Cincy Jungle
There is still plenty of college football to be played this season. Declarations for who will declare for the draft and who will decide to go back to school will also take place in January. However, it is never too early to start taking a look at some of the potential top prospects for the 2026 draft cycle.
Sometimes it is hard to believe that Reese is only in his first season as a full-time starter for the Buckeyes. Reese can play off-ball linebacker or up on the line of scrimmage. He has already amassed 6.5 sacks on the season, with three regular season games and the postseason to go. Reese is a heavy handed, physical, athletic marvel. Regardless where teams view him playing at the next level, he has played his way into top five consideration this year.
Love put up over 1100 yards rushing and over 200 yards receiving during the 2024 season. He has surpassed his receiving numbers from last year and is on the cusp of going over that rushing total already in 2025. He is elusive with the ball in his hands, as evidenced by his 40-plus missed tackles forced already this season. He is a legit weapon in the receiving game. His burst through the line and top-end speed allow him to be a threat to take it to the house on any given play.
Downs is an All-American safety for the Buckeyes. He is considered a coach on the field. He is a tape grinder, which allows him to always be in the right spot, at the right time. He is a reliable tackler on the back end of a defense. He can line up in the box, in single high, or in the slot. He isn’t going to be an elite tester, but the tape speaks for itself. Safeties are not typically selected in the top ten due to perceived positional value; Downs could be an exception this year.
Bain has been putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks at a high rate all season long. He has a 37.4% win-rate on true pass sets so far during 2025. All of that pressure has not translated to sack production this year. He has only three sacks on the season. He is a sawed-off powerhouse at 6’3”, 275 pounds. He possesses knock-back power in his hands, is stout against the run, and has 50 pressures and counting during the 2025 season.
Mendoza has Indiana in the mix for a Big 10 championship and a high ranking in the college football playoffs this year. The California transfer is also in the conversation for the Heisman. His late-game heroics against Penn State this week showcased his mental fortitude. He threw an interception late in the fourth quarter, then responded by driving his team...
