The 2025 NFL Draft might be in the rearview, but the spotlight never dims for long. Already, eyes are drifting toward next year’s class, and it’s shaping up to be a loaded one. Quarterbacks are grabbing headlines early, but the depth across the board makes the 2026 group especially intriguing.
We bring you the top prospects already making noise for all the right reasons.
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
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The name alone brings pressure, but Arch is starting to prove he’s more than just a legacy. After backing up Quinn Ewers in 2024, he’s stepping into the spotlight with arm strength, poise, and sneaky mobility. If he puts together a full, productive season, it’s not hard to imagine teams jockeying for positions to take him first overall.
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
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Allar improved in key areas last season, raising his yards per attempt and maintaining accuracy. He’ll need a signature game against a top-tier opponent to solidify his spot among the elite, but his physical traits and growth have scouts watching closely.
Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State
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Downs racks up stats and makes every tackle count. With 82 total stops in 2024, including 49 solo, he was a steady force in the Buckeyes’ secondary. He’s everywhere you want a modern safety to be.
T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
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Parker turned heads in 2024 with 11 sacks and an impact-heavy postseason. His four-sack night against Pitt was a warning shot, and his dominance in the ACC title game made it clear: he’s the next Clemson edge rusher bound for Sunday’s spotlight. Offensive coordinators are already trying to find answers.
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
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After a promising 2023 at Georgia, Beck struggled through injuries and inconsistency in 2024. Now, in Miami, he gets a fresh start, and with his arm talent and experience, scouts are eager to see if he can finally put it all together. The upside hasn’t gone anywhere.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
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A fixture at right tackle for two seasons, Mauigoa has developed into a top-line pass protector. He was one of the top recruits in the 2023 class and has lived up to expectations. There’s a real chance he hears his name early on draft night.
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
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After transferring from USC, Branch has brought needed speed to Georgia’s offense. Though his 2024 receiving numbers were modest, his return skills and open-field ability make him a threat. All he needs to do is mesh quickly with Georgia’s quarterback situation.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
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Nussmeier had one of the more productive seasons of any returning quarterback. He threw over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024 while showing sharp timing and confident reads. His decision to return instead of declaring adds another year to polish his résumé, and with his father coaching in the NFL, he’s got the background teams love.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
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At 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, Proctor has the size scouts dream of. He started as a true freshman, briefly considered transferring, then returned to anchor Alabama’s line. His power and reach make him a potential top-10 pick if he continues to clean up his footwork.
Jyaire Hill, DB, Michigan
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Hill emerged in 2024 as Michigan’s top corner, who showed poise in coverage and physicality against the run. With Will Johnson injured much of the season, Hill took on a leading role and didn’t falter. His ability to match up with top receivers will be a key focus in 2025.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
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Despite the buzz heading into 2024, Sanders’ NFL stock took a hit amid questions about leadership and fit. Reports suggest some teams have concerns beyond the field. Still, the arm talent and pedigree remain, and a strong rebound could change the narrative heading into the next cycle.
Will Johnson, DB, Michigan
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Before his injury, Johnson looked every bit like a first-rounder. He’s long, fluid, and rarely out of position. Scouts haven’t forgotten how dominant he was in 2023, and a healthy, productive return would reestablish him as one of the top corners in the nation.
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
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Burden does most of his damage after the catch. He’s physical through contact, slippery in space, and has been consistently productive for two years. Now, he needs to show he can dominate elite corners and win in more vertical concepts.
Raheim Sanders, RB, Arkansas
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Though running backs are less of a draft priority, Sanders is the kind of powerful, versatile back who still draws early attention. He bounced back with 881 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024. Add some growth as a pass-catcher, and he becomes a rare three-down option teams still value.
