Top NFL Draft Prospects Headed to Pittsburgh for 2026 Event

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza will not attend, but 16 other top picks are set to take the stage.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:56pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the energy and excitement of the NFL Draft, with geometric shapes and planes in shades of navy, green, and orange representing the various players, teams, and action of the event.The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will showcase a new generation of top football talent, with 16 elite prospects set to take the stage.Miami Today

The NFL has announced the 16 top prospects who will attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh from April 23-25. Notable names include Ohio State's Arvell Reese, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, and Alabama's Ty Simpson, but projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza of Indiana will not be present, opting to celebrate with family in Miami instead.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is one of the league's biggest events, providing fans a first glimpse of the future stars who will shape the next generation of professional football. While Mendoza's absence is surprising, the strong list of attendees suggests the 2026 class is loaded with top-tier talent across multiple positions.

The details

The 16 players attending the 2026 NFL Draft in order of their projected draft position are: Arvell Reese (EDGE, Ohio State), Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State), Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame), Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State), David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech), Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU), Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State), Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami), Francis Mauigoa (OL, Miami), Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn), Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State), Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee), Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State), Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama), Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama), and Makai Lemon (WR, USC).

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
  • The first round will take place on Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET.
  • Rounds 2-3 will be held on Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. ET.
  • Rounds 4-7 will proceed on Saturday, April 25 at 12 p.m. ET.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The projected No. 1 overall pick, a quarterback from Indiana, has announced he will not attend the draft and will instead celebrate with family and friends in Miami.

Arvell Reese

An EDGE rusher from Ohio State who is projected to be one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back from Notre Dame who is expected to be among the first-round selections.

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver from Ohio State who is also projected to be an early pick in the 2026 draft.

Ty Simpson

A quarterback from Alabama who will be in attendance at the draft in Pittsburgh.

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What’s next

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET, with rounds 2-3 on Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. ET and rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 25 at 12 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

While the absence of projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza is surprising, the strong list of top prospects attending the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh suggests this class is loaded with elite talent across multiple positions that will shape the future of the league.