The Big 12 produced 31 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including two top 10 selections, cornerback Travis Hunter and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, highlighting the conference’s ability to develop elite talent. Looking ahead, the 2026 NFL Draft class out of the Big 12 looks even stronger, featuring four players with first round grades, including three offensive prospects. This group also offers solid depth with multiple players projected as valuable Day 3 picks.
All-Big 12 NFL Draft Offense
Quarterback: Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: First Round
Ideal NFL Team: Los Angeles Rams
Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt was one of college football’s breakout stars last season, earning Big 12 Freshman/Newcomer of the Year honors after transferring from Michigan State. Leavitt is a natural fit for Sean McVay’s offense thanks to his pocket mobility, clean decision-making, and ability to throw accurately off-platform. With Matthew Stafford likely in the final stretch of his career, Leavitt could be an ideal long-term successor for the Rams.
Running Back: Dylan Edwards, Kansas State
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Sixth Round
Ideal NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals
While Kansas State’s Dylan Edwards is one of the smaller running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft, he is one of the bigger playmakers in the running back class. Last season, he led all Power Four running backs with at least 70 carries by averaging 7.4 yards per attempt and is also a dangerous weapon in the passing game. He would make a great change of pace back to Chase Brown in Cincinnati.
Wide Receiver: Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: First Round
Ideal NFL Team: Cleveland Browns
The second Arizona State Sun Devil to make the list is wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Last season, he was the focal point of the Sun Devils’ passing game, accounting for 54% of their total receiving yards and earning third-team All-American honors. The Browns are in serious need of help at the position beyond Jerry Jeudy, with Pro Football Focus ranking their receiving corps as the worst in the NFL. Tyson’s production and reliability make him an ideal addition to Cleveland’s offense.
Jordyn Tyson. What a catch for @ASUFootball 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/4QoArOJYyj
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 30, 2024
Wide Receiver: Josh Cameron, Baylor
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Fifth Round
Ideal NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings
One of the top special teams weapons in the 2026 NFL Draft is Baylor’s Josh Cameron, a second-team All-American punt returner who averaged an explosive 20.7 yards per return last season. He also led the Bears in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, proving he’s more than just a return specialist. Cameron would immediately upgrade a Vikings punt return unit that ranked dead last in the NFL with a 6.8-yard average.
Wide Receiver: Chase Roberts, BYU
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Sixth Round
Ideal NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys
One of the weakest position groups in the Big 12 this season is wide receiver, with both Chase Roberts and Josh Cameron entering the year with Day 3 draft grades. Even so, Roberts stands out as a big, physical target who thrives in contested situations. He caught 78 percent of passes thrown to him in tight coverage according to Pro Football Focus. The Cowboys are solid at the top with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but they need better depth at the position, and Roberts could provide it.
Tight End: Joe Royer, Cincinnati
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Fourth Round
Ideal NFL Team: New York Giants
The most productive tight end in Cincinnati history for a single season is Joe Royer, who broke Travis Kelce’s record with 50 receptions. As a receiver, he’s an agile athlete who moves well for a 6-foot-5, 225-pound tight end. He also has reliable hands, recording just two drops all season. The Giants are expected to add depth at tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Royer would be a smart addition.
Offensive Tackle: Spencer Fano, Utah
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: First Round
Ideal NFL Team: New York Giants
Utah’s Spencer Fano is on track to be a top ten pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after earning All-American honors and leading all offensive tackles with a 93 PFF grade in 2024. He’s a polished technician with the power to dominate in the run game and rarely loses leverage, giving him clear All-Pro upside. The Giants would be an ideal landing spot, as they need a major upgrade at right tackle. Jermaine Eluemunor gave up 29 pressures last season, and if 2025 first-rounder Jaxson Dart is going to succeed as their quarterback of the future, protecting him will be critical.
Offensive Guard: Tanoa Togiai, Utah
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Fourth Round
Ideal NFL Team: Houston Texans
Tanoa Togiai is one of the top run blockers in the 2026 NFL Draft, showing strong explosion off the snap and a consistent ability to finish plays. He moves well for his size, can reach block with ease, and regularly climbs to the second level in the run game. With one of the worst offensive lines in the league, the Houston Texans should target a physical, athletic interior lineman like Togiai to help stabilize their front.
Center: Bryce Foster, Kansas
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Sixth Round
Ideal NFL Team: Detroit Lions
Kansas center Bryce Foster is the best two-sport athlete in the 2026 NFL Draft, earning second-team All-American honors in track for the shot put. On the football field, he was a second-team All-Big 12 selection known for his physicality, toughness, and mean streak. Those are traits that align perfectly with the gritty, aggressive mentality Dan Campbell looks for in his offensive linemen.
Offensive Guard: Xavier Hill, Colorado
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Seventh Round
Ideal NFL Team: Baltimore Ravens
Colorado added another key transfer this offseason in Xavier Hill, who earned first-team All-AAC honors at Memphis last year. Hill brings impressive power to the interior, opening run lanes with force and holding his ground well in pass protection. With offensive guard looking like a weak spot for the Ravens, targeting a physical, experienced depth piece like Hill would be a smart play.
Offensive Tackle: Caleb Lomu, Utah
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Second Round
Ideal NFL Team: San Francisco 49ers
There is no doubt who has the best offensive line in the Big 12, as Utah places three players on the Preseason All-Big 12 NFL Draft Team, led by athletic tackle Caleb Lomu. He allowed just two sacks last season and brings quick feet and high upside. If he can improve his pad level and better utilize his power, he could climb into late first-round consideration. That makes San Francisco a strong fit, especially with the 49ers potentially looking for a long-term replacement for Trent Williams.