My 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Who Are The Biggest Midseason Risers?

It’s Big Board day! After eight weeks of college football, I’m ready to put my name on a ranking of the 32 best prospects in the 2026 NFL draft. And I have to say: This is a fascinating class. 

After a down year for wide receivers in 2025 that saw just four guys (including Travis Hunter) drafted in the first round, I’ve got a position-high eight receivers in my initial top 32. The other major strength of this class comes at edge rusher, with seven players—including my no. 1 prospect—making the ranking. 

Some quick historical context on the depth of the edge position: Only four times (2016, 2017, 2023, 2025) in the last decade have there been eight edges drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. And the most edge defenders drafted in Round 1 in the past 10 years was six in 2017. We could be looking at a special, special group. 

I also have four quarterbacks in my top 15—and wouldn’t be surprised if each of them forgoes the 2026 draft and returns to school, thanks to NIL and the changing financial landscape for college players. In fact, I hope each guy does just that. 

Since so much has changed since I published my “appropriately early” preseason mock back in August, I’ve provided quick player breakdowns on my five biggest midseason risers below. 

Take a peek at the list and feel free to yell at me on X @McShay13 to let me know who I’m too high on, too low on, and who I got just right.