College football analyst Joel Klatt recently unveiled his way-too-early big board of the top 10 draft-eligible players for the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite the 2025 NFL Draft just concluding, Klatt’s projections highlight the exceptional talent returning to college football this season, with Texas Longhorns and Clemson Tigers players featuring prominently in his rankings.
Klatt’s Top 10 Draft-Eligible Players
10. Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The explosive Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back averaged an impressive 6.9 yards per carry last season. Klatt praised Love as a “home run threat” with the complete package: “He can catch it out of the backfield. He’s strong, physical, and has electricity. He’s got good vision, good balance, power, all of it.”
9. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
The Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback makes the list based on his physical tools and development trajectory. “If you’re just talking about the measurables and watching this kid throw a football, Allar is going to have a chance to be a top 10 player,” Klatt noted. He expects Allar to benefit from an improved wide receiver corps this season.
8. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The Nevada transfer stands at an imposing 6’8″ and 300 pounds. After starting for three seasons, World was the top-rated tackle in the transfer portal before heading to Eugene. The Oregon Ducks lineman is projected by Klatt to have “a monster year” that will solidify his draft status.
7. Ruben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
Despite battling injuries in his sophomore campaign, this Miami Hurricanes former freshman All-American has Klatt’s attention. “If a guy gets healthy and pops—bam, here he comes. I think he’s got real ability,” Klatt emphasized.
6. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Versatility elevates the Utah Utes tackle in Klatt’s rankings. “Started at left tackle as a true freshman, then he was an All-American at right tackle last season. The NFL loves that versatility,” Klatt explained.
5. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The first of multiple Clemson Tigers on the list, Woods made an immediate impact as a freshman All-American. At 6’3″ and 315 pounds, Klatt believes he’ll anchor “a much better defensive line than they’ve had in the last couple of years.” Woods is part of Clemson’s impressive recruiting class that continues to produce elite talent.
4. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide former five-star recruit and true freshman starter briefly transferred to Iowa before returning to Tuscaloosa. At 6’7″ and 360 pounds, Proctor’s rare combination of size and experience has him positioned near the top of Klatt’s board, continuing Alabama’s tradition of developing elite NFL prospects.
3. TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Parker led all returning players with 11 sacks as a true sophomore last season. “Their D-line is going to be scary,” Klatt warned about Clemson’s defensive front, which has become a pipeline for NFL-ready defensive talent.
2. Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Though Klatt acknowledges Manning may not declare early, his potential is undeniable. “You see the athleticism and arm strength,” Klatt said, adding that Texas is poised to “take the next step” with Manning potentially at the helm. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has been under the spotlight since his recruitment.
1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State![]()
Klatt’s top prospect transferred from Alabama to Ohio State Buckeyes and brought game-changing ability with him. “He showed you that he can return against Indiana with that touchdown. He was the best, most impactful player on the defense that won the national championship,” Klatt raved. “He’s a ball hawk. He is smart, physical, and all over the field. He is the best defender in the nation.” Downs exemplifies the elite talent that continues to flow through Columbus.
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