The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in Pittsburgh from April 23 to April 25. Although presumed No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza will not be attending, 16 promising prospects have confirmed their participation.
Confirmed Prospects Attending the 2026 NFL Draft
- Ohio State:
- Caleb Downs
- Kayden McDonald
- Arvell Reese
- Sonny Styles
- Carnell Tate
- Alabama:
- Kadyn Proctor
- Ty Simpson
- Miami:
- Rueben Bain Jr.
- Francis Mauigoa
- Texas Tech:
- David Bailey
- LSU:
- Mansoor Delane
- Auburn:
- Keldric Faulk
- Tennessee:
- Colton Hood
- USC:
- Makai Lemon
- Notre Dame:
- Jeremiyah Love
- Arizona State:
- Jordyn Tyson
Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback for Indiana, will be watching from home with family. This represents a growing trend among players opting out of attending the draft in person.
Trends in NFL Draft Attendance
The NFL Draft has seen fluctuating attendance numbers in recent years. Following a record of 30 players in 2014, the event moved to virtual formats during the pandemic, impacting in-person attendance.
Recent Attendance Numbers
| Year | Location | Number of Attendees |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Las Vegas | 21 |
| 2023 | Kansas City | 17 |
| 2024 | Detroit | 13 |
| 2025 | Green Bay | 15 |
| 2026 | Pittsburgh | 16 (Confirmed) |
This year’s attendees are expected to be drafted within the first 32 picks. Ty Simpson stands out as the lowest-ranked player among them. However, he holds the title of the second-best quarterback in this class, making him an attractive option for teams in need of a QB.
Meanwhile, Mendoza is likely to become the sixth No. 1 overall pick to watch the draft away from the venue since 2017. Notable past top picks, including Joe Burrow and Myles Garrett, have also chosen this route.
