The 2026 “All-College” Mock Draft: What If Eligibility Didn’t Matter?

Imagine an NFL Draft where the three-year rule is abolished. Every star currently playing on Saturdays—from true freshmen to seasoned seniors—is available for selection. In this high-stakes simulation, we see a massive shakeup in the first round, as NFL franchises scramble to grab generational talents who would normally be years away from the league.

The Top 5: A New Order of Elite Talent

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB (Indiana)

Despite the allure of the Manning name, Mendoza remains the consensus prize. His performance last season solidified him as the most “NFL-ready” signal-caller in the country. For a Raiders team desperate for a franchise identity, Mendoza is the undeniable choice over any other prospect.

2. New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB (Oregon)

The Jets find themselves choosing between Moore and Manning. While Arch has the traits, Moore’s tape from last season was simply superior. As the clear “No. 2” behind Mendoza, Moore provides the Jets with an elite talent capable of transforming their offensive trajectory.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Arch Manning, QB (Texas)

The Cardinals land the most talked-about name in football. While Manning had early-season struggles in 2025, his physical ceiling is “tantalizing.” From an organizational standpoint, the Manning brand brings immediate value, and his steady improvement late in the year suggests his best football is still ahead.

4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiah Smith, WR (Ohio State)

The Titans ignore the “wait a year” rule and snag the best offensive weapon in the draft. Smith is projected to be a generational receiver, the kind of player who becomes a top-tier NFL threat the moment he steps onto a pro field. He provides QB Cam Ward with a legitimate WR1.

5. New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love, RB (Notre Dame)

With the Saquon Barkley era in the rearview, the Giants find their true replacement. Head coach John Harbaugh’s desire to establish a dominant run game makes Love the perfect fit. Pairing Love with Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers creates a terrifying young core in New York.

Mid-First Round Highlights

• The Ohio State Pipeline: The Buckeyes dominate the middle of the first round. Carnell Tate (WR) goes to Washington at No. 7, Arvell Reese (EDGE) lands with the Chiefs at No. 9 as a potential “next Derrick Thomas,” and the Dolphins take Julian Sayin (QB) at No. 11 to solve their long-term accuracy issues.

• The Cowboys’ Defensive Overhaul: Dallas focuses heavily on their secondary, snagging the brilliant Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) at No. 12 and the top-ranked corner Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU) at No. 20.

• The Trenches: LSU’s Jordan Seaton (No. 6, Browns) and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa (No. 23, Eagles) emerge as the premiere tackle prospects in this expanded pool.

2026 All-CFB Mock Draft: First Round Summary