Las Vegas Raiders pick Mendoza first overall as Ohio State dominate NFL Draft
The Las Vegas Raiders have selected highly rated prospect Mendoza with the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh on a night dominated by Ohio State.
The widely anticipated decision saw the AFC West franchise secure their preferred target early on Thursday evening.
Mendoza had been the overwhelming favourite throughout the pre-draft evaluation process.
Further down the board, the Arizona Cardinals made a historic move by drafting running back Love at number three overall.
The dynamic prospect becomes only the third player at his position to be taken in the top three over the past two decades.
He joins elite company alongside former early selections Saquon Barkley and Trent Richardson.
Buckeyes dominate top selections
The opening round of the annual selection event was heavily influenced by collegiate powerhouse Ohio State.
Three former Buckeyes prospects, Reese, Carnell Tate and Sonny Styles, were all drafted inside the top 10.
This remarkable achievement marks only the second time the illustrious programme has reached that specific milestone in the modern era.
It is also the first occasion any university has boasted three top-10 picks since Alabama achieved the feat in 2021.
Record-breaking youth and depth
The historic night for the Columbus-based team continued just outside the top 10.
Standout prospect Caleb Downs was selected 11th overall.
That move made Ohio State just the third school in history to have four players taken within the first 11 picks.
Meanwhile, the draft class also featured remarkable youth among its premier collegiate graduates.
One highly touted talent became the third-youngest player picked in the top five since 2000 at just 20 years and 236 days old.
He trails only Kyle Pitts Sr and Jamal Lewis in the historical youth rankings according to draft analysts.
