While Manning is clearly talented, he is still an inexperienced QB, especially against an opponent the level of Ohio State. At this point, two defenders are ahead of him, and another QB isn't far behind.
The first full weekend of college football has arrived, and what better time to unveil the first 2026 NFL Draft big board of the season?
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1. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, Junior
A monster in the middle. That’s what Peter Woods is. A 6-foot-4, 300-plus pound interior game wrecker that has the athleticism to play on the outside, too. Woods is a powerful defender with light feet that plays hard and has the ability to impact the run or pass on every down. His top-notch combination of strength and agility would fit in any type of defense.
Woods reminds me a lot of Jets star Quinnen William and former Seahawks great Cortez Kennedy. He fits in any type of defensive and can both eat blocks and be disruptive. Every defense would be thrilled to add Woods and he could be scheme-proof impact player right away at the next level. And that’s why he tops the big board as my No. 1 player.
Peter Woods (#11) with an instawin https://t.co/zYsQC6kPuNpic.twitter.com/q6EDqhN1Fq
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 28, 2025
2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, Junior
Safety prospects, even the most talented and highly regarded ones, seldom go high in the first round of the draft. Caleb Downs is the type of defender, and just pure football player, to buck that trend. He is an explosive player with good size that can take over a game in a multitude of ways. Ohio State has used Downs as a rover-type defender (an aptly named “Monster Back” in some football parlances), to allow Downs to weaponize his upper echelon football awareness, intelligence and sheer ability to impact the game. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia used Downs as a middle pole runner on Cover 2 and on the line of scrimmage as a blitzer on Saturday against Texas, helping stifle the Longhorns' offense.
When you watch the defending national champion’s defense this season, make sure to find where No. 2 (both on his jersey and on this boardy) is located.
3. Arch Manning, QB, Texas, RS Sophomore
I reviewed Arch Manning’s 2024 film a few months ago and wrote about it if you want a deeper look at him. The TL;DR: I thought the hype surrounding Manning was absolutely justified based on the glimpses and early growth he already showed in that small sample size. It’s anyone’s guess whether he is going to declare or return to Texas after this season, which means we might be putting the cart before the horse anyways.
Manning’s play on Saturday against Ohio State’s defense again some of the glimpses of Manning’s talent, but his inconsistent first outing also showed why it might be another year before he declares anyways. Manning appeared too amped up throughout the game, with some rough misses underneath (his footwork was inconsistent at times, which made throwing to crossing routes an adventure) along with a few plays where he seemed to be pressing or tried to be too perfect with his decisions (the interception on the sideline throw comes to mind). There were high-end throws made late in the game, particularly the sideline throw to his TE Jack Endries (a player I have a current Day 2 grade on) along with some good runs where he got to the edge against a fast and feisty Buckeyes defense, with Matt Patricia having a great game plan to frustrate an aggressive quarterback (and play-caller in Steve Sarkisian).
Manning’s play and Texas’ success this season will ultimately determine whether he returns or not. But Manning’s combination of size, arm talent, and athletic twitch is everything you want from a potential franchise signal-caller. But his up-and-down first outing in 2025 showed that while he’s still talented, he is still an inexperienced signal-caller, especially against that type of opponent.
The team selecting No. 1 is as big of a factor as anything else, too. Remember, Peyton dragged out his decision on whether to declare or return to school all the way to early March before deciding to return to Tennessee his senior season. And Eli was selected No. 1 by the Chargers before forcing a trade to the Giants.
I didn’t list Manning on my Too Early Big Board a few months ago. But until it’s clear he’s returning to school, I’ve made the decision to list Manning on this big board.
4. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah, RS Sophomore
Caleb Lomu is an easy mover in a big frame (6-6, 308 pounds) with room to add even more weight. He already shows off polished technique with patient hands as a pass protector, with some strength and pop in the run game, too.
Lomu took over as Utah’s left tackle and moved his talented teammate Spencer Fano (who also appears on this big board) to the right side. The play strength (with a little bit of nasty to him), light feet, and technique that Lomu displayed as a redshirt freshman makes me excited to watch how he develops in 2025.
5. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, RS Junior
As I wrote at the beginning of summer: Fernando Mendoza is my QB1 entering the season in the non-Arch Manning category. A tall athlete (6-5) with a loose arm and frame to add more weight, Mendoza can put some real zip on the football on underneath and intermediate throws. Mendoza shows off polish with his footwork and pocket movement, and already has snaps with encouraging signs of progressing and moving in the pocket to find answers.
He’s consistently accurate at all three levels of the field, even when moved off his launch point. He already shows off a knack for locating the football away from defenders. Mendoza is a good athlete that can create a bit with his legs, too, but prefers to win as a thrower. He's an intriguing package of traits and polish with a high IQ (he’s deadly in two-minute situations) and real feel for the position.
There are some similarities to Matt Ryan. He took a lot of sacks at Cal, which he’ll need to clean up, but I attribute some of that to the porous OL and the offensive system. I think his stock is about to rise rapidly in Indiana’s offense.
6. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina, RS Sophomore
Already a ridiculous runner and playmaker with the football, it’s Sellers’ improvement as a passer, along with the blinding flashes of improvisational wizardry, that makes him so exciting as a prospect. Sellers has a high-end arm that he can access from all platforms and is a simply excellent athlete. He still needs to work on consistently working from the pocket, but he really came along in his first year starting, which combined with his size (listed 6-3, 242 pounds) and youth (turned 20 in June) makes him a player who could potentially ascend to the No. 1 spot on this board by next spring.
7. T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson, Junior
A powerful defender that is effective against both the run and pass. Parker has strong hands and likes to push the pocket as a pass rusher. He is an explosive athlete that fires off the football and is constantly attacking blockers right after the snap. He’s not the bendiest athlete, but I think Parker’s strength and ability to impact the run and pass will let him translate easily to the next level. Clemson’s defense is going to be quite something this year.
8. Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Junior
Faulk is a smooth athlete that can bend and knife inside on stunts and really disrupt run games.
Currently, his pass rush move set is him spamming buttons and hoping it works. But if he develops a better plan, along with some more strength and pop, his fluidity, length and hard-working style could help him become a disruptive every-down edge.
9. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Junior
Every touch has a chance to go to the house with Love. He has home-run ability, but really knows how to throttle between speeds to use it effectively. Love has good vision and is a strong runner who can take a steady stream of touches. He can work between the tackles and is able to set up his blocks as a runner, constantly staying balanced and square to the line.
10. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU, RS Senior
I really like Nussmeier’s combination of aggressiveness, throwing creativity, anticipation and ability to avoid sacks. His size (listed 6-2, 205) is just average for the position, so I will be curious what his weight would be in the pre-draft cycle. But he has a real understanding for playing the position, is a better athlete than his rushing numbers indicate, and has performed in clutch moments for LSU. He still has to reign in some of his devil-may-care tendencies, but Nussmeier handled a lot in that LSU offense and was often very good while doing so. He is just a lot of fun to watch playing quarterback.
11. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, Junior
An excellent athlete who runs like a gazelle. Sadiq wasn’t used frequently in 2024. But Oregon’s staff still found a variety of ways to draw up plays for him, including run plays like jet sweeps. Sadiq is dangerous with the ball in his hands and can create explosives on any touch with his speed and balance. He is a good enough athlete to split out against defensive backs, but he is also a very willing blocker, even in-line, and more than holds his own in that area. Sadiq is about to have a big season and I have him as my top pass catcher, receiver or otherwise, entering 2025.
12. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah, Junior
Yes, both of Utah's tackles make this board. Fano played left tackle before moving to right tackle in 2024. He has a long and lean build which he can look to add weight to, but already shows off the consistent ability to get tangible movement in the run game. Fano is a springy athlete that can constantly stay on his feet and with pass rushers and any post-snap movement, and he is also a strong finisher in the run game, too. He reminds me of Bills RT Spencer Brown.
13. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington, Junior
A smooth route runner in a big frame (6-4, 210 pounds), Boston is a good route runner who can easily get in and out of his breaks. Boston is a hands catcher with range who can quickly transition into a runner because of the confidence he has in his ball skills. His ability to consistently adjust for the football, combined with his frame, makes him a weapon along the sidelines and in the red zone, too. Boston has build-up speed with the ball in his hands and can pull away with his long strides, and to cap it all off he has a knack for the little things like blocking and route timing.
14. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Junior
McCoy is a quick-twitch athlete who constantly makes plays on the football. He has good size and already shows the footwork and patience to stay sticky with receivers and be consistent in man coverage. McCoy suffered an ACL injury in January, but his skillset and athleticism are just too fun of a package at the cornerback spot to drop too far
15. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon, RS Senior
A transfer from Nevada, World has the frame (listed at 6-8, 312 pounds) that will lead to many quips this season and draft cycle, but he is an excellent athlete that fires out of his stance. When he connects with on contact, he can completely wipe out defenders. He’s an easy mover in pass protection that has the foot quickness to react and recover on inside moves. He still has to refine his technique as far as hand placement and add some strength to his game, but it’s hard to find players with this size, length, and movement ability. Under Oregon offensive line coach A’lique Terry, I think World has a chance to really ascend this season.
16. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas, Junior
A dynamo in the middle, it’s an absolute pleasure to watch Hill Jr. play football. He has the speed and range to run sideline-to-sideline as a run defender or in coverage. Hill Jr. has ideal modern linebacker size (6-3, 237 pounds) while also being athletic, smart and tough, with no qualms taking on blockers in the box or playing in coverage on any down.
17. Reuben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami (FL), Junior
Bain is a strongly built defender that can impact the game in a variety of roles. He has the strength to hold his own at the point of attack and can constantly knock blockers back in one-on-one situations. He has light feet and can bend and is effective on defensive twists and games, too. Bain’s build and powerful play style remind me a lot of Brandon Graham.
18. Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State, RS Junior
A smooth route runner with good size. Tyson has now been productive at two locations in college (he originally transferred from Colorado). Tyson doesn’t have an overwhelming trait, but he is a reliable target and good route runner with good hands, can align in the slot or outside, and does a lot well overall.
19. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Junior
Another talented Clemson defender makes the board (and there are others who don't, too). Terrell is a lightning-fast defender that can stay in the hip pocket of receivers. He has below-average size (listed currently at 180 pounds), but is tough and willing to tackle and scrap against bigger receivers.
20. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama, Junior
A mountain of a man listed at 6-7 and 366 pounds, Proctor can completely wipe out defenders as soon as he gets his hands on them in the run game. Despite being so large, Proctor is seldom out of whack in terms of balance or footwork. He has light feet and can quickly get out of his stance and redirect when needed as a pass protector, too. Like most large players, he can be a bit high at times, but Proctor has all the makings of a high draft pick.
21. Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn, Junior
Chaplin has a massive frame (listed at 6-7, 335 pounds. He started at left tackle the past two seasons at Virginia Tech and then transferred to the SEC this offseason. He's strong with long arms and can move . He still needs to work on his hand placement and can bend at the waist a bit too much, but those are things that can get ironed out. If they do, Chaplin has all the tools to be a long-time blindside protector in the NFL. The arrow is pointing firmly up with Chaplin.
22. Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami (FL), Junior
Mauigoa has good size and plays with a wide, balanced base. He is a strong and efficient mover who seldom gets out of whack with his hands or feet. Guard might be his best spot in the NFL, but he is a good enough athlete to have a chance to stay on the outside.
23. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, Junior
Another off-ball linebacker makes the board! Allen does it all in the middle for the Georgia defense. He is a tenacious run defender and is a true leader-of-the-defense type that constantly puts himself in good position in coverage. Allen fits in any type of defense and is the type of hard to find linebacker that can play both inside and out of the box in today’s game.
24. LT Overton, DL, Alabama, Senior
Overton is a strong and rugged defender that can push the pocket from both the inside and out. He has length and strong hands that can move blockers once he latches onto them. He wins more with power, but he can bend and constantly get underneath blockers.
25. Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon, Junior
A big, long, strong, classic 4-3 defensive end type (and yes, D.J.'s younger brother), Uiagalelei is best when pushing the pocket as a pass rusher who can consistently set the edge at the point of attack against the run. If he keeps developing more pass rush moves (and keeps his motor going), he has the build and strength to turn into a power rusher that can hinder offenses on a down-to-down basis.
26. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, Junior
A long-legged and fluid outside receiver, Tate has good hands and is comfortable extending for throws away from his body. He has good speed and can eat up ground with his strides, sometimes surprising cornerbacks with how quickly he is able to close space. Tate can throttle speeds and sink into his routes, and shows a nice feel for finding space against zone coverage.
27. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Senior
Bailey is pure heat off of the edge. He was a designated pass rusher during his time at Stanford, but showed real gamebreaking flashes on his limited snaps. Bailey is an explosive athlete with the bend to quickly turn the corner on offensive tackles. He doesn’t have great size and needs to improve against the run, but Bailey is a powerful player that can rack up pressures when he’s on the field. Could be a big riser this year if he rounds out his game.
28. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson, Senior
Klubnik has kept improving and turned himself into a nice all-around quarterback who can really place the ball when he’s feeling it and should lead a very talented Clemson team this season. He has just adequate size (6-2, 210 pounds) and can keep tightening down his operation, but has a good arm with a consistent delivery and can push the ball outside and to all levels of the field. He is an effective scrambler and a tough runner that Clemson asks to grind out yards.
29. Austin Barber, OT, Florida, RS Senior
A quick athlete who plays with polished technique, Barber was a standout during the 2024 season and should be part of a standout 2025 unit. His light feet and effectiveness as a run and pass blocker give Barber good starting potential on the outside.
30. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State, Senior
Allar is big (listed 6-5, 235 pounds) and has upper-echelon arm strength whose play style reminds me a lot of Joe Flacco. He truly can make every conceivable throw, but has struggled with consistency and accuracy, especially when moved off of his launch point. He was one of college football’s most improved players in 2024, and he opened 2025 on a good note. He’s never going to be a high-end creator or play extender, and can play a bit robotic at times (especially on concepts he doesn’t have experience with), but he’s a fine enough athlete. If he continues to sharpen his down-to-down play to complement the high-end flashes — Penn State’s revamped WR corps should help there — he will only rise up the ranks.
Next 5 Up
Tyreak Sapp, Edge, Florida, RS Senior
DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado, Junior
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida, RS Senior
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, Senior
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville, Senior
Category: General Sports
