The odds go up. The smoke thickens. And somewhere between what teams should do and what they’re telling people they might do, value starts to emerge. That’s where this exercise lives.

With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, sportsbooks like BetOnline.ag have begun to sharpen their markets on the top nine picks—creating a window into how the league is being perceived from the outside. But as always, those numbers don’t tell the full story. They reflect movement, not motive. Momentum, not conviction.

That gap—between the odds and what teams are actually thinking—is where the best bets are found.

This isn’t about chasing favorites. It’s about identifying where intel, roster needs, and draft dynamics intersect in a way the market hasn’t fully caught up to yet. Quarterback uncertainty at the top. A defensive class teams trust more than the public does. Skill players with wider ranges than their odds suggest.

Put it all together, and the top 10 isn’t nearly as settled as it looks.

Let’s dig into the numbers—and the noise—to find the bets worth making.

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2nd Overall Pick

Arvell Reese 5/11 (-220)

David Bailey 2/1

Rueben Bain Jr. 12/1

Sonny Styles 25/1

Ty Simpson 40/1

Caleb Downs 50/1

Jeremiyah Love 50/1

The mock drafts are all saying David Bailey here, but the intel we have says Reese is the pick. This isn’t a big money maker on it’s own, but if you can include it as part of a draft odds parlay, do it. Reese is going to be the pick.

3rd Overall Pick

David Bailey 5/2 (+250)

Arvell Reese 14/5 (+280)

Francis Mauigoa 3/1

Jeremiyah Love 9/1

Sonny Styles 18/1

Rueben Bain Jr 10/1

Monroe Freeling 16/1

Spencer Fano 18/1

Ty Simpson 18/1

Caleb Downs 33/1

Carnell Tate 66/1

The late intel we’re picking up says the Cardinals love Love. If Reese is off the board, and they don’t trade the pick for a team targeting David Bailey, Love is likely to be the selection. These odds are too juicy to pass up.

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What We’re Hearing: Inside the league as the 2026 NFL Draft comes into focus

There’s a different tone around this year’s draft cycle.

Spend enough time talking to evaluators, and the usual pre-draft language—“deep class,” “good value into Day 2,” “quarterback-driven at the top”—starts to fall away. In its place is something more cautious, more nuanced. One longtime AFC executive summed it up this way earlier this week: “This isn’t a conviction draft. It’s a projection draft.”

That distinction is shaping everything.

At the very top, the expectation around the league is that Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will ultimately hear his name called first. But the why matters. Teams aren’t unanimously sold on him as a franchise-altering talent; they’re sold on the reality that quarterback scarcity forces decisions. Several clubs picking in the top five have comparable grades on Mendoza—solid starter traits, functional athleticism, clean processing—but not the kind of separation typically associated with a wire-to-wire No. 1 overall player.

And that’s where things get interesting.

Multiple front offices have quietly acknowledged that the 2027 quarterback class is already viewed internally as stronger. That reality has influenced how aggressive teams are willing to be in trade discussions. There’s less desperation than you’d expect at the top of a QB-needy draft order, and more willingness to let the board come to them rather than force a move.

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If the quarterback class lacks clarity, the defensive front seven offers the opposite.

Across the league, this is viewed as the backbone of the draft. One NFC scouting director described it as “the safest place to live in this class,” pointing to a cluster of edge defenders and hybrid linebackers who fit the modern game. Texas Tech’s David Bailey continues to generate top-10 certainty in most buildings, valued for his combination of length, power, and scheme versatility. He may not have the highest ceiling in the group, but he’s widely considered one of the lowest-risk projections.

Behind him, the conversation shifts from safe to explosive. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk is a name that keeps coming up in those discussions. His tape is uneven, but the traits are undeniable—and for teams drafting on upside, that’s enough. It only takes one front office to bet on the ceiling, and there’s a growing belief that Faulk won’t last as long as some public boards suggest.

Then there’s Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, who has picked up momentum late in the process. Teams running hybrid fronts are especially intrigued by his ability to rush, drop, and move around the formation. He’s not a finished product, but in a class defined by projection, that’s hardly disqualifying.

What’s notable is how consistently teams return to the same conclusion: if you’re picking early and want certainty, you’re probably drafting defense.

That philosophy extends beyond the Power Five.

Small-school evaluations are playing a larger role this year than they typically do at the top 100 level. Southeastern Louisiana defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor is one of the clearest examples. Early in the fall, he was viewed as a developmental prospect with intriguing flashes. Now, after testing well and holding his own against higher-level competition, he’s firmly in the Day 2 conversation for several teams. The shift reflects a broader trend—production and explosiveness are carrying more weight than helmet scouting in certain rooms.

Offensively, the most fascinating development might be happening at running back.

Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love has quietly built a case as one of the best pure football players in the class. Not just at his position—period. And while positional value still matters, there are teams picking in the top 10 that have done real work on what it would look like to take him earlier than expected. No one is declaring a full-scale market correction at running back, but the conversation has changed. Love isn’t being evaluated through the traditional lens of the position; he’s being evaluated as an offensive centerpiece.

At wide receiver, the talent is there—but so is volatility.

Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson embodies that tension. His tape suggests a player who could come off the board in the top 15, with the ability to separate and create after the catch. But medical evaluations have created a wide range of outcomes depending on the team. Some see a WR1. Others have significant hesitation. It’s the kind of profile that only takes one team to resolve, but it also creates real uncertainty about where he ultimately lands.

And then there are the late-process variables. Georgia’s Zachariah Branch had been building steady momentum into the early Day 2 range, but off-field questions emerging close to the draft have forced teams to revisit his evaluation. In a class already light on consensus, those late shifts carry even more weight.

The same lack of consensus shows up at cornerback.

Teams are aligning more tightly than ever to scheme-specific traits, and that’s leading to dramatic differences in how players are stacked. A corner who fits a press-heavy system might be viewed as a first-round talent in one building and a Day 2 player in another. The result is a position group where perceived “slides” on draft night may simply reflect how differently teams are defining value.

League-wide, there’s also a quiet acknowledgment that offensive line value may peak later than usual. Several teams believe starting-caliber tackles will be available into the back half of the first round, which could influence how aggressively they address other needs early.

Put it all together, and the shape of this draft starts to come into focus.

There may be a quarterback at No. 1. There may be a run on defensive playmakers shortly after. But beyond that, the board feels fluid in a way teams are still working to define. One general manager described the middle of the first round as “wide open,” adding that the gap between players ranked 8th and 25th on their board was smaller than in most years.

Or, as another evaluator put it more simply:

“After the first handful of picks, you’re going to see teams draft their board—not the consensus.”

And in this class, those two things might look very different.

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The NFL offseason is a beautiful kind of chaos: a three-month stretch where hope is cheap, cap space is finite, and every general manager believes his franchise is exactly two or three moves away from glory.

As the 2025 season fades in the rearview and the 2026 campaign begins to take shape, all 32 teams are staring at the same whiteboard: holes to fil…

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The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t broken—but they’re no longer insulated from consequences.

Patrick Mahomes’ injury is a reminder of something the league has quietly been chasing for years: eventually, even dynasties have to confront reality. Kansas City’s margin for error is thinner than it’s been in a decade, the roster is aging in key spots, and the salary cap math that once felt manageable is starting to bite.

This isn’t about panic. It’s about planning.

Fixing the Chiefs means protecting their most valuable asset, rebalancing a top-heavy cap structure, and finding sustainable answers around Mahomes—not just short-term patches. The window is still open, but how Kansas City handles the next 12–24 months will determine whether they stay ahead of the league or finally fall back into the pack.

Let’s break down how to fix the roster—now and for the future.

Round 1, Pick 12 — David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech

With Patrick Mahomes dealing with his first major injury and his cap number continuing to rise, Kansas City’s margin for error has narrowed as we near the post-Travis Kelce and post-Chris Jones era of the dynasty. The Chiefs don’t need splash additions on defense—they need reliable pressure, depth, and cost-controlled upside. Bailey checks all three boxes.

From a scheme perspective, Bailey fits what Steve Spagnuolo values at EDGE despite not having the ideal measurables for the Chiefs’ defense. He plays with consistent effort, understands leverage, and shows the ability to align in multiple spots along the front. Texas Tech used him both on the edge and reduced inside on passing downs, a trait that translates well to Kansas City’s pressure packages. He’s not a one-move rusher; Bailey wins with motor, hand activity, and the ability to counter when initial rush plans stall.

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The NFL season is hitting its breaking point, and so is the draft landscape. Contenders are exposed. Pretenders are unraveling. And half the league is quietly shifting focus to April while pretending they’re not.

Perfect time for a fresh one-round mock draft.

This update isn’t just about who goes where—it’s about how the board is changing, which teams are ready to pivot, and which prospects are forcing themselves into Round 1 conversations. You’re about to see surprises, scheme fits you didn’t expect, and a few picks that might make fanbases yell at the screen.

If you want the scouting breakdowns, the board movement, and the why behind every pick, now’s the time to subscribe. Draft season moves fast, and our best intel never stays free for long.

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One round. Thirty-two decisions. Let’s get into it.

1. Tennessee Titans — Arvell Reese, LB/ED, Ohio State

In a mock draft with no trades, the Titans stick and pick the best overall player in the class. In the real world, they’ll try to trade down and add weapons and protection for quarterback Cam Ward.

2. New York Giants — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Another situation where a trade probably happens in the real world. The Giants get a true-blue right tackle to protect Jaxson Dart and open up rushing lanes for Cam Skattebo.

3. New Orleans Saints — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

The first quarterback is off the board, and there’s a scenario in which Tyler Shough plays well enough down the stretch to make this a trade out spot for New Orleans. Moore is the best quarterback in the group if he declares after starting for one year at Oregon.

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Every Saturday gives us new tape. Every Sunday changes what teams need. And every week, the gap between what fans think they know and what the league is actually preparing for gets a little wider.

That’s why this update matters.

The Draft Scout’s Top 25 Big Board isn’t a snapshot of one Saturday afternoon or a reaction to one highlight clip—it’s a living, evolving evaluation built on full-game study, coach and scout calls, and a year-round process. And as the college football season settles into the stretch run, the board is shifting in real time.

Some prospects are locking in Round 1 résumés. Some are fading. And a few are about to make the kind of late-season jump that only shows up if you’re watching every snap.

If you want the full positional breakdowns, expanded scouting reports, and weekly movement as the draft picture crystallizes, make sure you’re subscribed. This is where the draft conversation starts—and where you’ll stay a step ahead of everyone else.

Let’s dive in.

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Top 25 Overall

1. Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State

2. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

4. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

5. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

6. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

7. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

8. Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

9. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

10. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

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The trade deadline always tells you who’s chasing rings and who’s chasing quarterbacks. Now that the dust has settled, the draft order — and team priorities — are starting to come into focus. Some front offices sold off veterans for future picks, others doubled down for a playoff run. Either way, the moves made this week will echo all the way to April.

So with half a season of tape and a new landscape across the league, here’s how the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft might look after the deadline reshuffle.

1. New Orleans Saints — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

If the Saints decide the second-half audition at quarterback by rookie Tyler Shough isn’t worthy of a longer leash in 2026, the team will be wise to jump at the strong-armed, pocket presence of Mendoza to run Kellen Moore’s offense.

2. Tennessee Titans — Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

The Titans are a prime trade down candidate as the team needs picks as much as it needs high-end prospects. Bain is a complete pass-rusher with the power to be a run-down asset, too. This isn’t a one-year rebuild in Tennessee, though, and help for quarterback Cam Ward is the biggest priority.

3. New York Jets — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

It’s clear that Justin Fields is not the franchise quarterback for the Jets, and the team’s addition of three first-round draft picks via the trade deadline is proof of that. Moore, who might be a 2027 prospect, has a live arm and the mobility needed to make plays in the pros.

4. Miami Dolphins — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Simpson is a first-year starter at Alabama but he’s playing with timing and anticipation that no other quarterback in the country is showing. Should be decide to jump into the 2026 draft class, it’s likely he would be a very early pick. And in Miami, it’s clear that Tua Tagovailoa isn’t the answer.

5. New York Giants — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

A right tackle is a sure-fire way to boost this offense that was showing tons of promise before injury struck. Imagine a well-protected Jaxson Dart in 2026 with Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo healthy?

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The Indiana Hoosiers are 7-1, ranked No. 2 in the country, and the hottest name in college football isn’t a five-star blue-chipper—it’s Fernando Mendoza, the 6’5” transfer quarterback who’s torching defenses at a historic clip and suddenly looks like the 2026 NFL Draft’s QB1.

24 touchdowns. 3 interceptions. A 191.0 passer rating. And he’s just getting started.

In this exclusive scouting report, we break down why NFL teams are already circling Bloomington, how Mendoza’s game translates to Sundays, and whether his meteoric rise is sustainable—or the real deal.

Read the full report—and get every deep-dive draft profile, film breakdown, and insider update delivered straight to your inbox.

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Hey gang!

It’s time for our yearly raffle to raise funds to buy Christmas gifts for needy children in SW Missouri through the 15 Percent foundation.

This year we’re raffling off a Yeti Roadie 32 Hard Cooler, and you choose which NFL team logo is on it. They retail for $425 and are the ultimate tailgate cooler thanks to the wheels and telescoping handle.

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Hey gang!

It’s time for our yearly raffle to raise funds to buy Christmas gifts for needy children in SW Missouri through the 15 Percent foundation.

This year we’re raffling off a Yeti Roadie 32 Hard Cooler, and you choose which NFL team logo is on it. They retail for $425 and are the ultimate tailgate cooler thanks to the wheels and telescoping handle.

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As the 2025 college football season barrels toward its midpoint, the hype machine for the 2026 NFL Draft has sputtered to a halt. What was billed as a deep, quarterback-rich class—poised to deliver multiple first-round signal-callers and blue-chip talents across the board—has instead delivered a string of head-scratching performances, injuries, and outr…

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Want to know how a rookie is fitting into his new scheme? Curious about a college prospect’s draft stock? Need fantasy trade advice bef…

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The 2026 NFL Draft class is already stacking up to be loaded with talent, and we’ve broken it down for you—position by position, with the top five names you need to know right now. From quarterbacks with star power to defensive disruptors who’ll dominate Sundays, this early watchlist sets the stage for the season ahead.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need to miss a single update. For a limited time, you can unlock all of our scouting reports, mock drafts, player rankings, and inside intel for just $1/month. Whether you’re brand new or making a comeback, this deal gets you in the door for less than the price of a Gatorade.

Dive in, argue with your friends, and get smarter about the draft—because the road to 2026 starts here with an updated Top 25 list plus scouting reports on our top five players at each position.

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Updated Top 25 Overall

The college season is almost at the one-month mark, and we’ve already seen a ton of changes as players have risen to the challenge and others have fallen off or suffered injuries that caused their stock to fall. And also—sometimes players just don’t live up to expectations or take the next step in their development. And at quarterback, we’re seeing a lot of that!

These rankings are based on previous seasons and current play—they’re not a prediction of where things will be in April 2026.

1. Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State

2. Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami

3. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

4. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

5. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

6. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

7. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

8. John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma

9. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

10. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

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Buckle up, NFL fans! Week 1 of the 2025 season delivered jaw-dropping performances and shocking upsets that have us rethinking the entire 2026 NFL Draft landscape. From breakout stars stealing the spotlight to blue-chip prospects raising red flags, our latest mock draft dives into the wildest overreactions that could reshape team futures.

Subscribe now to get ahead of the curve and join the draft frenzy!

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1. New Orleans Saints — Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Spencer Rattler didn’t play poorly in Week 1, but you know how this goes. The team picking No. 1 overall either uses it on a quarterback or trades it to a team that needs one. Nussmeier is an ideal fit for Kellen Moore and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier (dad of Garrett) and is playing the best of any quarterback prospect right now.

2. New England Patriots — Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

A game-changing wide receiver would be our pick here if one existed in this draft class. Instead, the Patriots get a dynamic defensive line prospect who can play inside/outside with equal success thanks to his power at 285 pounds and quickness around the edge.

3. New York Jets — Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State

Downs might be the best player in college football. Aaron Glenn would have a field day scheming up ways to use the next Kyle Hamilton in his secondary. Addressing the offense was a thought, but Justin Fields played well enough to keep the naysayers away for another week.

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Week 1 was about first impressions. Week 2 was about proving whether those impressions were real. Some quarterbacks stepped forward and delivered in big moments, others stumbled under the lights, and a few defenders made their presence impossible to ignore. The picture isn’t complete yet, but the draft storylines are starting to take shape — and they’re only getting juicier.

1. Lead Item: What’s Going On At Quarterback

Week 3 gave us no clarity on the 2026 quarterback class. Four big names over the summer have given us glimpses of big play, but haven’t found consistency yet. Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), and Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) are often discussed as the top quarterbacks for this upcoming class, but how have they actually looked?

Below is our updated analysis focusing on Cade Klubnik, LaNorris Sellers, Garrett Nussmeier, and Sam Leavitt as quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, addressing the question of what’s “wrong” with them based on their performances and scouting reports through Week 2 of the 2025 college football season.

Cade Klubnik (Clemson)

Strengths: Klubnik, a senior, has been a cornerstone for Clemson, showcasing significant growth in 2024 with 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, leading the Tigers to an ACC Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. His performance against Texas in the 2024 CFP (336 yards, 3 TDs) highlighted his ability to operate in rhythm, make quick reads, and deliver with poise. Scouts praise his experience (nearly 40 starts), clean mechanics, and ability to leverage Clemson’s talented receiving corps, which returns its top three targets in 2025. He’s a consensus top QB prospect, often ranked as QB1 or QB2 for 2026 among media scouts, but NFL teams are less sure of him.

What’s “Wrong”: Klubnik’s Week 1 performance in 2025 against LSU was concerning, completing just 19-of-38 passes (50%) for 230 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception in a 17-10 loss. His struggles against LSU’s aggressive defense exposed ongoing issues with arm strength, as he failed to drive the ball consistently into tight windows or stretch the field vertically. His 6’2”, 210-pound frame is adequate but not ideal for the NFL, and he tends to take sacks outside the pocket (13 in 2024, fifth-most in FBS), reflecting questionable decision-making under pressure. To maintain his top-10 draft projection, Klubnik must rebound in games like the upcoming matchup against LaNorris Sellers and South Carolina, proving he can handle elite defenses.

2026 Draft Outlook: Klubnik is a projected first-round pick, potentially top-10, but his Week 1 performance dropped him behind Sellers in some rankings. If he doesn’t address concerns about arm strength and consistency in high-stakes games, he risks slipping to Day 2. His experience gives him an edge over younger QBs, but he needs to capitalize on it.

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📝 Scouting Notebook — Week 1

1. Lead Item: The Quarterback Race Is On

Week 1 didn’t exactly deliver what we expected: fireworks at the quarterback position. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik came out flat, and didn’t show the same confident and in control play that was a hallmark of Clemson’s late season run in 2024. Perhaps the most hyped quarterback prospect in the social media era, Arch Manning, struggled against a loaded Ohio State defense and left many wondering why he was a much-hyped 2026 prospect.

There were positives.

LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier leaned into his aggressive style, making just enough highlight throws to score a win over Clemson in a tight fight. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers led his team to a win over Virginia Tech in an emotional rivalry game that allowed him to flex his arm talent and mobility. Meanwhile, Penn State’s Drew Allar showed off the pure arm talent that evaluators can’t stop talking about. The big storyline? There is no consensus QB1 — and Week 1 made it clear this is going to be one of the most hotly debated quarterback classes in recent memory. We’ll get into more about the quarterbacks below.

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The Dallas Cowboys' decision to trade Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers sent shockwaves through the NFL landscape. Just days before the 2025 season opener, Jerry Jones pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal, shipping the star edge rusher to Green Bay in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark and first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. It's a move that screams rebuild, even if Jones insists it's about playoff success. As a draft analyst who's scouted Parsons since his Penn State days, I can tell you this: Losing a generational talent like him hurts now, but the assets acquired could set Dallas up for sustained contention. In this piece, I'll break down how the Cowboys can navigate this transition, focusing on the 2025 season, the upcoming draft, free agency, and a long-term vision to return "America's Team" to glory.

First, let's contextualize the trade. Parsons, entering his fifth year, has been a dominant force since being drafted 12th overall in 2021. With 50.5 sacks, 213 tackles, and countless game-wrecking plays, he's the heart of Dallas' defense. But contract negotiations stalled. Over the last 18 months, talks have dragged on without resolution, leaving Parsons without an extension as the season looms. The Cowboys, facing a $18 million cap hit for 2025 without a deal, opted to cash in rather than risk a holdout or free-agent departure. In return, they get Clark, a proven interior disruptor who's logged 34.5 sacks in nine seasons with the Packers. He's not Parsons, but at 29, he stabilizes the defensive line alongside Osa Odighizuwa. The real prizes, though, are those future first-rounders—projected to be mid-to-late picks if Green Bay contends, but valuable currency nonetheless.

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Before the 2025 college season starts, we’re diving in deep on the upcoming schedule plus rumors and news we’ve heard in preparing for the season.

Each week, our Scouting Notebook will get you ready for the week ahead while taking a deep dive look into the games that just happened. Nowhere else will you find the level of detail and insight we’re bringing each week as our staff watches all the games and talks to all the sources.

Each week we’ll give you our updated Scouting Notebook—only for subscribers—with a look at the games that were and what’s coming up on our schedule.

Let’s get into it.

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1. Lead Item: Week 1 Schedule = A Scout’s Dream

The 2025 season kicks off with one of the best Week 1 schedules we can remember. Get your to-do list done before the weekend. You’re gonna need a full weekend of couch sitting with the schedule the CFB gods have given us.

Thursday, August 28:

Boise State vs South Florida (5:30pm ET, ESPN)

Why you should watch: Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen is the cream of the crop in the Mountain West. Kage Casey (OT) and Mason Rudolph (C) are legit NFL draft prospects. And South Florida QB Byrum Brown is a fun player with NFL potential.

Nebraska vs Cincinnati (9:00pm ET, ESPN)

Why you should watch: Does Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola take the next step for a team many are predicting as a playoff contender? New wide receiver Dane Key will help him. Raiola also gets to play this one at Arrowhead Stadium, the home office of his idol Patrick Mahomes II. For Cincinnati, defensive tackle Dontay Corleone (no relation to Michael), is one of the best defensive tackles in the country. Fellow prospects include linebacker Jake Golday, tight end Joe Royer (in the running for the best TE in the country), and quarterback Brendan Sorsby who has impressed coming into his junior season.

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That’s where our database comes in.

We’ve built a scouting platform with over 1,000 players, each with an evalu…

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Every NFL draft class builds its own identity, and the 2026 group is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Some positions are loaded with star power, others are wide open for breakout prospects to climb, and every spot on the field carries names that will define the conversation over the next year.

To cut through the noise, we’ve stacked the top 25 players at each position based on talent, production, physical tools, and NFL potential. This isn’t just a look at who’s hot right now—it’s a projection of who has the best chance to make an impact on Sundays. Whether you’re tracking the next franchise quarterback, a dominant edge rusher, or the wide receiver every scout will be buzzing about, this list lays out where things stand heading into the 2026 draft cycle.

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