On Thursday, the NFL officially announced that 16 elite college football prospects have accepted invitations to attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The countdown is officially on for the April 23 to 25 event, and while the green room will be packed with defensive stars, the most notable storyline involves the presumed No. 1 overall pick choosing to stay home. The Fernando Mendoza Raiders connection remains the dominant narrative, but with the Indiana quarterback absent, Alabama's Ty Simpson and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love are stepping directly into the national spotlight.
The Complete List of NFL Draft Attendees 2026
When the commissioner steps up to the podium, the pool of NFL Draft attendees 2026 will lean noticeably toward the defensive side of the ball. Out of the 16 players making the trip, nine are defenders, underscoring a draft class rich in pass-rushing and secondary talent. The Ohio State Buckeyes lead all collegiate programs with a staggering five prospects heading to the Steel City: defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs, and wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Other high-profile defenders confirmed for the draft include Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., Texas Tech's David Bailey, Auburn's Keldric Faulk, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, and Tennessee's Colton Hood. On the offensive side of the trenches, Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and Miami's Francis Mauigoa will be in attendance, alongside USC receiver Makai Lemon and Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson. Notably, this 16-player turnout marks the fourth consecutive year of declining in-person attendance, down from 17 players in 2025 and 21 players during the 2022 event in Las Vegas.
Fernando Mendoza Raiders Buzz: The Presumed No. 1 Pick
Although he won't be walking across the stage, the Fernando Mendoza Raiders draft scenario is the most heavily discussed topic of the spring. Las Vegas holds the No. 1 overall selection, and virtually every scouting department expects the franchise to select the 6-foot-4, 236-pound Indiana signal-caller. Mendoza cemented his status as a premier pocket passer by leading the Hoosiers to a national championship, showcasing elite pre-snap intelligence and toughness under pressure.
By informing the league that he will skip the green room in favor of a private watch party with his family in Miami, Mendoza is letting the rest of the class take center stage. The Raiders desperately need a franchise cornerstone who can execute rhythm throws and command an offense, and Mendoza's mastery of quick decisions makes him the perfect fit. His absence from the live broadcast, however, opens the door for other premier players to capture the television audience's attention.
Why Ty Simpson Draft Rumors Are Heating Up
With Mendoza staying in Florida, Alabama's Ty Simpson becomes the lone quarterback officially confirmed to attend the event. Over the past week, Ty Simpson draft rumors have caught fire across the league. Initially viewed by some analysts as a Day 2 prospect, his decision to accept the invitation suggests growing confidence from his camp that he will be selected in the first round.
Simpson threw for over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions last season, proving he has the decisiveness that NFL front offices covet. He also demonstrated his big-game capability by taking down a vaunted Oklahoma defense in the first round of the College Football Playoff before sustaining an injury in the quarterfinals. Teams like the New York Jets or even the hometown Pittsburgh Steelers could view him as the second-best quarterback on the board. His presence guarantees high drama, as cameras will inevitably track his wait in the green room.
Jeremiyah Love NFL Prospect Evaluation
Another massive offensive name heading to Pennsylvania is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. The Jeremiyah Love NFL prospect evaluation has been one of the most polarizing debates of the offseason. Once projected as an absolute top-five lock, recent industry chatter suggests a potential slide due to minor durability concerns raised during the pre-draft evaluation process.
However, his raw talent is undeniable. Love possesses elite breakaway speed and game-changing elusiveness that could instantly transform an NFL backfield. Whether he hears his name called in the top ten or experiences a slight drop on draft night, Love's arrival ensures that one of college football's most electric playmakers will be front and center for the celebration.
Anticipating the Pittsburgh NFL Draft Events
The host city is pulling out all the stops to make the Pittsburgh NFL Draft events an unforgettable experience for both prospects and fans. Local organizers have prepped extensive fan zones and hundreds of dedicated parking spaces to accommodate the massive influx of football enthusiasts. The excitement is particularly high locally, as the Steelers lead the league with a massive haul of 12 draft picks this year, adding immense pressure and anticipation for the hometown crowd.
For the 16 players who secured those coveted NFL Green Room invitations, Thursday night will be the culmination of a lifelong dream. Even with key absences at the top of the board, the blend of unpredictable quarterback landing spots, top-tier defensive talent, and the passionate, football-crazed atmosphere of Steelers country ensures the 2026 NFL Draft will be an instant classic.
