Future Stars: Top Prospects at the 2026 NFL Draft
Now that the NFL season has concluded and the offseason is underway, it’s time to take a closer look at the players expected to be the most sought after in April’s draft, and potential household names
By Deven Swani
Who’s Next to Take Over the League?
Now that the NFL season has concluded and the offseason is underway, it’s time to take a closer look at the players expected to be the most sought after in April’s draft, and potential household names in the future.
Top Prospects
Fernando Mendoza | Quarterback | Indiana
Standing at 6-foot-5, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner should be the clear number one on everyone’s board. Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first national championship after an undefeated campaign, emerging as one of the most exciting NFL prospects in recent memory throughout their Cinderella season. In the national championship game against Miami, Mendoza showcased an ability to put the team on his back, taking a heavy hit as he powered into the endzone late in the fourth quarter, a touchdown that ultimately sealed the game. As a rookie, he will bring dedication and a proven ability to deliver in clutch moments to whichever team drafts him. That team is expected to be the Las Vegas Raiders, who are widely projected to select Mendoza with the first overall pick and entrust him with leading the franchise for years to come.
Jeremiyah Love | Running Back | Notre Dame
Love, who won the Doak Walker Award in 2025 as the nation’s best running back, is one of the most electrifying talents in this year’s upcoming draft and earned a spot as a Heisman finalist alongside Mendoza and others. PFF graded Love at an elite 99.3, the highest out of all running backs this past season. Known for his ability to hurdle defenders and make big plays, Love has transformed the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s offense since taking over as the starter. There is speculation that the Kansas City Chiefs will try to land Love at pick No. 9, after struggling in the run game in recent years. Love is a highly rated prospect, however, and teams with similar positional needs would certainly be thrilled to add a player with his skillset.
Rueben Bain Jr. | Defensive End | Miami
In a loaded 2026 defensive end class, Bain stands out among his peers. He dominated against both the pass and the run, finishing the 2025 season with a 92.4 pass-rush grade while leading college football in total pressures, along with a 86.2 run-defense grade that ranked ninth nationally. Bain’s athleticism and power separate him from other prospects at his position, as he consistently demonstrates an ability to bull through opposing linemen. Bain is listed at 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, and he combines his impressive size with a technically advanced skillset. He has been compared to Los Angeles Rams defensive end and Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Jared Verse, and is projected as a top-5 pick in this year’s draft, with the New York Jets (No. 2) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 3) emerging as potential landing spots.
