2026 NFL Draft: 16 Prospects Head to Pittsburgh, Including Ty Simpson and Jeremiyah Love

Sixteen elite college prospects have accepted invitations to attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, with the event kicking off on April 23. Among them are some of the most anticipated names in this year's class, including Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Ohio State leads the way with five representatives, followed by Alabama and Miami with two each.

Ty Simpson is expected to be the second quarterback selected in the first round, following Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, who is projected to go first overall. Simpson, who led Alabama to a 12-1 record as a senior, has the arm strength and mobility to compare to a young Russell Wilson. His 18 touchdowns and just five interceptions in the 2025 College Football Playoff Final showcased his poise under pressure.

Also making the trip to Pittsburgh is Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for over 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns during his senior season at Notre Dame. Love's combination of speed and power makes him a top-tier RB prospect, with scouts drawing comparisons to Christian McCaffrey. His presence adds another dynamic element to a loaded running back class.

Among the defensive prospects, Ohio State's Arvell Reese and Texas Tech's David Bailey are expected to be among the first off the board. Reese, a 6'4", 255-pound edge rusher, had 12.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in 2025, while Bailey, at 6'3" and 240 pounds, recorded 9 sacks and 17 tackles for loss for Texas Tech. Both players are projected to go in the top 15.

The secondary is also well-represented, with LSU's Mansoor Delane and Tennessee's Colton Hood both expected to be first-round picks. Delane, a 6'1", 205-pound corner, had two interceptions and seven passes defensed in the 2025 season, while Hood, a 6'0", 200-pound safety, totaled 73 tackles and 4 interceptions.

Offensive linemen Francis Mauigoa of Miami and Kadyn Proctor of Alabama are also expected to be selected in the first round. Mauigoa, a 6'5", 315-pound tackle, anchored a top-10 offense for the Hurricanes, while Proctor, a 6'5", 310-pound guard, was a key piece of Alabama's dominant run game.

The 2026 NFL Draft will begin with Round 1 on April 23, followed by Rounds 2-3 on April 24 and Rounds 4-7 on April 25. Teams will look to fill key needs with this deep and talented class.