A compelling narrative is unfolding in Las Vegas. When Cousins signed with the Raiders earlier this month, many questioned whether the team would still target Mendoza with the top pick. However, the organization’s plan has become clear: they intend to foster a competitive environment between the seasoned veteran and the rookie phenom.

Upon his arrival, Cousins thanked the Raiders organization for their belief in him, as he is excited to wear their uniform. He has also openly acknowledged that a competition with Mendoza is on the horizon, stating that “the best player needs to play” and expressing his excitement to lead and mentor the next generation of talent.

“I honestly don’t want to start unless I’m the best option, and I told Klint that,” Cousins said on Good Morning Football. “The best player should play. As long as that’s the case, I have no qualms about however it plays out. I do think Fernando is going to be a great addition to our team. I think he’s going to have a great future in our league. I have no problem being a voice in the room to help him to the degree I can.

“He’s going to have great support around him with the coaching staff, but to be able to watch a veteran quarterback go through his habits and routines and process, that can be a great asset for him. He was here yesterday on his draft day visit. We were able to watch film together. I think he’ll be a great addition to the room.”

Could the Raiders pass on Fernando Mendoza?

Barring an extraordinary turn of events, it is highly unlikely the Raiders will pass on Mendoza. The franchise is desperate for a long-term solution at quarterback, and the former Indiana standout—who recently led the Hoosiers to a national championship—is widely viewed as the “missing piece” for the Silver and Black.

Holding the No. 1 overall pick gives Las Vegas total control over the draft board. While other quarterback-needy teams are undoubtedly interested in a prospect of Mendoza’s caliber, the Raiders are firmly in the driver’s seat to secure his services on April 23.

While some analysts have suggested that the Raiders could trade down to acquire a massive “haul” of picks—potentially targeting Alabama’s Ty Simpson later in the first round—the consensus among league insiders is that they will stay put.

The Raiders hold all the leverage; they can choose to draft Mendoza and pair him with Cousins, ensuring they have both a “Week 1 ready” veteran and a superstar prospect to lead the franchise into the future.

“Best jerseys in pro sports I think,” Cousins revealed via the team’s website. “I remember being in warm-ups once playing the Raiders and our head coach looked at me and said, ‘Those have to be the best jerseys that they are in pro sports.’ And I said, ‘You know what Coach, I have to agree. Those are really sharp.’”

The black and silver is undoubtedly one of the most understated and iconic uniforms in the NFL. Cousins can now enjoy it during an important stage of his career.

Cousins vs Raiders

Throughout his career, Kirk Cousins has maintained a perfect record against the Raiders, securing wins with three different franchises. He first dismantled Oakland in 2017 while leading Washington, followed by a dominant blowout victory with the Vikings two seasons later.

His most recent encounter came in late 2024 with the Falcons; however, that Monday night win in Las Vegas proved bittersweet. Despite the victory, Atlanta opted for a quarterback change the following morning, elevating Michael Penix Jr. and effectively ending Cousins’ season.

Paving the way for Mendoza

Despite being the heavy favorite to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza won’t attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The former Indiana quarterback and Heisman winner has decided to stay in Miami to celebrate the milestone privately with his family, marking a significant moment for the franchise as they prepare to officially name him their new cornerstone.

The main question for Kubiak now lies in the strategy for the upcoming season. Will Mendoza be his QB1 from Week 1 and take Cousins as his mentor? Or, on the contrary, will he rely on the veteran to lead the team through what’s ahead?

At that time, the ceremony was held in Cleveland, and Lawrence chose to experience it in a more intimate setting, with his family and close ones in Clemson. The Jaguars were ultimately the team that selected him.

Mendoza seems to be taking the same path as his counterpart. He decided to enjoy this moment in Miami, as reported by journalist Adam Schefter, instead of traveling to Pittsburgh.

Other major absences in the Draft

While many top prospects enjoy the spotlight on stage, several elite quarterbacks have notably skipped the NFL Draft ceremony. Andrew Luck declined his 2012 invitation to focus on his final exams at Stanford.

Additionally, Joe Burrow received the news of his first-overall selection from his childhood home in Ohio, due to the pandemic.

When and where will the Draft be?

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23 to April 25 in Pittsburgh. The city is preparing to host the event across the North Shore and Point State Park, marking the first time the Steel City has welcomed the league’s premier offseason event. With the draft less than three weeks away, fans are eager to see where the next generation of stars will land.

First 10 picks

• 1 – Las Vegas Raiders
• 2 – New York Jets
• 3 – Arizona Cardinals
• 4 – Tennessee Titans
• 5 – New York Giants
• 6 – Cleveland Browns
• 7 – Washington Commanders
• 8 – New Orleans Saints
• 9 – Kansas City Chiefs
• 10 – Cincinnati Bengals

During Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1, Mendoza was the focal point for scouts from all 32 NFL teams. After resting in the NFL Combine, Mendoza threw 56 passes—completing 53 of them—to ensure his teammates had every opportunity to showcase their own skills in front of professional evaluators.

Mendoza made it clear that his objective wasn’t just to highlight his own arm talent; he was focused on elevating those around him. This “team-first” philosophy draws direct parallels to Tom Brady, who famously prioritized roster depth and collective success over individual accolades and maximum contract figures.

“I feel like it went great,” Fernando Mendoza said, via the Associated Press. “You know quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that. However, I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we’re going to be running in the NFL.”

Fernando Mendoza is exactly what the Raiders need

For many analysts, Mendoza is a generational talent, and it seems increasingly likely that Las Vegas will use the first overall pick to secure him. The franchise is eager for stability at the quarterback position following the “Geno Smith experiment” in 2025, which saw the veteran struggle with a league-high 17 interceptions before being released.

Mendoza’s intangibles appear to set him apart from other prospects. By utilizing his Pro Day to help his fellow Hoosiers shine, he proved that group success is his primary motivator.

This echoes the “Brady Blueprint,” where the seven-time Super Bowl champion famously took team-friendly deals to ensure the front office could build a championship-caliber roster, exactly what the Raiders need.

Will the Kirk Cousins signing block Mendoza’s path?

The Raiders’ recent signing of Kirk Cousins is not expected to deter the club from drafting Mendoza. While Cousins signed what appears to be a large five-year deal, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports it is effectively a one-year, $20 million commitment for the 2026 season.

Rather than a roadblock, Cousins is viewed as a vital bridge. The Raiders intend to draft Mendoza at No. 1 overall and utilize Cousins’ veteran experience to mentor the Heisman winner during his transition to the NFL. With Mendoza already reportedly studying Klint Kubiak’s playbook, the stage is set for a new era in Las Vegas.

On February 6, Mendoza announced on The Pat McAfee Show that he wouldn’t throw at the combine. However, he has been there, interviewing with teams. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is already scheduled to be the first overall pick, so it’s not like he needs to elevate his stock.

While Mendoza won’t be throwing at the combine, a record-breaking nine players from Indiana will attend the event. Among those, wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. will be there. However, plenty won’t participate in certain drills and testing.

Mendoza will throw in another event

On April 1, Indiana will host its Pro Day, and Mendoza will be there throwing to his teammates. So, if scouts and executives want to see him in action, they’ll have to wait one more month.

Given that Mendoza is basically a lock for the number one pick, his stock really doesn’t depend on what he does. The Raiders are enamored of Mendoza. In fact, new head coach Klint Kubiak has spoken wonders about Mendoza. Hence, this is just a chance for Mendoza to elevate the stock of his teammates.

Which QBs will throw at the 2026 NFL Combine?

With Mendoza not throwing, other quarterbacks will have the chance to get the spotlight and portray their talents. Some big names will be at the 2026 NFL Combine, which include:

• Drew Allar, Penn State
• Luke Altmyer, Illinois
• Carson Beck, Miami
• Jalon Daniels, Kansas
• Taylen Green, Arkansas
• Cade Klubnik, Clemson
• Joe Fagnano, UConn
• Haynes King, Georgia Tech
• Behren Morton, Texas Tech
• Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
• Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
• Ty Simpson, Alabama
• Cole Payton, North Dakota State
• Sawyer Robertson, Baylor

In just a few months, several college stars will find out whether their NFL dreams will become reality. Ty Simpson is among them, eager to take the next step in his career and prove he can succeed at the professional level.

Although Simpson is currently viewed as the second-best quarterback prospect behind Mendoza, he firmly believes he has what it takes to be considered the best in the class.

Ty Simpson sends strong message to NFL teams ahead of 2026 Draft

The NFL Draft represents a life-changing opportunity for college players. Draft position matters — not only financially, but also in terms of opportunity, expectations, and long-term development.

Simpson is currently projected as a top-two quarterback prospect and around the No. 33 overall player on many boards. However, he has made it clear he believes he belongs in the first round — and potentially even in contention for the No. 1 overall selection.

“There was no question at all where I was going,” Simpson said about his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. “I was going to the draft. I felt like I was ready. I know that I’m ready, I know I’m ready to lead a franchise.”

Simpson has real first-round potential

While being ranked No. 33 overall could place him early in the second round, Simpson’s draft stock could rise significantly due to the number of quarterback-needy teams across the league.

Beyond the Raiders, who hold the first overall pick, franchises such as the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals are all reportedly evaluating quarterback options. If those teams prioritize the position, Simpson could very well hear his name called in the first round — and potentially reshape the quarterback landscape of the 2026 draft.

While Mendoza did sent a warning to the Raiders, he also met with the organization and everything went “fantastic.” Tom Brady owns quite a few shares of the Las Vegas Raiders, and he was very involved in picking Klint Kubiak as the new head coach, and is likely to be involved with the pick and developing Mendoza during his first year in the NFL.

Mendoza spoke about having Brady as a mentor. “Yeah, I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady? More Super Bowl rings than anybody. So, that opportunity would be fantastic.” Mendoza then added, “Tom Brady, I believe, is the best quarterback of all time by a wide margin. And to be able to have the opportunity to be mentored by him, it would mean so much. Especially to learn, and I’m all about learning, so Day 1, I’ve got to learn a lot.“

Tom Brady is very interested in Mendoza developing greatly

When Brady acquired ownership on the Raiders, he didn’t envision his team going 3-14. Why? Because Brady is a winner, a fierce competitor, a guy who hates losing more than he loves winning. Hence, it’s in his best interest to help Mendoza develop into a great quarterback that can take the Raiders into prominence.

After all, Brady overcame all the odds to become the best quarterback of all time. Now, can he become a great mentor? In the end, if Mendoza eventually guides the Raiders to the promise land, Brady will land a huge chunk of the credit too, and it will add another Super Bowl to his seven won as a player.

Mendoza will face tough competition on the AFC West

If Mendoza ends up being a Raider, he will play in one of the most difficult divisions in football. So, he will have an uphill battle from the get-go. The Chiefs have a good defense under Steve Spagnuolo, the Chargers and the Broncos were both in the top 6 of best total defenses last year, and Mendoza would have to play all these teams twice a year. All three are very well coached teams as well.

As for QB competition, Patrick Mahomes is already one of the top five best quarterbacks of all time. Justin Herbert is an elite talent and arguably top five right now in the NFL. Lastly, Bo Nix just guided his team to an AFC Championship Game appearance. Mendoza will have to face giant after giant if he wants to succeed with the Raiders.

New Raiders head coach, Klint Kubiak, has spoken wonders about Fernando Mendoza. Still, Mendoza is clear that nothing is done yet. Speaking on Friday at the Scouting Combine, he said, “I have no job. This is my job interview right now, and like everyone says, this is the most important job interview of your life. So, right now, I’m just doing everything to hopefully get employed April 23.”

As for the warning, well, Mendoza said “I have not been selected yet, and whatever team drafts me, I’m extremely grateful. Like I said, whether it’s the No. 1 pick or whether it’s the last pick in the draft, I’d be blessed and honored to be drafted by any team. I’m going to give them by all. The possibility — I mean, we see how the NFL turns around so much. The margins are so small.” He is basically leaving the door open to any franchise.

Mendoza already met with the Raiders though

At the combine, Mendoza met with representatives of the Raiders organization. “I was lucky to have a formal interview with the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a fantastic interview. Went over some of my previous plays, drew up some plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting. I know they have the No. 1 pick, but anything can happen in the draft, but I’m just excited for the opportunity, and whatever team drafts me I’m going to give everything I’ve got to them.”

Mendoza has been highly praised for his accuracy and discipline. Also, he is a guy who is willing to put his life on the line if that helps the team. He is the definition of a natural born leader, and the Raiders desperately need something like that to turn the tide.

Mendoza also sent a subtle mention to Raiders co-owner Tom Brady

Tom Brady famously became the best NFL player of all time after being the 199th pick in the draft. Mendoza seems to remember that very vividly, as he sent a subtle message to the now co-owner of the Raiders.

“There are so many great players in this class,” Mendoza said. “We saw the Ohio State guys run yesterday. There are plenty of Indiana guys who are great in the draft as well. I’m just honored to be a part of the group. There will be no hard feelings… I’m just trying to be the best me possible. Whatever drafts me, I’m grateful, whether it’s the No. 1 pick or the 199th pick.” The 199th pick refers, of course, to Tom Brady, who has publicly stated his admiration for Mendoza.

It appears increasingly likely that Mendoza could soon be wearing black and silver. With the first overall selection, the Raiders are in position to draft the top quarterback prospect in the class — and Mendoza is widely viewed as that player.

That scenario would not bode well for Geno Smith. The veteran joined Las Vegas in 2025, but after a disappointing campaign, speculation has intensified that the franchise could transition to Mendoza as QB1.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak gets honest about QB situation

The Raiders are expected to look significantly different in 2026. With Klint Kubiak now leading the team as head coach, the focus has shifted toward fixing the offensive struggles that plagued the club last season — and the quarterback position is at the center of that conversation.

Smith failed to replicate the level of play he showed during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, raising legitimate questions about the team’s long-term direction. Amid the growing buzz surrounding Mendoza, Kubiak has addressed the uncertainty at the position, signaling that the organization is evaluating every option carefully.

“Looking at all options right now,” Klint Kubiak told reporters this week at the scouting combine. “Watching Geno play last year, obviously very familiar with what he had done before. We’re just kind of putting it all on the table right now, trying to see every possible avenue we can go right now at quarterback. He’s definitely one of those options we’re considering.”

Raiders aware of the pressure that comes with No. 1 pick

Las Vegas understands the responsibility that comes with holding the first overall selection. The franchise has struggled to find stability at quarterback since Derek Carr’s departure, and this draft presents a prime opportunity to secure a long-term solution.

Mendoza’s talent has not gone unnoticed, and even Kubiak has publicly praised his potential ahead of the draft. If the Raiders decide to move forward with the young prospect, it could mark the beginning of a new era — and potentially the end of Geno Smith’s time as the team’s starting quarterback.

Via the team’s website, Klint Kubiak said, “Excited to keep learning about him and it’s not just me, it’s our entire coaching staff.” Kubiak then expanded, “I want everybody’s input, but obviously he’s been successful. He had a lot of success last year. He won a national championship and that’s what you want. You want a winner.”

Kubiak and Mendoza just won at the highest levels. While Kubiak won the Super Bowl as the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator, Mendoza won the National Championship in College Football, guiding Indiana to its first-ever championship. Now, the Raiders want to pair them up to turn the fortunes of the franchise.

Mendoza was also praised by the Raiders GM

John Spytek, the Raiders GM, is also riding the Mendoza bandwagon. Spytek spoke about Mendoza on Tuesday, saying, “Well, a leader, tough as hell, somebody that loves to play football, maniacal preparer. Obviously, somebody that can throw the ball well, but I think just somebody that loves the game and will give everything [to] their teammate, a selfless person, somebody that’s going to give their team everything that they got every time that they’re out there, prepare the right way, lead the right way.”

More than just his talent, the fact is many praise Mendoza’s mindset and toughness. Also, his way of going about the game of football. Mendoza just seems like a guy who loves playing football, loves his teammates, and loves to win. That’s what the Raiders need right now, because the team has been in awful disarray for a while now.

Drafting Mendoza leaves the Raiders with two options regarding Geno Smith

Geno Smith was brought in last year as he was supposed to be the franchise quarterback of the team. However, after leading the NFL in interceptions and guiding the team to just two wins, a change at the helm is necessary. However, Smith is under contract. Hence, the Raiders need to make a decision, which seems to leave them with only two options: either trade him, or bench Mendoza for a year as he develops.

Smith is under contract until 2027. Hence, it’s something the Raiders need to take a serious look at. Having Smith start over Mendoza may backfire as fans will want to see the rookie if the veteran struggles. If Smith actually plays great, then what do you do with Mendoza, who you drafted with the first pick? After all, the Vikings just made that mistake by letting Sam Darnold go in favor of JJ McCarthy.

This year’s Scouting Combine roster features a deep and varied class of prospects invited to showcase their athleticism and preparedness before NFL decision-makers. From sprinters testing the 40-yard dash to linemen enduring relentless position drills, the event sets the tone for April’s draft.

2026 Combine offers scouts a first glimpse into traits often unseen on Saturdays in college football. With coaches and general managers watching closely, these numbers may soon ripple through draft boards across the league.

How many players are set to participate in the 2026 NFL Combine?

The NFL has confirmed that 319 draft prospects have been invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, keeping the annual event firmly on the calendar as one of the most important stops on the road to the draft.

Set to take place from February 23 through March 2, it brings together the next generation of potential NFL stars for a week of physical testing, interviews, medical evaluations and drills that can reshape draft boards across the league.

Of those invited, 166 prospects are on offense, 146 are on defense and seven are specialists, representing a wide cross-section of talent from power conferences and smaller schools alike.

The invitations reflect the league’s assessment of the most promising college players eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Southeastern Conference once again leading all conferences in Combine participants.

While attendance isn’t mandatory for draft eligibility, a strong showing in Indianapolis can boost a player’s stock ahead of draft weekend in April — or raise questions that only further testing and Pro Days can answer.

Which draft prospects are invited to the 2026 NFL Combine?

Quarterbacks

• Joey Aguilar, Tennessee
• Drew Allar, Penn State
• Luke Altmyer, Illinois
• Carson Beck, Miami
• Jalon Daniels, Kansas
• Joe Fagnano, UConn
• Taylen Green, Arkansas
• Haynes King, Georgia Tech
• Cade Klubnik, Clemson
• Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
• Behren Morton, Texas Tech
• Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
• Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
• Cole Payton, North Dakota State
• Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
• Ty Simpson, Alabama

Running backs

• Kaytron Allen, Penn State
• Max Bredeson, Michigan
• Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
• Jonah Coleman, Washington
• CJ Donaldson, Ohio State
• Rahsul Faison, South Carolina
• Eli Heidenreich, Navy
• Roman Hemby, Indiana
• Robert Henry Jr., UTSA
• Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
• Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
• Seth McGowan, Kentucky
• Jam Miller, Alabama
• Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
• Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
• Adam Randall, Clemson
• Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh
• Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
• J’Mari Taylor, Virginia
• Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
• Noah Whittington, Oregon

Wide receivers

• Aaron Anderson, LSU
• Vinny Anthony II, Wisconsin
• Chris Bell, Louisville
• Dillon Bell, Georgia
• Skyler Bell, UConn
• Malik Benson, Oregon
• Germie Bernard, Alabama
• Denzel Boston, Washington
• Zachariah Branch, Georgia
• Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
• Barion Brown, LSU
• Deion Burks, Oklahoma
• Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati
• Josh Cameron, Baylor
• Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri
• KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
• Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
• CJ Daniels, Miami
• Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech
• Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
• Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Kansas
• Chris Hilton Jr., LSU
• Jordan Hudson, SMU
• Ted Hurst, Georgia State
• Caullin Lacy, Louisville
• Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
• Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
• Kendrick Law, Kentucky
• Makai Lemon, USC
• Eric McAlister, TCU
• Donaven McCulley, Michigan
• Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech
• Chase Roberts, BYU
• Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
• De’Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi
• J. Michael Sturdivant, Florida
• Carnell Tate, Ohio State
• Zavion Thomas, LSU
• Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State
• Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
• Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech
• Harrison Wallace III, Mississippi
• Jalen Walthall, Incarnate Word
• Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
• Antonio Williams, Clemson
• Colbie Young, Georgia

Tigh ends

• Dallen Bentley, Utah
• Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
• Josh Cuevas, Alabama
• Oscar Delp, Georgia
• Khalil Dinkins, Penn State
• Jack Endries, Texas
• John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
• Matthew Hibner, SMU
• Justin Joly, N.C. State
• Will Kacmarek, Ohio State
• Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
• Miles Kitselman, Tennessee
• Max Klare, Ohio State
• Marlin Klein, Michigan
• Tanner Koziol, Houston
• RJ Maryland, SMU
• Lake McRee, USC
• Riley Nowakowski, Indiana
• Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
• DJ Rogers, TCU
• Sam Roush, Stanford
• Joe Royer, Cincinnati
• Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
• Bauer Sharp, LSU
• Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
• Michael Trigg, Baylor
• Dae’Quan Wright, Mississippi

Offensive linemen

• Chris Adams, Memphis
• Austin Barber, Florida
• Evan Beerntsen, Northwestern
• Markel Bell, Miami
• Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
• Jude Bowry, Boston College
• Parker Brailsford, Alabama
• Joshua Braun, Kentucky
• Travis Burke, Memphis
• Jager Burton, Kentucky
• DJ Campbell, Texas
• Fernando Carmona, Arkansas
• Kage Casey, Boise State
• Pat Coogan, Indiana
• Anez Cooper, Miami
• Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M
• Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas
• J.C. Davis, Illinois
• Garrett DiGiorgio, UCLA
• Gennings Dunker, Iowa
• Fa’alili Fa’amoe, Wake Forest
• Spencer Fano, Utah
• Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
• Monroe Freeling, Georgia
• Matt Gulbin, Michigan State
• Alex Harkey, Oregon
• Sam Hecht, Kansas State
• Alan Herron, Maryland
• Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
• Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
• Logan Jones, Iowa
• Connor Lew, Auburn
• Caleb Lomu, Utah
• Francis Mauigoa, Miami
• Blake Miller, Clemson
• Micah Morris, Georgia
• Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma
• Brian Parker II, Duke
• Diego Pounds, Mississippi
• Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
• Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
• Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
• Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
• Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
• Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
• Drew Shelton, Penn State
• Jake Slaughter, Florida
• Beau Stephens, Iowa
• Logan Taylor, Boston College
• Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
• Keagen Trost, Missouri
• Dillon Wade, Auburn
• Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame
• Carver Willis, Washington
• Jeremiah Wright, Auburn
• Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M

Defensive linemen

• Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke
• David Bailey, Texas Tech
• Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
• Cameron Ball, Arkansas
• Caleb Banks, Florida
• Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
• Nick Barrett, South Carolina
• Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
• DeMonte Capehart, Clemson
• Brandon Cleveland, N.C. State
• Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
• Keyron Crawford, Auburn
• Caden Curry, Ohio State
• Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
• Zane Durant, Penn State
• Bryson Eason, Tennessee
• Deven Eastern, Minnesota
• Logan Fano, Utah
• Keldric Faulk, Auburn
• Skyler Gill-Howard, Texas Tech
• George Gumbs Jr., Florida
• David Gusta, Kentucky
• Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
• Zxavian Harris, Mississippi
• Romello Height, Texas Tech
• Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
• Aidan Hubbard, Northwestern
• Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
• Quintayvious Hutchins, Boston College
• Gabe Jacas, Illinois
• Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
• Bobby Jamison-Travis, Auburn
• Marvin Jones Jr., Oklahoma
• Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
• Tim Keenan III, Alabama
• Nyjalik Kelly, UCF
• Malachi Lawrence, UCF
• Max Llewellyn, Iowa
• Anthony Lucas, USC
• Jackie Marshall, Baylor
• Chris McClellan, Missouri
• Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
• Akheem Mesidor, Miami
• Christen Miller, Georgia
• Derrick Moore, Michigan
• Trey Moore, Texas
• Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M
• Domonique Orange, Iowa State
• LT Overton, Alabama
• T.J. Parker, Clemson
• Patrick Payton, LSU
• Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana
• Jack Pyburn, LSU
• Albert Regis, Texas A&M
• Mason Reiger, Wisconsin
• Tyreak Sapp, Florida
• Gary Smith III, UCLA
• R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
• Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
• Damonic Williams, Oklahoma
• Wesley Williams, Duke
• Peter Woods, Clemson
• Zion Young, Missouri

Linebackers

• CJ Allen, Georgia
• Lander Barton, Utah
• Wesley Bissainthe, Miami
• Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
• Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
• Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
• Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State
• Aiden Fisher, Indiana
• Eric Gentry, USC
• Jake Golday, Cincinnati
• Owen Heinecke, Oklahoma
• Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
• Justin Jefferson, Alabama
• Jack Kelly, BYU
• Deontae Lawson, Alabama
• Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
• Red Murdock, Buffalo
• Namdi Obiazor, TCU
• Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
• Arvell Reese, Ohio State
• Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
• Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
• Karson Sharar, Iowa
• Xavian Sorey Jr., Arkansas
• Sonny Styles, Ohio State
• Josiah Trotter, Missouri
• Scooby Williams, Texas A&M
• Wade Woodaz, Clemson
• Taurean York, Texas A&M

Defensive backs

• Keith Abney II, Arizona State
• Marcus Allen, North Carolina
• Jadon Canady, Oregon
• Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
• Bud Clark, TCU
• Tacario Davis, Washington
• Mansoor Delane, LSU
• Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin
• Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina
• Caleb Downs, Ohio State
• Daylen Everette, Georgia
• Bishop Fitzgerald, USC
• Andre Fuller, Toledo
• Jaylon Guilbeau, Texas
• TJ Hall, Iowa
• Ahmari Harvey, Georgia Tech
• A.J. Haulcy, LSU
• Colton Hood, Tennessee
• Jalen Huskey, Maryland
• Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
• Domani Jackson, Alabama
• Chris Johnson, San Diego State
• Dalton Johnson, Arizona
• Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
• Will Lee III, Texas A&M
• Hezekiah Masses, Cal
• Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
• Latrell McCutchin Sr., Houston
• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
• Devin Moore, Florida
• Louis Moore, Indiana
• Ahmaad Moses, SMU
• Malik Muhammad, Texas
• Julian Neal, Arkansas
• Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa
• VJ Payne, Kansas State
• D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
• Toriano Pride Jr., Missouri
• Ephesians Prysock, Washington
• Kamari Ramsey, USC
• Chandler Rivers, Duke
• Keionte Scott, Miami
• DeShon Singleton, Nebraska
• Avery Smith, Toledo
• Genesis Smith, Arizona
• Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma
• Treydan Stukes, Arizona
• Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State
• Michael Taaffe, Texas
• Avieon Terrell, Clemson
• Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
• Jakobe Thomas, Miami
• Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
• Collin Wright, Stanford

Specialists

• Tommy Doman Jr., Florida
• Ryan Eckley, Michigan State
• Trey Smack, Florida
• Drew Stevens, Iowa
• Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse
• Brett Thorson, Georgia
• Dominic Zvada, Michigan