Overview
- Oregon quarterback Dante Moore confirmed he will return for the 2026 season, removing a projected top-five passer from this year's draft pool.
- ESPN's Field Yates ranks Fernando Mendoza as the top overall prospect, citing elite accuracy, improved decision-making and 41 touchdown passes to six interceptions in 2025.
- Aggregated mock drafts from multiple outlets likewise forecast Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick in April.
- ESPN's early 2027 outlook spotlights Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith as headline prospects, with Moore now projected in that class after adding experience.
- Key timelines and eligibility remain in flux, as Indiana and Miami players have until January 23 to declare and Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss awaits an appeal after an extra-year request was initially denied.