Draft Insider: A Look Atop The 2026 NFL Draft, Plus NCAA Marque Matchups & Prospect Primer Report
All Access Football examines how the top of the 2026 NFL Draft could shake out, plus a preview of the biggest matchups in NCAA this weekend, along with the names you need to know, via NFL Draft Bible.
All Access Football Draft Insider Is Presented By The Sports Management Worldwide Ted Goveia Memorial Scholarship, created in celebration of our friend, colleague and SMWW Football Analytics alumnus, Ted Goveia (1970–2025). Ted was a three-time Grey Cup Champion, a respected CFL General Manager, and one of the most trusted and admired talent evaluators in Canadian football. But more importantly, Ted led with kindness, humility, mentorship, and belief in others.
To honor Ted’s love of mentorship and football education, SMWW is awarding one full-tuition scholarship to the SMWW Football Analytics Course (A $2,000 Value). Scholarship Includes full tuition to the 8-week Football Analytics Certificate, weekly live Zoom sessions with Steve Palazzolo, Mentorship, resume guidance & networking and six months of PFF Premium Access.
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2026 BIG BOARD: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DT | ER | LB | CB | S
ALL ACCESS: A LOOK ATOP THE NFL DRAFT ORDER
With the NFL trade deadline flurry this past week, combined with the mid-way point of the NCAA regular season, we check in with a look atop the current 2026 NFL Draft order and some of the players who could be involved.
As we enter Week 10 of the NFL, there are several teams projected to pick inside the top ten who could be in need of a rookie quarterback. Those organizations include the New Orleans Saints (No.1), New York Jets (No.3), Miami Dolphins (No.4), Cleveland Browns (No.6) and Las Vegas Raiders (No.7).
However, it’s a supply and demand league and there would appear to be just three signal-callers viewed as potential franchise quarterbacks. How they rank depends on who you ask but thus far Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, Ty Simpson of Alabama and Dante Moore of Oregon are viewed as the cream of the crop. Adding another layer of intrigue is that all three still have college eligibility remaining. For Simpson and Moore, who are one-year starters, history suggests that they should indeed return back to school for another year of development.
The history of one-year starters at the NCAA ranks chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft has not translated well in recent history. Examples include Mitchell Trubisky (No.2 overall in 2027), Mark Sanchez (No.5 overall in 2009) and Akili Smith (No.3 overall in 1999), all of whom had just one season of starting experience prior to entering the NFL. However, in what is viewed as a ‘down’ year for quarterbacks, the opportunity might be ripe for Simpson and Moore to strike while the iron is hot.
The wildcards of the draft could reside in the SEC. Coming into the year, Garrett Nussmeier of LSU was widely considered the consensus quarterback prospect. While injuries have led to struggles this season in Baton Rouge, Nussmeier does bring vast experience, smart decision-making and a strong enough arm to still be viewed amongst the premier quarterbacks. In South Carolina, dual-threat LaNorris Sellers is a polarizing prospect in the mold of Anthony Richardson. He possesses all the physical tools and size that scouts crave but has yet to put it all together. Sellers could opt to return, transfer or declare.
Not every team will be fortunate to land a young, promising quarterback via the draft. Some veteran signal-callers who could surface as trade candidates this offseason include Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals and Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers. Of course, Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons is another name often associated with teams in need of a quarterback.
For organizations selecting in the top ten who already have a franchise signal-caller such as the Tennessee Titans (No.2) and New York Giants (No.5), they will be in the market for a blue-chip talent such as Miami edge rusher Ruben Bain or Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Another player catching steam is Buckeyes teammate Arvell Reese, as the do-it-all linebacker is rapidly rising up draft boards.
For our latest list of top draft-eligible players for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, be sure to check out the All Access Football Hot 100 Prospect List, just released yesterday. In addition, we have highlighted over 100 additional prospects in our three NCAA marquee matchups outlined below.
NCAA WEEK 11 BIG 12 MARQUEE MATCHUP
No.7 BYU COUGARS (8-0) at No.8 TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (8-1)
Saturday, November 8, 2025 || Jones A&T Stadium (Lubbock, TX) || Noon ET - ABC
BYU Cougars NFL Draft Watch Report — What You’ll Find: Get to know the BYU Cougars top pro prospects, including 15 players on the 2026 draft radar, an in-depth scouting report on an under the radar defensive tackle, verified player measurements and draft grades for each player. CLICK HERE TO READ
Texas Tech Red Raiders NFL Draft Watch Report — What You’ll Find: Few schools spent more NIL money than the Texas Tech Red Raiders and it shows, as they have an influx of new talent. Their team profile has been updated with 17 pro prospects, including in-depth scouting reports on one of the premier edge rushers in the nation and a playmaking linebacker, complete with verified measurements and projections. CLICK HERE TO READ
NCAA WEEK 11 B1G MARQUEE MATCHUP
No.9 OREGON DUCKS (7-1) at No.20 IOWA HAWKEYES (6-2)
Saturday, November 8, 2025 || Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City, IA) || 3:30 ET - CBS
Oregon Ducks NFL Draft Watch Report — What You’ll Find: Updated with 23 Oregon Ducks pro prospects on the 2026 draft radar, including 11 in-depth scouting reports, along with our insider intel, verified measurements and projections for each player. CLICK HERE TO READ
Iowa Hawkeyes NFL Draft Watch Report — What You’ll Find: Updated with 14 Iowa Hawkeyes pro prospects, with several notable players on the rise! Also included is an in-depth scouting report on their top prospect, plus verified measurements and draft grades for each player. CLICK HERE TO READ
NCAA WEEK 11 SEC MARQUEE MATCHUP
LSU TIGERS (5-3) at No.4 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (7-1)
Saturday, November 8, 2025 || Bryant-Denny Stadium (Tuscaloosa, AL) || 7:30 ET - ABC
LSU Tigers NFL Draft Watch Report — What You’ll Find: Updated with 19 draft-eligible LSU Tigers prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, including 10 player evaluations, along with verified measurements and projections for each player. Plus, a look ahead with players to be aware of for the 2027 NFL Draft and beyond. CLICK HERE TO READ
Alabama Crimson Tide NFL Draft Watch Report — What You’ll Find: Updated with 21 draft-eligible Alabama Crimson Tide pro prospects, including six scouting reports, plus verified player measurements and draft projections for each player. Alabama currently has a whopping 73 players on active NFL rosters and practice squads. CLICK HERE TO READ
THIS WEEK AT ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL
In case you missed any of the latest updates here at All Access Football, here’s a list of quick links to help prime you for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, just 167 days away! All Access Football & NFL Draft Bible, bringing you the names you need to know first. Don’t forget to tune in on Saturday for the All Access Football NFL Draft Watch Show, with hosts Ric Serritella and Russ Lande.
AAF Report: FCS Showcase Announced For Nashville
Scout Notebook: 13 Players Rising Up Draft Boards
NFL Draft Watch: Virginia Tech Hokies Prospect Watch
East-West Shrine Bowl Tracker: Continuous Invite Updates
Mid-Major & FCS Tracker: Top Players From Non ‘P4’ Programs
OFFICIAL 2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE (PUBLISHED IN APRIL)
The Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible is used by all 32 NFL teams and is the preferred draft guide for professional leagues around the globe. Compiled by REAL scouts, the Draft Bible delivers in-depth evaluations with boots on the ground analysis.
[The Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible — Included With All Access Football Annual Pass]
Scouting Reports: Detailed evaluations on draft-eligible prospects, with an equal emphasis on small school players from the mid-majors, FCS, DII and DIII ranks.
Projections & Rankings: The most accurate NFL Draft projections made available to the public. Over 1,000 players listed for the 2026 & 2027 NFL Draft Classes.
Official Measurements: True measurements and performance metrics from the NFL Scouting Combine and all-star game circuit, plus verified pro day numbers.
Background Reports: Learn about the players off the field with our background reports, which includes character, medical, high school profiles and stats.
Exclusive Interviews: On location across the nation, we gather quotes from players, coaches, general managers, scouts and various football industry professionals.
Final Mock Drafts: Our ultimate draft forecasts from the AAF scouting department.