Top 250 Preseason Watchlist — 2026 NFL Draft Edition 🏈

From explosive edge rushers to aerial marvels, this preseason snapshot spotlights the elite college standouts gearing up for a monster draft class. These are the names fans and scouts won’t want to lose track of—they’re the frontline buzz, shake‑up makers, and future first‑rounders.

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🔝 Elite Tier — Immediate First-Round Talent

These guys enter the season with first-round pedigree, star power, and a buzz all their own:

• Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson): A polished signal-caller with pro-level poise.

• Caleb Downs (SAF, Ohio State): Sideline-to-sideline impact and ball skills.

• Drew Allar (QB, Penn State): Consistent, accurate, QB1 material.

• Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU): Deep-ball guy with high upside.

• Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn): Athletic edge terrorizing tackles.

• Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): Versatile back with burst and hands.

• Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami): Agile blocker with elite feet.

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🔥 Impact Tier — First Picks / Rise Up Potential

These players could absolutely rise—and fast:

• Matayo Uiagalelei (EDGE, Oregon): Rusher with savage power and bend.

• Drew Shelton (OT, Penn State): Massive, technical tackle who anchors lines.

• Domani Jackson (CB, Alabama): Sticky man coverage meets ball hawk instincts.

• Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama): High-end blocking with NFL traits.

• T.J. Parker, Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Clemson/Miami): Explosive pass-rushers.

• Caleb Lomu, Austin Barber (OTs): Dual threats in athleticism & strength.

• Peter Woods (DT, Clemson): Nose tackle with disruption built‑in.

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📈 Breakout Tier — Watch the Momentum

Players poised for a breakout season, potential leap-list movers:

Safeties & Linebackers:

• Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas), Harold Perkins (LB, LSU), Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) — sideline hawks, sideline talk.

• Kamari Ramsey (SAF, USC), Dillon Thieneman (SAF, Oregon) — playing chess in center‑field.

Backs & Receivers:

• Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State), Isaiah Horton (WR, Alabama) — alpha receivers with NFL size;

• Clemson duo Avieon Terrell (CB), Antonio Williams (WR) — lockdown corner with explosive hands and pro-ready wide receiver

O‑linemen & Interior D:

• Connor Lew, Jake Slaughter (Centers, Auburn/Florida) — anchors behind the blocker;

• Caleb Banks (DT, Florida) — power plug in the middle.

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📊 Deep Tier — Day-2 Price Tags, Hidden Upside

These players project as Day 2 / 3 picks but could pop with strong tape:

• Domani Jackson (Alabama), Evan Stewart (WR, Oregon), Kamari Ramsey (SAF, USC) — explosive role-players

• Oscar Delp (TE, Georgia), Joe Royer (TE, Cincinnati), Brett Norfleet (TE, Missouri) — positional mismatch-makers in tight ends

• Connor Tollison, Patrick Coogan (Centers), Arion Carter (LB), Christian Gray (CB) — gritty, technical players with starting-ready feel.

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📌 Watchlist Tips & Storylines to Follow

QB Room Shuffle

With Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers (SCAR), and Carson Beck (Miami), the quarterback storyline is heating fast.

Edge Rush Revival

From Keldric Faulk to T.J. Parker and Patrick Payton (LSU), 2026 might be a gold mine for hybrid rushers.

Ohio State Overload

Keep tabs on Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Davison Igbinosun, and more — OSU is stacked.

Tight End Inventories

Oscar Delp, Michael Trigg (Baylor), Max Klare (Ohio State), and others offer big‑game size and receiving range.

Interior OL Depth

Expect center tables in the draft rooms to have notes about Connor Tollison, Jake Slaughter, and Dayton’s prospect Gennings Dunker (Iowa).

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2026 NFL Draft Top 250 Watchlist