The 2025 faculty soccer season kicks off Saturday with a ranked Iowa State-Kansas State matchup. The next Saturday — formally Week 1 — brings big-time showdowns of Texas-Ohio State, LSU-Clemson and Notre Dame-Miami. After which the NFL season begins just some days after that. Buckle up … soccer is right here!
Meaning we are able to actually begin looking forward to the 2026 NFL draft. And it means we are able to have fun with my first mock draft for what needs to be an thrilling class of gamers.
I am going to say this proper off the highest: Loads can — and can — change over the subsequent eight months. There are loads of snaps to be performed, and loads of occasions will alter high prospects’ outlooks earlier than Spherical 1 on April 23. Contemplate that I had Carson Beck going No. 1 in my preseason mock draft right now final yr, and he finally stayed at school and transferred from Georgia to Miami. There are only a lot of unknowns in August.
A kind of unknowns is the draft order. For this train, I used ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index — which makes use of 1000’s of simulations to foretell your entire NFL season — to mission the place each crew will make its choose. Keep in mind that solely 30 franchises at the moment have a first-round choice, although. The Jaguars and Falcons each dealt away their 2026 Day 1 picks in the course of the 2025 draft. I additionally crafted two extra strikes on the high of the order that may make sense if issues performed out like this. In all, I’ve six quarterbacks coming off the board — two of them after projected trades.
Let’s start with the Browns, who’ve the highest choose within the FPI simulations and may very well be on the lookout for one other quarterback come April. Listed below are my early preseason predictions for all 32 picks in subsequent yr’s Spherical 1.
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Sure, Archie Manning not too long ago said that his grandson will keep at Texas for no less than two seasons, a perception many within the scouting neighborhood share. However finally, Arch is eligible to declare in 2026, and if he performs as much as his potential, he would possibly simply have to contemplate the NFL leap on this coming draft class. So I am together with him … for now.
Manning has an excellent construct, throws with accuracy to all ranges of the sector and exhibits strong motion traits. He is a distinct QB than his uncles Peyton and Eli have been in that he’s a menace together with his legs. He’s inexperienced and desires so as to add extra weight to his 6-foot-4 body, however it’s straightforward to see his immense ceiling. I do know the Browns simply drafted two passers this yr, but when they’re selecting first total subsequent yr, then sure, they’re going to be taking a quarterback.
Projected commerce: East Rutherford swap
With Jaxson Dart in ready, the Giants aren’t more likely to be drafting a first-round QB subsequent April. However the Jets may completely be in that blend, so I may see these MetLife Stadium roommates making a deal on this situation, with the Jets shifting up from No. 4 to No. 2. The Giants, in the meantime, may choose up additional premium picks and nonetheless be in place to land both the perfect or second-best non-QB within the class.
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LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
A bottom-five report this season — which might be the case if the order performs out like this — would imply Justin Fields is not a lock to begin in 2026. This could be a chance to get a franchise QB. Sellers is a large and highly effective thrower who made huge strides in his sport in 2024. His escapability from stress within the pocket is a real X issue; some performs on his tape present shades of Josh Allen. His greatest moments are jaw-dropping, and his total mobility is great. Sellers threw the soccer significantly better within the second half of final season, too, ending with 18 TD passes and 7 INTs. Continued enchancment on his ball placement will put him in high choose consideration.
Projected commerce: Saints be a part of QB run
Derek Carr retired, and none of Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough nor Jake Haener is a positive factor. New Orleans may very well be watching two QBs come off the board to begin Spherical 1 and wish to soar into the occasion. Buying and selling up from No. 5 to No. 3 with Tennessee — which has its QB in Cam Ward however wants lots round him — would make sense as New Orleans seeks a long-term possibility underneath middle.
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Klubnik would turn into the primary quarterback taken within the first spherical by the Saints since Archie Manning in 1971. New Orleans bypassed the place at No. 9 in April, however it’d be exhausting to do it once more within the high 5 subsequent yr. Klubnik is a mechanically sound and correct passer who accounted for 43 whole touchdowns throughout his breakout 2024 season (36 passing, seven speeding). He lacks elite dimension at 6-foot-2 and 210 kilos, however he’d supply the Saints some stability at QB as they reset their roster.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Getting into the season, two non-quarterback prospects rise above the remainder for me: Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Woods. The Giants are well-positioned at security after signing Jevon Holland, so I am going with Woods and including to an already excellent defensive position. Woods is a chaos causer. He had simply three sacks in 2024 after none as a freshman in 2023, however his sport goes far past the field rating; each opponent O-line had a plan for him on every snap final season. He additionally has the positional versatility to line up and rush from a number of spots, which might assist alongside Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence II and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
It isn’t typically a security generates top-five consideration, which is a testomony to Downs’ talent set. He’s a no-weakness prospect who brings a bodily and imposing demeanor when enjoying within the field and defending the run. However Downs additionally boasts wonderful vary, ball expertise (two INTs and 7 go breakups in 2024) and imaginative and prescient as a middle-of-the-field go defender. He has the flexibility to completely reshape a secondary from the second he steps on the sector. Tennessee is on the lookout for cornerstone gamers, and its protection ranked thirtieth in factors allowed per sport final season (27.1). Downs would immediately alter the outlook.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
I am optimistic about Carolina quarterback Bryce Younger after what we noticed within the second half of 2024, however selecting this excessive would seemingly spark a debate about whether or not to pivot from him. Regardless, with three QBs off the board, I am sticking with Younger for now and on the lookout for a difference-maker elsewhere on the roster.
Faulk has the size and torque to hurry off the sting, however his 6-foot-6, 288-pound body actually permits him to be disruptive and assault from a wide range of alignments. He had seven sacks final season. The Panthers made a pair of Day 2 investments on the sting this yr (Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen) however ought to maintain engaged on this go rush group. The crew’s 5.4% sack price tied for fourth worst within the NFL final season.
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Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Fano has performed each left and proper deal with on the collegiate stage, and I believe he can do it within the NFL, too. He has terrific size and spectacular footwork, as he effortlessly matches and mirrors edge rushers as a go protector. However Fano is not only a motion/finesse participant; he has an edge and imply streak to his sport that exhibits up when ending blocks. The Raiders not too long ago reinvested in veteran left deal with Kolton Miller, however throwing extra assets on the line will at all times be a magnet for GM John Spytek.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
Parker brings a mix of versatility and pass-rushing nuance. He’s at his greatest as an edge rusher, however he has additionally proven the capability to kick all the way down to a 4i alignment (inside shoulder of the offensive deal with) and even drop into protection. His manufacturing speaks for itself — he pressured a Clemson-record six fumbles and had 11 sacks in 2024, and his 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023 have been a faculty report for a real freshman. The Patriots, in the meantime, have been final within the NFL in sacks in 2024 (28) and should maintain addressing their go rush. New coach Mike Vrabel will wish to be powerful on either side of the road.
Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
The Rams can capitalize on a bonus first-round choose after Atlanta traded up for James Pearce Jr. within the 2025 draft. It isn’t clear whether or not Matthew Stafford might be enjoying in 2026, however the Rams can add his inheritor obvious on the draft both approach. Leavitt is an innovator, displaying distinctive poise, moxie and creativity underneath duress. The redshirt sophomore is a gifted thrower and really sturdy runner. He had no less than three passing touchdowns and nil interceptions in 5 of his closing seven matchups final season, and he completed with 443 speeding yards on the yr. L.A. can begin enthusiastic about the longer term underneath middle with this top-10 choose through Atlanta.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
One factor we find out about Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald is that he likes versatile defensive gamers. Hill suits that mildew. He brings an immense talent set as a standup inside linebacker, however he additionally has an eye-opening 13 sacks in two seasons at Texas, together with eight in 2024. He exhibits sideline-to-sideline vary that led to 113 tackles and 4 pressured fumbles in 2024, too.
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
The Colts not too long ago named Daniel Jones as their starter for the 2025 season, which underscores the crew’s large want for a real QB of the longer term. The ship appears to have already sailed on Anthony Richardson Sr. Allar has preferrred 6-foot-5, 235-pound dimension, good mobility and a rocket arm. I additionally see moments of creativity on the tape. The instruments and upside have evaluators intrigued, however in addition they wish to see extra consistency and urgency within the pocket in 2025. If he places all of it collectively, Allar could be a fantastic get for the Colts on this vary.
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Mel Kiper Jr.’s high gamers to observe for the 2026 NFL draft
Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down his high prospects to observe for the 2026 NFL draft, together with Penn State quarterback Drew Allar,
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
We bought a brand new QB for the Browns at No. 1 on this mock draft. Now, they’ve to enhance the safety with their different choose, courtesy of the Jaguars through the Travis Hunter commerce. Insert Barber, who has wonderful size and in depth expertise as each a proper and left deal with. Barber can actually bend and go defend, one thing he’ll do at a high-stakes stage this season in manning the blind facet for 2027 QB prospect DJ Lagway. He allowed three sacks final season over 13 begins. The Browns must get youthful alongside the offensive line; they allowed 66 sacks final season, second most within the league.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Cowboys enter the 2025 season trying to proper a few of the wrongs from their forgettable 2024. One large space of concern is the inside defensive position. Their porous run D (4.8 yards allowed per carry, tied for third worst) can’t proceed in the event that they wish to maintain contending within the NFC. Banks may assist repair it. He has excellent dimension at 6-foot-6 and 330 kilos, however he additionally shows the quickness and energy to be a disruptive inside rusher. He started his profession at Louisville, however his greatest faculty season got here in 2024, when he had 4.5 sacks for the Gators — together with 2.5 in his dominant sport in opposition to Ole Miss.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
All through the predraft course of this yr, I typically linked offensive tackles to the Cardinals. That want will seemingly solely develop subsequent yr, provided that veteran proper deal with Jonah Williams goes to be a free agent in March. Mauigoa has performed proper deal with in every of his first two faculty seasons, boasting nice 6-foot-6 dimension, nimble ft and immense energy that every one mission properly to the NFL stage. He made life simpler on Cam Ward in 2024, not permitting a single sack over 13 video games. Might he have an analogous influence on Kyler Murray?
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Dolphins enter the 2025 season razor skinny at cornerback. Jalen Ramsey is gone, and Artie Burns and Kader Kohou each suffered season-ending accidents this spring. So it is easy to match Miami to the CB class. Terrell — the youthful brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell Jr. — has improbable ball expertise and a contagious confidence (it appears to run within the household). Throughout his breakout 2024 season, the youthful Terrell intercepted a pair of passes, broke up 12 extra and compelled three fumbles. When opposing quarterbacks focused Terrell in 2024, he allowed simply 26 of 60 makes an attempt to be accomplished and surrendered solely two completions for no less than 20 yards.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
This could be the second time in three years we noticed six quarterbacks within the high half of Spherical 1. However hey, there are loads of QB-needy groups selecting early, and there are loads of actually good QB prospects doubtlessly accessible. And Aaron Rodgers not too long ago stated this may very well be his final NFL season, most likely making QB a main want in Pittsburgh subsequent offseason.
Nussmeier — the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier — is sort of a level guard on the sector, enjoying with elite processing expertise and excellent accuracy. He lacks dynamic athleticism and has simply strong arm power, however he’s nonetheless capable of ship the ball on time and to spots the place his receivers can create after the catch. Nussmeier — who’s coping with patellar tendinitis — threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns final season at LSU.
Another QB prospect who may very well be within the combine: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. He has a powerful capability to course of and play underneath duress, and I noticed some “wow” throws on tape.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
If not for an ACL tear suffered in January, McCoy could be a lot larger. He has returned to the observe area in some capability, however it’s unclear when he might be cleared to play in video games. He’s a terrific perimeter cowl nook, although, with preferrred pace, size and ball disruption expertise for the NFL. McCoy had an unbelievable debut season at Tennessee in 2024 after spending one yr at Oregon State, selecting off 4 passes and breaking apart eight extra. The Bears want extra perimeter corners reverse Jaylon Johnson, so this is sensible.
Anto Saka, Edge, Northwestern
Saka is a kind of gamers who instantly widens your eyes if you watch his tape. His unbelievable explosiveness places go protectors on their heels. Saka’s numbers are simply OK via two seasons (9 sacks over 22 video games), however he attracts loads of consideration from opponents and continues to be a bit uncooked as a prospect. The starter equipment of fascinating traits is there.
Is edge rush a big want for the Vikings? No. Is there such a factor as an excessive amount of depth at that place? Additionally no. Saka may slot in properly with Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.
Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon
Uiagalelei is tough to overlook on tape, thanks to an enormous 6-foot-5, 272-pound body. He aligns from a wide range of spots alongside the defensive entrance and causes havoc from all of them, with 10.5 sacks in 2024. He wins with energy and relentlessness. The Packers have poured assets into their go rush and completed final season with 45 sacks (tied for eighth), however they didn’t have an impactful sufficient group in crucial moments and will use extra assist.
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Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyson had 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns final season previous to getting harm, and that form of manufacturing may very well be good for Bo Nix and the Broncos. The Broncos are well-stocked at most spots on the roster, however placing one other difference-making playmaker alongside Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr. and Evan Engram may carry the entire offense. At 6-foot-2 and 200 kilos, Tyson is extraordinarily comfy with the ball in his fingers and has excellent instincts after the catch. He had 5 video games with over 100 receiving yards in 2024 and joins Leavitt to kind top-of-the-line QB-WR duos in faculty soccer this season.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
With Joe Mixon signed solely via 2026, the Texans may use some reinforcements at working again. Subsequent yr’s class on the place is not notably sturdy, particularly compared to 2025, however Love is the exception. He has dynamic motion expertise — together with distinctive pace, acceleration and burst — to go together with actual pass-catching capability. He rushed for six.9 yards per carry final season en path to 1,115 yards and scored a complete of 19 touchdowns (17 speeding, two receiving).
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State
One of many NFL’s greatest current pass-rush pipelines has been via Penn State. Dennis-Sutton has an opportunity to be the third straight first-round Nittany Lions go rusher (Chop Robinson in 2024, Abdul Carter in 2025). He stepped up in 2024 with 8.5 sacks and confirmed stout run protection to enhance his pass-rush manufacturing. This season, he’ll face a brand new problem, with groups not paying outstanding consideration to the now-departed Carter reverse him.
The Bucs’ go rush might be a gaggle in focus for this upcoming season, contemplating they did not have any full-time edge rushers with greater than 5 sacks final season.
Jude Bowry, OT, Boston School
Bowry performed left deal with in 2024 and might be there once more this season, however he has performed each deal with spots, and a few scouts have even projected him as an NFL guard. With San Francisco, Bowry may play anyplace on the O-line and be groomed as Trent Williams’ inheritor obvious at LT. The 49ers want offensive linemen with above-average foot pace to play of their zone scheme, and Bowry’s footwork actually pops on tape. He exhibits a powerful capability to get lateral and deal with rushers who attempt to cross his face to work inside.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Though the Bengals have Orlando Brown Jr. underneath contract via 2026, any funding that protects Joe Burrow is worth it. In spite of everything, Cincinnati had the league’s worst go block win price (50.1%) final season. Proctor is huge at 6-foot-7 and 366 kilos, and he spent the previous two seasons holding down the left facet of the Alabama offensive line. Proctor’s energy, size and physicality are all unimaginable to overlook on tape, however his total athletic capability may decide how excessive he goes within the draft. Can he persistently deal with explosive edge rushers? Does he have the reactive expertise to reflect gamers who’re attempting to bend the sting round him? If he can present that at a excessive stage this season, Proctor might be a first-round lock — and maybe go a lot larger than this.
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
The Terry McLaurin contract state of affairs heightens the Commanders’ large want at large receiver. Deebo Samuel ought to present a lift this season, however he is scheduled to be a free agent in March. Jayden Daniels wants playmakers round him. Bernard led Alabama in catches (50) final season, however it nonetheless looks like an even bigger breakout yr is due; this may very well be a productive season for the 6-foot-1 speedster. He had a reception of no less than 20 yards in 10 separate video games final season en path to 794 receiving yards.
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Jalen Milroe finds Germie Bernard large open for 34-yard Bama TD
Alabama takes an 8-point lead with underneath two minutes left as Jalen Milroe slings one to an open Germie Bernard for a 34-yard landing.
Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
One in every of my favourite gamers to review within the early a part of the 2026 draft course of is Rivers, a flexible nook with wonderful ball expertise. At 5-foot-10 and 185 kilos, he has aligned each on the perimeter and within the slot, showcasing sticky protection expertise, good instincts and even some blitzing capability. He earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2024 by selecting off three passes and permitting simply 13 catches all season. Tarheeb Nonetheless and Cam Hart each had sturdy rookie seasons in Los Angeles in 2024, however nook continues to be a longer-range want for the stout Chargers protection. Rivers may thrive there.
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
I went into the 2025 draft pondering cornerback was a key space of want for the Rams, however they did not take anybody on the place throughout six picks. I nonetheless assume some reinforcements there could be useful; each anticipated starters on the surface (Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon) are of their 30s. Everette’s wonderful size and instincts across the soccer would enhance the unit. He enters his third season as a starter for Georgia with 4 profession picks. And though Everette doesn’t have elite short-area quickness, his 6-foot-1 dimension and nice defensive IQ make him a high-end protection participant.
A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie are each free brokers in March, and Marlon Humphrey is signed via 2026. Nook is probably going a 2026 offseason focus in Baltimore. Harris is getting into his second season with Penn State after starting his profession at Georgia, and he performs with an infectious power, opportunistic ball expertise and a willingness to enter the fray as a run defender. Opposing quarterbacks didn’t check him a lot in 2024, however he nonetheless got here away with a choose and 5 go breakups.
Sonny Types, LB, Ohio State
Detroit may most likely go a number of totally different instructions right here, however addressing the protection makes loads of sense. The Lions took a linebacker within the first spherical in 2023 (Jack Campbell), they usually may return to that properly in 2026. Alex Anzalone might be a free agent in March, doubtlessly opening up a spot on the place.
Versatility, communicator and athleticism — these are some phrases that originally come to thoughts when scouting Types, who started his OSU profession at security earlier than shifting to linebacker full time in 2024. It nearly seems like he is gliding on the sector as a result of he strikes so gracefully, which helped him pile up 98 tackles and 6 sacks in 2024.
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Keep updated with the newest intel from ESPN’s consultants.MLB: McDaniel’s 2025 MLB draft recap »NBA: 2025 draft worth picks, dangerous strikes »NFL: Early 2026 first-round predictions »NHL: 2025 draft grades for all 32 groups »WNBA: High 15 prospects for 2026 draft »
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
World joins Oregon this season after spending the previous 4 years at Nevada, enjoying each proper and left deal with. He brings premier size at 6-foot-8 and strikes very properly — particularly as a go protector. World allowed zero sacks final season, however this yr might be an elevated check. And though the Chiefs addressed offensive deal with this offseason, nothing is a positive factor there. They’ve affordable contract outs on each Jawaan Taylor and Jaylon Moore after the 2025 season, and World may assist defend Patrick Mahomes for the lengthy haul.
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Miller is an skilled proper deal with (41 begins) with excellent motion expertise and the lateral agility to stay with edge rushers. Sure, the Eagles haven’t got many urgent wants in the meanwhile. However they’ve at all times been forward of the curve on offensive line investments, and this might give them a promising participant within the pipeline to develop behind 35-year-old Lane Johnson.
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
The truth that ESPN’s FPI has the Payments selecting No. 32 underscores what we all know: This roster is loaded. One query mark is at WR, although. The Payments lack a transparent alpha wideout regardless of a succesful group total. (Keon Coleman has flashed upside.)
Lane caught 12 touchdowns final season after simply seven whole catches in 2023. He’s a fluid mover and shows excellent route working and luxury catching the soccer inside and outdoors his body. Lane additionally confirmed some contested catch capability and toughness in the midst of the sector on the tape. Josh Allen would approve.
