2026 NFL Draft: Chris Johnson leads list of small-school standouts

You don’t have to be a Power 4 star to make it in the NFL. The 2025 All-Pro team featured plenty of small-school standouts who have become the league’s best at their positions. Look no further than tight end Trey McBride out of Colorado State or cornerback Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo.

Even in the era of NIL, which is powering an exciting transfer portal, prospects can outplay their college’s standing and make it to the NFL as first-round picks. Mitchell was a first-round selection in 2024 and Eagles fans are thrilled to have him. The top of this year’s draft board is dominated by players from the Power 4 conferences.

Stars from the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 and ACC will hear their names called early and often come the first round of April’s NFL Draft . After the first 32 picks, that certainly won’t stop. But there are prospects from more unheralded places who will hear their names called during the NFL draft, including one potentially in the first round.

Here are the top small-school prospects to know in the 2026 NFL Draft: NFL MOCK DRAFT: Fernando Mendoza leads final 7-round predictions, then what? 2026 NFL Draft: Small-school prospects CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State Johnson brings ideal size and speed at a premium position. At 6-foot and 193 pounds, Johnson hit 4.