ESPN.com · Aug 29, 2025
2026 NFL draft: Kiper's early predictions on top prospects
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We've finally arrived at Week 1 of the 2025 college football season. I can't wait to see some of the top prospects from the 2026 NFL draft class in action. Texas quarterback Arch Manning facing off against Ohio State safety Caleb Downs? LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier vs. defensive tackle Peter Woods and a loaded Clemson defense? This is going to be fun.
Now, it's really early. The 2026 draft is still almost eight months away. But in celebration of college football kicking off -- and the NFL season not being far behind -- I decided to make some way-too-early predictions about this class and what might happen when the clock starts on Round 1 next April.
