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There will be 12 teams participating in the College Football Playoff, bringing together many future NFL talents. While it’s probably no surprise that Ohio State’s loaded team is dominated by pro prospects, 18 of The Sporting News’ 32 first-round predictions involve CFP action.
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The Buckeyes lead the way with five such picks, with Georgia, Oregon State, Texas A&M, Alabama and Miami also having multiple selections on Day One. Indiana, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are also on the board. That’s incredible representation from three-quarters of CFP teams, which also includes all three quarterbacks and four of the first five overall draft picks.
This is The Sporting News’ latest NFL mock draft ahead of the 2025 College Football Playoff.
More: The Bills and 49ers rise, and the Packers gradually fade away in the latest SN power rankings
2026 NFL Mock Draft 4.0
(Orders 1-18 courtesy of Tankathon; Orders 19-32 from Week 16 playoff pictures)
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1. New York Giants
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Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)
The Giants, if they stay No. 1 overall and don’t trade this pick to a team that wants a quarterback, then they should consider Reese as an all-around force to address many of their defensive issues and avoid a fairly effective pass rush.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
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Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 225 pounds)
The Raiders aren’t happy with their quarterback situation behind Derek Carr, with Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett screaming that they need to find a real, strong, accurate solution for the franchise’s passing game. Mendoza’s arm and intangibles look like a good fit for the role, two things that should appeal to Tom Brady’s influence.
More: How Fernando Mendoza beat Diego Pavia, Jeremiyah Love, Julian Sayin to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy
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3. Tennessee Titans
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Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-3, 275 pounds)
The Titans are also no longer in need of a quarterback after taking Cam Ward No. 1 last year, but they could return to the Hurricanes program to acquire the game-changing pass rusher they desperately need in the latest defensive reboot.
4. Cleveland Browns
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Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 200 lbs.)
The Browns need to stop messing around at the wide receiver position and provide Shadre Sanders or another starting quarterback with a true full-field offense, whether in the slot or out wide, in the style of Amon-La St. Brown and Jaxon Smith-Ngiba, who just lack the hyphen.
5. New York Jets
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Dante Moore, QB, Oregon State (6-3, 206 pounds)
Moore has the leadership and intangibles to be New York’s next franchise quarterback, but he also has a savvy and powerful arm. They also need to acquire a true long-term option after the failure of Justin Fields.
Dante Moore
Troy Verinen/USA TODAY NETWORK
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6. Arizona Cardinals
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Jeremiyah Love, running back, Notre Dame (6-0, 214 pounds)
The Cardinals saw the implosion of impending free agent James Conner early on and had a committee trying to replace him fall into unhealthy disarray. This may seem like a luxury for a team with a lot of needs, but they could get some help at tackle down the road, and Love could be a game-changer in restoring balance and extending explosiveness.
7. New Orleans Saints
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Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 195 lbs.)
If the Saints continue to use Tyler Shaw at quarterback, they’ll need to give him more weapons after depleting their receiving corps outside of Chris Olave. If Shaw shows huge improvement, Kellen Moore can foresee Lemmon becoming DeVonta Smith to Olave’s A.J. Brown.
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More: Sporting News expert predictions for 2025 College Football Playoff
8. Commander Washington
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Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 205 pounds)
After things fell apart in the secondary and around linebacker Bobby Wagner, the play-callers needed to get younger and more impactful on defense. Towns is a great all-around hybrid who will play a lot of important roles in Dan Quinn’s scheme.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
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Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-3, 315 pounds)
The Bengals need to continue to strengthen their defensive line to get rid of the brutality against the run, and it doesn’t hurt to have some of Woods’ interior pass rush to bolster their final rotation.
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10. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
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Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 193 lbs.)
The Rams know cornerback coverage is their biggest weakness in a crowded lineup and will need some restructuring. They kept their strong defensive draft momentum alive with the long, tough McCoy.
11. Miami Dolphins
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Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Dolphins, who need to get more offensive line help wherever their quarterback goes, could stay in town and get a long-term all-around rock in Moygoa.
12. Kansas City Chiefs
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Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon State (6-3, 245 pounds)
The Chiefs need to feel the imminence of Travis Kelce’s retirement and can immediately start drafting his dynamic replacement at receiver to give Patrick Mahomes another boost as he returns from a torn ACL.
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More: Why now is not the time to declare the end of the Chiefs dynasty
Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq
13. Minnesota Vikings
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Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 190 lbs.)
The Vikings need to continue working on their secondary as there will be some contract issues down the road, and DeLaine isn’t far away from competing with McCoy for the top corner spot in this class.
14. Dallas Cowboys
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David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-3, 250 pounds)
The Cowboys will aim to replace Micah Parsons’ pass-rush output with the Lubbock piece, who has all the moves to get to the quarterback and the position’s unique ability to drop back in coverage.
More: Complete list of stadiums hosting the 2025 College Football Playoff
15. Baltimore Ravens
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Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 285 pounds)
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The Ravens should like this complete outside linebacker option who can provide power against the run as well as needed pass rush.
16. Carolina Panthers
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Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)
The Panthers have felt a void at linebacker for some time, and general manager Dan Morgan should be interested in taking his former position with Styles, a versatile talent who has played plenty of games here and there with Reese.
17. Detroit Lions
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Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-2, 248 pounds)
Howell could give the Lions the strong complementary pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson needs to relieve their secondary defense next season.
18. New York Jets (from Colts)
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Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 180 lbs.)
The Jets could use the pick acquired in the trade with Terrell, brother of Falcons star A.J.
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More: The latest news on quarterbacks entering the NCAA transfer portal
19. Houston Texans
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Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)
The Texans got a surprising return from rookie Aontay Eseli and the rest of their rebuilding roster, but they should be in the market for some beef in pass protection and running back with Farano at right tackle or guard.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
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TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-3, 265 pounds)
The Cowboys shouldn’t mind doubling down on pass-rush help from Parker and Bailey, as Parker can provide more traditional bursts and finishing moves from the defense to help out Matt Eberflus’s front-four Quin Williams.
21. San Francisco 49ers
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Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 195 pounds)
The 49ers appear ready to cut ties with injured Brandon Aiyuk, which means they need to find a dynamic, fast-moving big target for Brock Purdy to better utilize his ace deep passing game. Tate is a natural fit with George Kittle and Ja’an Jennings in the frontcourt.
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More: The 25 Heisman Trophy winners since 2000, ranked
Carnell Tate
22. Buffalo Bills
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Kayden McDonald, defensive tackle, Ohio State (6-3, 326 pounds)
The Bills were terrible against the run, and McDonald, the Buckeyes’ natural, physically overwhelming run stopper, hit the floor with his dominant shooting during the regular season.
23. Los Angeles Chargers
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Caleb Banks, DT, Florida State (6-6, 330 lbs.)
The Chargers could also bolster their interior to help their front seven in a variety of ways, and Banks has the power and pop to suit Jesse Minter.
24. Seattle Seahawks
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Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 190 lbs.)
The Seahawks did not trade pending free agent Rick Woolen, and they need to find a strong replacement outside to back up Devin Witherpoon. SiCee would fit seamlessly into Mike McDonald’s scheme.
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25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma (6-2, 249 pounds)
The Buccaneers should covet the explosive pass rusher who thrived in Todd Bowles’ scheme and helps restore their old prowess at the secondary level.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6-2, 208 pounds)
If Aaron Rodgers retires, the Steelers should be in the market for a starting quarterback sooner rather than later, and Simpson’s pocket passing will provide plenty of hope.
Ty Simpson
27. Philadelphia Eagles
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Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)
The Eagles have had issues at right guard this season, and Ioan would be an easy upgrade from State College to Philadelphia. Sliding from the left side position in college to starting immediately and upgrading over Tyler Steen.
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28. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
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Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-6, 304 pounds)
The Browns need to rebuild their offensive line with more reliable receivers, and Lomu would be a good initial building block, shortly after teammate Fano.
29. Chicago Bears
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Christen Miller, defensive tackle, Georgia (6-3, 305 pounds)
The Bears need to improve inside for Dennis Allen’s front line, and Miller would be the ideal guy to help solve their running game problems.
30. New England Patriots
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KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (5-11, 190 lbs.)
The Patriots should like this dynamic position because it’s a perfect fit for the offense with Josh McDaniels able to make plays in the open field after the catch and upgrade other additions in Pope Douglas and Stefon Diggs.
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31. Los Angeles Rams
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Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 366 pounds)
The Rams can once again be thinking more about the near future, with Proctor, a second first-round pick, looking solid as their future long-term tackle on the right or left side.
32. Denver Broncos
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CJ Allen, LB, Georgia (6-1, 235 pounds)
The Broncos need to cover more ground on the second level of defense, and Allen will provide the quintessential Bulldog athlete who can work well around the run and in coverage.
