NFL Mock Draft 2026: Edition 4

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

An impending April 1 Pro Day is a mere formality at this point in the pre-Draft process for Fernando Mendoza. There's little question the reigning Heisman winner and National Champion will add No. 1 overall pick to his resume in late April. The Raiders have already been hard at work on surrounding Mendoza with the right pieces, signing center Tyler Linderbaum to the highest contract for a center in NFL history.

Previous Selection: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Other Possibility: N/A

2. New York Jets

Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

Fernando Mendoza has been perched as a lock to the Raiders for some time now, and it appears Arvell Reese may be approaching that lock status second overall to the Jets. The Ohio State defender has wowed NFL folks throughout the pre-Draft process, and looks to be the missing piece in a retooled New York defense. 

Previous Selection: Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

Other Possibility: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

3. Arizona Cardinals

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

2026 is going to be all about tanking for the Cardinals. They're fine throwing in the towel on the year and hopefully having their choice of a loaded 2027 quarterback class. Drafting Francis Mauigoa here provides them a long-term anchor at tackle they need to protect whoever ends up being the guy in 2027 and beyond.

Previous Selection: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

Other Possibility: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

4. Tennessee Titans

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket Analysis: South Region

 

Boogie Fland, Florida

The Top Seed: Florida Gators

For the first time in program history, the Florida Gators are a No. 1 seed in back-to-back years of the NCAA Tournament. That's right, not even during the Billy Donovan years were the Gators a top seed in consecutive seasons, a testament to the work Todd Golden has done in Gainesville. Needless to say, the quest for a second straight National Title is alive and well after the Gators went 26-7 overall and 16-2 in the SEC. This team has a different feel than last year's group - they don't quite have the big shotmakers they did season with Walter Clayton Jr., but few in the country can match this frontcourt. Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon are an elite forward combo, and big man Rueben Chinyelu may be the team's MVP. His constant activity around the rim and rebounding prowess consistently allow Florida to extend possessions and capitalize on double chance opportunities. Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee may not have the star power of the backcourt from last winter, but they're capable, efficient guards who have played a lot of college basketball. There's a lot of ingredients to like about this team here, and the path isn't brutal. They may have the weakest 4/5 grouping of any region potentially awaiting them in the Sweet 16, so an Elite Eight berth at the very least feels like it's in play. Yet, after the run last season when you simply could not count out the Gators, even greater things are certainly in play.

Don't Forget About: Vanderbilt Commodores

Sure, I may not think this is the best 4/5 grouping in the field, but Vanderbilt is a much better team than the average fan may realize. Head coach Mark Byington inherited a mess when he took over in Nashville when he took over prior to the 2024-25 campaign. The Commodores had not played in March since 2017, and the end to the Bryce Drew and Jerry Stackhouse years were rough. In short order, Byington has built this team into a legitimate SEC contender, and it shows with their five-seed billing. This is a dangerous offensive team, one that averages over 86 points per contest, and they're led by one of the nation's most underrated players in Tyler Tanner. The sophomore has evolved from a bench option as a freshman into the roster's centerpiece, leading the Commodores in scoring, assists, and field goal percentage. Tanner's ability to get into the paint and open up space for the rest of the offense is a hallmark of the Byington system. What you'll notice watching this team is just how movement and activity there is, which creates a real headache for defenses over the course of 40 minutes. The path to the second weekend is clear, a feat Vanderbilt hasn't accomplished in two decades. This year's McNeese is not last year's McNeese, and a Nebraska/Troy matchup in the second round seems to bode well for the Commodores. 

The Storyline Team: Nebraska Cornhuskers

2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket Analysis: East Region

Cam Boozer, Duke

The Top Seed: Duke Blue Devils

In four seasons at the helm of his alma mater, Jon Scheyer has already built an impressive resume. He's established himself as arguably the premier recruiter in college basketball today, gone 121-24 total, and won a handful of ACC Titles. Yet, despite getting deeper into the NCAA Tournament each year in the role, he's still searching for that first National Title. This feels like it could be the team to win one with, which would be the first in Durham in over a decade. The roster has it all - the legacy superstar destined to be a top three pick this upcoming summer in the NBA Draft (Cam Boozer), the elite complementary scorers in Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster, and the gigantic post in Patrick Ngongba II. This Duke team feels like more of a complete team than last year's group, which came agonizingly close to playing for a National Title before a stunning collapse to Houston. If there are two causes for concern Scheyer and company will be out to prove wrong this March? There are significant injuries on the roster, with Foster and Ngongba both missing the ACC Tournament with separate foot problems. There's positive signs Ngongba will be back for their first NCAA Tournament game, but Foster's status is more up in the air. Cayden Boozer performed admirably in Foster's place during the ACC Tournament, but this is a much better team when Foster is on the court. Secondly, despite being the top overall seed, the Blue Devils really didn't receive that favorable of a draw in this region. Consider the coaches they will likely need to overcome if they want to come out of the East: Rick Pitino or Bill Self, Tom Izzo, and Dan Hurley. This is going to be a real test for Scheyer to prove his coaching chops, and that he's truly elevated the program since Coach K's farewell.

I'm Buying Stock: St. John's Red Storm

St. John's entered the 2025-26 campaign with their highest preseason ranking in five decades, which just so happened to be the year the Red Storm played in the Final Four. Given the lofty expectations, it wasn't a major surprise they took some lumps early, losing in the non-conference to the likes of Iowa State, Auburn, Alabama, and Kentucky. Yet, since entering Big East, few teams in the nation have been more impressive than Rick Pitino's club. They took the Big East regular season crown from UConn and then topped it off by winning the conference tournament, with a dominant win over the Huskies being quite the statement to send the team into the NCAA Tournament riding high. Despite that finish is did come as a surprise to see the Red Storm on the 5-line, likely the result of a tough non-conference and the weakest Big East we've seen in years. You better believe Pitino is going to be using that as an extra bit of motivation, bad news for whoever they meet up with in this East Region. This is the type of team you absolutely don't want to see in March already. They have star power, a clear identity, and will play a full 40 minutes of physical, punishing basketball. Even if you find a way to beat them, they're such a pain, they leave you so battered and bruised you likely lose the next. I love the draw here to get to the Sweet 16, and believe they're the greatest test to Duke inside the region. If that game does indeed happen, that may as well be the regional final, determining who comes out of the East.

Welcome to the Dance: Cal Baptist Lancers

Final 2025-26 Big Ten Basketball Superlatives

Fred Hoiberg, Nebraska

Final Power Rankings

1. Michigan Wolverines

(Previous Rank: 1)

2. Illinois Fighting Illini

(Previous Rank: 2)

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers

(Previous Rank: 3)

4. Michigan State Spartans

(Previous Rank: 4)

5. Wisconsin Badgers

(Previous Rank: 6)

NFL Mock Draft 2026: Edition 3 (Combine Edition)

Arvell Reese, Ohio State 

 1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Combine may have thrown much of the first round into disarray, but there's no question at the top. Fernando Mendoza didn't even work out in Indianapolis, but still remains the heavy favorite to be the No. 1 overall off the board in late April. It's starting to feel more like a question of what else the Raiders will do to surround Mendoza with the right pieces than whether the reigning Heisman winner will be on his way to Las Vegas.

2. New York Jets

Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

Things get interesting with the Jets at the No. 2 spot. Their most obvious need remains quarterback, but there's nobody in this range that makes sense. So instead, pass rusher seems to be the consensus selection here, with Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr. the top candidates. Bailey was a sack machine at Texas Tech, but to me, Reese has the higher ceiling in what he can be as a pro. It's no surprise to me the Buckeye product had a superb Combine - he's a physical freak who still has time grow into his 6'4", 240-pound frame.

3. Arizona Cardinals

David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

It's an important offseason for the Cardinals, who have to find a way forward in an NFC West that includes three of not only the best teams in the conference, but the NFL. Offensive line is in consideration here, but it's hard to imagine Arizona being able to pass up a player like David Bailey in this spot. Bailey was the most dominant rusher in all of the land this past fall, notching 14.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL, and a 20.2% pressure percentage for the Red Raiders.

4. Tennessee Titans

Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)

March Madness 2026: Predicting the Entire NCAA Tournament Field One Month Out

March Madness 2026

Midwest Region (Chicago)

1 Michigan Wolverines (Top Overall Seed)

16 Howard Bison / Wright State Raiders

Notes: Between Arizona losing back-to-back games last week and Michigan further padding their resume with a win at Mackey Arena over Purdue, the Wolverines are the clear team to beat nationally as things stand in mid-February. Only one blemish is on the schedule: a shocking loss to Wisconsin in Ann Arbor. And, while surprising, it's certainly not a bad one for Michigan given the Badgers have been one of the hottest teams in the country over the last month. With plenty of opportunities to further bolster their resume down the stretch, the Wolverines are starting to feel like a lock on the one-seed line.

8 Auburn Tigers

9 NC State Wolfpack

Notes: Steven Pearl has taken his lumps in his first season as Auburn head man, with the Tigers sitting at 14-11 overall and 5-7 inside the SEC. However, wins over St. John's, Florida, and Arkansas keep the Tigers on the right side of the bubble. Only one ranked foe remains on the schedule, so there is little margin for error for this team over the next month.

5 Kentucky Wildcats

12 Belmont Bruins

Notes: Mark Pope's team keeps rising up the totem pole and lands at the five spot here, but the upset-minded Belmont Bruins would be a tough matchup. The Bruins have long been one of the most consistent mid-majors in the country, but Casey Alexander hasn't taken the program to an NCAA Tournament yet despite seven straight seasons of at least 20 wins. They are the clear favorite in the Missouri Valley, with a 14-3 conference mark with three regular season games remaining.

4 Virginia Cavaliers

13 East Tennessee State Buccaneers

Notes: Ryan Odom is in the running for National Coach of the Year with the job he's done in Charlottesville, with Virginia still in the ACC Title picture. The game against Duke on February 28 could very well decide the league. Even if UVA isn't able to down the mighty Blue Devils, they seem destined to land somewhere in the 3-5 range, assuming things don't fall off the rails down the stretch. North Carolina and Virginia Tech on the road remain their only two ACC losses.

6 Tennessee Volunteers

Big Ten Power Rankings 2025-26: Edition 2

Keaton Wagler, Illinois

 

(Updated through: morning of 2/10/26)

1. Michigan Wolverines

Previous Ranking: 1

Despite one of the most impressive starts to the season in program history, there was some question how Dusty May's Michigan Wolverines would respond when they did face adversity during the Big Ten schedule. The last month, we've gotten our answer. After dropping their first game of the season in a shocker to Wisconsin in mid-January, the Wolverines have simply ripped off eight straight wins, including a pair of them over Top 10 teams, and remain perched as the clear favorite in a loaded league. It hasn't been close wins either - of those eight straight victories, seven have been in the double digits. The race to the No. 1 overall seed come Selection Sunday is on, and this team has plenty of opportunities to pad their resume. Aside from road games with Purdue and Illinois, plus a date with Michigan State in Crisler Center, the non-conference battle with Duke in "The Duel in the District" looms as one of the most anticipated games of the year.

2. Illinois Fighting Illini

Previous Ranking: 6

Several teams have been vying to be the greatest threat to Michigan inside the Big Ten, but it's Illinois alone as second in the conference at 11-2 as things stand today. The loss over the weekend to Michigan State snaps a 12-game winning streak, but it's hard to take any major conclusion aways from that game. The Illini shot the ball poorly, at just 37% from the field, and still took the Spartans to overtime in East Lansing. The difference for this Illini team over the past month has been freshman phenom Keaton Wagler, who has been one of the best players in the country in recent weeks. The 46-point outburst to beat Purdue was the main highlight, but Wagler hasn't slowed down. In fact, his performance against Nebraska may have been even more impressive, as he not only dropped 28 points, but added five assists and five boards. His play has completely overshadowed the fact Illinois has been without steady lead guard Kylan Boswell for the past month, who is recovering from a broken hand. The expectation is that Boswell is going to return over the next couple weeks, further bolstering a team that seems to be getting better each and every week. Boswell's return is going to be huge down the stretch not only because of his experience, but his defense. As good as Wagler has been and as good as Andrej Stojakovic can be, the Illini really need his perimeter defense if this is the year they finally make a March run.

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Previous Ranking: 3

2026 Minnesota Gopher Football Schedule Breakdown

P.J. Fleck, Minnesota

In the wild world of modern college football, the Minnesota Golden Gophers head into 2026 with an uncommon sense of stability. P.J. Fleck will enter his tenth season on the sidelines in Dinkytown, with much of his coaching staff intact and a roster that returns key contributors across the board. The personnel, beyond the high-profile transfer of star safety Koi Perich, also brings continuity. Quarterback Drake Lindsey will be back for a second season as starter, Darius Taylor will spearhead the backfield, and notable names like Anthony Smith and Kerry Brown headline the defense.

With that foundation in place and the 2026 schedule released this week, we have a very early idea of what next fall will look like for the Gophers. The schedule offers plenty of tough matchups and potential landmines – meaning Fleck and company will have to have the team ready to go if they want to improve on last season’s eight win campaign.

 

September 3 vs. Eastern Illinois

It will be the Eastern Illinois Panthers who kick off Minnesota’s season at Huntington Bank Stadium. It will be the 14^th season in a row the Gophers kick off their fall on the first Thursday night of FBS football.

It was a rough 2025 campaign for the once-proud Panthers, as they fell to 3-9 and a lowly 2-6 inside the Ohio Valley Conference. The only FBS comparison we can make isn’t a super helpful one – the Panthers went on the road to Alabama this last November and were dominated to the tune of 56-0. A Tide rushing attack that struggled all season ran for 270 yards and a staggering eight touchdowns.

 

You have to believe the plan for the Gophers is for this to essentially act as a preseason game. Drake Lindsey and the rest of the key players will get their reps in the first half, but it’s likely we see them move down their depth chart in the second. It should give us a chance to learn more about what this backfield looks like beyond Darius Taylor, as the Gophers will almost surely take advantage of their size and physicality in the trenches.

Way, Way Too Early Score Prediction: Minnesota, 49 Eastern Illinois, 7

 

September 12 vs. Mississippi State

It’s not too often we see SEC teams travel this far north in the early non-conference, so Minnesota – Mississippi State will be an intriguing one. Jeff Lebby has gone just 7-18 since taking over in Starkville, but the program has made real strides. They played in a bowl game this past fall, coming up short in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

2026 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25

Bo Jackson, Ohio State

1. Ohio State Buckeyes -- As disappointing as the end of this season was, is there any doubt Ryan Day's Buckeyes are going to be back with a vengeance in 2026? They're likely to have the top two non-quarterbacks taken in the upcoming NFL Draft, plus a host of other contributors. Yet, the most important pair is going to be back in quarterback Julian Sayin and wide out Jeremiah Smith. There may be extra motivation next fall for Sayin after coming up short in the Heisman race in 2025, while it still feels like Smith may be able to reach another level in what is sure to his final season of college ball. Bo Jackson emerged as the top option on the ground down the stretch and will play a key role in 2026 keeping defenses honest, all behind a well-stocked offensive line. The defense is where the heavy losses will be, including safety Caleb Downs, who operates as the quarterback of this unit. Yet, this is Ohio State, so we know they will have talent ready to step up for coordinator Matt Patricia. The Buckeyes strategically filled holes through the early portion of the transfer portal process, with Earl Little Jr. (Florida State) and Terry Moore (Duke) bolstering the back-end, and Qua Russaw (Alabama) helping reinforce the front alongside returnee Kenyatta Jackson. Christian Alliegro could be the most underrated addition of the bunch, as he showed ample potential at Wisconsin and now enters the ideal situation for a breakout in Columbus. 

2. Oregon Ducks -- Could 2026 be the year Oregon finally climbs the mountaintop and wins their first National Title in program history? The return of quarterback Dante Moore, who passed on an opportunity to likely be the No. 2 overall selection this spring, has Ducks fans thinking big. Moore will have a new play-caller after OC Will Stein took the Kentucky job, but he'll benefit from a loaded roster around him. The projected pass-catcher group is especially exciting - while star tight end Kenyon Sadiq is off to the NFL, sophomore Dakorien Moore is on the cusp of superstardom, and Evan Stewart is slated to return after missing the entirety of 2025. There is turnover on the staff defensively, too, as Tosh Lupoi left for his alma mater, Cal. But Dan Lanning has built a machine here in Eugene, and the cupboard is far from bare. Bear Alexander and Matayo Uiagalelei both held off on their NFL ambitions to run it back for Oregon up front, and cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. has a chance to be special after earning Freshman All-American honors this past fall. Add in names like Koi Perich, who comes over from inside the Big Ten after two superb years at Minnesota, and the Ducks have all the tools to complete their quest towards a National Title. After coming close the last couple years, it feels like only a matter of time before Lanning and the Ducks finish the job.

3. Georgia Bulldogs -- It felt like Georgia overachieved a bit in 2025 given the youth on this roster, which is great news for their 2026 fortunes as they look to stay atop the SEC. Gunner Stockton isn't the most talented QB Kirby Smart has had here in Athens, but he's one of the most clutch, and he answered a lot of questions in his first year as starter. Stockton will benefit from an improved ground game taking some of the heat off of him, as Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens have a chance to be the best Georgia backfield duo since Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. The defense had some uncharacteristic struggles this past fall, but gained valuable experience. Linebackers Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole will be the key pieces up front, while I've been long awaiting K.J. Bolden's eventual breakout at safety. Beyond Bolden, however, the secondary has significant turnover and was hit hard by portal defections. How youngsters like Rasean Dinkins play could be the make or break between Georgia merely being Playoff good and bringing home a third National Title for Smart. 

4. Texas Longhorns -- Do not be surprised if, for the second straight year, Texas heads into the fall as the

2025-26 College Football Playoff National Championship Prediction

Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Following months of action, the 2025-26 college football season concludes Monday night with a pair of teams hoping to end the year as National Champions. The top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers were dominant throughout the fall, but have turned it up a notch in the College Football Playoff, pummeling Alabama and Oregon to get to this stage. Now, they square off with the last remaining "underdog" Miami Hurricanes, who have upset Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss in a row. For the 'Canes, it's a chance to showcase a return back to being one of the top brands in the sport on the national stage. For Indiana, they're hoping to put the finishing touches on one of the greatest turnarounds in sports history. Who comes out on top in Miami Gardens?

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has already racked up a long list of accolades over the course of

Big Ten Power Rankings 2025-26: Edition 1

Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

 1. Michigan Wolverines

Previous Ranking: N/A

Dusty May's Michigan Wolverines have been a machine over the first two months of the college basketball season, perched not just as the best in the Big Ten, but the nation's No. 1 team. They've been absolutely decimating their competition, including wins over San Diego State (by 40), Auburn (by 30), Gonzaga (by 40), and now USC inside the league (by 30). It's rare to see this complete of a team playing this well at this point on the calendar, but I am curious to see how the Wolverines fare once the competition is turned up a notch inside Big Ten play. Their schedule remains fairly light throughout most of January, but the end of the month and into February will give us a great example of what this team is capable of. Michigan State, Nebraska, Purdue all await in the next month-and-a-half, along with a non-conference date with Duke in the "Duel in the District" on February 21.

2. Purdue Boilermakers

Previous Ranking: N/A

Aside from a home loss to Iowa State in early December, there's not a blemish on Purdue's record after entering the season as the preseason No. 1 in the country. They've carried their superb play through the early portion of the Big Ten schedule, handling Rutgers, Minnesota, and Wisconsin all with ease en route to a 3-0 start. In addition to the success in the win-loss column, Purdue has a player chasing history in veteran floor general Braden Smith, who set the Big Ten career assists record this past weekend in the Wisconsin win, surpassing Michigan State's Cassius Winston. With his pace, he's in shouting distance of the all-time leader in Division I basketball in Bobby Hurley, with 1,076 being the number to beat. With Smith pacing this offense, Fletcher Loyer emerging as their go-to scoring option, and Trey Kaufmann-Renn and Oscar Cuff on the block, Purdue have all the looks of the greatest threat to Michigan inside the league. Their date on February 17 could be the game of the year, not just in the conference, but college basketball as a whole.

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers