The Big Ten continues to be one of college football’s premier NFL pipelines, producing 71 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including six first-rounders. Three of those, Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, and Colston Loveland, went in the top ten.
This upcoming draft class is just as loaded. Seven Big Ten players carry first-round grades on my board entering the season, and 54 total players hold draftable grades. That number will climb as others emerge, especially first-time starters. Below is the All-Big Ten NFL Draft offense. Each player listed is the top draft prospect at their position, along with a realistic NFL landing spot.
Note: The defensive team drops Saturday.
All-Big Ten NFL Draft offense
Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Ideal NFL Team: Indianapolis Colts
It might surprise some that Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza gets the nod over Penn State’s Drew Allar as the top NFL quarterback prospect in the Big Ten, but Mendoza brings a higher ceiling. He’s a significantly better athlete than Allar and still offers a polished skill set as a passer. Mendoza displays impressive arm strength and accuracy, making him a legitimate dual-threat option at the next level. In my latest mock draft, I had the Indianapolis Colts selecting him, and I stand by that choice. Neither Anthony Richardson nor Daniel Jones looks like a long-term answer under center for Indy.
Running Back: Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Ideal NFL Team: Chicago Bears
One of the most dynamic running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft is Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton, who broke off 18 runs of 15+ yards on 172 carries last season. He also brings value as a receiver, hauling in 41 passes and leading the Big Ten in all-purpose yards. The Chicago Bears were rumored to be targeting a running back early in the 2025 NFL Draft, but waited until the seventh round to take one. That decision could set the stage for them to invest in a top-tier back like Singleton in Round 2 of the 2026 draft.
HE IS GONE!!! 💨
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2024
Nick Singleton breaks away and gets the TD for @PennStateFball! pic.twitter.com/yZMkgFPbhj
Wide Receiver: Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Ideal NFL Team: New England Patriots
Ohio State has produced a first-round wide receiver in each of the past four drafts, and Carnell Tate is a strong bet to extend that streak. The 6-foot-3 receiver brings a physical presence with his strength, reliable hands, and focus in contested catch situations. He’s built to thrive in traffic and shows the potential to become a go-to target for Drake Maye in New England within the next couple of seasons.
Wide Receiver: Denzel Boston, Washington
Ideal NFL Team: New York Jets
The New York Jets are another AFC East team in serious need of wide receiver help. Outside of Garrett Wilson, the depth chart is thin, especially after releasing Davante Adams this offseason. Washington’s Denzel Boston fits the bill as a big, physical target who can complement Wilson well. His size, catch radius, and ability to win in contested situations make him an ideal addition to the Jets’ passing game.
Slot Receiver: Makai Lemon, USC
Ideal NFL Team: Miami Dolphins
USC’s Makai Lemon is a versatile weapon who can contribute both on offense and special teams. He led the Trojans in receptions and receiving yards last season and averaged an eye-popping 27.1 yards per kick return. His most impressive trait is his reliable hands, having dropped just one pass all year. While Miami is set on the outside with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Lemon could be the perfect addition in the slot to round out one of the league’s most explosive receiving corps.
Tight End: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Ideal NFL Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Kenyon Sadiq saw limited snaps last season at Oregon while backing up Terrance Ferguson, a 2025 second-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams. Still, Sadiq made the most of his opportunities, hauling in 24 passes and earning top-15 grades from Pro Football Focus as both a receiver and run blocker, one of only two tight ends to do so. With his balanced skill set and upside, he could develop into a reliable target for Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville.
Offensive Tackle: Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
Ideal NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys
Northwestern has quietly built a strong track record of developing quality offensive linemen, and their next top prospect is Caleb Tiernan. With experience at both left and right tackle, Tiernan allowed just one sack last season and went eight consecutive games without surrendering a single quarterback hit. He could be a strong candidate to replace Tyler Guyton in Dallas.
Offensive Guard: Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Ideal NFL Team: Baltimore Ravens
It appears Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele will begin the season as the Ravens' starting guards. Given both struggled last year, interior offensive line could become a priority in the 2026 NFL Draft. Emmanuel Pregnon, a big and physical lineman, brings the kind of power and run-blocking presence Baltimore covets and could be a strong mid-round addition to their offensive front.
Center: Logan Jones, Iowa
Ideal NFL Team: Indianapolis Colts
By the time my evaluations are complete for the 2026 NFL Draft class, there’s a strong chance Iowa’s Logan Jones will be the top center on the board. A first-team All-Big Ten selection, Jones led all Power Four centers with an 83.6 overall PFF grade and an 82.3 run-blocking grade. What sets him apart is his high football IQ, physical playing style as he consistently battles through the whistle, and his mobility, which allows him to reach the second level with ease. He would be a clear day-one upgrade over Tanor Bortolini in Indianapolis.
Offensive Guard: Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Ideal NFL Team: Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears upgraded the interior of their offensive line by signing Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, but they’ll likely look to add depth in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. One prospect who fits their mold is Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane, a big, physical lineman who matches the aggressive blocking style favored by Ben Johnson.
Offensive Tackle: Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State
Ideal NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks
One of the top players in this year’s transfer portal was Rice offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa, who landed at Ohio State. What stands out most about Onianwa is his impressive strength, and at 6-foot-6, 335 pounds, he physically resembles former Browns tackle Orlando Brown. With the Seahawks, he could kick inside to right guard, an area of need for the team, and bring immediate power and size to the interior offensive line.