Predicting the top 5 Big Ten players to get drafted in 2026

The 2026 NFL Draft is a month and a half away. As NFL free agency slows down with the biggest names available already signed, teams and fans look ahead to the draft. Teams, of course, are continuing their scouting process and making their draft boards. Fans, on the other hand, are left to speculate which players their teams may select.

Every year, the Big Ten Conference sends dozens of players to the NFL through the draft. In 2024, the Big Ten had 535 players in the NFL. Only the SEC (562) had more.

This year will be no different, as many Big Ten players have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Here is a look at the top five players from that conference who will be selected.

Fernando Mendoza (quarterback- Indiana)

The player that many feel will be drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He, of course, is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and led the Hoosiers to the National Championship.

Mendoza is coming off a season in which he had a 72.0% completion percentage, 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. NFL and College bettors at online and social casinos us have been seeing some crazy odds with the Indiana pivot at -20000 to go first in the NFL Draft.

Caleb Downs (safety- Ohio State)

It is not very often that a safety is considered a top-five talent in any NFL Draft, but that is exactly what Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is. A two-time All-American, Downs also finished ninth in Heisman voting in 2025, a testament to just how dominating he is on the defensive side of the ball.

Downs is coming off a season that saw him record 68 total tackles, a sack, and two interceptions. Prior to 2025, he was also used as a punt returner, and had one punt return touchdown in each of the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Arvell Reese (linebacker- Ohio State)

Another All-American, Arvell Reese is a linebacker that many believe could be a top-three pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Those that do not believe so think he will be a top-ten pick. The point is, Reese is going to be one of the highest-drafted linebackers in draft history.

Reese is coming off a 2025 season that saw him record 69 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.

Makai Lemon (wide receiver- USC)

Projected by many to be a top-20 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, there are some who believe he could be among the first ten players selected overall. Indeed, there are few, if any, wide receivers that are as highly regarded as the 5-11, 182-pound Lemon.

He is coming off a season that saw him record 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. Due to his size, he likely will play the slot primarily in the NFL, but his elite route running and evasiveness project to make him an effective player in any offense.

Kenyon Sadiq (tight end- Oregon)

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq put his name on the radar of even casual football fans when he ran a record 4.39 40-yard dash. Widely regarded as the top tight end of the 2026 class, Sadiq could go as high as top-10, but may be a mid-first round pick.

Fast, strong, and explosive, Sadiq can play the traditional tight end role while also lining up as a receiver on the boundary or the slot. He is coming off a season in which he had 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.

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