The Next Big Names in College Football: A 2026 NFL Draft Preview

The 2025 NFL Draft has just wrapped up, but football fans are already looking ahead to the next big names. These players are set to shine in college football this fall and could be top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. It is important to remember that this is not a definitive list but rather a watch list of potential stars. The NFL Draft is always full of surprises, and these prospects could be the next big thing or fall short of expectations. It is a game of chance and skill. The New Orleans Saints have a rich history with the Manning family. Arch Manning, the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli, is a top prospect for the 2026 draft. He has had limited playing time so far, but his family legacy speaks volumes. The Saints have not drafted a quarterback in the first round since Archie Manning in 1971, so this could be a significant moment for the franchise. Additionally, the Saints' offensive coordinator, Doug Nussmeier, has a son, Garrett Nussmeier, who is also a top quarterback prospect. The NFL is a family business, after all. The Cleveland Browns are building their team with an eye on the future. They have been stockpiling picks to secure their quarterback of choice. Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were recent additions, but the Browns are not done yet. Spencer Fano, an athletic right tackle from Utah, could be a great fit for the Browns. He needs to add more mass, but his potential is undeniable. The Browns have a history of flipping players to the left side, so Fano could be the next in line. The Browns are always looking for that next big thing to lead them to victory. The New York Giants and New York Jets have different needs heading into the 2026 draft. The Giants do not need a quarterback, so they might look at a linebacker like Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas. Hill has great size and athleticism, making him a versatile player on the field. The Jets, on the other hand, have been linked to defensive tackles but did not select one this year. Caleb Banks from Florida could be their guy. He has a strong presence on the field and needs to take his game to the next level. The Jets are always looking for that defensive edge. The Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders are both looking to bolster their teams with new talent. The Titans drafted Oluwafemi Oladejo this year, but they could be looking for more help at the pass-rushing position. Rueben Bain from Miami has the size to play multiple positions, but his production needs to improve. The Raiders have Geno Smith, but he will be 35 during the upcoming season. Quarterbacks do not often perform at a high level this late into their careers. LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina showed a lot of growth this past season and could be the next big thing for the Raiders. The Titans and Raiders are always looking for that next big playmaker.

The Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars) are both in the market for offensive tackles. Carolina picked up Ikem Ekwonu's option, but there is a chance they move on from him after the season. Francis Mauigoa from Miami would give them a new left tackle on a rookie contract. His older brother, Francisco, was drafted in the fifth round by the Jets. The Browns are looking for an athletic right tackle who can add more mass. Spencer Fano from Utah fits the bill. The Panthers and Browns are always looking for that next big offensive lineman. The Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots have different needs heading into the 2026 draft. The Colts went tight end in the first round, but they need to identify pieces for their interior defensive line in the coming years. Peter Woods from Clemson could be their guy. The Patriots have a need for safety, but it is not often valued at a level that justifies top-10 consideration. Caleb Downs from Ohio State is a special talent, though. The Colts and Patriots are always looking for that next big defensive player. The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams are both in the market for quarterbacks. The Seahawks have a need for an edge rusher, and T. J. Parker from Clemson could be their guy. He had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles last season. The Rams have Matthew Stafford, but the "will he, won't he? " retirement rumors will persist until he calls it a career. Garrett Nussmeier from LSU has a strong arm and has been playing at a high level. The Seahawks and Rams are always looking for that next big quarterback. The Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys are both looking to bolster their teams with new talent. The Dolphins lost Terron Armstead to retirement, but they have Patrick Paul, their second-round selection from last year. If that does not work out, they could look at Kadyn Proctor from Alabama. He is a massive human being who needs to play a little lighter to maximize his foot quickness and flexibility. The Cowboys have a history of drafting wide receivers, and Carnell Tate from Ohio State could be their next big thing. The Dolphins and Cowboys are always looking for that next big playmaker.

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