Top 16 Prospects to Attend 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
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.
