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Mel Kiper Jr.
We’re now nine weeks into the 2025 college football season, and 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’m ready to roll out 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
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 206 | Prev. rank: 1
2025 stats over eight games: 71.4% completion rate, 1,772 passing yards, 19 TD passes, 4 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 13 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.
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. His 252 receiving yards after first contact rank inside the top 50 nationwide.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 7
2025 stats over seven games: 35 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 INT
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.
Reid | Yates | Miller
ā¢ Kiper’s Big Board | Reid’s QB Hot Board
ā¢ Draft notes, risers from CFB games
ā¢ Top five players by position | Read more
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 6
2025 stats over seven games: 48 catches, 758 receiving yards, 6 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 fifth in the nation in receiving yards.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275 | Prev. rank: 9
2025 stats over seven games: 36 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 32 pressures, 3 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.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 12
2025 stats over seven games: 34 catches, 587 receiving yards, 6 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 17.3 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.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 302 | Prev. rank: 10
2025 stats over eight games: 8 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 20 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.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Prev. rank: 20
2025 stats over eight games: 41 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 42 pressures, 3 run stops, 2 forced fumbles
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 20.4% pressure rate is fourth in the nation, and he is up to 10.5 sacks in eight games with the Red Raiders, unlocking another level of his game.
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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 11
2025 stats over eight games: 28 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 21 pressures, 9 run stops
If you could draw up the perfect NFL 4-3 defensive end, it would be Faulk. He’s what I call an Ā«LTPerĀ» — 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.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 209 | Prev. rank: NR
2025 stats over eight games: 44 catches, 668 receiving yards, 7 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 15.2 yards per catch on the season. He has Velcro-esque hands, allowing him to go high or low to haul in difficult receptions.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 265 | Prev. rank: 15
2025 stats over seven games: 28 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 16 pressures, 9 run stops
Like teammate Peter Woods, Parker hasn’t been as productive in 2025 as he was in 2024 (11 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss). But there’s still a lot to like in Parker’s profile, and at his best, he’s a sack artist. He can play staying up or with his hand in the dirt, and he beats blockers with outstanding speed-to-power and active hands. I love Parker’s ability to make plays in pursuit; when his initial charge is thwarted, he redirects and quickly finds another way to pressure the QB.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 240 | Prev. rank: 21
2025 stats over eight games: 63.2% completion rate, 1,356 passing yards, 6 TD passes, 3 INTs, 2 rushing TDs
Sellers has all the talent in the world when it comes to physical traits. The redshirt sophomore has great size for the QB position, a live arm and the mobility to pick up chunks of yardage on the ground (408 rushing yards in 2025). I’ve heard comps to Josh Allen and Cam Newton. But Sellers hasn’t translated all those traits into consistent production. His ball location has been erratic, and his decision-making still isn’t there. On top of that, he has taken 27 sacks, tied for second-most in the FBS. Sellers is still developing as a prospect, but you can’t teach his skill set. There will be teams that get excited about his potential.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 180 | Prev. rank: 22
2025 stats over seven games: 35 catches, 362 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs
Branch doesn’t have ideal size, but he has a track background and is lightning quick. He reminds me a little of Zay Flowers. Branch plays the game at a different speed than everyone else, and it is why he’s so effective in space. A transfer from USC, he can take a short completion for a big gain with his explosive skill set, averaging 9.3 yards after the catch per reception (29th in the country). And Branch also is a dynamic returner, which will help his draft stock.
0:50
Zachariah Branch takes off for a blazing Georgia TD
Zachariah Branch snags the rock and turns on the jets to pull the Bulldogs closer.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180 | Prev. rank: 17
2025 stats over seven games: 23 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 7 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 1 sack
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 had 12 pass breakups last season, and he is limiting opponents to 3.7 yards per attempt in his direction this season (top 30 in the nation).
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: 19
2025 stats over eight games: 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 run stops, 3 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.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 366 | Prev. rank: 25
2025 stats over eight games: 8 starts, 1 sack allowed
If you only watched Proctor against Florida State, you’d have questions about this ranking. He allowed seven pressures and a sack in that season opener, and he took a false start penalty on an important fourth-and-1 late in the game. Not a good start to the campaign. But since then, Proctor has looked very good. He is consistently handling inside and outside moves from edge rushers as he settles in. Proctor has 33 starts of experience, with every career snap over three years coming at left tackle.
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. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
8. Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
9. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
10. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Just missed: Jayden Maiava, USC; Drew Allar, Penn State; Josh Hoover, TCU; Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
0:43
John Mateer throws 20-yard touchdown pass vs. South Carolina
John Mateer throws 20-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Sategna
Running backs
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Justice Haynes, Michigan
3. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
4. Jonah Coleman, Washington
5. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
6. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
7. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
8. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
9. Quintrevion Wisner, Texas
10. CJ Baxter, Texas
Just missed: Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
Wide receivers
1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
2. Makai Lemon, USC
3. Carnell Tate, Ohio State
4. Chris Bell, Louisville
5. Denzel Boston, Washington
6. Zachariah Branch, Georgia
7. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
8. Germie Bernard, Alabama
9. Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
10. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Just missed: Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State; Bryce Lance, North Dakota State; Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn; Nyck Harbor, South Carolina; Ted Hurst, Georgia State; Antonio Williams, Clemson
Tight ends
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
2. Joe Royer, Cincinnati
3. Max Klare, Ohio State
4. Lake McRee, USC
5. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
6. Jack Endries, Texas
7. Miles Kitselman, Tennessee
8. Brett Norfleet, Missouri
9. Peter Clarke, Temple
10. Chamon Metayer, Arizona State
0:18
Dante Moore throws 21-yard touchdown pass to Kenyon Sadiq
Dante Moore throws 21-yard touchdown pass to Kenyon Sadiq
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
2. Michael Trigg, Baylor
3. Oscar Delp, Georgia
4. Justin Joly, NC State
5. Lawson Luckie, Georgia
6. Tanner Koziol, Houston
7. Dae’Quan Wright, Ole Miss
8. Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
9. Marlin Klein, Michigan
10. Rohan Jones, Arkansas
Just missed: Max Bredeson, Michigan
Offensive tackles
1. Spencer Fano, Utah
2. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
3. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
4. Caleb Lomu, Utah
5. Gennings Dunker, Iowa
6. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
7. Trevor Goosby, Texas
8. Isaiah World, Oregon
9. Brian Parker II, Duke
10. Carter Smith, Indiana
Just missed: Niki Prongos, Stanford; Kage Casey, Boise State
Interior offensive linemen
1. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
2. Connor Lew, Auburn
3. Cayden Green, Missouri
4. Logan Jones, Iowa
5. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
6. Jake Slaughter, Florida
7. Alex Harkey, Oregon
8. Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
9. Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
10. Matt Gulbin, Michigan State
Just missed: Parker Brailsford, Alabama; Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
Defensive ends
1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
2. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
3. Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
4. Zion Young, Missouri
5. Caden Curry, Ohio State
6. LT Overton, Alabama
7. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
8. Quincy Rhodes Jr., Arkansas
9. Ethan Burke, Texas
10. Will Whitson, Mississippi State
Just missed: Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon; Jack Pyburn, LSU
0:31
You have to see this INT to believe it
The ball gets bobbled in the air a few times before Rueben Bain Jr. comes up with an interception for Miami.
Defensive tackles
1. Peter Woods, Clemson
2. A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
3. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
4. Caleb Banks, Florida
5. Christen Miller, Georgia
6. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
7. Tim Keenan III, Alabama
8. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
9. Kemari Copeland, Virginia Tech
10. Bear Alexander, Oregon
Just missed: Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss; Domonique Orange, Iowa State; Nick Barrett, South Carolina
Off-ball linebackers
1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State
2. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
3. CJ Allen, Georgia
4. Jake Golday, Cincinnati
5. Sonny Styles, Ohio State
6. Justin Jefferson, Alabama
7. Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
8. Taurean York, Texas A&M
9. Eric Gentry, USC
10. Aiden Fisher, Indiana
Just missed: Daniel Wingate, Maryland; Antonio Watts, Louisville; Jack Kelly, BYU
Outside linebackers
1. T.J. Parker, Clemson
2. David Bailey, Texas Tech
3. Damon Wilson II, Missouri
4. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
5. Romello Height, Texas Tech
6. Derrick Moore, Michigan
7. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
8. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
9. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
10. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
Just missed: Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame; Eddie Walls III, Houston; Keyron Crawford, Auburn
Cornerbacks
1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
2. Avieon Terrell, Clemson
3. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
4. Mansoor Delane, LSU
5. Colton Hood, Tennessee
6. Chandler Rivers, Duke
7. D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
8. Malik Muhammad, Texas
9. Chris Johnson, San Diego State
10. Will Lee III, Texas A&M
Just missed: AJ Harris, Penn State, Jadon Canady, Oregon; Cam Miller, Rutgers; Keionte Scott, Miami (Fla.)
0:38
Clemson’s Avieon Terrell forces a fumble on Bauer Sharp
Avieon Terrell hits Bauer Sharp as he’s falling and Ricardo Jones picks it up for Clemson.
Safeties
1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State
2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
3. Bray Hubbard, Alabama
4. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
5. Kamari Ramsey, USC
6. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
7. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
8. A.J. Haulcy, LSU
9. Rod Moore, Michigan
10. Jalen Huskey, Maryland
Just missed: Genesis Smith, Arizona
Kickers and punters
1. Brett Thorson, Georgia (P)
2. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)
3. Peyton Woodring, Georgia (PK)
4. Trey Smack, Florida (PK)
5. Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse (P)
6. Will Ferrin, BYU (PK)
7. Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky (P)
8. Laith Marjan, Kansas (PK)
9. Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii (PK)
10. Gabriel Plascencia, San Diego State (PK)
