The countdown to kickoff is on, and the top 100 players in college football for 2026 are ready to make the next 100 days feel very, very long. From the human cheat codes to the future first-rounders, these are the players every fan, coach, scout, and message board warrior needs to know before kickoff arrives.
WR Jeremiah Smith – Ohio State: A clear star, Smith dazzled fans and frazzled defensive backs as an underclassman each of the last two years. With north of 1,000 yards for the third time seems like a forgone conclusion at this point.
QB Dante Moore – Oregon: Solid and decisive, Moore is one of the top returning distributors in college football and many folks’ pick to be the top passer taken in next April’s draft.
CB Leonard Moore – Notre Dame: A pure lockdown corner archetype, Moore is arguably college football’s top coverageman and our most impactful member of anyone’s secondary and CB1.
EDGE Dylan Stewart – South Carolina: An undeniable havoc goblin, Stewart is an elite force and key chess piece in every game he plays.
WR Malachi Toney – Miami: The On3 Offensive Freshman of the Year is again poised to be one of the top playmakers in college football.
EDGE Colin Simmons – Texas: Simmons has the best motor of any pass rusher outside the NFL, and his 91 impact plays and 19 sacks make him a top-tier defender.
WR Cam Coleman – Texas: Coleman is itching to show America his full potential after a couple of sporadic seasons marred by mid (submid?) quarterback play.
QB Sam Leavitt – LSU: Leavitt is still on the mend, but I remain bullish on the prospect of him playing for a Lane Kiffin-Charlie Weis offense.
QB Julian Sayin – Ohio State: Sayin is the nation’s most elite offensive executive, with a wonderful conducting ability and a penthouse-level passing floor.
QB Arch Manning – Texas: Manning had an uneven first season as a full-time starter, but his fluid and creative style makes him a fun option.
OT Carter Smith – Indiana: The Big Ten’s Blocker of the Year will return as our top offensive lineman 100 days away from kickoff.
RB Kewan Lacy – Ole Miss: Lacy is a handful, with 1,010 yards after contact and breaking 91 tackles last season.
OT Trevor Goosby – Texas: Goosby was one of the SEC’s top up-and-coming blockers in 2025, with dimensions of a true bookend and rocksteady pass blocking skills.
DL A.J. Holmes – Texas Tech: Holmes was one of 2025’s most impactful transfers, with 62 impact plays and a 9.7 percent Impact Rate.
OT Trevor Lauck – Iowa: Lauck shined in his first year as a starter, with a 1.7 percent Pressure Rate allowed and 89.4 PFF Pass Block grade.
RB Ahmad Hardy – Missouri: Hardy has solidified himself as one of the top ball carriers in college football, with nearly 3,000 yards and an average of over 4.2 yards after contact.
RB Jadan Baugh – Florida: Baugh returns as one of the burliest backs in the game, with over 65 percent of his production coming after contact.
OT Cayden Green – Missouri: Green showed why we value his potential as an A1 blocker, with a 98.1 percent Clean Pass Set Rate and PFF run and pass block grades topping 76.
LB Xavier Atkins – Auburn: Atkins had 10 sacks and 81 impact plays last season, making him On3’s most impactful linebacker in college football.
DL David Stone – Oklahoma: Stone was one of college football’s most rocksteady defenders last fall, with nine tackles for a loss and a 9.7 percent Impact Rate.
TE Tre’Dez Green – LSU: Green is one of the most intriguing players in college football, with a matchup nightmare build and a field day with the new regime in town.
QB LaNorris Sellers – South Carolina: Sellers keeps progressing as a passer despite inhospitable conditions, with potential as a field stretcher, backyard baller, and designed rusher.
IOL Anthonie Knapp – Notre Dame: Knapp held down the blindside for the Fighting Irish last fall, with a PFF run block grade of at least 72 and a malleable mauler skill set.
CB Jyaire Hill – Michigan: Hill is one of the steadiest corners in the country, with a 76 PFF coverage grade and 12 stops each of the last two years.
CB Kelley Jones – Mississippi State: Jones is firmly one of college football’s high-quality coverage men, with top Ball Hawk, Denial, and Clamp Rates.
And so on, with a range of talented players from various positions and teams. These players are set to make the next 100 days feel very, very long.
