We’re now at the point in the dynasty fantasy football offseason, during which things can feel stagnant. Many rookie drafts have concluded, leaving a long period of time before the 2025 NFL season starts. Now that we're done pouring over Dynasty Rookie ADP, it's time to look ahead to 2026.
It is easy to think that there’s nothing left to be done to benefit your dynasty roster heading into the upcoming season. However, looking forward to the 2026 NFL Draft never hurts, and a ranking of the best dynasty prospects, as well as some early picks for the biggest sleepers in the class, only sweetens the deal.
While some of these players may not end up declaring for next year’s draft, it’s still interesting to see how they stack up to the rest of the prospects. Let’s get down to business by taking a closer look at next year’s potential group of rookies while breaking down which players might be flying the furthest under the radar!
Tier 1
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (RB)
2. Arch Manning, Texas (QB)
Tier 2
3. Drew Allar, Penn State (QB)
4. Carnell Tate, Ohio State (WR)
5. Nick Singleton, Penn State (RB)
Tier 3
6. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (QB)
7. Zachariah Branch, USC (WR)
8. CJ Baxter, Texas (RB)
9. Jordyn Tyson, ASU (WR)
10. Makai Lemon, USC (WR)
11. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina (QB)
12. Cade Klubnik, Clemson (QB)
13. Justice Haynes, Michigan (RB)
14. Kaytron Allen, Penn State (RB)
15. Luke Hasz, Arkansas (TE)
Tier 4
16. Nyck Harbor, South Carolina (WR)
17. Antonio Williams, Clemon (WR)
18. Eugene Wilson, Florida (WR)
19. Kevin Concepcion, Texas A&M (WR)
20. Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma (RB)
21. Dylan Edwards, Kansas State (RB)
Tier 5
22. Hykeem Williams, Florida State (WR)
23. Darius Taylor, Minnesota (RB)
24. Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn (WR)
HM: Evan Stewart, Oregon (WR)
2026 Dynasty Rookie Sleepers
Sam Leavitt, Arizona State (QB)
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt emerged as one of college football’s best quarterbacks in 2024 during a breakout campaign, leading the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in the process.
Leavitt could end up becoming extremely fantasy-relevant due to a few major traits. First, he has massive rushing upside at the quarterback position. Leavitt amassed 443 rushing yards last season, and while his efficiency as a runner leaves much to be desired, it’s encouraging to see a rushing volume of 110 carries in a single season from a quarterback.
The young quarterback also has remarkable deep-ball accuracy, routinely connecting with receivers downfield for massive gains. This is a huge indicator of fantasy football success. An explosive asset at the quarterback position can win a matchup during any given week.
Overall, I am very excited to see how Sam Leavitt is able to take his game to the next level in 2025. After passing for 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2024, the sky's the limit for the signal-caller. If he ends up declaring for next year’s draft, he could be a name to watch in the first few rounds.
Max Klare, Ohio State (TE)
New Ohio State tight end Max Klare took a massive leap in his second season at Purdue in 2024, compiling 685 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. This allowed Klare to transfer to Ohio State, a team coming off of a National Championship victory with several holes on the offensive side of the ball.
Klare represents the modern NFL tight end: he is a good route-runner with impressive separation skills, dynamic after the catch, and displays reliable hands as a receiver. He should be able to find space to work in the Buckeyes’ offense while the defense is concerned with wideouts Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss.
Max Klare has the chance to be a game-changing pass-catcher for the Buckeyes. Last year at Purdue, he showcased his abilities as a physical receiver, high-pointing the football regularly while making spectacular grabs. If he’s able to bring that skill set to Ohio State, he will shine in their offense.
Makhi Hughes, Oregon (RB)
Oregon running back Jordan James was one of the favorite prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving big shoes to fill at his position for the Ducks. However, it seems like their rushing attack will be alright after Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes announced his commitment to the program.
Hughes’ impressive blend of power and elusiveness mirrors James’ prospect profile in many ways. Hughes has no issue running through defenders but also displays surprising elusiveness at 210 lbs. He will have no problem fitting into Oregon’s offense as the team’s top rushing threat.
I have high hopes for Hughes in an intriguing running back class heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. He has the chance to move up many draft boards this season after rushing for 2,779 yards and 21 touchdowns through his first two seasons of college football. If he continues on this statistical track, he will have no problem cementing himself as a top pick in 2026 dynasty rookie drafts.
Germie Bernard, Alabama (WR)
Germie Bernard finally found his home in Tuscaloosa last season, logging 50 receptions for 794 receiving yards as a major part of Alabama’s offense. Bernard served as Alabama’s second receiver behind freshman sensation Ryan Williams and was a reliable target for Jalen Milroe in 2024.
Bernard is a versatile receiver who is capable of producing from the slot or on the outside. His ability as a deep threat in the passing game could make him a name to watch towards the end of 2026 dynasty rookie drafts, and he’s one of the biggest sleepers at the wide receiver position in next year’s draft class.
Bernard is also a good route-runner with impressive hands. These qualities could make him a go-to option in the NFL. The Las Vegas native also boasts a very solid frame at 6’1”, 209 lbs. This stature gives him the necessary size to make impressive contested catches, which is a major element of his prospect profile.
He could end up being one of the highest-floor players in the 2026 rookie class by the end of this college football season. At the very least, he’s a player to watch towards the end of rookie drafts a year from now.