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2026 NFL Draft Odds – Fernando Mendoza Overwhelming Favorite To Be Number 1 Pick After Indiana Success
- Fernando Mendoza is the favorite for the 2026 NFL Draft's top pick
- Rueben Bain Jr and Arvell Reese are top defensive contenders
- Trinidad Chambliss and Ty Simpson are notable QB prospects
Las Vegas will pick first in the NFL Draft (Getty Images)
A whole new class of College Football stars will be headed to the NFL this April, and there is no surprise to see who the sportsbooks are backing to be the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Fresh off leading Indiana to an historic National Championship, the bookmakers have made Fernando Mendoza the overwhelming favorite to be the first man off the board this year – but could there be a surprise on draft night?
Here are the top five contenders for the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft:
Fernando Mendoza - Quarterback
Fernando Mendoza has emerged as the most likely candidate to hear his name first on draft night. The Heisman Trophy winner capped a historic 2025 season by leading Indiana to its first College Football Playoff National Championship, completing an undefeated run with poise, accuracy, and leadership that transformed a middling mid-major program into national champions.
At 6’5” and around 225 pounds, Mendoza has the physical traits teams covet: prototypical size, a strong pocket presence, and the ability to make all the throws with efficiency. His statistical production was elite - routinely completing a high percentage of his passes while protecting the ball and leading a balanced offense. Scouts have praised his advanced processing, anticipation, and accuracy across all levels of the field, making him a ready-to-play NFL starter.
Off the field, Mendoza’s leadership and maturity have impressed evaluators - his ascent to national champion speaks to his work ethic and competitive temperament. If he continues to shine at the Combine and in pre-draft workouts, he could cement his spot as the first pick in April.
The sportsbooks have priced him as a heavy favorite in the top-pick market, with odds of -4000 that he is the first player off the board on draft night. That reflects the broad consensus that he’s the safest bet in a year where elite passers are relatively scarce.
Rueben Bain Jr – Defensive End
Rueben Bain Jr represents the most likely non-quarterback to break into first-overall pick discussion. As a powerful edge rusher for Miami, Bain was a disruptive force throughout the 2025 season, showcasing relentless motor, explosive first-step quickness, and the ability to beat tackles with both speed and power.
Bain’s athletic blend and play-impacting ability make him a standout in a class where pass rushers are in high demand. NFL scouts have noted his ability to generate consistent pressure, affect quarterbacks, and hold up in run defense - a rare combination at the edge position. His skill set projects well to various defensive schemes, increasing his value for teams needing a defensive cornerstone. However, there has been some suggestion that his arm length could put off potential suitors looking for an edge rusher.
Bain’s consistency and potentially game-changing trait package have kept him firmly in the top-five though when it comes to the betting. Should any quarterback slip in April, Bain could be the first non-signal-caller selected.
Arvell Reese – Linebacker/Defensive End
Arvell Reese has risen as a versatile hybrid linebacker/edge player whose combination of size, instinct, and pass-rushing upside makes him intriguing on draft boards. Reese’s performances for Ohio State showcased his ability to impact both the run and the pass, using natural athleticism to close quickly and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Reese’s versatility gives defensive coordinators flexibility: he can align on the edge as a blitzer or step inside as a downhill disruptor. That kind of positional flexibility is prized at the next level, especially for teams seeking dynamic defensive playmakers.
While his raw production sometimes lags behind pure edge specialists, Reese’s physical traits - including length, burst, and tackling range - are elite. He is a strong candidate to be a top-5 pick and could even see sneaky first-overall support in some mock draft scenarios.
Trinidad Chambliss - Quarterback
Operating in an Ole Miss offensive system that demands rapid processing and aggressive downfield reads, Trinidad Chambliss has shown the creativity and poise NFL teams covet in a modern quarterback.
At approximately 6’2” and 215 pounds, he brings a balanced physical profile with clear arm talent. Chambliss consistently drives the ball on intermediate and deep routes, showing touch outside the numbers and the anticipation to throw receivers open. His willingness to attack tight windows reflects confidence rather than recklessness, and his timing continues to improve as he gains experience.
Mobility is a key part of his appeal. While not a run-first quarterback, Chambliss extends plays effectively, escaping pressure and delivering accurate throws on the move. He also punishes defenses that lose contain with decisive scrambles, adding a layer of stress that enhances Ole Miss’ offensive design.
Chambliss’ command of the offense has steadily progressed. He shows growing comfort identifying coverages, adjusting protections, and managing tempo at the line of scrimmage. Though the Rebels’ scheme encourages aggressiveness, his decision-making trend points upward. However, he still remains behind Mendoza as they leading quarterback prospect.
Ty Simpson - Quarterback
Rounding out the top five is Ty Simpson, the Alabama quarterback whose stock has surged thanks to strong play against high-level competition. Simpson combines a poised pocket presence with accurate ball placement and leadership traits that fit the NFL mold.
Simpson’s rise this season has been marked by efficient decision-making, solid completion percentages, and an ability to avoid costly turnovers - all traits NFL evaluators reward. Though he may not have the same star-making accolades as some peers this year, his body of work at a premier program like Alabama and his performance in clutch moments have kept him firmly in first-round discussions.
As a quarterback with pro-ready mechanics and competitive grit, Simpson’s inclusion in the top-5 betting odds underscores his potential to become a franchise centre-piece.
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