Although the 2026 NFL Draft is still several months away, ESPN’s Jordan Reid has unveiled his top prospects in college football.
The 2026 draft isn’t expected to be loaded with quarterbacks. However, ESPN’s Field Yates expects Indiana signal-caller Fernando Mendoza to be the No. 1 pick when April comes around. He’s having a great 2025 season, completing 73% of his passes for 2,641 yards with 30 touchdowns and five interceptions.
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“My top-graded quarterback, so far, at this juncture of the college football season, remains Fernando Mendoza, quarterback from the University of Indiana,” Yates previously said. “We have talked at length about the skill set that he brings to the table – superior accuracy, excellent arm strength, has some mobility as well…A quarterback race that I think was three players, that I thought about as the number one overall pick in the draft? Fernando Mendoza emerges.”
Even though Mendoza could end up being the No. 1 pick in the draft, ESPN doesn’t have him ranked as a top-five prospect.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
As of now, Reid believes Ohio State star Arvell Reese is the best prospect in the country. He’s been outstanding this season, racking up 58 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
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Here are the top five prospects, according to ESPN:
Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love
Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore
Moore over Mendoza?
An argument can be made that Mendoza is more pro-ready than Moore. However, the latter’s potential can’t be denied.
“Moore is a smooth, poised operator who plays the game with a calm demeanor. He is a natural passer who understands how to layer the ball over the defense but can still put pace behind it when testing tight windows,” Reid wrote. “He plays with an excellent base where his upper and lower body are always in sync. That, coupled with a fluid throwing motion, has helped Moore complete 72.8% of his passes (fourth in the FBS) for 2,190 yards, 21 touchdown passes and 5 interceptions. With only 15 career starts and two seasons of eligibility remaining, Moore could return to school in 2026.”
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If Moore declares for the 2026 draft, he’ll be a contender for the No. 1 pick.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Nov 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.