2026 NFL Draft Watch: Top College Football Players to Scout This Season
As the 2025 college football season kicks off, fans and NFL scouts alike are gearing up for another thrilling year of talent evaluation. With the 2025 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, attention now turns to the next crop of prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. This season promises a wealth of exciting players who are not yet in the NFL, each bringing unique skills and potential to the table. From dynamic quarterbacks to explosive playmakers on defense, here’s a detailed look at the standout athletes to watch as the season unfolds. These players, all eligible for the 2026 draft and still in college, could shape the future of the league.
As we approach the 2025 college football season, the spotlight shifts to a talented group of players eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. These athletes, still honing their skills on campus, represent the next wave of NFL talent. From explosive quarterbacks to dominant defenders, this class features high-upside prospects who could redefine franchises. Scouts are buzzing about their potential, and fans should keep an eye on how they perform in key matchups. Here's a breakdown of the top players to watch, organized by position, all of whom remain in college and are draft-eligible in 2026.
Quarterbacks: Arm Talent and Mobility on Display The quarterback group is headlined by Arch Manning of Texas. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Manning combines elite arm strength, prototypical mechanics, and surprising athleticism, including a 67-yard rushing touchdown last season. With just 95 career passes, his sample size is small, but he posted an 88.1 PFF grade in limited action, ranking 13th among FBS quarterbacks with at least 200 snaps. As the full-time starter, Manning's development in pocket navigation and anticipation could make him a top pick, though family history suggests he might stay longer. Cade Klubnik from Clemson is another dual-threat standout. After a breakout 2024 with 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, Klubnik improved his passing grade from 63.9 to 87.7. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he adds 463 rushing yards and seven scores, drawing comparisons to mobile pros. His consistency in big games will be key for a Tigers team eyeing a playoff run. Garrett Nussmeier of LSU rounds out the top tier. Nussmeier's father, an NFL coach, has helped shape his game, and he threw for over 3,000 yards in 2024. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, his arm talent shines, but adding bulk could address durability concerns.
Running Backs: Speed and Power Duos Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame leads the backs with explosive traits. The 6-foot-0, 206-pound sophomore averaged 6.9 yards per carry and forced a 38% missed tackle rate, second among Power Four backs. His 91.0 PFF grade ranked fifth nationally, making him a threat in space and as a receiver. Nicholas Singleton from Penn State forms part of the FBS's top backfield duo with Kaytron Allen. Singleton, at 6-foot-0 and 217 pounds, returned for his senior year with Day 2 grades, showcasing burst and vision. Makhi Hughes, now at Oregon after transferring from Tulane, rushed for 1,401 yards and 15 scores, earning midround buzz for his explosiveness. CJ Baxter of Texas, recovering from a 2024 knee injury, impressed earlier with a 4.8 yards-per-carry average and could thrive alongside Manning.
Wide Receivers: Big-Play Threats Antonio Williams of Clemson is a speedy slot receiver with 904 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, his quickness and reliability make him a top-50 prospect. Jordyn Tyson at Arizona State broke out with 1,098 yards, leading the nation in the final six games with 729 yards. His 4.03 yards per route run highlight his separation skills, though a shoulder injury sidelined him late. Carnell Tate of Ohio State, a 6-foot-3 target, steps into a larger role with Emeka Egbuka gone. His route-running and separation rate (81st percentile) position him for a breakout. Eric Singleton Jr., transferring to Auburn from Georgia Tech, adds speed with 12 catches of 15+ yards.
Tight Ends: Versatile Weapons Kenyon Sadiq of Oregon takes over as TE1, with 308 yards on 24 catches in 2024. At 6-foot-3, his traits scream first-round upside in a Ducks offense. Lawson Luckie at Georgia led the team's tight ends with over 300 yards, earning Day 3 grades. Jack Endries, transferring to Texas from Cal, posted 623 yards and could shine with Manning.
Offensive Linemen: Foundation Builders Kadyn Proctor of Alabama anchors at left tackle with a 72.4 pass-blocking grade in 2024. The 6-foot-7, 369-pound behemoth has Round 1 potential if consistent. Francis Mauigoa from Miami (FL) improved dramatically, allowing just one sack as a sophomore. Spencer Fano of Utah led all tackles with a 93.0 PFF grade, excelling in run-blocking. Isaiah World, transferring to Oregon, brings 6-foot-8 size and no sacks allowed in 2024.
Defensive Linemen and Edge Rushers: Disruptors Up Front Peter Woods of Clemson tops the interior with an 82.9 overall grade, versatile at 6-foot-3, 315 pounds. T.J. Parker, also from Clemson, led returning Power Four edges with 11 sacks. Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami posted a 16.9% pass-rush win rate despite injury. Matayo Uiagalelei at Oregon notched 10.5 sacks with a diverse rush plan. Keldric Faulk of Auburn added seven sacks and 23 run stops.
Linebackers: Versatile Playmakers Anthony Hill Jr. of Texas is a chess piece with 113 tackles, eight sacks, and four forced fumbles. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, his speed and IQ shine. Suntarine Perkins of Ole Miss, a hybrid, led linebackers with a 17.8% pressure rate. CJ Allen of Georgia brings athleticism and shot-put strength.
Secondary: Shutdown Artists Caleb Downs of Ohio State is the class's top safety, with a 91.7 PFF grade and elite versatility. His six interceptions as a freshman highlight ball skills. Avieon Terrell from Clemson, brother of NFL corner A.J. Terrell, led corners with 14 forced incompletions. Jermod McCoy of Tennessee posted an 89.6 coverage grade and four picks. Dillon Thieneman, transferring to Oregon, adds six interceptions from Purdue.
Final Thoughts: The 2025 season will be pivotal for these prospects, with matchups like Texas at Ohio State on August 30 highlighting talents like Manning versus Downs. Teams like Clemson and Penn State boast multiple first-rounders, potentially yielding 12-13 picks each. As scouts hit the road, expect shifts, but this group promises excitement and future NFL stars. *Word count: 1,000*