The pipeline continues.
The 2026 NFL Draft once again proved what college coaches, scouts, and football insiders across the country have known for years — Football Hotbed is one of the premier early-evaluation and exposure platforms in America.
From middle school showcases to All-American events, from specialist camps to national invitationals, seven former Football Hotbed participants heard their names called during the 2026 NFL Draft. Their journeys started long before the bright lights of draft night. For many of them, the Football Hotbed platform was one of the first national stages where their talent was identified, challenged, and elevated.
For over 15 years, Football Hotbed has built more than events. We’ve built relationships, credibility, visibility, and a true developmental ecosystem that connects athletes to the next level.
This year’s draft class is another powerful reminder that the journey matters — and where you begin matters too.
Fernando Mendoza — QB
Round 1, Pick 1 — Las Vegas Raiders
College: Indiana Hoosiers football
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Fernando Mendoza made history as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft when the Las Vegas Raiders selected the dynamic quarterback out of Indiana University.
Long before becoming one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football, Mendoza competed on the Football Hotbed National Showcase Platform, in our National High School Showcase Sophomore game where his poise, arm talent, and leadership qualities were evident early.
Known for his football IQ and calm demeanor under pressure, Mendoza developed into one of the nation’s elite passers while helping elevate Indiana football nationally. His rise from South Florida standout to No. 1 overall pick is the type of developmental story Football Hotbed has always taken pride in identifying early.
Rueben Bain Jr. — EDGE
Round 1, Pick 15 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
College: Miami Hurricanes football
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Few players embodied dominance and explosiveness at the high school level like Rueben Bain Jr.
The Miami Central product was a force from a young age and participated in Football Hotbed events including the Freshman All-American Game and Spring Break College Tour experiences that exposed him to college staffs and elevated his national profile.
Bain went on to become one of the premier defensive players in college football at Miami before hearing his name called in the first round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His journey represents exactly what Football Hotbed has long stood for: identifying elite talent early and helping position athletes for national recognition.
Zion Reese Young — EDGE
Round 2, Pick 45 — Baltimore Ravens
College: Missouri Tigers football
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Zion Reese Young’s path to the NFL included participation in Football Hotbed’s 3rd Annual Freshman All-American Game, where his athleticism and upside immediately stood out. He had an interception in that game and it was the game clinching play.
The explosive EDGE defender eventually developed into one of the SEC’s most disruptive defenders at Missouri. Known for his length, versatility, and relentless motor, Young became a nightmare matchup at the collegiate level.
The Baltimore Ravens selecting him in the second round continues a long tradition of Football Hotbed alumni making their way into NFL organizations known for defensive excellence.
D’Angelo Ponds — DB
Round 2, Pick 50 — New York Jets
College: Indiana Hoosiers football
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Before becoming one of the top defensive backs in college football, D’Angelo Ponds competed at the Football Hotbed National Middle School Invitational Showcase during his youth football years.
Even then, his instincts, competitiveness, and elite movement skills separated him from his peers.
Ponds later emerged as one of the most versatile defensive backs in the country at Indiana, earning national attention for his coverage ability and football intelligence before being selected by the New York Jets.
His story perfectly reflects the Football Hotbed philosophy: elite athletes reveal themselves early when placed in elite environments.
Tanner Koziol — Tight End
Round 5, Pick 164 — Jacksonville Jaguars
College: Houston Cougars Football
Hometown: Bloomingdale, Illinois
Tanner Koziol became one of the nation’s most productive tight ends before being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Houston standout combined size, athleticism, and reliability to become a major offensive weapon at the collegiate level.
Koziol’s journey reinforces Football Hotbed’s expanding national footprint. While the brand’s roots run deep in Florida, the platform continues impacting athletes from across the country who seek elite competition and exposure opportunities.
Jalon Kilgore — Safety
Round 5 —Pick 167 Buffalo Bills
College: South Carolina Gamecocks football
Hometown: Eatonton, GA
Jalon Kilgore brought physicality, leadership, and versatility everywhere he played.
The standout safety from South Carolina developed into one of the SEC’s most respected defensive backs before being selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round.
Kilgore’s rise reflects another core aspect of the Football Hotbed platform — long-term development. Not every athlete arrives as a five-star name. Some evolve into NFL players through consistency, growth, and relentless work ethic.
Football Hotbed has always embraced identifying both current stars and future stars.
Ryan Eckley — Punter
Round 6, Pick 211 — Baltimore Ravens
College: Michigan State Spartans football
Hometown: Lithia, Florida
Ryan Eckley’s story is one of the most unique and powerful in this draft class.
Eckley participated in the very first Football Hotbed Middle School Specialist Showcase — an event designed specifically to give specialists legitimate exposure and developmental opportunities long before specialist recruiting became mainstream.
Years later, he became an NFL Draft pick.
The Michigan State punter’s selection by the Baltimore Ravens validates Football Hotbed’s commitment to every position on the field. Specialists matter. Exposure matters. Development matters.
Eckley’s success is proof that when athletes are given a real platform early, opportunities can follow for years to come.
The Football Hotbed Difference
For over a decade, Football Hotbed has consistently identified and elevated athletes before the rest of the country fully recognizes them.
The platform’s impact stretches far beyond rankings and social media exposure. Football Hotbed has helped create genuine connections between athletes, families, coaches, and decision-makers throughout the football landscape.
From South Florida to the national stage, the mission has remained the same:
Identify talent early.
Develop relationships authentically.
Create opportunities nationally.
Seven NFL Draft picks in one class is not luck. Last year there were six.
It is the result of years of evaluation, trust, consistency, and building one of the most respected grassroots football platforms in America.
And the next generation is already coming.
The future of football continues to run through Football Hotbed. It’s a Hotbed World.
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