The 2025 NFL draft is of course a thing of the past now, and those rookies just beginning their NFL journeys are already deep into their first minicamps, as they start to maximize their skill sets for the rigors of the next level.
And with that, we turn our attention to the upcoming 2026 NFL draft class, because... hey, it's never too early for that! Athlon Sports draft expert Luke Easterling has already unleashed his first Big Board for the 2026 class, with his top 25 players regardless of position.
And as football is a team sport, Athlon NFL analyst Doug Farrar has followed with thumbnail thoughts and tape examples for all 25 of those prospects — what they have to offer the NCAA in what could well be their final collegiate seasons, and in some cases, the real work they must do before they're ready for the big leagues.
It's a fascinating upcoming draft class, and the names will change as we go through the process, so let's get to the business of tape study for Luke's 25 main guys so far.
1. Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State
2. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
3. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
4. Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
5. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
6. Anthony Hill Jr., LB/EDGE, Texas
7. Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
8. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
9. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
10. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
11. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
12. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
13. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
14. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
15. Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
16. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
17. Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
18. Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
19. Arch Manning, QB, Texas
20. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
21. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
22. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
23. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
24. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
25. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
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