As we head towards College Football Playoff season, it’s time to seriously consider how the 2026 dynasty rookie class will take shape next spring.
Plenty of players are flying up draft boards at the moment, and it’s worth checking in with some rankings, as well as an outline of some of the biggest risers, to get a solid preview of which players you could be spending draft capital on this offseason.
Let’s dive into the top 24 players for the 2026 dynasty rookie class!
1. Jordyn Tyson (WR, ASU)
2. Jeremiyah Love (RB, ND)
3. Fernando Mendoza (QB, IU)
4. Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
5. Carnell Tate (WR, OSU)
6. Justice Haynes (RB, MICH)
7. Elijah Sarratt (WR, IU)
8. LaNorris Sellers (QB, SC)
9. Denzel Boston (WR, WAS)
10. Dante Moore (QB, ORE)
11. Jadarian Price (RB, ND)
12. Kenyon Sadiq (TE, ORE)
13. Jonah Coleman (RB, WAS)
14. Ty Simpson (QB, ALA)
15. Antonio Williams (WR, CLEM)
16. KC Concepcion (WR, TA&M)
17. Aaron Anderson (WR, LSU)
18. Ja’Kobi Lane (WR, USC)
19. John Mateer (QB, OKL)
20. Germie Bernard (WR, ALA)
21. Cade Klubnik (QB, CLEM)
22. Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU)
23. Brett Norfleet (TE, MIZ)
24. Nicholas Singleton (RB, PSU)
Risers
Ty Simpson (QB, ALA)
Ty Simpson has been incredible this season, showing remarkable statistical consistency thus far. He’s managed to throw for 200+ yards in every single game this season, including through five games against SEC opponents. Simpson has arguably been the best quarterback in the conference and now seems to be firmly within the conversation regarding which players will be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Simpson displays some impressive qualities that could make him a standout NFL quarterback. He’s accurate down the field, reliable in clutch situations, and he doesn’t turn the ball over. In fact, Simpson has only thrown one interception all season long. This raises his floor as a dynasty asset considerably.
While it is fair to say that Simpson’s ceiling as a fantasy quarterback isn’t the highest because of his lack of rushing production, we’ve seen plenty of pocket-passers turn in fantastic fantasy seasons as of late, so I think that Simpson is worth investing in.
Overall, Ty Simpson is one of the fastest risers in the 2026 class, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. He’s a good prospect who should be on all draft boards this offseason for dynasty fantasy football drafts.
Jadarian Price (RB, ND)
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price has been one of my favorite players in all of college football this season. He’s been the perfect complement to top prospect Jeremiyah Love in the Fighting Irish’s backfield, and his play has been outstanding.
Price is a very well-rounded prospect, similar to his teammate, Jeremiyah Love. Price has an incredible blend of power and quickness that allows him to be effective anywhere on the field. He’s no stranger to big plays, and I think that he has a chance to be a quality player at the professional level. The 5’11, 209 lbs running back has had at least one run of 20+ yards in every game this season.
While he can be a bit overshadowed by Love at times, Price deserves a ton of credit for his play so far this season. In 2025, he’s taken 76 carries for 509 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. While he isn’t extremely involved as a pass-catcher, I’m not overly concerned about Price’s ability to be a valuable dynasty asset.
In the end, I expect Price to be a major riser in the pre-draft process once scouts discover how talented he truly is. He’s the type of player who could take over an NFL backfield if given the chance, and I would not be surprised at all if he manages to do so once he enters the NFL next season.
Germie Bernard (WR, ALA)
Alabama wideout Germie Bernard has been the most consistent pass-catcher on the Crimson Tide this season, which has allowed him to develop a strong chemistry with quarterback Ty Simpson. Bernard is no stranger to these lists, as he’s made a few appearances on my past rankings over the course of the 2025 college football season.
His consistency and reliability are the things that jump out at me the most about Bernard. He’s a well-rounded receiver who has come up big in some clutch moments. Bernard is a player who can excel in all areas of the field and has managed to emerge as a deep threat at times.
Germie Bernard has consistent hands, only logging one drop so far this season, according to PFF. On top of this, Bernard’s versatility should make him a solid prospect next April. He’s taken 36.3% of his snaps from the slot, showcasing his ability to move around this Alabama offense and make plays all over the field.
If he’s given the chance, Bernard’s consistency and versatility could make him a productive NFL receiver with a very high floor. Ideally, I would love to see him drafted to an offense in need of a good second wideout, allowing him to break into a complementary role with the upside to contribute even more.
Kenyon Sadiq (TE, ORE)
Coming into the season, the 2026 tight end class was a difficult group to evaluate. There wasn’t a consensus front-runner in terms of ceiling of production, so it’s no surprise that the class’ top tight end wasn’t easily determined until a few weeks into the season.
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq has emerged as a fantastic prospect this year and looks the part of the best tight end in next year’s draft. The junior measures out at 6’3”, 245 lbs, but you wouldn’t know it by the way he moves. Sadiq is an incredible athlete who has shown the ability to break off big plays after the catch. He’s hurdled defenders multiple times to make huge plays with the ball in his hands, showing his ceiling as an athlete and as a dynasty asset.
He’s also a willing and impressive blocker, capable of using his massive frame to bulldoze defenders, which will be a major factor in his rise during the pre-draft process.
Sadiq is a tight end who can do it all, and I believe he is the best at his position in the class.