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2026 NFL Draft Watch List: Top Names to Know at Every Position
- Brandon Lundberg
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The 2026 NFL Draft cycle is underway, and with the Summer Scouting Period in full swing, now is the time to lay the groundwork for draft season coverage.
This guide serves as a one-stop hub for the top prospects to know at every key position—quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and beyond. Whether you're a draft analyst, fantasy football player, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, these are the names you’ll want to remember as the 2025 college football season kicks off.
🔗 Full positional breakdowns included for every group—click through to dive into each scouting report.
Arch Manning enters 2025 with the most to prove and the highest ceiling: The Texas quarterback has NFL bloodlines, arm talent, and mobility—but he’ll need to put it all together in Year 2 as a starter.
LaNorris Sellers and Drew Allar bring elite traits with QB1 potential: Sellers is the top dual-threat in the class, while Allar flashes big-time arm strength and poise when mechanically sound.
Jeremiyah Love headlines a deep and explosive RB class: The Notre Dame standout blends elite burst with receiving ability, making him one of the most complete backs in the country.
Nick Singleton and Makhi Hughes bring power and vision: Singleton is a home-run hitter with a thick frame and top-end speed, while Hughes led the AAC in rushing and offers three-down value.
Jordyn Tyson leads a dynamic WR group: The Arizona State standout enters 2025 with elite separation ability, top-tier ball skills, and WR1 potential—if he stays healthy.
Eric Singleton Jr. and Carnell Tate bring speed and polish: Singleton is one of the fastest players in the draft, while Tate continues Ohio State’s WR factory tradition with advanced route-running and strong hands.
Lawson Luckie and Max Klare headline a versatile TE group: Luckie brings a blend of physicality and pass-catching upside for Georgia, while Klare offers dynamic mismatch ability in Ryan Day’s offense at Ohio State.
Eli Stowers and Jack Endries add depth and intrigue: Stowers could rise to TE1 with another big season at Vanderbilt, while Endries continues his improbable climb from walk-on to draftable prospect.
Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa lead a dominant OL group: Fano is a technician with movement skills that pop on tape, while Mauigoa brings rare size, power, and athletic upside at right tackle.
Interior talent runs deep in this class: Players like Logan Jones and Jake Slaughter headline a strong group of centers and guards that could push into the top 100 picks.
Peter Woods and T.J. Parker headline a dominant Clemson duo: Woods is a rare 315-pound athlete with positional versatility, while Parker led all returning Power Four EDGE defenders in sacks and forced fumbles.
This class brings size, twitch, and depth: From Rueben Bain Jr. to Dani Dennis-Sutton, the 2026 defensive line crop is stacked with NFL-caliber disruptors across multiple fronts.
C.J. Allen and Anthony Hill Jr. lead a fast, versatile LB class: Allen emerged as a high-IQ playmaker in Georgia’s defense, while Hill is a violent, athletic force with true three-down potential.
Harold Perkins Jr. could be the ultimate chess piece: LSU’s dynamic linebacker offers EDGE-level pass-rush juice and sideline-to-sideline range, giving him rare hybrid appeal in today’s NFL.
Avieon Terrell and A.J. Harris bring physicality and versatility: Terrell is a tone-setter in coverage with elite instincts, while Harris combines length and technique to lock down outside receivers.
Injuries and risers will define this group: Jermod McCoy (ACL) and DJ McKinney (Colorado transfer) headline a deep pool of emerging CB1 candidates heading into 2025.
Caleb Downs is a rare blue-chip safety prospect: The Ohio State star enters 2025 as one of the top overall players in the draft, with elite instincts, tackling ability, and positional versatility.
Dillon Thieneman and Kamari Ramsey offer Day 1 upside: Thieneman is a ball-hawk with range and IQ, while Ramsey brings physicality and leadership to USC’s revamped secondary.