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Monday, February 23, 2026

Texas parents rush to enroll their kids into state's school choice program

February 23, 2026
Texas parents rush to enroll their kids into state's school choice program

Texas saw the largest school choice rollout in U.S. history, withover 118,000 applicationsfiled as of Friday.

Fox News

"This has been the largest rollout of a school program in the nation and there is still about a month left—application deadline on March 17," Abbott administration spokesperson Eduardo Leal toldFox News Digital.

TheTexasEducation Freedom Accounts (TEFA) is a state-created education savings account program, backed by an initial $1 billion investment. The legislation introduced new competition into the education landscape, giving parents options outside the neighborhood school their child is zoned for — posing challenges for districts struggling to retain students.

A school bus

School Choice Issue In Texas Reveals New Litmus Test For Republicans

Over 42,000 applications were submitted on the first day the portal opened, which Leal said made it "the largest day one school choice program in the nation."

School choice group, The American Federation for Children Growth Fund, spent nearly $2 million overall on enrollment marketing efforts in Texas to make families aware of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

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"Every family wants their children to have access to the besteducationpossible. An education system controlled by the unions that forces kids to go to a school that isn't serving their needs is a moral failure in our country," American Federation for Children President Tommy Schultz told Fox News Digital.

Empty classroom with no students

Arizona School District Takes Huge Blow To Enrollment As Parents Choose Other Options

"School choice policies state-by-state have been wildly oversubscribed because the demand is overwhelming from parents," Schultz added. "Now that more than 100,000 families have applied in Texas in this short period of time, it's a clear indication that this is one of the most popular public policy initiatives of our time that can actually fix a broken K-12 system."

TexasGov. Greg Abbottsigned the Texas Education Freedom Act in May 2025. The journey leading to signing the legislation was turbulent for Abbott and state Republicans as he struggled to unify members of his party on his school choice agenda.

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In the past, rural Republicans in the state rejectedschool choice policies, arguing, along with Democrats, that vouchers, or education savings accounts, would negatively impact public school funding.

students raising their hands in class

Colorado Public School Enrollment Drops By 10,000 While Homeschooling Increases Statewide

In order to garner more support for his school choice agenda, the governor announced that he would get involved in the party's primaries to oust any candidates opposing school choice. With the aid of the American Federation for Children's Victory Fund, the governor endorsed and helped raise money forpro-school choice candidates in 2024.

The historic rollout of the program comes amidmajor city school districts strugglingto retain students since the coronavirus pandemic. Among them is Houston Independent School District (HISD), whose superintendent spoke with Fox News Digital in January, about its enrollment decline, citing nationwide enrollment trends, and efforts to appeal to parents ascompetition with charter schools ramps up.

HISD Superintendent Mike Miles last week recommended the district close 12 schools for the 2026-27 school year.

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Students studying on the computer.

HISD sent Fox News Digital a press release published on Feb. 12 that the district "is taking necessary steps to ensure the long-term strength, sustainability, and quality of education for all students."

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"This includes a recommendation to the Board of Managers for the closure of 12 schools (11 facilities) beginning 2026-27," the district announced.

The press release continued, "Like school districts across the region and the nation, HISD is navigating significant demographic and population shifts. As the District enters the annual budgeting and planning process for the upcoming school year, the impact of declining enrollment and compounding repair and maintenance costs has made it clear that maintaining certain campuses is no longer financially responsible or educationally sound."

Original article source:Texas parents rush to enroll their kids into state's school choice program

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Recovery stalls for U.S. citizen girl with rare brain tumor, deported mother says

February 23, 2026
Recovery stalls for U.S. citizen girl with rare brain tumor, deported mother says

Nearly a year ago, an 11-year-old U.S. citizen girl's treatment fora rare brain tumorwas interrupted whenher parents were deported to Mexico. Her parents and her four siblings, three of whom are also U.S. citizens, have spent the past year living in a dangerous part of Mexico and have seen her recovery stall as they fight to get her access to care.

NBC Universal An 11-year-old girl recovering from a brain tumor, who is a U.S. citizen, tells NBC News she has been experiencing headaches and body pain since she was sent to Mexico when her parents were deported a year ago.  (Courtesy Texas Civil Rights Project)

"It's been a really difficult year," the girl's mother told NBC News in Spanish this month as she choked up. "It's hard not to break down."

The family's quest to return to the United States is now reaching a critical point, the mother said. In Mexico, without continuous access to the medical care the girl needs, the brain tumor that once threatened her life could redevelop.

NBC News is withholding the name of the mother and the rest of the family members, since they were deported to an area in Mexico known for kidnapping U.S. citizens.

When U.S. doctors reviewed the results ofthe girl's last MRI scan from May, they found her brain isn't regenerating, an important part of recovery that helps restore lost neurological functions such as motor skills and speech. That means "there is a high risk that the tumor can come back," the mother said, explaining her conversation with the physicians.

It also makes it more urgent for her daughter to be back in the U.S., so her doctors can keep her under close observation, she added.

A 10-year-old girl recovering from brain cancer, from the United States was deported with her undocumented parents last month. (Texas Civil Rights Project)

Slightly struggling with her words, the 11-year-old girl described experiencing worsening headaches and persistent body pain, particularly in a foot and a hand, in a brief phone conversation with NBC News this month.

"My head hurts so much, my foot, my hand," she said in Spanish. "I want to heal."

The mother said her daughter has also been experiencing seizures more frequently, a concern that often keeps her up at night.

To appropriately monitor the girl's condition, her specialist doctors in the U.S. recommend that she get an MRI scan every three months. Since she arrived in Mexico almost a year ago, the girl has been able to get only one.

For months, the family has been anxiously waiting to hear back from immigration authorities about thehumanitarian parole request they filedback in June 2025 that could allow the parents, who are undocumented, and one noncitizen sibling to enter and live in the U.S. temporarily to assist the 11-year-old as she receives medical treatment.

While humanitarian parole requests are processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, applications submitted by previously deported people are decided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. USCIS and ICE did not comment in this specific case.

Attorney Danny Woodward of the Texas Civil Rights Project, the legal advocacy and litigation organization representing the family, said humanitarian parole can be granted "to anybody regardless of their immigration history."

"It's at the discretion of the government, and this case really merits it," Woodward said.

Immigration authorities removed four American citizen children from Texas, including a 10-year-old girl recovering from brain cancer, from the United States when they deported their undocumented parents last month. (Texas Civil Rights Project)

Medical records Woodward obtained as part of the family's efforts to win humanitarian parole show the girl's brain tumor was caused by an "unnamed 'novel' condition." That's what makes it a rare tumor that is difficult to treat, her mother said in Spanish.

The mother said she's "still waiting for a miracle" and hopes to be granted humanitarian parole. She said the health care options available to her daughter in Mexico are extremely limited.

U.S. citizens including minors can't access care through Mexico's public health system and are often required topay up frontto receive emergency medical services. For the family, the remaining alternative is to receive care through private coverage and pay out of pocket for medical bills, which the mother said they can't afford.

"It feels awful," the mother said as she recalled experiencing those limitations firsthand one day when her daughter began convulsing. She called for an ambulance, but dispatchers told her they wouldn't send one because her daughter is "technically not from Mexico." The mother ended up borrowing a car and driving 2½ hours to get her daughter to the hospital.

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There, medical staff members said they didn't understand her daughter's condition well enough to effectively treat her and recommended that she be returned to the U.S. to get treatment.

"The entire time we were in the United States, we always respected the country, respected the people, maintained good moral character with everyone and helped in any way we could," the mother said. "Not having access to anything now, it feels like the world is falling apart."

A drive to the hospital leads to deportation

The family's immigration plight began on Feb. 3, 2025, after the then 10-year-old girl woke up dizzy, with headaches and body pain. Her mother said the worrisome symptoms came exactly a year after surgeons performed an emergency procedure to remove a tumor on her daughter's brain.

Fearing her symptoms signaled setbacks in her recovery, the parents piled their children, ages 17, 14, 11, 10 and 8, into a car and rushed from the Rio Grande Valley area where they lived to a hospital in Houston, where specialist doctors had been treating the girl's condition since the operation.

But the family never made it to the Houston hospital. Border Patrol officers detained them when they stopped at a mandatoryimmigration checkpointin Texas.

Before President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, the family had succesfully passed through that checkpoint several times before, Woodward said. They would present letters from the Houston hospital and from an immigration attorney, as well as the children's birth certificates.

"This is a family with no criminal record that was driving to Houston specifically to get medical care for their daughter who had a brain tumor removed," said Woodward, the attorney.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment, but the agency previously told NBC News the parents had previously been "givenexpedited removal orders,"adding that when someone "chooses to disregard them, they will face the consequences."

The family's departure to Mexico has weighed heavily on their eldest son, an18-year-old U.S. citizen who remains in Texasand who sends his now 11-year-old sister the seizure medications she needs.

The siblings in Mexico told NBC News they can't wait to be reunited with him. The youngest, who is 8, said he misses eating pizza and playing games with his big brother.

The 11-year-old said she misses her eldest brother, as well as her specialist doctors and her friends from school.

The girl's 14-year-old sister broke down describing how stressful it has been to see her younger sister not getting "the proper treatment and medication" in Mexico. The 17-year-old brother said it was hard adapting to a new life in a very rural part of Mexico as he tried to finish school online.

"It's been quite stressful being in an environment where I'm not used to being in," he said.

The family's case was amongthe first involving the detentionsand removals of U.S. citizen children, including minors withserious medical conditions, as part of their parents' deportations during the early days of Trump's second term. Several other cases emerged during that time, including those of three other U.S. citizen children, ages 7, 4 and 2, who weresent to Honduras with their undocumented mothersin April. The 4-year-oldhad Stage 4 cancer.

DHS has saidit doesn't deport American children. It instead asks deported parents whether they prefer to be removed with their U.S. citizen children rather than be separated.

Rochelle Garza, president of the Texas Civil Rights Project, said "it just isn't a choice — this is all forced upon them."

Parents on the verge of deportation can risk losing custody of their U.S.-born children if there aren't clearpower-of-attorney documents or guardianshipsoutlining who will take care of the children left behind. Otherwise the children go into the U.S. foster care system, making it harder for their parents to regain custody in the future.

The 11-year-old said that when she's feeling down, one of her favorite things to do is sing karaoke to the tunes of her favorite artists, Carín León and K-pop Demon Hunters,especially their electric hit song "Golden."It reminds her of joyous times, back in school with her friends and the life she left behind in Texas.

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E.U. Reportedly Set to Freeze U.S. Trade Deal Approval

February 23, 2026
E.U. Reportedly Set to Freeze U.S. Trade Deal Approval

President Donald Trump, accompanied by Howard Lutnick, speaks during a press briefing after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs on Feb. 20, 2026. Credit - Chen Mengtong—Getty Images

Time

The European Union is reportedly preparing to halt the ratification process of its trade agreement with the U.S. as it seeks more information on the Trump Administration's new plans regarding tariffs.

Zeljana Zovko, the lead trade negotiator in the European People's Party group, is quoted as tellingBloomberg"we have no other option" but to delay the approval process while seeking clarity.

TIME has reached out to Zovko for confirmation and further comment.

The reports from Europe come after President Donald Trump over the weekendthreatenedto impose a 15% global tariff, by way of a response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling his sweeping tariffs are illegal on Friday. The Court argued that Trump cannot rely on the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose such charges.

"During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible tariffs," said Trump of the new hike.

The U.S. President raised the number from his 10% threat in the immediate aftermath of the ruling on Friday. He invoked his authority underSection 122of the Trade Act of 1974 whenannouncingthe levies.

Trump's promise of a new tariff program has brought into question the foundation of theU.S.–E.U. agreementreached in July 2025, which proposed a 15% import tax on most European goods entering the U.S., the elimination of tariffs on American industrial exports to the bloc, and an intention from the E.U. to purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy.

Zovkoexpressedconcerns Sunday morning, saying: "Without full legal clarity regarding the newly-announced tariffs, particularly in light of the Supreme Court decision, we cannot take any abrupt decisions."

"Without a detailed assessment of the situation, its legal implications and its economic impact, it would be irresponsible to react prematurely," she added. "We will continue to closely monitor developments and remain focused on our objective, which has not changed from the beginning: restoring stability and predictability to our trade relations."

The uncertainty prompted senior E.U. officials to call for an emergency meeting Monday to reassess the transatlantic deal.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's trade committee,calledthe situation "pure customs chaos on the part of the U.S. government" andsummoneda meeting to suspend the legislative approval of the deal until there are "comprehensive legal assessment[s] and clear commitments from the U.S. side."

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"Don't new tariffs based on Section 122 mean a breach of the deal?" he queried. "Regardless, no one knows whether the USA will adhere to it—or even be able to at all."

A spokesperson for Lange's office told TIME additional updates would follow after Monday's meeting.

The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the bloc's 27 member states, is also requesting "full clarity" from Washington regarding its next steps on tariffs.

"The current situation is not conducive to delivering 'fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial' transatlantic trade and investment, as agreed to by both sides and spelled out in the E.U.-U.S. Joint Statement of August 2025," thestatementread.

The executive cabinet of the European Union indicated it will not accept an increase in U.S. tariffs, citing the hard-earned existing agreement.

"A deal is a deal. As the United States' largest trading partner, the E.U. expects the U.S. to honour its commitments set out in the Joint Statement—just as the E.U. stands by its commitments," the Commission warned. "In particular, E.U. products must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling previously agreed."

TIME has reached out to the White House for comment.

Trump shakes hands with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, as he announces a trade deal with the E.U. at Trump Turnberry golf club in Scotland on July 27, 2025.<span class=Andrew Harnik—Getty Images" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

The Commission confirmed E.U. Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič had been in contact with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over the weekend.

When asked onCBS'Face the NationSunday morning whether agreements with the E.U. would remain intact, Greer said they "expect to stand by them."

"I haven't heard anyone yet come to me and say, the deal's off. They want to see how this plays out. I'm in active conversations with them on it," he said.

The E.U.-U.S. agreement was previously brought into question in January afterTrump threatened to tariff European allieswho opposed his campaign toannex Greenland—a threat he has since walked back.

Contact usatletters@time.com.

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NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict first round before NFL combine

February 23, 2026
NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict first round before NFL combine

NFL mock draftseason is well underway with theSuper Bowlin the rearview mirror, but there's still plenty of time for draft prospect rankings and projections to change.

USA TODAY Sports

The2026 NFL Scouting Combineapproaches as February winds down, providing one of the last opportunities for NFL draft prospects to boost their stock ahead of April's NFL draft. Before the combine gets underway on Feb. 26, NFL draft experts around the web gave their predictions for how the first round of the2026 NFL Draftmight shake out.

USA TODAY Sports compiled the latest projections for the first round before the NFL combine. See what Ayrton Ostly from USA TODAY Sports, Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Media and CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli have said:

NFL NEWS, TAKES, FANTASY ADVICE:USA TODAY Sports has you covered with our NFL vodcast

1. New York Jets - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana <p style=2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=3. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=4. Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=6. Cleveland Browns – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=7. Washington Commanders – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=9. Kansas City Chiefs – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=14. Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=17. Detroit Lions – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=18. Minnesota Vikings – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo <p style=21. Pittsburgh Steelers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=23. Philadelphia Eagles – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson 26. Buffalo Bills – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.) <p style=27. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 28. Houston Texans – Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech <p style=29. Los Angeles Rams – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=30. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=32. Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl

2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Predictions before NFL combine

The 2026 NFL draft order has been finalized with the result of the Super Bowl. Here's how NFL draft experts project the first round will go before the combine gets underway:

1.Las Vegas Raiders

USA TODAY Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

NFL Media: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

CBS Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

USA TODAY Sports:"This will continue to be the projected pick all the way until Las Vegas is on the clock to open the draft. Mendoza is by far the top quarterback in the group who plays with shades of Joe Burrow."

CBS Sports:"I have no doubt that Fernando Mendoza is the best available QB in this class, and until there are signals otherwise, there's no reason not to have him going No. 1 to a Raiders team desperate for a QB."

2.New York Jets

USA TODAY Sports: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State

NFL Media: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

CBS Sports: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State

USA TODAY Sports:"If you can't get a quarterback, get the best player in the class. Reese can do everything and would immediately be a key contributor for the Jets' defense."

NFL Media:"The Jets have their pick of the draft's finest edge rushers here. Bailey's combination of explosiveness and production is the best of the bunch."

3.Arizona Cardinals

USA TODAY Sports: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

NFL Media: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

CBS Sports: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

USA TODAY Sports:"Arizona is one of the toughest teams to predict. After going almost all-in on defense in their last draft class, theCardinalsbolster the offense with Fano, our top offensive lineman prospect."

CBS Sports:"There is depth at the tackle spot in this class, even if there isn't a no-doubt franchise left tackle prospect. Spencer Fano currently sits at the top of my board among tackle prospects."

4.Tennessee Titans

USA TODAY Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

NFL Media: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

CBS Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

USA TODAY Sports:"Tennessee has one of the best interior duos on the defensive line with Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat. They need help off the edge and get just that with Bailey, the most productive edge rusher in college football in 2025."

NFL Media:"Bain's temperament and playing style will perfectly complement Jeffery Simmons. They're cut from the same cloth in how they play the game."

5.New York Giants

USA TODAY Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

NFL Media: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

CBS Sports: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

USA TODAY Sports:"We're sticking with prior thinking and putting Tate with the Giants once again. He's a contested catch merchant with the route-running chops to be a solid fit opposite Malik Nabers."

CBS Sports:"I have Fano as my top tackle, but the gap between him and Miami's Francis Mauigoa isn't significant."

6.Cleveland Browns

USA TODAY Sports: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

NFL Media: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

CBS Sports: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California

USA TODAY Sports:"With Tate off the board, Cleveland chooses the next-best wideout in Tyson (some would argue the No. 1 WR in the class). He consistently separates against coverage and is a touchdown machine."

NFL Media:"The Browns should be hoping one of the top offensive tackles is available to them at No. 6."

7.Washington Commanders

USA TODAY Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

NFL Media: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State

CBS Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

USA TODAY Sports:"The Commanders' defense needs youth on every level and Bain feels like the powerful presence on the defensive line Dan Quinn would like."

CBS Sports:"His first step overwhelmed a lot of his competition at the college level, and while life will be more difficult at the next level – meaning he'll need to develop more technique – Bailey will improve your pass rush."

8.New Orleans Saints

USA TODAY Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

NFL Media: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California

CBS Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

USA TODAY Sports:"New Orleans needs more offensive playmakers around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough and Love is the best offensive prospect in the class."

NFL Media:"The Saints inject a major boost to Tyler Shough's receiving corps. Kellen Moore will know exactly how to utilize Lemon's skills."

9.Kansas City Chiefs

USA TODAY Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

NFL Media: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

CBS Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

USA TODAY Sports:"The Chiefs have more pressing needs than safety but Kansas City can't pass up a chance at one of the best players in the class."

CBS Sports:"Tate is smooth in everything he does. He's not a burner and isn't overly special after the catch, but he gets open routinely."

10.Cincinnati Bengals

USA TODAY Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

NFL Media: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

CBS Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

USA TODAY Sports:The top edge rushers are off the board and it feels like a stretch to reach for another. Instead, Cincinnati opts for the best cornerback on the board."

NFL Media:"Cincinnati stays in-state with this pick. The Bengals' defense could use consistency and structure. Downs provides both."

<p style=Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13. Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6. Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

11.Miami Dolphins

USA TODAY Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

NFL Media: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

CBS Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

USA TODAY Sports:"New head coach Jeff Hafley's background is in the secondary and the Dolphins need talent everywhere in the back end. McCoy has the skillset to fit multiple schemes with prototypical size."

CBS Sports:"Mansoor Delane is a corner who has shown the ability to play well in both man and zone, and he isn't afraid to mix it up in the run game, either."

12.Dallas Cowboys

USA TODAY Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

NFL Media: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

CBS Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

USA TODAY Sports:"Styles is one of the best athletes in the class which the Cowboys need in the second level of their defense."

NFL Media:"The Cowboys must fix their pass rush and secondary. I believe there's a drop-off at cornerback after McCoy, so they address the position here."

13.Los Angeles Rams(fromAtlanta)

USA TODAY Sports: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

NFL Media: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

CBS Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

USA TODAY Sports:"As soon as Rob Havenstein announced his retirement, this pick feels more likely. Mauigoa started the last three years at right tackle for the Hurricanes and missed just one snap in that time."

CBS Sports:"Jermod McCoy missed the 2025 season due to a torn ACL, which could ultimately lead to him going much later than this, but he was fantastic for Tennessee in 2024."

14.Baltimore Ravens

USA TODAY Sports: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

NFL Media: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

CBS Sports: DL Caleb Banks, Florida

USA TODAY Sports:"Two of Baltimore's five offensive line starters from last year are hitting free agency, including left guard Daniel Faalele. Ioane is the best pure-interior offensive line prospect in the class."

NFL Media:Baltimore is still in search of a complement to Zay Flowers. Tyson gives the new coaching staff more firepower on offense."

15.Tampa Bay Buccaneers

USA TODAY Sports: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

NFL Media: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

CBS Sports: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

USA TODAY Sports:"Tampa Bay needs more from its edge rushers and Howell has the track record."

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CBS Sports:"I genuinely wouldn't be surprised if Kenyon Sadiq works his way into the top 10 by the time the draft rolls around."

16. New York Jets (fromIndianapolis)

USA TODAY Sports: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California

NFL Media: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

CBS Sports: Mock trade from Jets – Minnesota Vikings draft IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

USA TODAY Sports:"Who will play quarterback for the Jets next year is far from settled. Whoever it is would love to see Lemon lining up in the slot."

CBS Sports:"The Vikings need help on the interior of their offensive line, and Olaivavega Ioane is the lone guard in this class I view as a first-round player. So Minnesota moves up to get him and makes sure Detroit can't."

17.Detroit Lions

USA TODAY Sports: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

NFL Media: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

CBS Sports: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

USA TODAY Sports:"Proctor is an elite athlete for his size and may be best starting out at guard before moving outside with time to develop his immense raw talent."

NFL Media:"Parker had an underwhelming 2025 season, but he bounced back in a big way at the Senior Bowl."

18.Minnesota Vikings

USA TODAY Sports: DL Caleb Banks, Florida

NFL Media: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

CBS Sports: Mock trade from Vikings – New York Jets draft WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

USA TODAY Sports:"Cornerback is a popular pick for the Vikings here at No. 18 but we're trying something a bit different. Banks looks to be fully healed from a foot injury and showed off his talents at the Senior Bowl."

CBS Sports:"It's possible the Jets could go for a QB with their second first-round pick, but I have them targeting another WR for whoever their quarterback ends up being in 2026 and beyond."

19.Carolina Panthers

USA TODAY Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

NFL Media: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

CBS Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

USA TODAY Sports:"Carolina has several options here. Considering the board, we're opting for the top edge rusher left in the group."

CBS Sports:"Tetairoa McMillan was a hit for the Panthers last year, but they could use a complement for him in the offense, and KC Concepcion feels like a good fit alongside him."

20. Dallas Cowboys (fromGreen Bay)

USA TODAY Sports: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

NFL Media: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)

CBS Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

USA TODAY Sports:"If Dallas stays put at No. 20, it has to address the secondary, specifically at cornerback. Hood shined with teammate McCoy sidelined for all of 2025 and offers ideal size for the outside (6-foot, 195 pounds)."

NFL Media:"After taking a CB at No. 12, the Cowboys nab an edge rusher. Teams might have to get comfortable with Mesidor's age – he will be a 25-year-old rookie – but he was dominant during Miami's run in the College Football Playoff."

21.Pittsburgh Steelers

USA TODAY Sports: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

NFL Media: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

CBS Sports: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

USA TODAY Sports:"Pittsburgh has many needs, but improving the secondary's speed and athleticism has to be high on the priority list. Terrell plays bigger and more aggressively than his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame."

CBS Sports:"For the first half of the 2025 season, Simpson was the best QB in college football. Then things quickly eroded over the second half of the season. The talent is still there, and I can't help but feel like the hiring of Mike McCarthy was done with QB development in mind."

22.Los Angeles Chargers

USA TODAY Sports: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

NFL Media: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

CBS Sports: DL Peter Woods, Clemson

USA TODAY Sports:"Los Angeles' troubles on the interior offensive line are well-documented. Lomu played left tackle for the Utes but should start his career at guard to develop his impressive raw tools."

NFL Media:"Sadiq is the perfect weapon for a creative offensive mind like Mike McDaniel."

23.Philadelphia Eagles

USA TODAY Sports: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

NFL Media: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

CBS Sports: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

USA TODAY Sports:"Philadelphia usually reserves its top picks for the trenches, wide receiver or secondary. We're making an exception for the top pass-catcher on the board."

CBS Sports:"If Avieon Terrell – the younger brother of former first-round pick A.J. Terrell – were two inches taller, he'd probably be my top CB in this class."

24.Cleveland Browns(fromJacksonville)

USA TODAY Sports: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

NFL Media: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

CBS Sports: OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

USA TODAY Sports:"All five starters from theBrowns' offensive line in 2025 are free agents. They need help everywhere and Freeling may be the best option at this point."

NFL Media:"This draft would be a big success for the Browns if they landed two starting offensive linemen, as they do in this scenario with Freeling joining Spencer Fano."

25.Chicago Bears

USA TODAY Sports: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

NFL Media: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

CBS Sports: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

USA TODAY Sports:"Chicago's defense can't rely on turnovers again in 2026. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's defenses in New Orleans were at their best with long, powerful edge rushers like Parker."

CBS Sports:"The Bears need to address their defensive line, but there's also a chance they'll be without both of their starting 2025 safeties next year."

26.Buffalo Bills

USA TODAY Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

NFL Media: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame

CBS Sports: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

USA TODAY Sports:"Buffalo promoted Joe Brady to head coach to continue being a top-five offense in the league. The Bills desperately need more dynamic weapons in the wide receiver room and Concepcion is one of the most explosive in the class."

NFL Media:"The Bills add a player with a wide catch radius to complement Khalil Shakir at receiver. Fields was excellent all week long at the Senior Bowl."

27.San Francisco 49ers

USA TODAY Sports: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

NFL Media: DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech

CBS Sports: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

USA TODAY Sports:"The 49ers need more help at the wide receiver position with Brandon Aiyuk all but certain to play elsewhere in 2026. Boston is a big body (6-foot-4, 209 pounds) who has just five drops on 204 career targets."

NFL Media:"Hunter can hold the point against the run and he showed flashes of his upside as a pass rusher at the Senior Bowl. Recent Super Bowl winners have featured waves of defensive linemen they can rotate."

28.Houston Texans

USA TODAY Sports: DL Peter Woods, Clemson

NFL Media: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

CBS Sports: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

USA TODAY Sports:"Houston's defense was one of the best in the NFL in 2025 but could use more help along the interior defensive line. Woods looked like a top-five pick coming into the 2025 college football season but underperformed."

CBS Sports:"Spencer Fano is the Utah OT who gets the most attention, but he may not be the only one off the board by the end of the first round."

29. Los Angeles Rams

USA TODAY Sports: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

NFL Media: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

CBS Sports: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

USA TODAY Sports:"The Rams relied on their defensive front to overcome deficiencies in the secondary. Not anymore. Johnson is a small-school riser with the ideal size and impressive production."

NFL Media:"The Rams double down on the secondary in Round 1 with free agency threatening to eat into their DB depth."

30.Denver Broncos

USA TODAY Sports: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

NFL Media: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

CBS Sports: DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech

USA TODAY Sports:"Denver's dominant defense will have some holes to fill in 2026, specifically at linebacker and defensive tackle. We're opting for the former here."

CBS Sports:"I don't know where the Broncos would go here based on what I had available to them, but I'm a Lee Hunter fan, so I'd approve of this pick."

31.New England Patriots

USA TODAY Sports: OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern

NFL Media: Edge Zion Young, Missouri

CBS Sports: LB Gabe Jacas, Ilinois

USA TODAY Sports:"New England's offensive line took a beating in the Super Bowl, so the team bolsters the position here with Tiernan."

NFL Media:"Young feels like an excellent fit for Mike Vrabel's defense. He's a big, rugged edge rusher who capped off a strong Senior Bowl week by winning Defensive MVP honors in the game."

32.Seattle Seahawks

USA TODAY Sports: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

NFL Media: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

CBS Sports: OL Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

USA TODAY Sports:"Seattle will likely lose their long, athletic cornerback Riq Woolen in free agency so they draft his potential successor here."

NFL Media:"Seattle finds insurance for Rashid Shaheed, who could depart in free agency. Concepcion brings speed on offense and is a dynamic returner who took two punts back for touchdowns in 2025."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL mock draft roundup: New predictions before NFL combine

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