"We're identifying each player in the playoff who could be selected in the upcoming draft and which round they'd fit best right now, giving brief breakdowns on prospects graded in the first three rounds. These players' draft stocks aren't etched in stone; they can all rise or fall during playoff action and the predraft process. But this is where things stand right now and a good picture of which teams could be sending a bunch of top talent to the early rounds of the draft."
"Mendoza is currently my top quarterback in the 2026 class thanks to his poise, pocket presence and ability to throw guys open and trust them to make plays. The Heisman winner is a lot like Jared Goff in that way. Teams love Mendoza's smart decision-making. He has good enough arm strength and just enough mobility to extend plays. Mendoza threw for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns while registering an 88.3 QBR (third in the FBS). He's very much in play for the No. 1 pick."
The 12-team College Football Playoff begins with on-campus first-round games and features many 2026 NFL draft prospects among the top 12 teams. Each playoff team’s potential draftees are identified and slotted by projected round, with brief breakdowns for prospects currently graded in the first three rounds. Draft stocks can change during playoff games and the predraft process. Alabama enters as the lone unbeaten team and No. 1 seed, holding a first-round bye and a 25.9% FPI chance to win the national title. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is evaluated as a top-graded 2026 prospect with Heisman credentials and top-pick upside.
Read at ESPN.com
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