The NFL has invited 16 prospects to attend the 2026 NFL Draft in person, but projected top pick Fernando Mendoza won’t be among them. The quarterback declined his invitation to be in Pittsburgh and will instead watch from his hometown of Miami.
Mendoza was the only notable prospect to turn down an invite for the draft, which takes place in less than a month.
Ohio State leads all schools with five players attending the draft in Pittsburgh. The Buckeyes will have Arvell Reese (LB), Caleb Downs (DB), Kayden McDonald (DT), Sonny Styles (LB), and Carnell Tate (WR) on hand for the event.
Both Alabama and Miami will have two representatives each. The Crimson Tide’s contingent includes quarterback Ty Simpson and tackle Kadyn Proctor. Miami will send defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.
The complete list of prospects attending includes:
• Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
• Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
• Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
• Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
• Makai Lemon, WR, USC
• Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State
• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
• David Bailey, LB, Texas Tech
• Mansoor Delane, DB, LSU
• Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
• Colton Hood, DB, Tennessee
• Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
• Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
• Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
• Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
• Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
According to draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Jordan Reid, Matt Miller, and Field Yates, all 16 prospects could hear their names called in the first round.
Simpson faces the biggest question mark among the group. The Alabama quarterback is currently projected as the first pick of the second round in ESPN’s latest mock draft, making him the only attendee who might not get selected on the opening night.
Only two quarterbacks received invitations to attend the draft in person – Simpson and Mendoza.
The first round begins April 23rd at 8:00 p.m. EST. The draft will take place at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
