Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Draft Big Board
The 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, and now it is time to tackle some of the best 2026 prospects. 2025 was filled with offensive talent, but next year’s class is stacked on the defensive side of the football. This way-too-early top 10 big board includes four, yes, four Clemson Tigers, and a football legend calling plays at Texas. There also was not a clear top defender in this year’s draft class, but there sure is a top name in 2026’s class.
TJ Parker, EDGE Clemson
TJ Parker not only has the highest ceiling of any player in this class, but his floor is also the highest. He plays football with violence like he wants to run through someone rather than have a free path to the quarterback. The Clemson standout has been uber-productive for the Tigers in his first two seasons with the squad, tallying 12 sacks in 2024 and five in his freshman year. A bonus to Parker’s already impressive game is how he can flip a game upside-down with his ability to force turnovers. He had six forced fumbles last year, further proving his nose for the football. His wide array of pass-rush moves stems from his extremely high motor, meaning if one move fails, he has another one ready to go, yet the initial move rarely fails. He is without a doubt the best player in the class, and quite frankly, could be a starting edge rusher in the NFL right now as a 20-year-old.
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Cade Klubnik is one of those prospects who is just flat-out easy to scout. He goes through his progressions very, very fast and throws a pretty deep ball. The Clemson signal-caller is extremely accurate over the middle and inside the hash marks. He is a natural leader and winner, too. Klubnik has gotten every chance to succeed in Death Valley and has done exactly that. With the roster that Clemson has, this team is destined for a College Football Playoff run, and if that happens, Klubnik will be the first QB off the board.
Caleb Downs, S Ohio St
Caleb Downs has turned heads ever since his freshman year, and as his time to enter the draft approaches, his prowess as a do-it-all defender is going to help him tremendously in the draft process. He is not going to blow anyone away with his speed or quickness, but he is always in the right place. He can play over the top and read the QB’s eyes from way down the field, resulting in flashy interceptions and pass breakups. He can also step up and help in the run game, as he is a terrific tackler. The safety position has been tremendously undervalued in recent years, but if there is one guy who is going to break the stigma, it is Downs.
Peter Woods, DL Clemson
Peter Woods is the definition of consistency. His ability to tackle while engaged with blockers is special, and his impact as an interior pass-rusher is remarkable. It is not crazy to say that he might be the best athlete in college football at six-foot-three and 315 pounds. Woods has the rare ability to read plays pre-snap and shift himself on the line to exactly where the run is going. He has the chance to become the highest-drafted interior defender in a very long time, and for good reason.
Spencer Fano, OT Utah
Spencer Fano might not be as well-rounded as the other tackles in this class, but his blocking in the run game makes him the most sought-after OT in the group. He moves opposing tacklers at will. It is incredible what Fano can do at his size. He is not a huge, towering frame either. At 305 pounds, the Utah captain is in the middle ground of tackle size, but his agility and power combination make him an incredible run-blocker. He was PFF’s highest-graded tackle in 2024, and he looks to build on that in 2025.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor is one of the largest human beings that the draft has seen in quite some time. At six-foot-seven, 370 pounds, he moves exceptionally well. The former five-star recruit has started at left tackle from day one, and although his freshman year had some bumps, he turned it on in 2024. Proctor’s upside is immense, as his size offers a very special skill set filled with all kinds of potential. If he can replicate his 2024 season, he could very well be the first tackle off the board.
Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is an elusive, agile back who can get away from any tackler in the country. His vision and patience as a ball-carrier are elite. Love benefits from Notre Dame’s great line, but if he can replicate the first half of his 2024 season, he will, without a doubt, wind up as the number one running back in this class. Notre Dame could also be in store for a playoff run, which would help Love’s pre-draft process.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. is a former five-star recruit and has lived up to every single expectation as a Longhorn. He is the leader of one of the top defenses in the SEC and does so while being on the field a ton. Since Texas scores so much, their defense is out there a lot, but this does not take a toll on Hill Jr, as he has elite stamina and great toughness. AHJ has a pass-rush upside, too.
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Arch Manning is not only a “name,” as he has the skills to be an elite QB at the next level. Manning has a cannon for an arm and is really accurate with said cannon. He also has great mobility, something he showed off quite a few times in 2024. Now that he is the full-time starter, he is going to be able to show off some more of his unreal traits, ones that simply cannot be taught. He could very well end up being the first player selected in this 2026 NFL Draft.
Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson
Avieon Terrell is the brother of Falcons franchise corner AJ Terrell, and he plays eerily similar to his role model. Terrell is terrific in press coverage, oftentimes knocking receivers off their path and getting to the ball first. His closing speed is top-notch, as well as his ability to shadow wideouts on routes outside the numbers. He is a true boundary corner because of his lackluster tackling skills.
