The 2026 NFL Draft is one week away, with college football’s elite players set to find their new homes in one of the league’s 32 franchises beginning Thursday night.

Several Latinos are expected to hear their names called among the 257 picks of this weekend’s draft from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, starting with projected first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana, as well as Hornung Award winner KC Concepcion and Butkus Award winner Jacob Rodriguez, was among the nine Latinos invited to the 2026 NFL Combine earlier this year.

The Latinos selected in the 2026 NFL Draft will join more than 40 Latinos currently on NFL rosters ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Below is some information on the top Latinos to watch in the 2026 NFL Draft

Fernando Mendoza | Quarterback | Indiana | Cuban Heritage

Fernando Mendoza enters the NFL Combine as the favorite to be the first overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft after a stellar season which saw him become the first Cuban-American to win the Heisman Trophy and lead the Indiana Hoosiers to the national title. Known for his accuracy, preparation, high football IQ, and composure in high-pressure situations, Mendoza has demonstrated traits that translate well to the NFL. In his lone season at Indiana, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and led the country with 41 passing touchdowns while throwing just six interceptions and rushing for seven touchdowns on his way to winning the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards. Before joining the Hoosiers, Mendoza was a two-year starter at Cal, where in 2024 he produced just the ninth 3,000-yard passing season in California history (3,004 yards) and finished top-10 on Cal’s single-season passing charts in total offense yards (No. 7; 3,109 yards), passing efficiency (No. 8; 144.59) and yards passing (No. 9; 3,004 yards).

KC Concepcion | Wide Receiver | Texas A&M | Puerto Rican Heritage
KC Concepcion emerged as one of Texas A&M’s most dynamic offensive weapons, showcasing elite speed, route-running precision, and yards-after-catch ability. His versatility as both a receiver and return specialist boosted his NFL Draft stock after an impressive 2025 campaign where he caught 61 passes for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding a pair of punt return TDs for the Aggies. Concepcion was a consensus All-American in 2025 and was names First Team All-SEC while winning the Paul Hornung Award which recognizes and rewards versatile, high-level performers in major college football. Prior to his season at Texas A&M, Concepcion was a star at NC State for two seasons, winning ACC Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. Concepcion is projected as a potential first or second round prospect with big-play potential.

Jacob Rodriguez | Linebacker | Texas Tech | Mexican Heritage

Jacob Rodriguez was one of Texas Tech’s most productive defenders, combining instincts, tackling ability, and sideline-to-sideline range to be one of the top defensive players in the country in 2025. His consistent play in the middle of the defense has drawn attention from NFL scouts evaluating three-down linebacker potential. As a redshirt senior in 2025, Rodriguez tallied 128 tackles (68 solo), 1 sack, seven forced fumbles and four interceptions on his way to winning the Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and Bednarik Award. A Unanimous All-American in 2025, he was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and earned his sconed consecutive First-team All-Big 12 recognition in his final season with the Red Raiders. His path to defensive stardom is unique, as Rodriguez played in all 12 games as a quarterback and “football player” in his freshman season at Virginia in 2021. Rodriguez projects as a mid-round draft prospect with special teams and defensive upside and plenty of production.

Taurean York | Linebacker | Texas A&M | Mexican Heritage

Taurean York has been a steady force in Texas A&M’s defense, known for his physicality, leadership, and high football IQ. His ability to diagnose plays and make consistent stops has strengthened his NFL Draft profile, while his consistent high-level of play make him a proven commodity. A three-year starter at Texas A&M, York had 72 tackles (32 solo) a sack and three passes defend on his way to earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2025. York has earned All-SEC recognition and team defensive awards, reflecting his importance to the Aggies’ success. York was a collegiate star from the start, earning freshman All-America and first-team All-SEC Freshman accolades in 2023. He enters the draft process as a potential mid-round selection with strong instincts and leadership qualities.

Josh Cuevas | Tight End | Alabama | Mexican Heritage

Josh Cuevas was a reliable pass-catching tight end in Alabama’s offense, combining size, athleticism, and soft hands. His ability to stretch the field and contribute in critical situations has attracted NFL scouts searching for modern hybrid tight ends. The 2025 season was Cuevas’ best for the Crimson Tide, catching 37 passes for 411 yards and four touchdowns. Cuevas also played for Washington and Cal Poly in his five-year collegiate career, posting career-bests with 58 catches for 678 yards and six touchdowns while at Cal Poly in 2022. Cuevas projects as a mid-to-late round draft candidate with strong developmental upside.

Fernando Carmona | Offensive Line | Arkansas | Cuban Heritage

Fernando Carmona established himself as a dependable anchor on Arkansas’ offensive line, known for his strength, technique, and durability. His experience protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes made him a respected presence in the SEC trenches, earning Preseason All-SEC honors and a spot on the Outland Trophy Watch List in 2025. Prior to two seasons at Arkansas, Carmona was a two-year starter at San Jose State where he earned Honorable Mention All-Mountain West honors as a redshirt sophomore in 2023. Carmona enters the NFL Draft process as a late-round prospect with high-upside potential to develop into a quality NFL starter. His combination of size, athleticism, and power provides an excellent foundation for success at the next level.

Diego Pavia | Quarterback | Vanderbilt | Spanish & Mexican Heritage

Diego Pavia has built a reputation as a tough, competitive quarterback whose mobility and playmaking ability have led him to be one of the most intriguing collegiate quarterbacks in the last two seasons. As a senior in 2025, Pavia was a dual-threat star who finished as the Heisman runner-up after throwing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while tossing just eight interceptions and rushing for 862 yards and 10 scores. Pavia was the 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Commodores to historic success in the regular season, and was Vanderbilt’s first-ever finalist for the Heisman. Before his two stellar seasons at Vanderbilt, Pavia was a two-year starter at New Mexico State. Pavia projects as a late-round draft prospect with intriguing dual-threat upside.

Joey Aguilar | Quarterback | Tennessee | Mexican & Puerto Rican Heritage
Joey Aguilar has positioned himself as a rising NFL Draft prospect with his strong arm, pocket awareness, and ability to create plays under pressure. At Tennessee, he showcased consistent production and leadership, traits that have drawn attention from pro scouts seeking a reliable developmental quarterback. Known for his ability to extend plays and deliver in high-pressure moments, Aguilar threw for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns in his lone season with the Volunteers. Prior to his time at Tennessee, Aguilar was a standout at Appalachian State, where he was named the 2023 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and earned Second Team All-Sun Belt Honors in 2023 and Honorable Mention in 2024. Aguilar enters the draft conversation as a potential late-round selection or priority free agent with strong developmental potential.

Enrique Cruz, Jr. | Offensive Line | Kansas | Puerto Rican Heritage

Enrique Cruz Jr. was a cornerstone of Kansas’ offensive front, bringing physicality, versatility, and leadership to the line. In 2025, Cruz earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in his lone season playing for the Jayhawks. Capable of playing multiple positions, he has increased his value to NFL evaluators seeking adaptable blockers. Cruz spent most of his collegiate career at Syracuse, playing in 24 games with 18 starts from 2022 through 2024. Cruz projects as a late-round pick or priority free agent with strong roster versatility.

These players highlight the diverse backgrounds of the next generation of Latino NFL players.