Atlanta, Georgia – As the excitement around the 2025 NFL Draft winds down, the spotlight is already starting to shift to the 2026 NFL Draft. Though it’s still a long way off, a fresh list of prospects to watch has emerged as college football heats up. This is similar to how the character from the movie “Elf” celebrates the holiday season and immediately prompts preparations for next year after successfully delivering gifts.
Among the top names on the list is a talented young quarterback who is the grandson of Archie Manning and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning. After transferring from Alabama following the retirement of Nick Saban, this Georgia native is making headlines as the first freshman in Alabama history to lead the team in tackles.
Another prospect making waves is a standout defensive player from ACC, who became the Defensive Rookie of the Year with an impressive record of 45 pressures and 7.5 sacks last season. He comes from a football family, with multiple relatives showcasing their talents in the NFL.
Keep an eye on a wide receiver who has set school records for both forced fumbles and tackles for loss during his fresh year. He has a background in athletics, excelling in both basketball and track. A quarterback on the list recently completed a strong season with a 68.7% pass completion rate and is also making headlines for his family history in football.
This list doesn’t stop there. Talented players from different colleges are making themselves known, including those who have transferred and shown promise on the field. With a variety of backgrounds and histories tied to the game, many of these prospects will draw attention from scouts as the college football season unfolds.
The journey to the 2026 NFL Draft is just beginning, and as we monitor these talented individuals, fans and analysts alike will be excited to see how they perform in the upcoming season. The rankings will sure to evolve in the coming months as teams and scouts evaluate talent across the board.
