As we look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, expectations are building around prospective talents emerging from college football, as teams start to eye stars that could join the ranks of professional football’s best. This year’s draft drama from Pittsburgh has stirred excitement, especially as it follows in the footsteps of Green Bay, which set the standard in earlier drafts.
The draft order for next year has been laid out based on the reverse Super Bowl odds, provided by FanDuel Sportsbook, allowing fans to speculate on which college sensations might soon be on their favorite NFL teams. Key players to watch include Arch Manning, who is the grandson of former quarterback Archie Manning and nephew to legends Peyton and Eli, has limited college experience but offers a raw potential that could make him a top pick.
As Manning starts where his grandfather did, the New Orleans Saints are in a loop, needing a successor after having not used a first-round pick on a quarterback since 1971. Meanwhile, Garrett Nussmeier, the son of the Saints offensive coordinator, is also entering the conversation as another notable quarterback prospect.
Looking at other positions, the Cleveland Browns recently snagged a second first-round pick through trades, positioning them to solidify their front line with talented prospects like Utah offensive lineman Fano, who is known for his athleticism. Teams needing both offensive and defensive support will likely focus heavily on tackling weaknesses from last season.
The New York Giants are prioritizing defense with prospects like Banks, who has the kind of size and play style admired by scouts. Other noteworthy players include Ole Miss Perkins, who is seen as a dual-threat due to his versatility though he’s facing recovery from injury.
Overall, as the college football season kicks off, these prospects will get their chance to shine, and NFL teams will be leveraging every opportunity to enhance their rosters ahead of the draft. Excitement is mounting as teams and fans alike anticipate the potential talents that could redefine the game.
