ESPN: Expected top pick Fernando Mendoza not top 5 talent in 2026 Draft

Fernando Mendoza didn't lose a game last season. He led the Indiana Hoosiers to a perfect season and a National Championship and ran away with the Heisman Trophy along the way. That season is expected to earn him the top pick in this year's draft with the Raiders poised to select him at that spot with no hesitation. But if you ask ESPN's Jordan Reid, that's not enough to land in in the top five overall prospects in this year's NFL Draft.

Reid put together a massive 500-person big board Thursday. On that list, you have to scroll a bit before you see Mendoza's name. That's because Mendoza doesn't show up until sixth in the ranking.

This is what Reid's top five looks like:

1. Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame

2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

3. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

4. Arvell Reese, ED, Ohio State

5. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Reid seems to be a big fan of the guys out of Ohio State. Especially their defenders. Which makes some sense. After all, they were the only defense last year to cool off Mendoza and hold the Indiana offense to below 20 points. That was the BigTen championship game. Ohio State still lost that game 13-10 and went on to lose to Miami in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile Mendoza caught fire to blow away the field on the way to the National Championship.

What it comes down to here is Mendoza is far and away the top QB in this class. And QB reigns surpreme in the NFL. The Raiders -- and a few other teams -- need one, so he will go at number one overall. So, I suppose give the other top draft talent their flowers?