• Indiana University’s football program has a long history of losses and disappointments.
• New coach Curt Cignetti has revitalized the team using transfers and NIL funds.
• IU is now the No. 1 seed in the college football playoffs and will play in the Rose Bowl.

BLOOMINGTON — On Sept. 14, 2024, Indiana University’s football team was scheduled to play UCLA in Pasadena. In a stadium called the Rose Bowl.

The week before, I sat at the bar in Binkley’s Kitchen in Broad Ripple and watched the Hoosiers blast Western Illinois 77-3. I pondered, should I book a flight to LAX to watch, perhaps for the only time in my life, the Hoosiers play in the Rose Bowl?

As a tormented sports fan, I had overcome dozens of forlorn seasons to witness my Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts win Super Bowls in 1986 and 2007, and in 2005, the seeming impossible, a World Series title for my winning ugly Chicago White Sox.

It’s late December, and we still have nearly a month left of college football. 

That means we still have a month to see which players will increase their draft stock in some incredible College Football Playoff matchups. FOX Sports Research has put together a mock for the 2026 NFL Draft ahead of the CFP quarterfinals. 

The draft order below was determined by aggregating several projections for each team while still factoring in trades involving draft picks to account for teams with multiple selections.

Let’s take a look.

Note: Several players expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft have not because of their participation in upcoming CFP games; below is a projection of players who are expected to declare at the conclusion of their respective seasons.

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1. New York Jets (from Giants): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Jets are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and Mendoza has exhibited all the tools you want to see in a top QB prospect: elite arm strength, the ability to throw into tight windows, and sneaky mobility for a 6-foot-5 signal caller. The Heisman winner leads all of FBS with 33 pass touchdowns this season, which is also the Indiana single-season record. 

With a couple more clutch performances in the CFP, it’ll be tough for any team to pass on him with the first pick.

2. Las Vegas Raiders: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Geno Smith is 35 years old and hasn’t lived up to expectations in Las Vegas. Moore was the third-ranked QB in his high school class and fourth-ranked player in the country (according to 247Sports) and has shown flashes of brilliance all year. 

Moore can escape the pocket, but he’s still an extremely accurate passer with a completion rate of 72.4% on the year. The Oregon Duck is one of three Power 4 quarterbacks to have completed over 70% of his passes, been responsible for 30 or more TDs, thrown for over 3,000 yards, and have less than 10 interceptions. The other two were Julian Sayin and Diego Pavia, both Heisman finalists.

Dante Moore has played himself into a top pick if he comes out for the draft. (CFP/Getty Images)

3. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

While Cleveland could really use a receiver, it has two picks in the first round and can get better value at that position later in the first round. Mauigoa is a blue-chip prospect with freakish tools for an offensive lineman. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he’s given up just three sacks in 1,015 pass blocking snaps over the past two seasons – and in 2023, he was a freshman All-America selection. He can also move into the interior with his frame and agility.

4. New York Giants (from Jets): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Fano is another new-era offensive tackle with incredible athleticism for his size. In three seasons, he’s given up just three sacks and seven QB hits, highlighted by a 2025 campaign in which he didn’t allow a single sack in 382 pass blocking snaps (according to PFF). 

With Jaxon Dart under center for the future, this is a step in the right direction for New York to build around him. Fano and Mauigoa are the 1A and 1B offensive tackles in this draft. 

5. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Easily the best receiver in this draft, Tate is next in the long line of pro Buckeye receivers. With a disappointing and injury-riddled season from Calvin Ridley, he would be the surefire top target for Cam Ward and the ultimate security blanket for the young QB. 

At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, he’s a big receiver who can dominate in the red zone while also serving as a deep threat. This year, he’s one of 10 Power 4 receivers to have nine receiving TDs and over 800 receiving yards. 

6. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

A big riser on draft boards over the past few months, Reese has cemented himself as the clear-cut best linebacker in this draft. Due to his elite speed for his size, he can drop back into coverage as an off-ball backer or line up on the edge and rush the passer. Reese has 6.5 sacks and two passes defended on the year, and 105 total tackles in two seasons for the Buckeyes.

Reese is an instant boost for a struggling Cardinals defense. 

7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Downs might be the smartest football player in this draft, having lined up all over the field during his time at Alabama and Ohio State. This past season, he has played 34 snaps on the defensive line, 214 in the box, 134 at slot corner, nine at wide corner, and 226 at free safety. For his career, he’s totaled 248 tackles, 158 solo tackles, 10 passes defended, and six interceptions. 

There is nothing Downs can’t do, and whatever team gets him is landing a perennial Pro Bowler. 

8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami

Bain might have the best film of any edge player in this draft, dominating teams like Notre Dame, Florida and most recently Texas A&M. In that first round CFP game, he had a whopping three sacks against an Aggies offensive line that had given up just 12 in 12 games. 

Bain is also an elite run stopper and can move inside when needed. According to PFF, he’s the only player in FBS to have over 400 pass-rushing snaps with a pass-rush grade over 90. The other five players to exceed 400 pass-rushing snaps didn’t break a grade higher than 78.9, and he also has a run defense grade of 86.7. 

Bain is the perfect replacement for Cam Jordan.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

While Clemson had a down year, Woods has too many tools for any team looking for a dominant defensive lineman to pass on. 

At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, he’s reported to have a lean muscle mass percentage of 77%. He’s also another player who was a freshman All-American in 2023 and posted a dominant follow-up campaign in 2024 while playing both defensive end and tackle for the Tigers. Woods finished 2025 with a career-high 30 tackles along with two sacks. 

10. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Chiefs rank in the bottom 11 of the league in rushing at 108 yards per game. Love has 35 rushing touchdowns since 2024, which is the most of any player in that span, and has averaged 6.9 yards per carry over the last two seasons with a whopping 2,497 rushing yards. 

Love would be a massive boost for a KC team that will need to establish the run more as Patrick Mahomes returns from a torn ACL.

Jeremiyah Love will be a popular name on fantasy draft boards in 2026. (Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

No player in Power 4 had a higher pass coverage grade on PFF than Delane at 90.9. In 357 coverage snaps, he gave up just 13 receptions for 147 yards and no touchdowns with opposing QBs sporting a 26.7 passer rating when targeting him. 

Miami needs immediate help at the position, with four cornerbacks on injured reserve at the end of the season. Delane should be an instant starter for them.

12. Los Angeles Rams: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Matthew Stafford is the current MVP favorite with no signs of slowing down. At 37 years old, everything the Rams do from a roster construction standpoint should and will likely be with the intent of winning a Super Bowl immediately. 

Proctor is a specimen at 6-foot-7, 366 pounds and has given up just five sacks in the last two seasons (according to PFF). Rob Havenstein is 33 years old and dealing with injuries, making this an ideal fit for Los Angeles.

13. Baltimore Ravens: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Faulk is a monster at 6-foot-6 and 288 pounds, and he displayed an incredible ability to blow past offensive tackles in the SEC over the past two seasons. He posted 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks and 45 total tackles for the Tigers in his true sophomore season in 2024. 

Despite less production in 2025, he has Baltimore Raven written all over him, given his tools and athleticism. 

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

If it weren’t for Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles would be getting a lot more recognition as a Buckeye linebacker. In his past two seasons at Ohio State, he’s totaled 181 tackles, 94 solo tackles, eight passes defended, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He hits like a truck and can move well in space. 

Lavonte David is 35 years old and this is a good chance for Tampa to replace him. 

15. Dallas Cowboys: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The heartbeat of Georgia’s defense this year, Allen is a tenacious tackler who thrives in the run game and can also cover receivers in the slot. Dallas has bolstered its defensive line with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, but it needs an off-ball backer with a high IQ to prevent explosive plays at the second level. 

In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Allen totaled 202 tackles, 115 solo tackles, 10 passes defended, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. 

16. Detroit Lions: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Bailey is second in all the FBS in sacks at 13.5 and leads all Power 4 players, as well. Even looking back at his three seasons at Stanford, he’s had consistent production, with totaling 28 sacks from 2022 to 2025, the third-most of any player in that span. 

Bailey is a bit undersized at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, but there’s no denying his bend and burst off the edge. He should be a huge help to a Lions defense that has struggled all season.

17. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The brother of All-Pro corner A.J. Terrell, Avieon has had a ton of production in three seasons at Clemson, recording 25 passes defended, 125 total tackles, eight forced fumbles, four sacks, and three interceptions in 1,860 defensive snaps played in that span. 

Avieon will be a great compliment to a secondary already featuring Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers.

18. New York Jets: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

If he didn’t tear his ACL back in January and miss the entire 2025 season, McCoy would easily be the first corner taken in this draft. He was a first-team All-American last season, finishing with four interceptions and seven passes defended while also holding opposing QBs to a 53.6 passer rating (PFF). 

With the departure of Sauce Gardner, McCoy would be a huge addition to New York’s secondary.

19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Sadiq is the best tight end in the draft, and it’s not close. He can run, block well and has great hands. His eight receiving touchdowns was the most of any tight end in FBS, making him a big-time red zone threat, as well.

Carolina could go with a defensive player here, but quarterback Bryce Young has taken a huge step this year. A lot of that progress has to do with the addition of wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in last year’s draft. Expect the Panthers to continue to give their young QB offensive weapons. 

Kenyon Sadiq is likely to be the first tight end taken in the 2026 draft. (Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

It’s still unclear if he’ll return to school, but Simpson is the clear No. 3 QB in this draft. He’s had a mix of incredible games along with some terrible ones, but his decisiveness and accuracy are tools teams can work with. On the year, he’s thrown for 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also just took down a vaunted Oklahoma defense on the road in the first round of the CFP. 

Regardless of whether the Steelers re-sign Aaron Rodgers, they’ll need to draft a quarterback at some point in this draft. Simpson would be a good pick, and Pittsburgh would be a solid landing spot.

21. Dallas Cowboys: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland both dealt with injuries this season, and the Cowboys defense is giving up 253.6 passing yards per game, which is the worst mark in the league. 

Cisse is a tough corner who isn’t afraid to tackle and has 10 passes defended over the past two seasons, and he gave up just 18 receptions and one TD in 2025 (PFF).

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Yup, Fano isn’t the only stud offensive lineman for the Utes. Lomu gave up just two sacks in 807 pass-blocking snaps over the past two seasons and is a high-ceiling prospect, having just 28 collegiate games under his belt. 

Despite Lane Johnson’s dominance, he’s 35 years old and likely doesn’t have too many years left. Lomu is a more game-ready version of Jordan Mailata, who the Eagles drafted in 2018 as a project player and made First Team All-Pro last season.

23. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Sheldon Rankins has been a surprising bright spot this season, but he’s 31 years old and on a one-year deal. McDonald has been an absolute monster in the middle of Ohio State’s defensive line, which is holding opponents to 8.2 points per game and 84.5 rush yards per game. 

The 6-foot-3, 326-pound defensive tackle has three sacks and two forced fumbles on the year. 

24. Buffalo Bills: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

It’s amazing what Josh Allen has done despite not having a go-to deep threat in Buffalo. While Keon Coleman has shown flashes, he hasn’t been consistent or reliable enough. 

Lemon won this year’s Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the best wide receiver in college football. He can also play in the slot and is tough to tackle, having also rushed for two scores on the year. In fact, he’s the only player in all of FBS to have caught 10 touchdowns and have multiple rushing scores, as well. 

Makai Lemon is coming off another stellar season for USC. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

25. Los Angeles Chargers: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

Uigagalelei is an ultra-strong player at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, and he posted a whopping 10.5 sacks in 2024 with five so far this year. He can play both inside and out, possessing all the tools to be a dominant run stopper and pass rusher. 

He has “John Harbaugh player” written all over him.

26. San Francisco 49ers: A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon

Washington has quickly risen up draft boards after a dominant campaign with the Ducks in his first season as a full-time starter, exhibiting elite power and quickness for someone who’s 6-foot-3, 330 pounds. If he can continue to build on his season with some dominant run-stopping play in the CFP, he could find himself in the top 20 by April.

27. Cleveland Browns: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson could easily go top 10 or 15 in this draft, depending on how badly teams want a receiver. Tate is the clear-cut No. 1 receiver, though, so expect Tyson to fall into the end of the first round as most teams need help in the trenches or on defense. 

Tyson is a big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, and he catches everything thrown at him, serving as just the type of explosive playmaker Cleveland so desperately needs. In two seasons with ASU, he’s caught 136 balls for 1,812 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns.

28. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

It’s not often you see an interior lineman lead your team in pressures, but that’s just what Banks did for Florida in 2024 with 29. He also added 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He only played three games this season due to injury, but he has all the tools to dominate at the next level with his 6-foot-6, 330-pound frame. This would be a steal for the Rams to add to a defense that already features several young stars.

29. Chicago Bears: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

Overton fits the mold of all the past Alabama defensive linemen over the past decade in that he’s incredibly athletic, nasty, physical and relentless. 

At 6-foot-5, 283 pounds, he can play inside and can thrive in multiple schemes. Chicago can go with an offensive player here, but Overton has the potential to be a game-wrecker for it if he’s available. 

30. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Like most of Clemson’s stars this season, Parker had a less productive 2025, only finishing with five sacks and 37 tackles. His 2024 tape is undeniable, though, with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles. He’s showcased above-average bend during his time at Clemson and can also drop in coverage. Parker’s 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023 were also a school record for a true freshman. 

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel could very well fulfill all the potential scouts saw in him going into the season. 

31. Seattle Seahawks: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Howell ranks fourth in FBS in sacks since 2022 with 27 to his name in that span, but he’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-2, 248 pounds. Still, he has an incredible burst off the edge and would be a great supplement to 33-year-old DeMarcus Lawrence, who has two years left on his contract with Seattle. 

32. Denver Broncos: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

There isn’t much Denver needs, currently sitting at 13-3. But Ioane is easily the best guard in the draft and could be a steal for them, as Ben Powers only has one year left on his contract after 2025. 

This season, Ioane was the only Big Ten guard to play 300+ pass blocking snaps, record a pass block grade of 87+ and not give up a single sack or QB hit.

No. 1 Overall Pick Odds:

Fernando Mendoza: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Dante Moore: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Rueben Bain Jr.: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Arvell Reese: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Ty Simpson: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Keldric Faulk: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Jordyn Tyson: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Francis Mauigoa: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
T.J. Parker: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Spencer Fano: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Peter Woods: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
David Bailey: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Cashius Howell: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Garrett Nussmeier: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Drew Allar: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Carson Beck: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Carnell Tate: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Caleb Downs: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)

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Drew Mestemaker finished this season as the most-productive single passer in college football, and now the former North Texas quarterback is poised to enter the transfer portal, setting off a bonanza to secure one of the nation’s most consequential players.

What college football programs are expected to be involved in the bidding? When considering an ideal matchup pairing, one major SEC program currently sticks out.

On3 Sports analyst Kaiden Smith outlined what he thinks is the best destination for both parties.

Mestemaker to Rocky Top?

“If you’re Tennessee, you have this excellent track record with this offense, with transfer quarterbacks. Why not get a guy who you can get a couple years out of, as well?” Smith said. 

“Parlay your offense and your transfer success with a guy who apparently is very early on his football journey in general,” he added.

What Mestemaker has done

Mestemaker led the FBS with 4,129 passing yards and was third in passer rating, placing behind just Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and finalist Julian Sayin.

He completed 70 percent of his pass attempts with 31 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions, being named the American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, leading North Texas to an appearance in the league title game.

But head coach Eric Morris left the school and took the same position at Oklahoma State, so that program could emerge as a contender for the quarterback.

Tennessee’s recent success

Recruiting transfer quarterbacks is something Tennessee has done well over the last several seasons, bringing on Hendon Hooker and then Joey Aguilar to lead productive offenses.

But both those players didn’t get to suit up for the Vols for too long. Bringing on Mestemaker would represent a longer-term investment in a very promising player.

“I think this is a guy that not only would fit perfectly with the scheme, with how quickly players have been able to understand the scheme,” Smith said. 

He added: “You get a full offseason with him. But he can maybe build on that and build on that for years to come as just a redshirt freshman.”

Where the Vols are at QB

Aguilar is about to exhaust his NCAA eligibility and with precious little experience remaining on its quarterback depth chart, Tennessee is very much in the market for a signal caller with proven experience as a starter.

Aguilar is likely on the way out and redshirt freshman Jake Merlinger is planning to enter the transfer portal.

That leaves George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon on the Volunteers’ expected quarterback depth chart heading into 2026.

MacIntyre has played in just two games, going 7 of 9 passing with 69 yards, and Brandon was a five-star commitment in the 2026 class, but with no NCAA experience.

Tennessee could look at Mestemaker as a proven commodity worth going after now rather than waiting for their prospects to develop.

Mestemaker is only a redshirt freshman with three seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining. Tennessee going after him could potentially inspire both MacIntyre and ultimately Brandon to leave the program.

So the question for the Vols would be if he’s worth that risk.

How the college football transfer portal works

College football’s transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2, but that hasn’t stopped a flurry of players from entering their names for consideration at a new school right now.

The new 15-day transfer portal window from Jan. 2-16 and the elimination of the spring transfer period has condensed the timeline for players and programs to make their moves.

The NCAA Transfer Portal is a private database that includes the names of student-athletes in every sport at the Division I, II, and III levels. The full list of names is not available to the public.

A player can enter their name into the transfer portal through their school’s compliance office.

Once a player gives written notification of their intent to transfer, the office puts the player’s name into the database, and they officially become a transfer.

The compliance office has 48 hours to comply with the player’s request and NCAA rules forbid anyone from refusing that request.

The database includes the player’s name, contact information, info on whether the player was on scholarship, and if he is a graduate student.

Once a player’s name appears in the transfer portal database, other schools are free to contact the player, who can change his mind at any point in the process and withdraw from the transfer portal.

Notably, once a player enters the portal, his school no longer has to honor the athletic scholarship it gave him.

And if that player decides to leave the portal and return to his original school, the school doesn’t have to give him another scholarship.

(On3)

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

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With roster management and player retention a big part of coaches’ jobs, Duke’s Manny Diaz had some good news to share at Christmastime: Quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate are both returning for the 2026 football season.

Mensah, a redshirt sophomore this season and the ACC’s leading passer, had talked with Diaz and others about his NFL possibilities. But the former Tulane transfer decided to come back for a second year with the Blue Devils, where he again is expected to receive one of the top NIL packages in college football.

Barkate, who transferred to Duke from Harvard before last season, had 68 catches for 1,069 yards for the 2025 ACC champions, averaging 15.7 yards a grab, and scored six touchdowns.

The Blue Devils, who face Arizona State in the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, had just three players miss bowl practices, according to Diaz. One was offensive tackle Brian Parker II, who announced he would leave Duke early to enter the NFL Draft. Cornerback Chandler Rivers and defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr., also are preparing for the 2026 draft.

Duke also has another departure: running backs coach Chris Foster, who has joined the Florida staff after one year on the Diaz staff.

“The situation is always fluid, but I expect our retention rate to be very good, again,” Diaz said. Here’s a look at who the Devils will have leaving when the NCAA transfer portal opens Jan. 2:

Entering the portal

RB Peyton Jones: Became something of a forgotten man in the offense in 2025 with the emergence of Nate Sheppard and power running of transfer Anderson Castle. Played in four games after being Star Thomas’ backup in 2024 and rushing for 317 yards.

TE Vance Bolyard: The redshirt sophomore from Greensboro was used primarily on special teams in 2025. Played in 10 games in 2024.

OL Jack Small: A redshirt freshman this year, the 6-6, 300-pounder was used in just two games.

S Kenzy Paul: Redshirt junior saw little action in the secondary this season, playing in one game, the win over Clemson.

S Maliki Wright: Did not play as a freshman this past season.

CB Kyren Condoll: The California native played in one game in 2024 and again saw little action this season.

CB Vontae Floyd: Limited to three games because of injury in 2025, the sophomore played in 11 games in 2024 and was one of four true freshmen to letter for Devils.

DT Terry Simmons Jr.: The redshirt sophomore, a 6-2, 305-pounder, played nine games in 2025 as a backup defensive tackle and was at Duke for three seasons.

NORMAN – For University of Oklahoma defensive lineman Danny Okoye, his current spot – as the face of a social media campaign seeking to spread awareness of a life-saving drug for those who have overdosed on opioids – was a case of fortuitous timing.

Okoye is the first of a series of OU student-athletes who will participate in an NIL (name, image and likeness) deal with the nonprofit HarborPath of Charlotte, North Carolina, to promote Narcan, the brand name under which the generic drug naloxone is distributed.