It’s also the beginning of a year-long chance for players to build their résumé ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Of note, Texas redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning is not included due to a lack of sample size and the belief that he’ll return to school for the 2026 season.

Arch Manning and Shedeur Sanders on the same roster sure would draw attention to the Browns if this NFL mock draft happens

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Field Yates put together his Round 1 mock draft for the 2026 event, and he included 11 SEC football standouts in the first 32 picks. That’s a lower number than we’ve seen the SEC produce in recent years, so we’ll see if more guys work their way into the Round 1 mix this fall.