The Road to Pittsburgh: 2026 NFL Draft Storylines

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As the NFL Scouting Combine kicks off today in Indianapolis, the road to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh is officially in high gear. While the 2025 class was defined by its depth at wide receiver, the 2026 storylines are dominated by a “unicorn” quarterback and some notable absences.

Here are the primary storylines to watch:

1. The “Mendoza Tier”: A Foregone Conclusion at No. 1?

The biggest story is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. After a historic 2025 season where he led the Hoosiers to a National Championship and won the Heisman Trophy, Mendoza has separated himself from the field.

The Raiders’ Prize: The Las Vegas Raiders (3–14) hold the No. 1 overall pick and are almost universally projected to take Mendoza.
The Profile: Standing 6’5″, scouts are enamored with his “back-shoulder” accuracy and toughness. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has compared his competitive nature and arm talent to a young Matt Ryan.

2. The “Arch” Effect: A Gap in the Class

For over a year, many anticipated 2026 would be the “Arch Manning Draft.” However, the deadline for underclassmen to declare has passed, and Arch Manning officially opted to return to Texas for his redshirt junior season in 2026.

Impact: Manning’s return, along with high-profile stars like Nico Iamaleava (UCLA) and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) staying in school, has left the 2026 quarterback class looking relatively thin behind Mendoza and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

3. The “Elite Eight” Defenders

If the 2025 Draft was for the offensive coordinators, 2026 is for the defensive gurus. Several defensive prospects are being touted as “blue-chip” locks for the top 10:

Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State): A sideline-to-sideline terror projected to go as high as No. 2 to the New York Jets.
Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami): A “bowling ball” pass rusher who is already being compared to a young Khalil Mack.
Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State): Considered by many to be the best pure football player in the class regardless of position.

4. Running Backs Resurgent: Jeremiyah Love

The “don’t draft RBs in the first round” mantra is being tested by Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and elite receiving metrics, Love is considered a lock for the top 15. Teams like the Commanders (No. 7) and Saints (No. 8) are being closely watched as potential landing spots.

2026 Draft Season Key Dates

Event	Date	Location
NFL Scouting Combine	Feb 23 – March 2, 2026	Indianapolis, IN
Free Agency Begins	March 11, 2026	League-wide
NFL Draft: Round 1	April 23, 2026	Pittsburgh, PA
NFL Draft: Rounds 2-7	April 24–25, 2026	Pittsburgh, PA

The Steel City Stage

Pittsburgh is preparing for a record-breaking fan turnout. The Draft Theater will be set up on the North Shore outside Acrisure Stadium, while the NFL Draft Experience fan festival will take over Point State Park, connecting the two via the city’s iconic bridges