Meet Big Ten's next in line to be 2027 NFL Draft first-round pick: Jeremiah Smith anchors star-studded lineup

The Big Ten's in for another impressive first-round showing in next year's cycle

Brad Crawford

Apr 24, 2026

11:27 am ET

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6 min read

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The Big Ten flexed 10 first-round picks at the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, not unsurprising given the league's third consecutive national championship and impressive stockpiling of talent in recent years. And what's coming in 2027 might make this class look like a warmup lap.

This cycle already felt like a statement. The conference didn't just show up — it dictated the tone early and often, planting flags across the board with blue-chip prospects who've been battle-tested in one of college football's most demanding leagues. From No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to Ohio State's notable showing defensively, the Big Ten's identity was clear: pro-ready, tough and dependable.

NFL front offices noticed and they leaned in. Evaluators around the country are already whispering about what's next, and it's not subtle. The 2027 draft cycle, fueled by former elite recruits recruiting hauls and high-end quarterbacks, has the potential to tilt the league-wide talent balance even further in the Big Ten's favor.

Here's a glance at the Big Ten's top talent entering the season who all have a chance to be Day 1 selections next spring:

1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Four of the Big Ten's first-round picks Thursday night were former Buckeyes and there's more on the way. The best player overall in next year's class is Smith, a former five-star receiver who may have been the top overall pick two years ago had he been eligible after his true freshman season. A freak at the wide receiver position, there's no weakness in a skill set that mirrors many of the all-time greats before him. Unless there's a quarterback-needy team at No. 1 overall looking in Texas standout Arch Manning's direction, Smith will be the pick.

2. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

There's a good chance Moore would've been the second quarterback selected this cycle behind Mendoza had he declared, but the former UCLA transfer is running it back with the Ducks in hopes of being the top pick in 2027 after a national title run under Dan Lanning. Moore threw 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns in his first full season as a college starter, this coming after transferring to Oregon in December 2023 and serving as the backup to Dillon Gabriel in 2024 before assuming the starting role and leading the Ducks to 13 wins.

3. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Set to join Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud as former Ryan Day-coached signal callers to be first-round picks, Sayin will be draft-eligible after his redshirt sophomore season this fall. The reigning Heisman finalist fired off a 77% completion rate to the tune of 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns and this season, is adding escapability with designed runs to his arsenal under newly-hired Ohio State offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

4. Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon

Playing alongside first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq and fellow tight end, Johnson contributed 32 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore and jumps off the page as the next cycle's top player at his position in a battle with LSU's Trey'Dez Green. When franchises can access a proven commodity at tight end in the first round as a reliable third-down weapon, they take it. And Johnson checks every box.

5. A'Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon

All three of the Ducks' returning starters along the defensive front in their 3-3-5 look could be drafted next cycle, but Washington is drawing the most buzz as a potential first-rounder. He can play across multiple fronts and at 6-3, 330 pounds, has relentless power and strength at the point of attack.

6. Anthony Smith, DL, Minnesota

For years, critics knocked the Big Ten for lacking explosive edge rushers compared to the other Power Four talent-producing league that will not be named. That narrative is fading fast. Speed and athleticism is arriving in waves and it's paired with physicality that translates. This 6-6, 285-pound defensive lineman managed 12.5 sacks last fall and chose to stay another season with the Golden Gophers rather than enter the 2026 draft cycle.

7. Koi Perich, S, Oregon

After producing first-round safety Dillon Thieneman this week, the Ducks have another transfer at the back end set to dominate with the Perich addition from Minnesota. He's a playmaker in centerfield with six interceptions over the last two years and tracks the football better than most nationally. Elijah Rushing off the edge is another Oregon starter on its 2026 defense that is generating early first-round buzz this offseason.

8. John Henry Daley, DE, Michigan

Fifth on college football's active list of coaches in all-time draft picks with 59 after Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu came off the board Thursday night, Kyle Whittingham could soon have another in this