NFL · 3 hours ago

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Ranks the Top 25 Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

Dropped Out: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 180 | Previous Rank: 23

Zachariah Branch finished 2025 with 81 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns over 14 games, using his track-speed quickness to create separation and big plays in space. A USC transfer, he averages 7.9 yards after the catch per reception and adds value as a dynamic returner.

Kiper notes, “Branch plays the game at a different speed than everyone else,” highlighting why his explosiveness and agility make him a dangerous playmaker at the next level.
2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper's Top 25 Prospects
ESPN’s Mel Kiper made significant changes to his latest Big Board, and a few notable names are on the move. Peter Woods and Zachariah Branch both fell out of the overall top 25 — but there’s some consolation. Woods still ranks as Kiper’s No. 3 defensive tackle, while Branch sits as the No. 7 wide receiver, keeping each firmly in the upper tier at their positions.

There’s also a new No. 3 overall in Arvell Reese, and Ohio State continues to dominate the top of the board with four players ranked inside the top seven. The SEC adds fresh talent as well, with Monroe Freeling breaking through on offense and Zion Young making his mark defensively.

Meanwhile, the biggest slide belongs to Akheem Mesidor, who drops from No. 13 to No. 24 in Kiper’s latest update.
1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225 | Previous Rank: 1

Fernando Mendoza’s transfer from Cal to Indiana sparked a significant leap in his play. In 2025, he completed 72.0% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions across 16 games, while adding seven rushing scores. The biggest improvement came in his pocket efficiency, cutting his sack total from 41 in 2024 to 25 last season by getting the ball out quicker. Mendoza doesn’t have elite arm strength, but he consistently makes NFL-level throws with accuracy and timing.

As Mel Kiper noted, “His ball placement is fantastic,” and his functional mobility allows him to extend plays and pick up first downs when needed.
2. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214 | Previous Rank: 2

Jeremiyah Love proved to be one of the most explosive playmakers in the country in 2025, totaling 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries while adding 27 catches for 280 yards and three receiving scores over 12 games. Love pairs elite vision and burst with impressive contact balance, forcing 60 missed tackles on the season.

As Mel Kiper wrote, “Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush,” a comparison that shows up in his ability to turn routine touches into chunk plays. Beyond his running ability, Love’s impact as a receiver gives NFL offenses flexibility to move him all over the formation and stress defenses in multiple ways.
3. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Previous Rank: 4

Arvell Reese looks like a pro already on Ohio State tape, putting together a productive 2025 season with 69 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, nine run stops, and two pass breakups over 14 games. Reese consistently plays fast and decisively, showing the instincts to diagnose plays early and the burst to finish as a pass rusher.

As Mel Kiper noted, “This is a complete football player,” a label that reflects both Reese’s versatility and his steady rise up draft boards.
4. David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Previous Rank: 5

David Bailey’s impact as a pass rusher exploded in 2025 after transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech. Over 14 games, he posted 76 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 71 pressures, eight run stops, three forced fumbles, and four pass breakups. Bailey showed a noticeable jump as a finisher, matching his career sack total from three seasons at Stanford in a single year.

As Mel Kiper mentioned, his 20.2% pressure rate led the nation, underscoring just how consistently disruptive he was off the edge.
5. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195 | Previous Rank: 3

Carnell Tate continued Ohio State’s run of elite wide receivers with a breakout 2025 season, finishing with 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns across 11 games. While much of the spotlight stayed elsewhere, Tate consistently delivered big plays, averaging 17.2 yards per reception.

As Mel Kiper noted, “He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control,” traits that show up every week. Tate also brings value as a willing blocker, a detail NFL coaches will appreciate, though a lower-body injury cost him some time earlier in the season.
6. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205 | Previous Rank: 6

Caleb Downs continues to stand out as one of the smartest defenders in the 2026 class, recording 67 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, one sack, and six run stops over 14 games in 2025. Downs plays like an extension of the defensive coordinator, consistently showing advanced football IQ and strong pre-snap awareness.

As Mel Kiper outlined, his instincts allow him to play faster than his straight-line speed, and his experience mastering Nick Saban’s system early in his career shows up in his coverage reliability and open-field tackling.
7. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Previous Rank: 9

Sonny Styles had a breakout 2025 season, recording 77 tackles, seven tackles for loss, nine run stops, three pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble, and one sack over 14 games. A former safety, Styles combines elite speed and burst with sharp instincts, allowing him to spy quarterbacks and close quickly on the ball.

Kiper adds, “You can tell Styles is a former safety; he has outstanding speed, and his burst allows him to spy the QB,” highlighting why he’s expected to shine in combine testing and predraft workouts.
8. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200 | Previous Rank: 10

Jordyn Tyson had another strong season in 2025 despite missing time with a hamstring injury, catching 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns over nine games. A Colorado transfer, Tyson consistently finds ways to get open, making him a threat in the red zone and on contested catches.

Kiper notes, “Tyson's superpower is being open even when it looks like he's completely blanketed,” showing why he wins 50-50 balls and can outmuscle defensive backs at the next level.
9. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275 | Previous Rank: 7

Rueben Bain Jr. had a disruptive 2025 season, totaling 64 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 68 pressures, eight run stops, one forced fumble, and an interception over 16 games. Powerful and technically sound, Bain regularly beats top offensive tackles with his rip move and shows excellent speed, bend, and angles off the edge.

Kiper highlights Bain’s relentless effort, saying, “It's actually Bain's hustle that really stands out… he never takes a play off and fi
10. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 | Previous Rank: 8

Francis Mauigoa dominated at right tackle in 2025, starting 15 games and allowing just two sacks while maintaining elite run-block consistency. A true mauler, he routinely overwhelms pass rushers at the point of attack and has the skill set to stay at tackle or slide inside to guard at the next level.

Kiper calls him “fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers,” highlighting the combination of strength, technique, and consistency that makes Mauigoa a high-level NFL prospect.
11. Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Previous Rank: 11

Makai Lemon dominated for USC in 2025, hauling in 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns over 12 games. Ranked third in the nation in receiving yards per game, Lemon attacks the ball aggressively and shows fierce after-the-catch ability.

Kiper calls him “one of my favorite players in the class,” praising his passion, toughness, and playmaking consistency.
12. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 302 | Previous Rank: 12

Spencer Fano started 12 games at right tackle in 2025, allowing zero sacks while protecting the quarterback alongside fellow standout Caleb Lomu. Technically sound, Fano uses a strong punch and smart positioning to neutralize pass rushers despite not having ideal arm length.

Kiper highlights, “He does a great job of keeping his big frame between the pass rusher and his QB,” underscoring why Fano is a reliable and versatile offensive line prospect.
13. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Previous Rank: 16

Jermod McCoy missed all of 2025 after tearing his ACL, but his ball-hawking ability keeps him in early first-round conversations. He recorded four interceptions and nine pass breakups in 2024 after transferring from Oregon State, where he added two picks in 2023.

Kiper predicts, “His on-the-ball production will get Day 1 interest,” highlighting why McCoy’s instincts and playmaking ability make him a top cornerback prospect despite the injury.
14. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245 | Previous Rank: 14

Kenyon Sadiq had a productive 2025 season with 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns over 14 games, with nearly half of his yardage coming after the catch. Quick, explosive, and challenging to match up with, Sadiq uses his size and speed to create mismatches in the open field.

Kiper says, “He should be the first tight end off the board,” highlighting his combination of consistency, athleticism, and playmaking ability.
15. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 330 | Previous Rank: 17

Olaivavega Ioane started 11 games at left guard in 2025, allowing zero sacks while consistently driving defenders off the ball and sustaining his blocks. Agile for his size, he can reach the second level and move linebackers out of the way.

Kiper notes, “He had 32 career starts and gave up only two sacks over that time,” highlighting Ioane’s consistency, technique, and reliability as a top interior offensive line prospect.
16. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | Previous Rank: 20

Mansoor Delane had a strong 2025 season with 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and two interceptions over 11 games. A technically sound corner, he excels in both man and zone coverage and consistently shows excellent ball skills.

Kiper adds, “I am very impressed with the instincts and savviness Delane shows in coverage,” highlighting his career totals of 27 pass breakups and eight interceptions and his ability to limit receivers to just 3.3 yards per attempt.
17. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 326 | Previous Rank: 18

Kayden McDonald exploded onto the scene in 2025, totaling 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, 17 run stops, and two forced fumbles over 14 games. After limited action in previous seasons, he showed elite strength, quickness, and play recognition as a disruptive interior force.

Kiper calls him “active and sniffs out the football to make plays,” highlighting why McDonald earned Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors.
18. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 209 | Previous Rank: 24

Denzel Boston posted 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns over 12 games in 2025, showing off his size, length, and physicality to dominate defenders. A precise route runner with exceptional hands, he averages 14.2 yards per reception and consistently finds openings in coverage.

Kiper adds, “His length and catch radius make life miserable for opposing cornerbacks,” highlighting why Boston is a top red-zone and contested-catch threat.
19. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315 | Previous Rank: NR

Monroe Freeling made clear strides in 2025, starting 13 games and allowing just 2 sacks over 14 contests. With 18 career starts, most coming recently, he’s still developing but trending up. Freeling is quick out of his stance, uses his hands well and handles stunts with awareness. He consistently shuts down inside moves in pass protection, though his run blocking still needs more power and consistency.

Kiper notes, “You can see the development each season,” highlighting Freeling’s upward trajectory and pass-pro upside.
20. Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 285 | Previous Rank: 18

Keldric Faulk posted 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, 29 pressures, and 11 run stops over 12 games in 2025. The Auburn edge rusher pairs length and power with versatile pass-rushing moves, showing the ability to beat blockers inside and out.

Kiper calls him an “LTPer — someone who looks the part,” noting his instincts, run-pass impact, and scheme versatility that make him a prototypical 4-3 defensive end.
21. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 304 | Previous Rank: 21

Caleb Lomu started all 12 games at left tackle in 2025, allowing zero sacks while showing consistency in both pass protection and run blocking. Athletic and agile, he adjusts well to secondary moves and handles speed rushers effectively, totaling just three sacks over 1,500-plus career snaps.

Kiper notes, “It’s his agility and quickness that stand out most,” while adding that Lomu’s frame could use more strength, but his technique and upside make him a promising NFL prospect.
22. Zion Young, DE, Missouri
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 262 | Previous Rank: NR

Zion Young had a strong senior season with Missouri, finishing 2025 with 58 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 46 pressures, 16 run stops, and 2 forced fumbles over 13 games. Young makes his presence felt against both the run and pass, consistently setting the edge and crashing down the line with power and urgency.

He plays with one of the best motors in the class, pairing strong hands with impressive lateral quickness to disengage and finish.

Kiper adds, “His effort jumps off the tape,” pointing to Young’s intensity and every-down impact as a tone-setter up front.
23. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 235 | Previous Rank: 23

CJ Allen had a standout 2025 season with 97 tackles, seven tackles for loss, nine run stops, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles over 13 games. A versatile, three-down linebacker, he combines physicality against the run with the speed and burst to pressure the quarterback.

Kiper adds, “Allen is a three-down linebacker at the next level because his read-and-react skills are excellent,” highlighting his ability to make plays in coverage, against the run, and as a blitzer.
24. Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 280 | Previous Rank: 13

Akheem Mesidor broke out in 2025, totaling 72 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 55 pressures, 11 run stops, and four forced fumbles over 15 games. The Canadian edge rusher makes an impact against both the run and pass, showing bend, burst, and power on every snap.

Kiper adds, “When his initial move is thwarted, Mesidor never stops battling,” highlighting his relentlessness and versatility to slide inside and pressure the quarterback from multiple spots.
25. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 208 | Previous Rank: 25

Ty Simpson stepped in as a starter in 2025 and quickly made his mark, completing 64.5% of passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions over 15 games, while adding two rushing scores. A competitive and instinctive quarterback, he maneuvers well in the pocket and can extend plays with his legs.

Kiper notes, “He’s a battler who is always trying to make a play,” reflecting both his drive and the high ceiling he brings as a first-time starter.
Dropped Out: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315 | Previous Rank: 19

Peter Woods totaled 33 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, 11 pressures, six run stops, and two pass breakups over 12 games in 2025. While not dominant, his skill set — strength, versatility, and interior disruption — is exactly what NFL teams covet.

Kiper highlights, “His strength will intrigue a lot of NFL teams no matter where he lines up,” making Woods a solid 3-technique fit with flexibility along the defensive front.
Dropped Out: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 180 | Previous Rank: 23

Zachariah Branch finished 2025 with 81 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns over 14 games, using his track-speed quickness to create separation and big plays in space. A USC transfer, he averages 7.9 yards after the catch per reception and adds value as a dynamic returner.

Kiper notes, “Branch plays the game at a different speed than everyone else,” highlighting why his explosiveness and agility make him a dangerous playmaker at the next level.
2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper's Top 25 Prospects
ESPN’s Mel Kiper made significant changes to his latest Big Board, and a few notable names are on the move. Peter Woods and Zachariah Branch both fell out of the overall top 25 — but there’s some consolation. Woods still ranks as Kiper’s No. 3 defensive tackle, while Branch sits as the No. 7 wide receiver, keeping each firmly in the upper tier at their positions.

There’s also a new No. 3 overall in Arvell Reese, and Ohio State continues to dominate the top of the board with four players ranked inside the top seven. The SEC adds fresh talent as well, with Monroe Freeling breaking through on offense and Zion Young making his mark defensively.

Meanwhile, the biggest slide belongs to Akheem Mesidor, who drops from No. 13 to No. 24 in Kiper’s latest update.