Matt Miller
Jordan Reid
Jordan Reid
NFL draft analyst
Jordan Reid is an NFL draft analyst for ESPN, offering in-depth scouting on the nation’s prime professional prospects. Jordan joined ESPN in 2021 and in addition contributes to SportsCenter and ESPN Radio. He performed quarterback at North Carolina Central College after which went on to educate there from 2014-18.
We have now loads of time earlier than the 2026 NFL draft kicks off in Pittsburgh — 10 months, in reality. But it surely’s by no means too early to take stock of the category.
Matt Miller and Jordan Reid put collectively their private top-five lists at every place, primarily based on the tape they’ve already watched and the conversations they’ve had with folks round school soccer and the NFL. Then they dove a bit deeper. At every place, they recognized one prospect whose inventory is sophisticated by quite a lot of exterior elements (transfers, accidents, place modifications, and so on.) and referred to as out one prospect nonetheless flying underneath the radar exterior the highest 5.
Let’s take an early have a look at every place group within the 2026 class, beginning with quarterback. Notice: Some prospects are listed underneath completely different positions for various analysts.
Leap to a place:QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | CEdge | DT | LB | CB | S
Quarterback
Miller’s prime 5
1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson2. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU3. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina5. Drew Allar, Penn State
Reid’s prime 5
1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson2. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU4. Drew Allar, Penn State5. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Hardest participant to rank: Allar. Each quarterback on this class is hard to rank, however Penn State’s passer is the hardest. He flashes brilliance with an enormous arm and good mobility for his 6-foot-5, 238-pound dimension, however his decision-making may be very hit-or-miss, particularly in opposition to prime opponents. His capability to scrub up psychological errors will decide the place his inventory goes as a senior. Allar might be the highest QB within the class … or slip to Day 3. — Miller
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: John Mateer, Oklahoma. Mateer has the makings of a riser. He broke out final season at Washington State, passing for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and solely seven interceptions, whereas additionally speeding for 826 yards and 15 scores. He’ll get an opportunity to carry out on a much bigger stage after transferring to Oklahoma. If Mateer excels in opposition to the SEC — together with a Week 2 nonconference recreation in opposition to Michigan — his inventory will rise rapidly. — Reid
Working again
Miller’s prime 5
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame2. CJ Baxter, Texas3. Makhi Hughes, Oregon4. Kaytron Allen, Penn State5. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Reid’s prime 5
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame2. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State3. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest4. Quintrevion Wisner, Texas5. Jonah Coleman, Washington
Hardest participant to rank: Baxter. The redshirt sophomore returns after lacking the 2024 season with a torn proper ACL. Though he’ll be recent, can he recapture the shape that allowed him to hurry for 659 yards and 5 touchdowns as a real freshman in 2023? He’ll share carries with Wisner, who rushed for 1,064 yards final season, which might create an fascinating dynamic. — Miller
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma. Ott entered final season with appreciable 2025 draft buzz after speeding for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns at Cal in 2023. However his 2024 marketing campaign was spoiled by a Week 1 proper ankle harm that lingered your complete season, holding him to 385 yards and 4 touchdowns. Ott has since transferred to Oklahoma and is seeking to bounce again as a senior. — Reid
0:35
Cal stuns Miami with a 66-yard TD on 4th-and-1
Cal dials up an ideal blitz-beater as Fernando Mendoza finds Jaydn Ott for a 66-yard landing.
Huge receiver
Miller’s prime 5
1. Antonio Williams, Clemson2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State3. Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn4. Denzel Boston, Washington5. Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Reid’s prime 5
1. Ja’Kobi Lane, USC2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State3. Antonio Williams, Clemson4. Carnell Tate, Ohio State5. Denzel Boston, Washington
Hardest participant to rank: Lane. I’ve the 6-4, 195-pound redshirt sophomore ranked greater than everybody and can proceed to reside on that island. However he’s a polarizing prospect who has many scouts needing to see extra. Regardless of 12 touchdowns final season, Lane had solely 528 receiving yards and was held beneath 50 yards in eight of USC’s 13 video games. There is not a real WR1 on this class but, so, with a bit extra consistency, Lane has the chance to rise and be the primary receiver off the board. — Reid
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Elijah Sarratt, Indiana. The 6-2, 210-pound Sarratt has large breakout potential, particularly with quarterback Fernando Mendoza transferring in from Cal. Sarratt had 53 catches for 987 yards and eight touchdowns final season and matches the mildew of Texans star receiver Nico Collins, with wonderful physique positioning and hard arms in visitors. — Miller
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Tight finish
Miller’s prime 5
1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt2. Jack Endries, Texas3. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon4. Max Klare, Ohio State5. Joe Royer, Cincinnati
Reid’s prime 5
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon2. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt3. Max Klare, Ohio State4. Jack Endries, Texas5. Joe Royer, Cincinnati
Hardest participant to rank: Sadiq. His touches had been restricted final season behind eventual second-round choose Terrance Ferguson, with Sadiq ending with 24 catches for 308 yards and two touchdowns. However he confirmed glimpses of his potential, most notably his route operating and his motion abilities after the catch. With Ferguson off to the NFL and main returning receiver Evan Stewart seemingly out for the season with a knee harm, Sadiq will step right into a marquee position. — Reid
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Luke Hasz, Ole Miss. Hasz transferred from Arkansas within the offseason and can play in a way more TE-friendly offense at Ole Miss. Hasz had large moments for the Razorbacks, however inconsistent quarterback play and an unproductive scheme made it straightforward for opposing defenses to key on him. It is going to be enjoyable to see what performs Lane Kiffin devises to get Hasz open. — Miller
Offensive deal with
Miller’s prime 5
1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami2. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama3. Austin Barber, Florida4. Spencer Fano, Utah5. Caleb Lomu, Utah
Reid’s prime 5
1. Spencer Fano, Utah2. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama3. Isaiah World, Oregon4. Caleb Lomu, Utah5. Drew Shelton, Penn State
Hardest participant to rank: Proctor. There are combined emotions in regards to the 6-7, 360-pound junior. On one hand, he is a large deal with prospect with otherworldly blocking power. However his moments of brilliance are countered by loads of disappointing stretches. He tends to drift in opposition to lesser competitors, shedding consideration to element and never utilizing his energy benefit. Scouts wish to see extra consistency from Proctor in 2025, and lots of consider he is usually a top-15 choose if he reveals it. — Reid
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame. I had a reasonably powerful time retaining Wagner out of my prime 5 after he performed a really sturdy 16 video games in 2024. The 6-6, 293-pound junior proper deal with flourished as a run blocker, with superior agility and consciousness in house. He has the prospect to shoot up draft boards if his second season as a full-time starter is pretty much as good as his first. — Miller
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Guard
Miller’s prime 5
1. Cayden Inexperienced, Missouri2. Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M3. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama4. Joshua Braun, Arkansas5. Davion Carter, Texas Tech
Reid’s prime 5
1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami2. Cayden Inexperienced, Missouri3. Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M4. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama5. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Hardest participant to rank: Roberts. After a formidable 2023 marketing campaign, Roberts entered 2024 with top-75 hype for the 2025 draft. However his play slipped final season, so he’s again at Alabama. Was it the scheme change from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer that induced Roberts’ points, or was it one thing else? He has potential to be a prime guard prospect, however which participant will present up this season? — Miller
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: DJ Campbell, Texas. Campbell is the Longhorns’ solely returning inside starter and is predicted to take a much bigger position in 2025. He began all 16 video games final season and excelled as a run blocker as a result of his power on the level of assault. He must proceed to enhance his approach and hand timing in cross safety. If he does that, he might stand up the guard rankings. — Reid
Heart
Miller’s prime 5
1. Jake Slaughter, Florida2. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon3. Logan Jones, Iowa4. Connor Tollison, Missouri5. Pat Coogan, Indiana
Reid’s prime 5
1. Connor Lew, Auburn2. Jake Slaughter, Florida3. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon4. Logan Jones, Iowa5. Connor Tollison, Missouri
Hardest participant to rank: Tollison. Regardless of getting Day 2 grades from scouts I’ve talked to, Tollison determined to return for his senior season. He fell off a bit towards the top of final season as a result of a knee harm. Though the 2026 middle class seems deep, Tollison is a participant to look at — particularly if he returns to his pre-injury kind. He has began 35 video games, with each snap coming at middle. — Reid
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Bryce Foster, Kansas. Foster made an enormous bounce in 2024, which leads me to consider that there is much more to return in 2025. The 6-5 330-pounder is a mauler within the run recreation with the agility to make blocks in house. Do not be stunned to see him paving the best way for now-healthy quarterback Jalon Daniels, incomes postseason awards and shifting up draft boards. — Miller
Edge rusher
Miller’s prime 5
1. T.J. Parker, Clemson2. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn4. David Bailey, Texas Tech5. Patrick Payton, LSU
Reid’s prime 5
1. Keldric Faulk, Auburn2. T.J. Parker, Clemson3. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State4. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami5. Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Hardest participant to rank: Payton. After an excellent 2023 season at Florida State, 6-5, 250-pound Payton entered final season with All-American hype. However his season mimicked the Seminoles’ disappointment as his sack complete fell from seven to 4. Payton — whose flashes remind a lot of Giants edge rusher Brian Burns — has the potential to get again on monitor at LSU. If he does, large issues are potential. — Miller
1:08
Flashback: Patrick Payton tallies 3 sacks in FSU’s win
Look again at new LSU switch Patrick Payton’s finest recreation of the season in Florida State’s win over California.
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M. The Bowling Inexperienced switch needed to wait his flip in 2024 behind Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton. However with each of these guys now within the NFL, it is Howell’s flip to steer the Aggies’ defensive entrance. He supplied a glimpse of his potential in his solely begin final season, with 5 tackles, a sack and an interception within the Las Vegas Bowl. Persevering with that manufacturing would put Howell among the many prime gamers in one other loaded group of edge rushers. — Reid
Defensive deal with
Miller’s prime 5
1. Peter Woods, Clemson2. Tim Keenan III, Alabama3. Keanu Tanuvasa, BYU4. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech5. Zane Durant, Penn State
Reid’s prime 5
1. Peter Woods, Clemson2. Caleb Banks, Florida3. Christen Miller, Georgia4. Zane Durant, Penn State5. Tim Keenan III, Alabama
Hardest participant to rank: Banks. The 6-6 325-pounder completed final season on a scorching streak, with 3.5 sacks in his remaining two video games. Banks is a quick-footed inside defender with energy and hand quickness on the level of assault. Florida’s protection needs to be improved, and Banks is a crucial first-level a part of that unit. He has first-round potential, however he might want to keep wholesome and construct on his quick 2024 end. — Reid
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan. One other 12 months, one other Wolverines defensive lineman to look at. The 6-4, 296-pound Benny will probably be tasked with changing first-rounder Mason Graham. The fifth-year senior had only one.5 sacks final season as a rotational participant however has breakout potential. He ended the season taking part in his finest ball, sharing Massive Ten Defensive Participant of the Week honors after serving to Michigan upset Ohio State. — Miller
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Linebacker
Miller’s prime 5
1. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas2. CJ Allen, Georgia3. Deontae Lawson, Alabama4. Whit Weeks, LSU5. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
Reid’s prime 5
1. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas2. CJ Allen, Georgia3. Whit Weeks, LSU4. Deontae Lawson, Alabama5. Sonny Kinds, Ohio State
Hardest participant to rank: Perkins. If it feels as if the 6-1 220-pounder has been on these lists for 3 years, properly … he has. He is a gifted dual-threat defender able to speeding the passer and taking part in off the ball, however he missed the ultimate 9 video games of 2024 after struggling a torn ACL. Perkins is without doubt one of the most fun gamers within the nation when wholesome, however dimension issues and an absence of an outlined position make him a tricky eval. — Miller
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss. I am becoming a member of Matt on the Perkins prepare, albeit a special one. The Ole Miss Perkins was one of the explosive gamers within the nation, recording 10.5 sacks final season. With three Rebels defensive linemen drafted in April, Perkins will seemingly be used as an edge defender once more, however his 6-1, 210-pound body makes it unlikely that he’ll play edge within the NFL. Scouts need him to realize weight and play extra snaps in an off-ball linebacker position, which can seemingly be his place on the subsequent stage. — Reid
Cornerback
Miller’s prime 5
1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee2. Avieon Terrell, Clemson3. Malik Muhammad, Texas4. Chandler Rivers, Duke5. D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
Reid’s prime 5
1. A.J. Harris, Penn State2. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee3. DJ McKinney, Colorado4. Avieon Terrell, Clemson5. Malik Muhammad, Texas
Hardest participant to rank: McCoy. The Oregon State switch thrived in his first season with the Vols, intercepting 4 passes and searching just like the CB1 of a robust 2026 nook class. However he suffered a torn ACL throughout a January coaching session, placing his standing for the 2025 season unsure. Can McCoy return to the sphere this season, and the way would he carry out if he does? — Reid
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Josh Moten, Southern Miss. I actually wished to get Moten into my prime 5, and I would achieve this in my preseason rerank. He started his profession at Texas A&M earlier than transferring to Marshall, the place he had 5 interceptions final season. Moten is now at Southern Miss, shifting with new Golden Eagles coach Charles Huff. At 164 kilos, there are questions on Moten’s dimension, however he can flat-out cowl and assault the ball. — Miller
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Security
Miller’s prime 5
1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon3. Kamari Ramsey, USC4. Michael Taaffe, Texas5. Rod Moore, Michigan
Reid’s prime 5
1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State2. Kamari Ramsey, USC3. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon4. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina5. Tao Johnson, Utah
Hardest participant to rank: Moore. The fifth-year senior missed final season after struggling a torn ACL within the spring of 2024. If he can return to his earlier stage of play (six mixed interceptions in 2022-23), that is an enormous win for the Michigan protection and will push Moore close to the highest of the security class. However scouts are in wait-and-see mode as he returns from harm. — Miller
Participant exterior of the highest 5 to look at: Keon Sabb, Alabama. After serving as a reserve on Michigan’s nationwide championship protection in 2023, Sabb transferred to Alabama and began final season with a flourish. However after grabbing two interceptions in his first seven video games, he suffered a damaged foot that needed to be surgically repaired. He ought to begin once more at free security as a rangy, instinctive ball hawk who generates turnovers. — Reid
