1) Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State*

Comparisons to Julio Jones, Andre Johnson and Calvin Johnson are all fair. Smith is a high-volume, three-level threat with an extraordinary blend of size, speed, ball skills and toughness. He runs well-defined routes with tempo and salesmanship, and he catches the ball with sticky hands/elite focus. Also, Smith shows no hesitation working in traffic. He’s big, fast, gritty and skilled with game-breaking talent.

2) Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina*

With his long, angular frame and explosive inside moves, Stewart reminds me of former Gamecock Jadeveon Clowney. The athletic similarities are evident, but Stewart appears further along as a pass rusher than Clowney was after two college seasons. He covers tremendous ground with his first three steps as a speed rusher and creates favorable angles with sudden change of direction. He’s disruptive against the run and should continue developing as a physical edge-setter as he adds muscle. Improved hand work at the top of the rush should help boost his modest sack total from 2025 (4.5).

3) Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas*

Simmons racked up 29.5 tackles for loss — including 21 sacks — over his first two seasons. What’s in store for Year 3? That’s a frightening thought for teams tasked with blocking the Texas star this fall. He plays with above-average alertness and dynamic athleticism to easily work toward the action. He’s deft at eluding blockers but will also use his length to separate and slide off the block when necessary. His range allows him to string out play-side runs toward the boundary and chase down ball-carriers from behind. Better strength and a little more variety in his rush attack will take his game to the next level.

4) Cam Coleman, WR, Texas*

Box-score scouts might not be impressed with Coleman’s 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season at Auburn, but the game tape provides for a true evaluation of the transfer’s ability. He’s built and runs like a young A.J. Green, using long, gliding strides to easily work past cornerbacks and create big-play opportunities. When crowded, his expansive catch radius and in-air athleticism allow him to dominate above the rim. Steve Sarkisian’s offense should give Coleman a chance to grow more branches on his route tree.

5) Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame*

With size, strength and two seasons of consistent ball production, Moore is the DB prospect I’m most excited to watch in 2026. He can stall the release from press, but the Notre Dame standout truly shines with his ability to stay connected to the route when operating in tight man coverage. He commandeers the catch space, using a blend of aggression and elite physical traits to turn 50-50 balls sharply in his favor. Also, Moore is instinctive and responsive from off coverage, so quarterbacks won’t catch much of a break when he is operating in zone. More technique work is needed, but this is clearly a special talent.