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Way-too-early Top 100 college football players for the 2026 season

wam1Wl2j_400x400by: Clark Brooks01/22/26ClarkBrooks_On3

The 2025 season might have just been put to bed. But, we at On3 are already looking towards the 2026 season. New season. New stars. Same chaos. The 2026 college football landscape is stacked with game-wreckers, highlight machines and future legends ready to own Saturdays. Built to dominate, these are the college football players who flip fields, break defenses and turn big moments into history.

And as far as our Impact Rankings go, here are the top 100 standouts ahead of this fall!

1. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

No debate on this one. Jeremiah Smith is Him. He’s the boss, head man, top dog, big cheese, head honcho in our Impact Rankings for the second-straight season.

His prototypical 6-foot-3, 225-pound build noticeably comes in handy bullying defensive backs and coming down with key completions. In 2025, Smith hauled in over half of his contested targets. And, over half of his overall chances generated either a first down or a score.

His blazing burst, at that size, simply makes nearly uncapable. To that point, Smith generated the fourth-most deep yards (536) despite fielding over a dozen fewer targets than the dudes in the top three.

His combination of stature, speed, and skill is undeniably impactful. The junior Buckeye is poised to produce his third 1,000-yard, double-digit touchdown effort ahead of being the likely top pick in next April’s NFL Draft.

2. QB Dante Moore, Oregon

Expected to take another step and be more of driver for his offense, Dante Moore is QB1 in our Way-Too-Early rankings. In a weak QB draft, many presumed the former Five-Star Plus+ prospect would take the first-round money and run. But despite the short-term thirst from the League, I think Moore made the right call to run it back and return to Oregon.

Dan Lanning has one of the most intimidating rosters in the sport heading into next fall. And, Moore is a clear Heisman-hopeful. Pinpoint and precise, Moore’s adjusted completion percentage cracked the top-15 among high volume passers on deep, intermediate, and short targets.

Though he needs to show better overall consistency when facing adversity, his accuracy and decision-making in structure is top shelf. Plus, his overall PFF Big-Time Throw vs. Turnover-Worthy Play ratio was top 10 among Power 4 passers.

3. EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

Dylan Stewart is a havoc goblin. His length and launch are elite. Over the last two years, he’s accumulated 88 pressures and forced six fumbles. The Gamecock is undeniable force and key chess piece in every game he plays. And even after a “down” year, his tools and traits have him poised to be among the most impactful defenders in college football.

4. WR Malachi Toney, Miami

The On3 Offensive Freshman of the Year is a clear and obvious game-changer. Malachi Toney was targeted or ran the ball on nearly 15 percent of Miami’s plays as a first-year player. No Power 4 pass catcher forced more missed tackles than his 33. And, he only dropped once pass across 139 opportunities.

Productive and efficient, Toney’s sophomore encore ought to have plenty of fireworks. He’s among seven returning college football players to sport a 1,000-yard campaign and 2.4 yards per route run.

5. EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas

Colin Simmons is one of the most dynamic defensive linemen around. The Longhorn might lack premium length, but his motor runs red-hot and he’s an unequivocal tone setter.

He’s quite good at stuffing the stat sheet. Simmons’ 91 impact plays (havocs + defensive stops) were top-10-worthy last fall. Additionally, his 14.3 percent impact rate was in the top 12 among edges with at least 200 snaps.

Opposing passers constantly have to clock where he lines up. If his 19 sacks as an underclassman fail to sell you on his ability to get after quarterbacks, Simmons’ Pass Rush Win Rate of 21.2 percent was top-eight among high-volume Power 4 players at the position in 2025.

6. CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame

Leonard Moore is a total stud. As an underclassman, he’s plausibly been college football’s best coverageman. A true definition of a lockdown corner, he’s totaled a ludicrous 21 defended passes on a miserly 4.8 yards/target over the last two years. And like you’d expect from Impact CB1, his 92.5 PFF coverage grade was tops last fall.

7. RB Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss

Kewan Lacy emerged as one of college football’s most difficult ball carriers to tackle. He racked up 1,010 yards after contact and broke 91 tackles, both of which ranked in the top four of all players. And behind his hard rushing style, the Rebel gained the third-most yards and second-most scores. No back was responsible for more combined first downs and touchdowns than his 98. That total was the most by a SEC running back since Derrick Henry in 2015. As a betting man, I think he gets even more in 2026.

8. RB Ahmad Hardy, Missouri

While Lacy led the Power 4 in touchdowns, the back that usurped him through the portal led the major conferences in rush yards, YAC yards, explosive carries and broken tackles. And Ahmad Hardy is a prime candidate to again be one of the most bankable backs in college football. Over the last couple of seasons, he’s rushed for nearly 3,000 yards. In that span, the Tiger has averaged over 4.2 yards after contact. Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love was the only other qualifying rusher to accomplish that. Pretty nice company.

9. OT Carter Smith, Indiana

The Big Ten’s Blocker of the Year will return as our top offensive lineman in the Way-Too-Early rankings. Carter Smith has logged over 2,700 career snaps and is one of the only returning college football players to earn both a plus-80 run block and pass block grade last fall, per Pro Football Focus. Even after facing Miami’s marvelous defensive front, Smith’s 1.9 percent Pressure Rate Allowed sits as the second-best figure among returning bookends. Offensive line play might not be appealing to most, but he’s a name I’d recommend remembering.

10. WR Cam Coleman, Texas

Cam Coleman has been maligned by below-average quarterback play as an underclassman. Over 35 percent of his targets in 2025 were deemed “tossups”, per my charting. No other SEC player with at least 50 targets had a clip north of 28 percent. But despite that, he beat the national average in yards/target and “created” eight receptions for himself, going above and beyond.

He possesses a special set of skills that few in college football can claim. The former Five-Star Plus+ recruit and top player in our On3 Transfer Portal Rankings is now paired with quarterback Arch Manning. So, things should improve for Coleman on that front and be in store for an impressive season.

11. QB Sam Leavitt, LSU

Sam Leavitt was our Impact QB1 this time last year. But even though his stock took a hit after a rocky, injury-riddled sophomore season, a coupling with Lane Kiffin makes a rebound appear awesomely auspicious.

He’s an elite downfield thrower. Against his top defensive foes, Leavitt posted a plus-59 percent Depth Adjusted Accuracy each of the last two years. For context, that’s akin to what Heisman-winner and top draft pick Cam Ward scored in his final Impact Study.

And with that premier placement, Leavitt has dazzling athleticism in the open field. Quick enough to win the edge and nimble enough to cleanly juke defenders out of their cleats, he routinely wins playing backyard ball. In his last two Impact Studies, he’s erased 38 sacks across 13 games.

LSU has the makings of an offensive juggernaut. And will go as far as Leavitt can lead them.

12. QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Many pro scouts wished Julian Sayin was draft-eligible last year. As one of top deep passers in the country, he was a noticeable catalyst for Ohio State’s clean regular season thanks to tremendous bang-for-buck. According to PFF, Sayin held the top Accuracy% (82.7) and Big Time Throw vs. Turnover-Worthy Play ratio (3.8). Replicating that efficiency won’t be easy, but the Super Sayin is a star in the making.

13. CB Jyaire Hill, Michigan

Jyaire Hill is one of the steadiest corners in the country. A standout in zone, the 6-foot-2 Wolverine beat national averages in Clamp Rate (24.5 percent), yards/target (4.8) and yards/coverage snap (0.6).

14. OT Jacarrius Peak, South Carolina

As a child of the Air Raid offense, I am a sucker for tremendous pass blockers. And that’s exactly what Jacarrius Peak is. His Clean Pass Set Rate — both overall and in true dropback situations — cracked the top 25 at the position. Considering his old offense liked to call a lot of dropback passes, that’s all the more impressive.

South Carolina has been the SEC’s best offense at moving backwards the last half-decade. Failing to prevent pressure has stagnated the Shane Beamer era and has been an early trademark of all of his offenses. But, Peak can help turn the tide. And, his presence could bring out the best version of LaNorris Sellers.

15. QB Arch Manning, Texas

Arch Manning is a lightning rod. Though the pressure is mounting in Austin to bring home some hardware, I am still firmly in the camp he has the goods and clear first-round potential. Some would argue he would have been a top pick in this year’s draft had he declared.

Regardless of his surname, his processing, tight window accuracy, and zeal to provide big plays makes him a fun option. And this fall, I feel it will all come together for him.

16. LB Xavier Atkins, Auburn

Thanks to the transfer portal, Xavier Atkins went from being buried on LSU’s depth chart behind the Weeks brothers to one of the best linebackers in the country on The Plains. His 10 sacks were the most by an off-ball linebacker since 2023. Ultimately, he finished with 81 impact plays, which are the most of any college football players returning in 2026. But he wasn’t just compiling counting stats. Atkins’ 11.4 percent clip on a per play basis ranked in the top 10 among high volume Power 4 players.

17. RB Jadan Baugh, Florida

The last game Jadan Baugh played, he totaled 264 yards on 39 attempts for two scores. Breaking 13 tackles along the way, only Emmitt Smith holds a more prolific stat line in Florida history. With ground-oriented Buster Faulker now in charge of the offense, Baugh is destined to be the primary focus of the Gators’ attack. And for good measure, 65 percent of the 6-foot-1, 231-pound star’s production the last two seasons has come after contact.

18. OT Anthonie Knapp Notre Dame

The former On3 outlier four-star will be a key cog along one of the nation’s most formidable fronts. Despite being thrown into the fire as an underclassman, Anthonie Knapp has held down the blindside for the Fighting Irish. He’s just one of three returning college football players to allow fewer than 12 pressures and post a PFF run block grade of at least 72.

19. EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon

Matayo Uiagalelei is a beefy tweener at 6-foot-5, 270-pounds. And on a loaded defense, he arguably has the best upside. Capable of aligning at multiple spots along the defensive front, his versatility saw him generate 77 impact plays — the 12th-most among Power Four edges. People at the next level crave that kind of stuff.

20. OT Cayden Green, Missouri

Kicking out to left tackle, Cayden Green showed why value his potential as a A1 blocker. While boasting a 98.1 percent Clean Pass Set Rate, both his PFF run and pass block grades topped 76. The only other returning college football players that can claim the same are the aforementioned Carter Smith and Iowa’s Trevor Lauck.

21. DL David Stone, Oklahoma

Living up to his namesake, former Five-Star Plus+ David Stone was one of college football’s most hard-nosed defenders last fall. His nine tackles for a loss were the most at the position. And his 9.7 percent Impact Rate was the 12th-best among Power 4 interior linemen. Moreover, Stone is just one of two returning college football players to rock a plus-81.0 PFF run defense grade.

22. DL Bear Alexander, Oregon

Bear Alexander is excellent at getting defensive stops. In his last two seasons as a starter, he’s amassed 59. And his 5.3 percent such clip was last season is the fifth-best mark among returning college football players.

23. QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Like a flower sprouting through cracks in cement, LaNorris Sellers keeps progressing as a passer despite inhospitable conditions. His blockers keep letting him down, there’s been virtually zero run game to take heat off of him, and his play callers have been milquetoast. And, seeing the field better remains to be a major area of improvement.

Stats-wise, there weren’t many signs of growth. But, optimism lies within his tape. Sellers’ potential as a field stretcher, backyard baller, and designed rusher make him one of the most dangerous offensive players in college football.

24. RB Isaac Brown, Louisville

Louisville’s Isaac Brown quite possibly is the best skill player you haven’t heard of. He runs hard and maximizes his opportunities. As an underclassman he’s commanded a mighty 44 percent Broken Tackle Rate and 5.1 YAC average. Over a fifth of his career carries have gained at least 10 yards. And this past season despite battling some injuries, his 8.2 yards/touch was the highest among qualifying Power 4 running backs.

25. S Marcus Ratcliffe, Texas A&M

Mike Elko’s defense will have a lot of good players, but Marcus Ratcliffe might be the most impactful this fall. He’s one of the rare defensive backs to sport a plus-74 man coverage, zone coverage, and run defense grade, per PFF. Stingy and dependable, his 0.1 yards/coverage snap allowed was the lowest mark in the country. Additionally, his 5.9 yards/catch is the second-best figure among high volume returning college football players.

26. LB Isaiah Jones, Indiana

Hoosier thumper Isaiah Jones might not be the biggest or strongest. But, it’s a testament to his impact how Indiana was practically forced to keep him on the field.

Playing almost a full NFL regular season slate, he shined as one of the most consistent defenders in the Power 4. Almost 12 percent of his snaps involved a havoc play or a stop — a top-10 clip among all linebackers.

27. QB Jayden Maiava, USC
28. EDGE Princewill Umanmielen, LSU
29. RB L.J. Martin, BYU
30. RB Jordan Marshall, Michigan
31. OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
32. WR Duce Robinson, Florida State
33. WR Mario Craver, Texas A&M
34. CB Brice Polluck, Texas Tech
35. CB Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
36. IOL Justin Evans, Nebraska
37. EDGE Teitum Tuioti, Oregon
38. INT William Echols, Ole Miss
39. IOL Sheridan Wilson, Texas Tech
40. QB Darien Mensah, TBD
41. RB Bo Jackson, Ohio State
42. OT Austin Siereveld, Ohio State
43. EDGE Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
44. OT Jordan Seaton, TBD
45. OT Howard Sampson, Texas Tech
46. S Bray Hubbard, Alabama
47. TE Trey’Dez Green, LSU
48. LB Kip Lewis, Oklahoma
49. WR Omar Cooper, Indiana
50. WR KJ Duff, Rutgers
51. OT Trevor Lauck, Iowa

52. OT Michael Carroll, Alabama
53. EDGE Chaz Coleman, Tennessee
54. CB Zach Lutmer, Iowa
55. INT Mario Landino, Indiana
56. EDGE Damon Wilson II, TBD
57. IOL Drew Bobo, Georgia
58. TE Terrance Carter, Texas Tech
59. EDGE Taylor Wein, Oklahoma
60. EDGE John Henry Daley, Michigan
61. S Amare Ferrell, Indiana
62. QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
63. WR Isaiah Sategna, Oklahoma
64. LB Rasheem Biles, Texas
65. RB Caleb Hawkins, Oklahoma State
66. EDGE Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
67. EDGE Will Heldt, Clemson
68. Earnest Greene, Georgia
69. Brandon Finney, Oregon
70. WR Charlie Becker, Indiana
71. S Antonio Watts, Louisville
72. INT Ahmad Moten, Miami
73. CB Evan Johnson, BYU
74. IOL Drew Evans, Indiana
75. OT Nathan Roy, Minnesota

76. OT PJ Williams, SMU
77. S KJ Bolden, Georgia
78. CB John Nestor, Minnesota
79. INT Tavion Gadson, Kentucky
80. QB Byrum Brown, Auburn
81. QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
82. CB DJ Pickett, LSU
83. QB Josh Hoover, Indiana
84. LB Austin Romaine, Texas Tech
85. QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Cal
86. QB CJ Carr, Notre Dame
87. RB Antwan Raymond, Rutgers
88. RB Mark Fletcher, Miami
89. LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
90. QB CJ Bailey, NC State
91. QB Gunner Stockton, Georgia
92. TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon
93. WR Amare Thomas, Houston
94. LB Raylen Wilson, Georgia
95. LB Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
96. INT Mandrell Desir, Florida State
97. LB Chris Cole, Georgia
98. INT A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
99. WR Braylon Staley, Tennessee
100. S Keon Sabb, Alabama