Overview
- Sporting News on Dec. 19 released a top-10 ranking of NFL prospects playing in the 2025 College Football Playoff, projecting toward the 2026 draft class.
- Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. is No. 1, projected to thrive as an NFL defensive end for his size, power, backfield disruption and ability to slide inside.
- Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is No. 2 with Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford comparisons and is projected as the first QB off the board with No. 1 overall potential.
- Ohio State’s contingent includes No. 3 Arvell Reese after a breakout season with 6.5 sacks and Micah Parsons upside, plus No. 6 Caleb Downs, No. 9 Carnell Tate and No. 10 Sonny Styles.
- Oregon’s Dante Moore ranks No. 4 as a poised, accurate pocket passer, Texas Tech’s David Bailey is No. 5 as an all-around edge threat, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell is No. 7, and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is No. 8 as a mismatch target.