2026 NFL Draft Preview
Who are the Players to Watch for the 2026 NFL Draft?
College Football is back!
This Saturday (August 23) marks Week 0, the prelude to the college football season. While only five FBS games will be played (one being Farmageddon, the longest uninterrupted college football series, spanning 109 years), Week 0 is still a significant marker that fall football is just around the corner.
Football fans who mainly focus on the NFL, however, may not care as much about the first Top 25 matchup in Week 0 in over 20 years. The fact that this game is set in Ireland (aptly dubbed Farm O’Geddon) may also not resonate with them. For these fans, the return of college football spells one thing: that the 2026 NFL Draft is creeping closer and closer.
With Week 0 setting the stage, let’s take a look at some of the prospects I will be watching this season as a college football fan and as an NFL Draft evaluator. This list is certain to change over the next four-plus months, but for now, here are some of the players I have my eyes on.
Quarterbacks
Early Favorites:
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina: Heading into the 2025 season, Sellers is probably my favorite QB to watch. A top-notch athlete, Sellers was able to will the Gamecocks to nine wins, including beating in-state rival Clemson in the regular season finale. Sellers needs some improvement playing within structure, but his physical tools and pocket movement are among the best in the class.
Games to Watch: vs. Alabama (10.8), vs. Clemson (11.29)
John Mateer, Oklahoma: The reason Washington State didn’t fall off the map following the loss of Cam Ward was simple - John Mateer stepped up. The redshirt sophomore led Wazzu to an 8-5 record with substantially less talent than what he’ll have this year in Norman. If Mateer can get the Sooners off to a hot start, his name will be one you see rise up draft boards.
Games to Watch: Red River Rivalry vs. Texas (10.11), @ Alabama (11.15)
Cade Klubnik, Clemson: After a rough start to his career, Klubnik has significantly improved since taking his first snaps. Klubnik played very well, particularly down the stretch, leading Clemson to an ACC Championship and eventual College Football Playoff berth. Klubnik’s strong arm and ability to create should be on full display this season, as Clemson both opens and closes the regular season against strong SEC competition.
Games to Watch: vs. LSU (8.30), @ South Carolina (11.29)
Others to Watch:
Drew Allar, Penn State
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Carson Beck, Miami
Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Running Backs
Early Favorite:
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame: Following a lackluster freshman season, Love broke out last year, becoming the best offensive player on a team that would reach the National Championship. Despite having a low touch count throughout the year, Love was able to produce and make the most of his opportunity. Now, with new quarterback CJ Carr as the starter, Love should get the chance to tote the rock a lot more in this campaign.
Games to Watch: @ Miami (8.31), vs. Texas A&M (9.13)
Others to Watch:
Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Mekhi Hughes, Oregon
Justice Haynes, Michigan
Wide Receivers
Early Favorites:
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State: After a knee injury that ended his sophomore season, Tyson bounced back in a big way in 2024, bringing in 75 receptions for over 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns. My early pick for WR1, Tyson has the size, speed, and physicality that NFL teams crave in young receivers. Tyson and the Sun Devils should have a chance to show off the goods and build off the Big 12 Championship they earned last year.
Games to Watch: @ Iowa State (11.1), @ Colorado (11.22)
Chris Bell, Louisville: Probably the most under-the-radar prospect I’ll talk about in this article, Bell quietly had a productive season for the Cardinals last season. Despite being third on the wide receiver depth chart, Bell still produced 700 yards and 4 touchdowns last year. With fewer receivers in front of him and projected better play at the quarterback position, Bell should have a better chance to show off his NFL traits.
Games to Watch: vs. Clemson (11.14), @ SMU (11.22)
Others to Watch:
Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Kevin Concepcion, Texas A&M
Eric Singleton Jr, Auburn
Denzel Boston, Washington
Antonio Williams, Clemson
Tight Ends
Early Favorite:
Max Klare, Ohio State: While it’s tough to try and take targets away from Jeremiah Smith, the Purdue transfer tight end should command the ball this season. Klare was fairly productive for the Boilermakers last season, bringing in just under 700 yards on 51 receptions. With hopefully better play from the quarterback, Klare will show that he deserves to be the leader of a weaker tight end class compared to last season.
Games to Watch: vs. Texas (8.30), vs. Penn State (11.1)
Others to Watch:
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Oscar Delp, Georgia
Jack Velling, Michigan State
Offensive Line
Early Favorites:
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama: Standing at 6’7 and weighing north of 360lbs, Proctor is a monster at left tackle. Playing for both Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer has helped Proctor round out his game, allowing him to be more than just an imposing force. Rare size and strength, combined with weekly reps against the country’s best players, should help Proctor continue to improve and hold his OL1 status.
Games to Watch: @ Georgia (9.27), vs. LSU (11.8)
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida: Despite a rotating door of quarterbacks throughout the season, the Gators offensive line was able to hold it down and provide stable play. The leader of that unit is center Jake Slaughter, who helped command the offense for veteran Graham Mertz and helped bring along star freshman DJ Lagway. While a bit undersized, Slaughter can maul defenders in Florida’s zone run game. An entire season (hopefully) of DJ Lagway behind him should give Slaughter the national credit he deserves.
Games to Watch: @ LSU (9.13), vs. Georgia (11.1)
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami: The prize of Miami’s 2023 recruiting class, Mauigoa has played in every single game since stepping on campus. At 6’6 and 315lbs, he has NFL size and strength to be able to hang with the best. One of the reasons Cam Ward was able to have so much success last season was the play of the offensive line, anchored by Mauigoa. If Carson Beck has similar success this season, Mauigoa should receive a large chunk of the credit.
Games to Watch: vs. Notre Dame (8.31), vs. Florida (9.20)
Others to Watch:
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
Defensive Line
Early Favorites:
Peter Woods, Clemson: Perhaps the best player in all of college football, Peter Woods has a chance to continue making his mark this season. The dominant defensive lineman is a monster in both run defense and as a pass rusher. While Clemson will have ten or more players hearing their names called in April next year, Woods is the leader of the group. Expect Clemson to make a deep run this year with Woods leading the pack.
Games to Watch: vs. LSU (8.30), @ South Carolina (11.29)
Caleb Banks, Florida: One of the more ascending players in college football over the past few seasons is Caleb Banks. After transferring from Louisville, Banks has started every game, terrorizing opposing offenses in the run game. Hopefully, with a more successful offensive output this season, Banks may be able to rack up more pass-rushing stats.
Games to Watch: @ LSU (9.13), vs. Georgia (11.1)
Others to Watch:
Christen Miller, Georgia
Zane Durant, Penn State
Tim Keenan III, Alabama
DeMonte Capehart, Clemson
Edge Rushers
Early Favorites:
TJ Parker, Clemson: One of Peter Woods’ teammates, Parker is a budding star in his own right. After a sophomore breakout, Parker looks to have another season with double-digit sacks and tackles for loss. With Clemson positioned as a strong favorite to win the ACC, we’ll be able to see Parker playing late in the season.
Games to Watch: vs. LSU (8.30), @ South Carolina (11.29)
Keldric Faulk, Auburn: For Auburn to compete with Alabama in the Iron Bowl, they’ll have to have someone who can deal with Kadyn Proctor’s massive frame and movement ability. Keldric Faulk may be the perfect player to do so. Faulk himself isn’t on the small side, measuring at around 6’6 and weighing more than 280lbs. With these intangibles and the ability to move and bend like an outside linebacker, Faulk has a good chance to be the first defensive player drafted in April.
Games to Watch: vs. Georgia (10.11), vs. Alabama (11.29)
Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon: Brother of former Clemson, Oregon State, and FSU quarterback DJ, Matayo Uiagalelei is another of the souped-up edge rushers in this draft class. Uiagalelei helped anchor the Ducks defense last year, ultimately earning the team the Number 1 Seed in the College Football Playoff. With a year of postseason experience under his belt, expect Uiagalelei to be an even more dominant rusher this season.
Games to Watch: @ Penn State (9.27), vs. Indiana (10.11)
Others to Watch:
LT Overton, Alabama
Reuben Bain Jr, Miami
Tyreak Sapp, Florida
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Derrick Moore, Michigan
Off-Ball Linebackers
Early Favorites:
CJ Allen, Georgia: The position that suffered the most in the 2025 Draft was the inside linebackers. This isn’t the case in 2026 - there are more than a handful of potential starters, headlined by CJ Allen. Allen is one of the better athletes in this class as a whole, displaying good range and tackling ability in the run game. LB-needy teams will be watching a lot of Georgia tape this season.
Games to Watch: vs. Alabama (9.27), vs. Texas (11.15)
Sonny Styles, Ohio State: Another player in contention for LB1 is Styles, the do-it-all defender who helped lead Ohio State to a National Championship. Originally a safety, Styles has converted to the second level but maintains his range and speed. Last season, Styles stuffed the stat sheet, adding 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 5 passes defended, and a forced fumble. If 2026 is anything like last year, Styles will be hearing his name called on Night One.
Games to Watch: vs. Texas (8.30), vs. Penn State (11.1)
Others to Watch:
Anthony Hill Jr, Texas
Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
Whit Weeks, LSU
Cornerbacks
Early Favorites:
Avieon Terrell, Clemson: Once Nate Wiggins left for the NFL, Terrell had to step up in a big way, guarding the best receivers every week. Terrell has largely lived up to the challenge, forcing quarterbacks into contested looks and being able to hang with almost every receiver. He may be a bit on the smaller side for some teams, but if Terrell can replicate his performance from last season, it will be hard for evaluators to overlook his talents.
Games to Watch: vs. LSU (8.30), @ South Carolina (11.29)
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee: McCoy brings more of the prototypical size that teams are looking for in their corners. Standing at 6 feet and around 190lbs, the Oregon State transfer was a key component for a Tennessee defense that helped make the College Football Playoff. Now with another year in the system, McCoy looks to be one of the first defensive backs taken in 2026.
Games to Watch: @ Alabama (10.18), @ Florida (11.22)
Domani Jackson, Alabama: Continuing from smallest to largest, Domani Jackson stands at 6’1 and just under 200lbs. The USC transfer was incredibly impactful for the Crimson Tide in year one, adding two interceptions and blanketing opposing teams’ priority receivers. With Alabama bringing most of their defensive starters back this season, Jackson may have an even bigger role on a team looking to get back into the playoff picture.
Games to Watch: @ Georgia (9.27), vs. LSU (11.8)
Others to Watch:
Malik Muhammad, Texas
AJ Harris, Penn State
Tacario Davis, Washington
DJ McKinney, Colorado
Will Lee III, Texas A&M
Safeties
Early Favorite:
Caleb Downs, Ohio State: The other contender for best player in college football is Caleb Downs. Following his transfer from Alabama to OSU, Downs helped lead a strong Buckeyes defense to the first 12-team College Football Playoff National Championship. Downs can do it all, from playing in coverage to coming down and being a hitter in the box. Look for him to continue to make plays this season as the Buckeyes eye a repeat.
Games to Watch: vs. Texas (8.30), vs. Penn State (11.1)
Others to Watch:
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Bray Hubbard, Alabama
Keon Sabb, Alabama
Michael Taaffe, Texas
Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina