CBS Sports ranks Top 50 players to watch this season for 2026 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is always in the back of everyone’s mind while watching college football. As the 2025 season approaches, the 2026 NFL Draft is rounding into focus, as a myriad of impressive athletes will compete for the attention of 32 professional franchises.

With that in mind, Josh Edwards and Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports ranked the Top 50 players to watch for the 2026 NFL Draft ahead of this year’s college football campaign. Of course, there’s some huge names who you already know, and some players you’re going to want to hear about before the games begin.

Leading the way is Arch Manning. That’s a given. But who else adorns the list? Check that out below, and see which 50 players should be on the NFL’s radar at the moment.

1. QB Arch Manning, Texas

Regardless of your thoughts pertaining to Arch Manning, there’s no one else that could lead the way. The Texas quarterback has become a media darling, and he’s the top quarterback option going into the season for the 2026 NFL Draft.

He flashed last season, tossing nine touchdowns and two interceptions in limited play. The training wheels are off for 2025. If he leads the Longhorns to greatness, Manning will be tough to pass up.

2. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Caleb Downs has become the premier defensive player in all of college football. In two seasons, one with Alabama and one with Ohio State, all he’s done is become a lockdown defensive back at both stops.

He’s only has four interceptions in two seasons, but that’s because quarterbacks avoid him at all costs. He might be the best overall player available when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around.

3. OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Alabama knows a thing or two about developing offensive lineman. Kadyn Proctor seems to be next in line for the Crimson Tide.

It remains to be seen who the team’s quarterback will be, but they’ll be well protected by Proctor when the time comes. The NFL loves their offensive lineman, and he’ll be a premium pick when it’s time to turn pro.

4. OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Spencer Fano is CBS Sports’ top-ranked player inside the Big 12. It’s for a good reason, as he’s been extremely solid for the Utes throughout his career.

Edwards noted the NFL is a family affair for Fano. Four of his uncles in Gabe Reid, Spencer Reid, Teni Palepoi and Anton Palepoi played in the NFL, as well. 

5. EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Rueben Bain Jr. bursted onto the scene in 2023. He was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and All-ACC third-team as a true freshman.

2024 was an uneven season, but his potential has NFL teams circling his name. With heightened expectations, expect him to make a jump for the Hurricanes.

6. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Francis Mauigoa has been pegged for greatness since arriving in Miami. He has everything you’d want in a professional offensive lineman.

If he keeps Carson Beck upright, NFL teams will take notice. He could challenge Kadyn Proctor for the honor of being the first offensive lineman taken in 2026.

7. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Garrett Nussmeier continues to rise up NFL Draft boards. He would’ve been an interesting pick this past season, but he opted to remain with LSU for a chance to win a national title.

That’ll be his first goal. Afterwards, the professional level will call his name, and the New Orleans Saints seem like a perfect fit. His father is their offensive coordinator.

8. EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson

TJ Parker is one of the leaders on Clemson’s stingy defense. The Tigers are expected to make a leap once again in 2025, and he’ll be a big reason why they do, if it comes to fruition.

Last season, he racked up 11 sacks and six forced fumbles. Those are impressive numbers, and if he can do better in 2025, he won’t have to wait long to hear his name called in 2026.

9. LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

While Arch Manning is the star for Texas on the offensive side of the ball, Anthony Hill Jr. holds it down on the defensive side. He’s been invaluable throughout his time with the Longhorns.

In 2024, Hill accumulated 113 total tackles, eight sacks and four forced fumbles. We’ll see what he has in store for an encore.

10. DL Peter Woods, Clemson

Talk about a dominating force. Peter Woods evokes memories of former Clemson greats along the defensive line, like Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins.

Will he reach the heights those two have in the NFL? That remains to be seen, but a run at a national title with the Tigers is on the docket for 2025.

CBS Sports’ Top 50 players to watch for the 2026 NFL Draft — Nos. 11-50:

11. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
12. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
13. EDGE LT Overton, Alabama
14. LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
15. WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
16. QB Drew Allar, Penn State
17. EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
18. CB Chandler Rivers, Duke
19. EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
20. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
21. RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
22. OT Xavier Chaplin, Auburn
23. EDGE Tyreak Sapp, Florida
24. LB CJ Allen, Georgia
25. OT Isaiah World, Oregon
26. CB Daylen Everette, Georgia
27. WR Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn
28. CB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
29. CB A.J. Harris, Penn State
30. OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
31. LB Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
32. OT Austin Barber, Florida
33. CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
34. RB CJ Baxter, Texas
35. LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
36. WR Aaron Anderson, LSU
37. OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
38. LB Whit Weeks, LSU
39. WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
40. CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
41. IOL Josh Thompson, LSU
42. RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
43. WR Denzel Boston, Washington
44. TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
45. S Malik Spencer, Michigan State
46. TE Max Klare, Ohio State
47. LB Taurean York, Texas A&M
48. DL Christen Miller, Georgia
49. IOL Parker Brailsford, Alabama
50. IOL Jake Slaughter, Florida