Fernando Mendoza keeps inching closer toward locking up QB1 status, but there is a ton of uncertainty behind him in this class.

Welcome to the midway point of the 2025 season. We're now at a spot where it makes a bit more sense to roll with the current order for the 2026 NFL Draft for a fresh mock, although late surges and fall-offs could always throw wrenches into the works. But until that happens, we can move forward with the next 2026 NFL Draft mock of the year.

In Sporting News' third edition of first-round projections for the 2026 NFL Draft, four quarterbacks come off the board, along with more offensive help in the form of big blockers and big-play receivers.

Kanu is a breakout prospect with a ton of high-level reps on tape this fall in his first year as a starter. He's really shined in the run game where his ability to get off blocks has been top notch.

Can Ty Simpson join Alabama's Bryce Young as a Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 NFL draft pick? What to know of the Crimson Tide's first-year starter:

UCLA has gotten its money's worth from Nico Iamaleava this season, with the quarterback being asked to create most of the Bruins' offense

After trading Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, the Jets hold five first-rounders and endless NFL Draft possibilities