Although it may feel like the 2025 drafts happened yesterday, there is already buzz around the talent that will be scouted in the 2026 draft. While it may still be a while before the actual draft happens, the scouting process happens all year round, which means quite a few names are floating around already. Of course, it is exciting to delve deeper into the earliest whispers of who might potentially be dominating headlines next year, this time. Even more, exploring the potential franchise-altering talent set to join the upcoming season means being ahead of the curve.
As it stands, an array of players might be an excellent fit for the upcoming 2026 season, and a great way to decipher this is by looking at local and overseas bookmakers. Many have already begun prepping by setting the lines, which, in turn, gives NFL fans an idea of which names have already caught scouts’ attention. These offshore betting sites further entice fans by providing secure platforms, great odds, and fast payouts. As such, fans can get ahead by placing bets on names like Arch Manning, who is already priced at odds of +200, making him the favorite to be picked as the number one overall pick at the 2026 NFL draft.
Based on these early odds, quite a few contenders seem to be vying for the number one overall pick spot, with quarterbacks dominating as per usual. It is important to remember that while quarterback positions are crucial in the NFL draft (to the extent of influencing the top picks), there is talent in other areas, too. In addition to the buzz around Manning and Allar, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (another quarterback) has also caught the eye of fans and scouts alike. With his gunslinger mentality, Nussmeier is evenly matched with Allar’s arm talent and Manning’s poise and pedigree on the field.
However, it is crucial to remember that a lot can change in a year regarding college football, especially considering quarterback development’s fluidity. This is why looking at elite talent beyond quarterbacks is important, as some players could make the top ten drafts or even challenge for the number one pick. For example, Ohio State’s Caleb Down is a great defensive pick, currently being eyed for his instincts and versatility on the field alongside his playmaking ability. T.J. Parker is another defensive prospect on the radar of many scouts (and fans), as many predict he has the potential to be a dominant force.
Even more, his explosiveness and power-rushing prowess have many bookmakers and sports outlets projecting him to be in one of the top ten picks for the upcoming season. Another Clemson pick is Peter Woods, who has showcased his power and athleticism despite not being the best defensive tackle in next year’s class. However, Woods has been dubbed a rare pick for the NFL despite this, as he is predicted to have the highest ceiling of the pure defensive linemen. His speed and agility contradict his 6-foot-3, 315-pound size, accelerating hard off the scrimmage line and wasting very little energy.
Steering away from the defense, there are also a few eye-catching offensive line prospects generating buzz, especially for NFL teams not targeting quarterbacks. Standing as a rather promising OT from Alabama, scouts have reported Kadyn Proctor to have some excellent block running skills (despite his size) and excellent physical traits. Although he is predicted to be a first-round pick next year, fans (and the player) know he has to prove himself to make the cut. While there are many amazing picks for the upcoming draft, there are usually fluctuations in the drafting stock. For one, a strong or weak season (which can be influenced by several reasons) can make or break whether a talented prospect is drafted or not. Essentially, drafting the right player can be the difference between winning and losing certain games. Some prospects could make significant positive changes and find themselves on the radar come April 2026, while others might fall off completely. This plays into the concept of under-the-radar players who could have upcoming breakout seasons that might boost them into early-round consideration. Sam Darnold, Cam Jurgens, and Curtis Samuel are some significant instances of this from previous seasons, where they pleasantly surprised in performance (or in a bounce-back season). Player injuries, a change in coaching, and overall team performance could significantly sway scouts’ decisions. As such, consistently monitoring the college football season is essential to ensure no big changes are missed.
