As we get closer to the end of the 2025 college football regular season, the top names in the 2026 NFL draft class are starting to emerge from the pack. I've spent the past few months watching tape on the best players eligible to get drafted, and I have an updated top-25 Big Board ranking.
Of course, the class will change a ton between now and April 23 when Round 1 begins in Pittsburgh. But for now, this is how I see the top of the class, starting with a talented QB prospect. I will keep this list updated throughout the rest of the season and into predraft events. I have scouting reports for the top 25 overall, and I have stacked the best of the best at every position at the bottom.
A key note to please remember: This is not a mock draft or a prediction of where players will be drafted. These are my personal rankings focusing on talent -- the best players based on what I'm seeing and my own evaluations. Let's get started. (Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.)
Jump to Kiper's positional rankings
1. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 206 | Prev. rank: 1
2025 stats over 11 games: 72.9% completion rate, 2,447 passing yards, 23 TD passes, 6 INTs
Moore is a third-year sophomore with some impressive traits. His accuracy has been solid all season, and he shows good touch on his deep ball. Moore can throw from different arm angles with precision and delivers strikes while rolling either left or right out of the pocket. He can scramble a bit too.
Moore started five games at UCLA in 2023 before sitting behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, so he has only 16 career starts to date. Moore is still developing and will be only 20 years old at draft time. But the toolbox is loaded, and he plays with true command of the Ducks' offense. I see a lot of confidence in Moore's game; nothing ever seems to faze him.
2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225 | Prev. rank: 2
2025 stats over 11 games: 73.0% completion rate, 2,641 passing yards, 30 TD passes, 5 INTs, 5 rushing TDs
Mendoza transferred to Indiana after playing two seasons at Cal, and his game has taken off. The key? He has cut down on sacks, with only 15 so far this season after taking 41 in 2024. Mendoza is getting the ball out quicker. And while he doesn't have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is fantastic. I wouldn't consider him a dual threat, but Mendoza also has enough mobility to pick up first downs as a scrambler.
3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214 | Prev. rank: 3
2025 stats over 11 games: 185 carries, 1,306 rushing yards, 17 rushing TDs, 26 catches, 274 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside, and he can break tackles with ease (55 forced missed tackles on the season). Once he gets into space, he can take it to the house with his breakaway speed too. But Love isn't only an outstanding runner. He also is a high-impact pass catcher. An NFL team will be able to flank him out wide and create a whole other dimension of the offense.
4. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 4
2025 stats over 11 games: 58 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 7 run stops, 2 pass breakups
This is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can't make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class.
5. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200 | Prev. rank: 7
2025 stats over eight games: 59 catches, 689 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
The Colorado transfer has teamed up with quarterback Sam Leavitt to light up defenses for two seasons now. Tyson's superpower is being open even when it looks like he's completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. Tyson recently returned from a hamstring injury, which kept him out three games.
6. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 8
2025 stats over eight games: 39 catches, 711 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
Ohio State has turned into Wide Receiver U, with Emeka Egbuka being the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. And while most of the college football world focuses on Jeremiah Smith (who isn't eligible for the 2026 draft), Tate is putting up some serious numbers and showing why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate has produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 18.2 yards per catch this season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he'll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see. Tate has a lower-body injury and has missed time.
7. Makai Lemon, WR, USC*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 10
2025 stats over 11 games: 78 catches, 1,124 receiving yards, 10 receiving TDs
This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I'd want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he currently ranks third in the nation in receiving yards.
Jayden Maiava throws 12-yard touchdown pass to Makai Lemon
8. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 208 | Prev. rank: 5
2025 stats over 11 games: 66.9% completion rate, 2,934 passing yards, 22 TD passes, 4 INTs, 2 rushing TDs
His lack of experience might be a concern, as Simpson didn't start a game until this season, but the production is hard to ignore. Simpson knows the game and competes on every down. He's a battler who is always trying to make a play -- sometimes to his detriment. And Simpson maneuvers well in the pocket and can beat defenses with his legs when the passing play isn't there.
9. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 14
2025 stats over 11 games: 11 starts, 1 sack allowed
Here's a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He has more than 2,300 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa has allowed one sack and blown only nine run blocks since the start of last season.
10. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 16
2025 stats over 10 games: 36 catches, 479 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball is in his hands. And he's nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq has been consistent this season, and he could be the first tight end off the board.
11. David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Prev. rank: 13
2025 stats over 11 games: 57 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 62 pressures, 5 run stops, 2 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups
A transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he has notably become more of a finisher this season. His 21.5% pressure rate is second in the nation, and he is up to 12.5 sacks in 11 games with the Red Raiders, unlocking another level of his game.
12. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 9
2025 stats over 11 games: 49 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 6 run stops
Downs -- the brother of NFL wide receiver Josh Downs and the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs -- is basically an extension of the defensive coordinator. His football knowledge shows in his play; it's obvious when you watch him in the Ohio State defense. But what really impressed me is how well he picked up Nick Saban's system as a 2023 freshman at Alabama before transferring.
He diagnoses quickly thanks to excellent pre-snap instincts, and that allows him to play faster than his straight-line speed might suggest. Plus, Downs is solid in coverage, and he is a very reliable open-field tackler.
13. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 6
2025 stats over 11 games: 31 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 9 pressures, 6 run stops, 2 pass breakups
Woods hasn't been elite in 2025, but the skill set is exactly what NFL teams covet. He just needs to finish strong over the second half of the season. In the pros, Woods would fit nicely at 3-technique, though he has the versatility to move around on a defensive front. He plays on the inside the majority of the time, but he also can be disruptive off the edge. His strength will intrigue a lot of NFL teams no matter where he lines up.
14. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 302 | Prev. rank: 11
2025 stats over 11 games: 11 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Fano started 12 games at left tackle in 2023 before moving to the right side in 2024, and he has started 23 games there over two seasons. Working opposite another highly regarded bookend in Caleb Lomu, Fano does a great job of keeping his big frame between the pass rusher and his QB. He is technically sound and shows good punch to compensate for his lack of ideal arm length.
15. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275 | Prev. rank: 12
2025 stats over 11 games: 44 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 45 pressures, 5 run stops, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT
Bain is powerful and has really strong hands. He routinely gets the best of some very good offensive tackles, often with his dominant rip move, and he knows every trick in the book in getting home to the QB. Bain also shows speed and bend off the edge, and he takes good angles. Plus, he can hold the edge against the run and get off blocks to chase down ball carriers. His tape is just filled with disruption.
But even with all those A-level traits, it's actually Bain's hustle that really stands out to me. He never takes a play off and fires at the ball on every play. His arms are shorter than most scouts prefer, but there's so much to like with his game. Opponents have to account for him in their game plans, and he can keep them guessing even then with his inside-outside flexibility.
16. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Prev. rank: 15
McCoy hasn't played yet in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL in January, but he still has the chance to be the first cornerback off the board in April. He began his college career at Oregon State, picking off two passes there in 2023. McCoy's ball-hawking traits really emerged once transferring to Tennessee, as he picked off four passes and broke up nine last season. Even if he doesn't make it back onto the field this season, his on-the-ball production will get Day 1 interest.
17. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: NR
2025 stats over 10 games: 10 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Ioane drives defensive tackles off the ball and sustains his blocks well. He can get to the second level and torque defenders out of the way. And he's incredibly agile at left guard for his size. Ioane has 31 career starts and has given up only two sacks over that time -- both in 2023.
18. Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 280 | Prev. rank: 19
2025 stats over 10 games: 49 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 37 pressures, 10 run stops, 4 forced fumbles
Mesidor started at West Virginia in 2020 and 2021, racking up 9.5 sacks. He transferred to Miami before the 2022 season and had seven sacks in that first season. An injury limited him to three games in 2023, but he came back with 5.5 more sacks in 2024 and looks great in 2025. The Canadian makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass, and he shows good bend, closing burst and power. When his initial move is thwarted, Mesidor never stops battling. He also brings some versatility, with the ability to shade inside to DT and get pressure on the interior.
19. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 209 | Prev. rank: 20
2025 stats over 10 games: 52 catches, 730 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Boston has developed into a nuanced route runner who uses his size and physicality to shield defenders from the football. His length and catch radius make life miserable for opposing cornerbacks. And the way Boston quickly finds openings in coverage jumps out on tape, helping him to 14.0 yards per catch on the season. He has Velcro-esque hands, allowing him to go high or low to haul in difficult receptions.
20. Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 24
2025 stats over 11 games: 39 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 26 pressures, 11 run stops
If you could draw up the perfect NFL 4-3 defensive end, it would be Faulk. He's what I call an "LTPer" -- someone who looks the part. He can win with outside and inside moves, and he moves blockers with his super powerful hands. I see good overall instincts on tape too. Faulk makes his presence felt against the run and the pass, and he is scheme versatile.
21. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180 | Prev. rank: 22
2025 stats over 11 games: 43 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 9 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles, 3 sacks
Terrell is a proven cover man, much like his brother, A.J. Terrell Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons. Avieon is consistent and reliable in man coverage. He can flip his hips, turn and run with the fastest wideouts, and still be able to locate the ball in the air to make the play at the right moment. He has 21 pass breakups over the past two seasons.
Avieon Terrell hits Bauer Sharp as he's falling and Ricardo Jones picks it up for Clemson.
22. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | Prev. rank: NR
2025 stats over 10 games: 33 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 2 INTs
I have been very impressed with the instincts and savviness Delane shows in coverage. He is a true technician and has demonstrated excellent ball skills, with 26 pass breakups and eight interceptions over his four-year career. He excels in both man and zone coverage, and his 3.4 yards allowed per attempt on throws in his direction is 10th in the nation.
23. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220 | Prev. rank: 18
2025 stats over 11 games: 72 catches, 917 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs
The production has steadily improved over the past three years, as Bell has gone from 29 catches in 2023 to 43 last season to 72 in 2025. He is a physically imposing pass catcher who excels in 50-50 situations. Bell wins across the middle and on the deep ball, and he can tack on yardage after the catch.
24. A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: 25
2025 stats over 11 games: 33 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 5 run stops, 4 pass breakups
Washington is putting it all together. He is powerful. He's quick and explosive. He's tough as nails. Teams are going to be interested in that combination, even if his game is still a little raw, with no career starts before this season. Washington can clog up the middle against the run, and he can power through with his bull rush to get interior pressure. We saw such a sack in Oregon's Week 7 game against Indiana. He is very difficult to contain at the point of attack. Washington is still developing, and he could continue to rise up boards before April.
25. Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 17
2025 stats over 11 games: 27 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 INTs
Jones can absolutely fly; I think he could end up in the 4.4-second range in the 40-yard dash in the lead-up to the draft, if he declares. But the third-year sophomore also brings terrific length, ball skills and feel for coverage. Jones seems comfortable with his back to the QB, is able to turn to locate the ball in the air and is disruptive at the catch point. And Jones is also a willing tackler in run defense.
Kiper's position rankings
Quarterbacks
1. Dante Moore, Oregon
2. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
3. Ty Simpson, Alabama
4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
5. John Mateer, Oklahoma
6. Carson Beck, Miami (Fla.)
7. Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
8. Jaden Craig, Harvard
9. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
10. Jayden Maiava, USC
Just missed: Drew Allar, Penn State; Garrett Nussmeier, LSU; Josh Hoover, TCU; Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Ty Simpson's short touchdown pass to Isaiah Horton gives Alabama a 7-0 lead.
Running backs
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
3. Jonah Coleman, Washington
4. Justice Haynes, Michigan
5. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
6. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
7. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
8. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
9. Noah Whittington, Oregon
10. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
Just missed: Quintrevion Wisner, Texas; Jeremiah Cobb, Auburn; CJ Baxter, Texas; Raleek Brown, Arizona State; Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M
Wide receivers
1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
2. Carnell Tate, Ohio State
3. Makai Lemon, USC
4. Denzel Boston, Washington
5. Chris Bell, Louisville
6. Zachariah Branch, Georgia
7. Germie Bernard, Alabama
8. Ja'Kobi Lane, USC
9. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
10. Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Just missed: Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee; Bryce Lance, North Dakota State; Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State; Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn; Nyck Harbor, South Carolina; Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana; Duce Robinson, Florida State; Elijah Sarratt, Indiana; Ted Hurst, Georgia State; Antonio Williams, Clemson
Tight ends
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
2. Joe Royer, Cincinnati
3. Max Klare, Ohio State
4. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
5. Lake McRee, USC
6. Jack Endries, Texas
7. Chamon Metayer, Arizona State
8. Jaleel Skinner, Louisville
9. Peter Clarke, Temple
10. Miles Kitselman, Tennessee
Just missed: Dan Villari, Syracuse; Brett Norfleet, Missouri; Dallen Bentley, Utah
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
2. Justin Joly, NC State
3. Michael Trigg, Baylor
4. Oscar Delp, Georgia
5. Tanner Koziol, Houston
6. Lawson Luckie, Georgia
7. Dae'Quan Wright, Ole Miss
8. Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
9. Josh Cuevas, Alabama
10. Marlin Klein, Michigan
Just missed: Rohan Jones, Arkansas; Hayden Large, Iowa; Max Bredeson, Michigan; Jack Velling, Michigan State; John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
Diego Pavia throws it up to an open Eli Stowers, who walks in for a touchdown.
Offensive tackles
1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
2. Spencer Fano, Utah
3. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
4. Caleb Lomu, Utah
5. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
6. Gennings Dunker, Iowa
7. Trevor Goosby, Texas
8. Isaiah World, Oregon
9. Brian Parker II, Duke
10. Carter Smith, Indiana
Just missed: Blake Miller, Clemson; Kage Casey, Boise State; Niki Prongos, Stanford
Interior offensive linemen
1. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
2. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
3. Connor Lew, Auburn
4. Cayden Green, Missouri
5. Logan Jones, Iowa
6. Jake Slaughter, Florida
7. Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
8. Alex Harkey, Oregon
9. Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
10. Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
Just missed: Iapani Laloulu, Oregon; Matt Gulbin, Michigan State; Parker Brailsford, Alabama
Defensive ends
1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
2. Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
4. Zion Young, Missouri
5. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
6. Quincy Rhodes Jr., Arkansas
7. Caden Curry, Ohio State
8. Anthony Smith, Minnesota
9. LT Overton, Alabama
10. Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State
Just missed: Will Whitson, Mississippi State; Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon; Max Llewellyn, Iowa; Ethan Burke, Texas; Jack Pyburn, LSU
Defensive tackles
1. Peter Woods, Clemson
2. A'Mauri Washington, Oregon
3. Caleb Banks, Florida
4. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
5. Christen Miller, Georgia
6. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
7. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
8. Tim Keenan III, Alabama
9. Domonique Orange, Iowa State
10. Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
Just missed: Kemari Copeland, Virginia Tech; Bear Alexander, Oregon; Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss; Nick Barrett, South Carolina; James Thompson Jr., Illinois
Peter Woods runs for 2-yard rushing touchdown
Off-ball linebackers
1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State
2. Sonny Styles, Ohio State
3. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
4. CJ Allen, Georgia
5. Jake Golday, Cincinnati
6. Justin Jefferson, Alabama
7. Taurean York, Texas A&M
8. Daniel Wingate, Maryland
9. Eric Gentry, USC
10. Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
Just missed: Amare Campbell, Penn State; Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech; Owen Heinecke, Oklahoma; Karson Sharar, Iowa; Cian Slone, NC State; Deontae Lawson, Alabama; Antonio Watts, Louisville; Aiden Fisher, Indiana; Shad Banks Jr., UTSA; Lander Barton, Utah
Outside linebackers
1. David Bailey, Texas Tech
2. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
3. Damon Wilson II, Missouri
4. T.J. Parker, Clemson
5. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
6. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
7. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
8. Derrick Moore, Michigan
9. Romello Height, Texas Tech
10. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
Just missed: Harold Perkins Jr., LSU; Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame; Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss; Darryl Peterson, Wisconsin; Teitum Tuioti, Oregon; Stephen Daley, Indiana; Isaiah Smith, SMU; Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Cornerbacks
1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
2. Avieon Terrell, Clemson
3. Mansoor Delane, LSU
4. Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
5. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
6. Colton Hood, Tennessee
7. D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
8. Chris Johnson, San Diego State
9. Chandler Rivers, Duke
10. Keionte Scott, Miami (Fla.)
Just missed: Malik Muhammad, Texas; Will Lee III, Texas A&M; A.J. Harris, Penn State; Jadon Canady, Oregon; Cam Miller, Rutgers; Devon Marshall, NC State
Safeties
1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State
2. Kyle Louis, Pitt
3. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
4. Bray Hubbard, Alabama
5. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
6. Kamari Ramsey, USC
7. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
8. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
9. Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma
10. A.J. Haulcy, LSU
Just missed: Zechariah Poyser, Miami (Fla); KP Price, Boston College; Rod Moore, Michigan; Jalen Huskey, Maryland; Genesis Smith, Arizona
Kickers and punters
1. Brett Thorson, Georgia (P)
2. Tate Sandell, Oklahoma (PK)
3. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)
4. Peyton Woodring, Georgia (PK)
5. Trey Smack, Florida (PK)
6. Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse (P)
7. Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky (P)
8. Ryan Eckley, Michigan State (P)
9. Will Ferrin, BYU (PK)
10. Laith Marjan, Kansas (PK)
Just missed: Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii (PK)
Long snappers
1. Luke Basso, Oregon
2. Hank Pepper, USC
3. Rocco Underwood, Florida
4. Beau Gardner, Georgia
5. Ben Anderson, Oklahoma