Way-too-early top 10 Big 12 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft

USA Today

29-04-2025

Way-too-early top 10 Big 12 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft
The dust is still settling on the 2025 NFL Draft, which can only mean one thing: it's time to look ahead to the 2026 NFL draft.
The Big 12 produced 31 draftees from its 16 teams in the past two drafts. How many will be selected in 2026 remains to be seen, but there's already a shortlist of candidates. There's plenty of talent to be plucked from the conference, which just produced two top-10 picks in 2025.
Here's a way-too-early rankings of the top Big 12 prospects for the 2026 NFL draft:
10. RB Jahiem White, West Virginia
After 25 running backs went in the 2025 NFL draft, it's safe to say that the league is looking for more talent at the position. While White was inconsistent last season, the Mountaineer back is capable of so much more and came into his own at the end of the year.
At 5-foot-7, White is a tad undersized for the NFL, but it'll be hard to turn away his vision and cutback ability, which can translate to the NFL with ease. He'll need to truly break out next season, but don't be surprised to find him on NFL watchlists later this year.
9. RB Bryson Washington, Baylor
While it might be unlikely Washington declares for the 2026 NFL draft after his redshirt sophomore season, if he continues where he left off last season, he might need to give it some thought. He had the best freshman rushing season in Baylor's history, with 1,028 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
The sturdy 6-foot back introduced himself to the Big 12 with 116 yards on just 10 attempts against Texas Tech, which ignited a spark that saw Washington go for over 100 yards in five of the Bears' last six regular-season games. Washington is a talented back with some receiving ability, which could make him appealing to NFL teams.
8. LB Lander Barton, Utah
Brother to Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton, the Utah linebacker emerged late last season as a key part of the Utes' defense. Barton started all 12 games last season, totaling 72 tackles, five tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.
The 2022 Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year is certainly an NFL-level athlete, showing elite quickness and burst in coverage and when blitzing. Look no further than his 87-yard pick-six against Iowa State last season as a showcase of his instincts and athleticism.
7. CB DJ McKinney, Colorado
With the loss of Travis Hunter to the NFL, Colorado is looking for someone to fill his shoes, so why not pick the Buffalo defender who played more defensive snaps than anyone else? McKinney started all 13 games for Colorado last season, but like most on this list so far, played exceptionally down the stretch.
McKinney finished with three interceptions, all of which came in the final four games of last season, and 61 total tackles. The Buffalo's corner has enough speed to hang with receivers down the field and has excellent instincts, especially sniffing out screens.
6. QB Rocco Becht, Iowa State
Becht turned a lot of heads with his performance against the eventual No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward in the Pop Tart Bowl last December. After taking over the starting role two seasons ago, he's thrown for 48 touchdowns and just 17 interceptions over that span.
While the 2026 class is loaded with star Power 4 quarterbacks, and he has another year of eligibility beyond 2025, Becht might be a surprise player high up on draft boards. However, he's got the pocket presence and accuracy to be an NFL prospect.
5. OL Caleb Lomu, Utah
A mountain of a human, standing at 6-foot-6 and 304 pounds, Lomu started 12 games at left tackle for the Utes last season. Lomu was chosen as a Midseason Freshman All-American by The Athletic during 2024 and projects to have an even better 2025.
A 4-star recruit out of high school, Lomu helped Utah average 329 yards per game with nearly 130 of that coming on the ground. Lomu is another player with eligibility left, but a stellar season could catapult him onto the NFL draft radar.
4. Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
While this whole list is projecting out, this might be the most far-reaching of them all. Bailey hasn't even taken a snap for Texas Tech, but if he can continue what he started at Stanford, he'll be a name every Big 12 fan knows in no time.
Last season with Stanford, Bailey led the Cardinal with eight tackles for loss, seven sacks, five forced fumbles and a 90.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. Bailey is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line, and a breakout season could see him shoot to the top of next year's draft.
3. QB Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
One of the driving forces behind Arizona State's Big 12 title run, Leavitt took a big step forward last season, throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns. Leavitt's best trait is his legs. Last season, he had 443 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
He'll have to improve on avoiding taking too many sacks, with 19 last season, but with an up-and-coming Arizona State team, he should be capable of making a significant jump.
2. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
If there's anyone who can help Leavitt develop, it'll be Tyson, Arizona State's star wideout. The Sun Devil caught fire at the end of last season, ultimately hauling in 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Before his season was cut short due to injury, Tyson recorded three straight 120+ receiving yard games. If Tyson can put together a full season that he proved he is capable of, he'll find himself in the top 10 of the draft.
1. OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Already a top-10 projected pick in several 2026 mock drafts, Fano was an All-American and a first-team All-Big 12 selection last season. Fano has shown position versatility playing 11 games at left tackle and 13 at right tackle over his two seasons starting for the Utes.
An elite athlete, Fano excels in the run-blocking game, getting out in space to block defenders at the second level. At 6-foot-6, 302 pounds, Fano might be the top tackle in the 2026 class.
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