The 2026 Senior Bowl Top 300 was released by executive director Drew Fabianich and his scouting staff in August, serving as a preseason watch list for the all-star game to be held in Mobile, Alabama, on Jan. 31 and broadcast live on NFL Network (2:30 p.m. ET).
Most of my top 10 prospects, listed below, were named in the Senior Bowl's preseason roll call -- as were many of the 50 additional "Honorable Mention" players competing for early-round spots in the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh).
Meanwhile, several of the underclassmen included below stepped into the spotlight after the Top 300 was released -- though not all of them will ultimately choose to enter next April's draft.
My evaluations will change as prospects complete the college season and then participate in all-star games, the NFL Scouting Combine and college pro days.
NOTES:
- \ denotes player is an underclassman.*
- Heights and weights are via school measurements.
1) Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 205)*
Downs was a Day 1 starter for Nick Saban at Alabama as a true freshman before transferring to Ohio State in 2024. He was a leader for the Buckeyes' national championship defense last season, and he has 28 tackles for this year's title contenders. The brother of Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs, Caleb is a tough, instinctual five-tool defender. He can cover slot receivers, defend against the deep ball, blitz effectively, create turnovers and provide secure tackling. Furthermore, his athleticism was on display when he returned punts for touchdowns in 2023 and '24.
2) Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 214)*
A true dual threat in the backfield, Love gets skinny to find creases inside, bounces plays outside when needed and has breakaway speed. In the open field, the preseason All-American can jump over, spin off or blow through tackle attempts. He runs with lean and churns his legs to get the extra yard. He's effective as a receiver, too, beating linebackers and safeties on routes from the slot. Love possesses excellent hands and body control.
3) Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 225)*
Mendoza impressed as a two-year starter at Cal before transferring to Indiana, where he leads an undefeated Hoosiers squad. He's been the most consistent of the top quarterback prospects this season, as a plant-and-deliver passer who places the ball accurately on short and intermediate tosses. He can throw receivers open downfield, too. Mendoza is not a quick-twitch athlete, but he can slide to find room inside the pocket and challenges defenses as a runner with his long strides. NFL coaches will like his toughness. He can take a hit while delivering throws and is willing to fight for yardage as a runner.
4) Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami (6-3, 270)*
After tying for the Hurricanes' team lead with 7.5 sacks as a true freshman, Bain missed time due to injury in 2024. He's returned with a vengeance this season, becoming the most dominant edge rusher in college football. Bain's thick frame foreshadows his powerful bull rush but belies his speed off the edge and hustle to the ball. His scheme versatility might be his best attribute, as he beats tackles from a linebacker wide-9 stance and stacks-and-sheds as a base end or 5-technique run defender. NFL defensive coordinators will appreciate those skills, given the multiplicity of most schemes in the Sunday game.
5) Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State (6-4, 243)*
One of 2025's biggest breakout stars might not be done rising up boards, potentially becoming as highly valued a defender as recent No. 3 overall picks Abdul Carter and Will Anderson Jr. He will be an impact starter at the next level because of his combination of instincts and physical prowess. Reese has been a terror for opposing quarterbacks on blitzes, charging through open gaps and beating linemen with plus bend and length, as well as strong hands. His closing speed in the open field is formidable, chasing ball-carriers to the sideline and across the formation.
6) Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 200)*
After breaking out with 1,101 receiving yards and 10 scores in 2024, Tyson is among the most productive receivers in college football once again this season. His height, leaping ability, body control and strong hands create a huge catch radius. Tyson has the speed to beat man coverage on the outside, but he also works the middle, accelerating quickly after the catch to move the chains. He's a dependable playmaker.
7) Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 195)*
Lemon might lack ideal size, but NFL scouts should not overlook him. He is as competitive as they come, winning with physicality downfield and separating from corners with strength/speed. He has sound hands, which are on display when he snatches contested passes from the air on the sideline, over the middle and in the end zone. NFL quarterbacks will also love his ability to find space in zones. He'll make plays after the catch with power and quickness.
8) Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 308)*
Fano has experience playing left and right tackle for Utah. He's been a stud on the right side since the start of last season, providing sturdy pass protection and tenaciously moving defenders in the run game. Fano's impressive willingness to stay engaged through the end of a play makes it difficult for defenders to get to the ball. He’s comfortable pulling behind the line and hitting targets in space, as well, giving him even more versatility.
9) Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-3, 310)*
Woods is an excellent athlete, but I did not see him consistently making plays during Clemson's early-season struggles. He can toss aside lesser blockers to stop interior run plays and pressure quarterbacks, though he was not credited with a sack this season until his dominant performance against Boston College last week. Woods possesses the foot quickness to wreak havoc on twists, jump a gap or work outside. He's been utilized as a short-yardage fullback and even scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 2-yard rush in the Tigers' win over BC.
10) Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn (6-6, 285)*
Faulk has the full set of tools to be an excellent edge defender at the next level. He is a linear runner with the speed to chase down rushers from the back side, but also flashes the bend to win the corner and the short-area quickness to make plays in tight spaces. Faulk is comfortable playing with his hand down or standing up. His size, length and strength come in handy when taking on tackles in the run game or moving inside in obvious pass-rush situations.
HONORABLE MENTION
Here are the next 50 players on my radar, listed in alphabetical order.
- CJ Allen, LB, Georgia (6-foot-1, 235 pounds)*
- David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech (6-3, 250)
- Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-6, 330)
- Carson Beck, QB, Miami (6-4, 220)
- Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (6-2, 220)
- Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (6-1, 204)
- Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6-4, 210) *
- Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee (6-5, 200)*
- Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 190)
- Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State (6-5, 265)
- Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas (6-7, 312) *
- Cayden Green, OL, Missouri (6-5, 324)*
- Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan (5-11, 210)*
- Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (6-3, 238)*
- Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan (6-2, 190)*
- Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 195)*
- Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M (6-2, 248)
- Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama (6-2, 213)*
- Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State (6-2, 195)
- Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State (6-4, 328)*
- Logan Jones, C, Iowa (6-3, 302)
- Joshua Josephs, Edge, Tennessee (6-3, 240)
- Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State (6-3, 209)
- Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC (6-4, 200)*
- Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-6, 308)*
- Jayden Maiava, QB, USC (6-4, 230)*
- Arch Manning, QB, Texas (6-4, 219)*
- John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma (6-1, 224)*
- Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 335)*
- Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 193)*
- Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 326)*
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6-2, 202)
- Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (6-4, 310)*
- Dante Moore, QB, Oregon (6-3, 206)*
- Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6-1, 205)
- T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson (6-3, 260)*
- Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU (6-1, 222)*
- Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 366)*
- Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 245)*
- LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina (6-3, 240)*
- Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6-2, 208)*
- Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-5, 243)
- Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 195)*
- Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 180)*
- Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (6-0, 205)*
- Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor (6-4, 240)
- Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon (6-5, 272)*
- A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon (6-3, 330)*
- Damon Wilson II, Edge, Missouri (6-4, 250)*
- Isaiah World, OT, Oregon (6-8, 318)