The National Championship Game Sets the Stage for a Star-Studded 2026 NFL Draft

The National Championship Game provided football fans with an exciting glimpse into the future of the NFL, showcasing a group of standout players who are expected to make significant impacts in the 2026 draft. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza led the Hoosiers to their first national title, while Miami’s formidable pass rush made life difficult for the Heisman Trophy winner. Mendoza may not have dominated the box score, but his clutch performances on the biggest stage have already caught the attention of NFL teams.

Mendoza is one of the few surefire franchise quarterbacks in this class, but the 2026 draft is also rich with talent at other positions. Pass rushers, pass catchers, cornerbacks, and offensive linemen are all strong groups, making it an exciting year for teams looking to rebuild or strengthen their rosters.

Here’s an updated look at how the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft could unfold, based on the latest rankings following the conclusion of the college football season:

1. Las Vegas Raiders
   
   Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
   
   The Raiders were present in Miami to witness Mendoza’s performance in the national title game, and they were impressed by his ability to deliver in critical moments. A classic pocket passer, Mendoza has the precision and poise needed to lead a team back to success.

2. New York Jets
   
   Arvell Reese | Edge/LB | Ohio State
   
   With Dante Moore returning to Oregon, the Jets will need to take the best player available. Reese is a versatile athlete with immense potential, making him a valuable addition to any defense.

3. Arizona Cardinals
   
   Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
   
   The Cardinals need help on defense, and Bain has been a game-wrecker for the Hurricanes this season. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses makes him a perfect fit for Arizona.

4. Tennessee Titans
   
   David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
   
   The Titans need a strong pass rush to support Cam Ward. Bailey was a key factor in Texas Tech’s defensive dominance, and he would be a great addition to the team.

1. New York Giants
   
   Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
   
   Bolstering the offensive line is crucial for the Giants as they build around a young core. Mauigoa has been dominant at right tackle, making him a top target for New York.

2. Cleveland Browns
   
   Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
   
   The Browns need a reliable receiver to complement Shedeur Sanders. Tate has the skills to become a go-to playmaker in Cleveland.

3. Washington Commanders
   
   Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
   
   A versatile safety like Downs can make an immediate impact on a defense that needs playmakers. His physical and mental tools make him a top prospect.

4. New Orleans Saints
   
   Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
   
   The Saints need a top-tier receiver to support Tyler Shough. Tyson has the ability to create separation and make big plays after the catch.

1. Kansas City Chiefs
   
   Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
   
   The Chiefs need more weapons around Patrick Mahomes. Love’s three-down skill set and playmaking ability make him a perfect fit for Kansas City.

2. Cincinnati Bengals
   
   Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
   
   The Bengals need help in the trenches, and Woods has the athleticism and versatility to make an immediate impact.

3. Miami Dolphins
   
   Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
   
   The Dolphins need a shutdown cornerback to replace Jalen Ramsey. Delane has been dominant against SEC competition, making him a strong candidate.

4. Dallas Cowboys
   
   Makai Lemon | WR | USC
   
   The Cowboys need a high-end WR2 if they can’t keep George Pickens. Lemon’s explosiveness and physicality make him a dangerous threat.

1. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
   
   Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
   
   The Rams need to address their offensive line, and Fano has the potential to start at both tackle positions.

2. Baltimore Ravens
   
   Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
   
   The Ravens need edge rushers to bolster their defense. Faulk has the size, athleticism, and versatility to make an impact.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
   
   Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
   
   The Bucs need linebackers to support Lavonte David. Styles has the size, athleticism, and intelligence to make an immediate impact.

4. New York Jets (from IND)
   
   Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
   
   If the Jets decide to take a risk on a quarterback, Simpson could be a viable option due to his precise throwing and decision-making.

1. Detroit Lions
   
   Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
   
   The Lions need another pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson. Howell has the explosiveness and technical skills to make an impact.

2. Minnesota Vikings
   
   Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
   
   The Vikings need reinforcements in the secondary. McCoy has the physical traits and playmaking instincts to be a valuable addition.

3. Carolina Panthers
   
   Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
   
   The Panthers need a tight end to support Bryce Young. Sadiq has the ability to create mismatches and make big plays.

4. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
   
   Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
   
   The Cowboys need a cornerback to replace Trevon Diggs. Terrell has the smarts, competitiveness, and ball skills to make an impact.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
   
   KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
   
   The Steelers need a WR2 to pair with DK Metcalf. Concepcion has the explosive skills to make an immediate impact.

2. Los Angeles Chargers
   
   Vega Ioane | OL | Penn State
   
   The Chargers need help protecting Justin Herbert. Ioane is a top guard prospect with the physical tools to start immediately.

3. Philadelphia Eagles
   
   T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
   
   The Eagles need a pass rusher to complement their defense. Parker has the speed and power to make an impact.

4. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
   
   Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
   
   The Browns need help in the trenches. Proctor has the physical gifts to become a starter with the right coaching.

1. Chicago Bears
   
   Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
   
   The Bears need a dominant interior defender. McDonald has the ability to command double-teams and bring pressure as a pass rusher.

2. Buffalo Bills
   
   Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
   
   The Bills need a true No. 1 receiver to help Josh Allen. Boston has the size and ability to dominate contested catches.

3. San Francisco 49ers
   
   Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
   
   The 49ers need to plan for the future at left tackle. Freeling has the athleticism and movement skills to excel in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

4. Houston Texans
   
   Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
   
   The Texans need help protecting C.J. Stoudamire. Pregnon is a polished blocker who can make an immediate impact.

29. Los Angeles Rams

Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina*

The Rams still need a top-flight cornerback. Cisse has the physical and mental traits to be a quality starter.

30. New England Patriots

CJ Allen | LB | Georgia*

The Patriots need a linebacker with three-down playmaking ability. Allen has the leadership and intangible qualities to make an impact.

31. Denver Broncos

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah*

The Broncos need help protecting Bo Nix. Lomu has the upside to become a Pro Bowler.

32. Seattle Seahawks

Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee*

The Seahawks need a cornerback if Riq Woolen leaves. Hood has proven himself as a first-round talent.

Second Round

33. New York Jets

Caleb Banks | DL | Florida

1. Arizona Cardinals
   
   Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa

2. Tennessee Titans
   
   Chris Bell | WR | Louisville

3. Las Vegas Raiders
   
   Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State

4. New York Giants
   
   Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas

5. Houston Texans (from LV)
   
   Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech

6. Cleveland Browns
   
   Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State

7. Kansas City Chiefs
   
   Christen Miller | DL | Georgia

8. Cincinnati Bengals
   
   Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo

9. New Orleans Saints
   
   Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)

10. Miami Dolphins
    
    Chris Brazzell | WR | Tennessee

11. New York Jets (from DAL)
    
    Devin Moore | CB | Florida

12. Baltimore Ravens
    
    LT Overton | Edge | Alabama

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    
    Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech

14. Indianapolis Colts
    
    R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma

15. Atlanta Falcons
    
    Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia

16. Minnesota Vikings
    
    Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon

17. Detroit Lions
    
    Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M

18. Carolina Panthers
    
    Isaiah World | OT | Oregon

19. Green Bay Packers
    
    Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas

20. Pittsburgh Steelers
    
    Trinidad Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss

21. Philadelphia Eagles
    
    Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana

22. Los Angeles Chargers
    
    Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee

23. Jacksonville Jaguars
    
    TJ Hall | CB | Iowa

24. Chicago Bears
    
    Zion Young | Edge | Missouri

25. San Francisco 49ers
    
    Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC

26. Houston Texans
    
    Connor Lew | OL | Auburn

27. Buffalo Bills
    
    A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU

61. Los Angeles Rams

Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri*

62. New England Patriots

Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State*

63. Denver Broncos

Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama*

64. Seattle Seahawks

Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State*

*= draft slot to be determined by playoff results