around skills could make him a rare top-10 running back pick, defying the positional devaluation in recent drafts.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza ranks third, having transferred from Cal and dramatically improved his game by cutting down on sacks—from 41 in 2024 to just six this season. Mendoza has thrown for 1,423 yards and 17 touchdowns with two interceptions, demonstrating excellent ball placement and a quick release. While not a dual threat, his mobility allows him to scramble for first downs, and his consistency has positioned him as a strong contender in the QB race. Kiper notes that Mendoza’s development underscores how mid-season performances can reshape draft boards, with players like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier seeing their stock dip.
Beyond the top three, the Big Board features a mix of defensive and offensive standouts, including Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at number four, praised for his natural instincts and pass-rushing burst. Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at five offers versatility and strength, though he needs a stronger finish to the season. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at six is noted for his passion and playmaking, ranking second nationally in receiving yards, while Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at seven impresses with his football IQ and reliable tackling. These players reflect Kiper’s emphasis on talent evaluation over mock draft predictions, focusing on traits that translate to the NFL.
The rankings also highlight surprises and risers, such as Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at eight, who excels in 50-50 balls and red-zone efficiency, and Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. at nine, whose hustle and disruption stand out. Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano rounds out the top ten, showcasing technical soundness and adaptability after switching from left to right tackle. Kiper’s list includes 14 positional top-10 rankings, providing a broader view of the draft class and emphasizing that these evaluations will evolve with upcoming games and predraft events like the combine.
Kiper’s Big Board serves as a mid-season snapshot, with the draft over six months away, meaning prospects’ positions will fluctuate based on performance and new information. The release has sparked discussions among analysts and fans, particularly around the quarterback hierarchy and the potential for running backs like Love to buck trend. As the college season progresses, injuries, standout performances, and team needs will further refine these rankings, but for now, Kiper’s analysis offers a foundational look at the 2026 class’s top talent.
In closing, this Big Board not only informs NFL teams and scouts but also engages the broader football community in early draft speculation. Kiper’s decades of experience lend credibility to these rankings, which will be updated throughout the season, keeping the focus on player development and the unpredictable nature of the draft process. Fans and experts alike will watch how these prospects perform under pressure, with the ultimate test coming in April 2026 in Pittsburgh.