Kiper's 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 25 Prospects

The NFL draft landscape for 2026 is beginning to take shape, and leading analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has offered his first comprehensive look at the emerging class. His updated Big Board ranks the top 25 prospects, providing an early blueprint for teams planning their future rosters.

At the pinnacle of this list sits a promising signal-caller from the West Coast. Fernando Mendoza, the talented quarterback from the University of California, has been slotted in as the number one overall prospect, signaling his potential to be a franchise-altering talent.

Fernando Mendoza's ascent to the top of the draft board is a testament to his skill and potential. As a quarterback for the California Golden Bears, he has demonstrated the poise, arm talent, and football IQ that NFL franchises covet in a modern passer. His positioning at the top of Kiper's list makes him the early favorite for the coveted number one draft pick.

The quarterback position is always the most scrutinized in the draft, and Mendoza appears ready to handle that pressure. His mechanics and decision-making have impressed evaluators, placing him ahead of a talented group of peers in this draft class.

• Elite arm strength and accuracy
• High football intelligence and processing speed
• Proven performance against top-tier college competition
• Leadership qualities and pocket presence

Kiper's Big Board is the gold standard for draft enthusiasts, and this 2026 edition is no exception. The list is a comprehensive evaluation of the best talent available across all positions, from the trenches to the skill positions. While Mendoza leads the way, the full ranking of 25 prospects offers a deep dive into the next wave of NFL stars.

This early ranking serves as a critical benchmark. It highlights the players who have separated themselves from the pack and are on track to be high-value selections. The board is a dynamic tool that will undoubtedly shift as the college football season progresses and the draft process intensifies.

Kiper's board is the starting point for every NFL front office's draft conversation.

The complete list provides a snapshot of the 2026 class's depth and quality.

Creating a Big Board is an intricate process that goes far beyond simple statistics. Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. evaluate a prospect's entire body of work, including game film, athletic testing, and character. For a player like Fernando Mendoza, the evaluation focuses on his ability to translate his college success to the professional level.

The ranking is not just a list of names; it is a detailed analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and overall draft stock. Each prospect on the board has been vetted for their potential impact at the highest level of football.

• Game film analysis from multiple seasons
• Performance in high-pressure situations
• Athleticism measured at combines and pro days
• Interview process and coachability

This Big Board is a significant milestone, but it is only the beginning of a long journey. The players ranked here, including the top-ranked Fernando Mendoza, must now maintain their performance and continue to develop. The 2026 draft is still far off, and the landscape is subject to dramatic change based on injuries, breakout performances, and scouting combine results.

For now, this list establishes the early narrative for the 2026 NFL draft. It identifies the front-runners and the players to watch as they compete for a chance to hear their name called on draft night. The competition to be the top prospect is fierce, and Mendoza currently holds the pole position.

The first major draft board for the 2026 class has been released, setting the stage for the next two years of college football and NFL evaluation. The rankings highlight the top-tier talent that will soon be making the leap to the pros.

• Fernando Mendoza is the consensus top prospect
• The 2026 class is headlined by a potential franchise quarterback
• Kiper's board is the foundational document for draft analysis
• These rankings will evolve significantly before draft day