Four Big 12 Players Projected to go in First Round of the 2026 NFL Draft

With the Super Bowl over, it means that football has officially ended. Just a few weeks ago, Indiana was crowned as the college football champion while the Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl champions.

While we still must wait over six months until the next kickoff, there is still one major event left before the 2026 season begins. That of course is the NFL Draft which will begin on April 23rd in Pittsburgh this year.

If you are a draft nut like me, you are probably already reading mock drafts and there will be hundreds of them coming out between now and the start of the draft. Well, they are already starting as ESPN’s Field Yates just released his first-round mock on Wednesday and there were several Big 12 players who made the cut.

#4 Tennessee Titans: Texas Tech Edge David Bailey

There are plenty of holes on the Titans Roster and with Robert Saleh coming in as a defensive minded head coach, it’s only fitting he would use Tennessee’s first round pick on his side of the ball.

David Bailey came to Texas Tech from Stanford and had a career year in Lubbock this past season. He led the FBS in sacks this season (14.5) and could have been the Big 12 defensive player of the year if not for his teammate Jacob Rodriguez.

He also finished first in tackles for loss and forced three fumbles as well. David’s quick burst in his first step helped him get to opposing quarterbacks and he has a knack for wreaking havoc against any offense. Forget about being the best pass rusher in the Big 12, David was the best pass rusher in the country.

#6 Cleveland Browns: Utah OT Jacob Fano

Before the season started, Jacob was already projected to be a first rounder, and he certainly played like one this past season in Salt Lake City. He has started the last two seasons at right tackle for the Utes was a first team All-Big 12 offensive lineman.

Spencer didn’t allow a single sack in pass protection in 2025 and just one the year prior. While he will likely add some weight, he would be a nice fit for the Browns who gave up 51 sacks this past season which was seventh most in the NFL.

#8 New Orleans Saints: Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson

Even though he was sidelined with an injury for a few games this past season, doesn’t take away from how good Jordyn Tyson is. Between the injuries and his quarterback Sam Leavitt being hurt, Tyson’s numbers took a significant drop in 2025 at Arizona State.

We saw what Jordyn could do when he’s healthy and that’s why he finished with over 1,100 yards and ten touchdowns in 2024 before missing the final couple of games of the season. He is electric with the ball in his hands and standing at 6’2, 200 pounds, Jordyn is not an easy guy to bring down either. If the Saints are looking to add a threat at wide receiver, then they shouldn’t look past Jordyn Tyson.

#31 New England Patriots: Utah OG/OT Caleb Lomu

Joining his fellow teammate Jacob Fano is another Utah offensive lineman with Caleb Lomu. He took over the left tackle spot for the Utes in 2024 when Fano moved over to the right side.

Caleb has been the starter at left tackle for the past two seasons and earned first team All-Big 12 honors this past season. And just like his teammate Jacob Fano, Caleb didn’t allow a single sack in 2025. His versatility could be the reason why he sneaks into the first round.

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