Quick Take: NFL Prospects Analyst Mike Johrendt’s updated 2026 Dynasty Rookie Big Board with scouting reports, rankings, and early NFL Draft projections through Week 12 of the college football season. These are his latest top 25 prospects, organized by tier, as the next wave of talent prepares to enter dynasty leagues.
Catch up with Big Board 5.0, see our IDP Big Board, and see the latest Dynasty content below!
🎓 College / Devy / Scouting
The incoming 2026 class of college football prospects seems to be one of the least talked-about and most talked-down in recent memory, as many have their eyes set on the polarizing 2027 rookie class. But there is talent to be had in the upcoming group of players, and your rookie drafts will hold plenty of value next offseason.
This class isn’t as highly regarded as last year’s because of the lack of a class leader, as there is no Ashton Jeanty, no Brock Bowers, no Ja’Marr Chase. While that will likely make some teams shy away from wanting a part of this draft class, we here at Dynasty Nerds will help you realize how much talent you can add to your rosters from the 2026 incoming rookie class.
📈 Risers & Fallers | Big Board 6.0 Snapshot
Risers:
“KC Concepcion has jumped up my draft board in a big way lately.”
“It would not surprise me if Chris Brazzell II moves even further up on my Big Board.”
“The Notre Dame backfield will likely produce two top-100 RBs… Jadarian Price is finally showing his ceiling.”
Fallers:
“Penn State’s Nick Singleton has fallen a few spots in his positional ranking.”
“Ja’Kobi Lane has been overshadowed by Lemon this year.”
“Denzel Boston… just seems to be a tick lower than the three previously ranked wideouts.”
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Top 25 Rookie Big Board Size & Weight Chart | 2026 NFL Draft
(Tap to See) Full Dynasty Rookie Big Board Top 25 Height & Weight Chart
Below are the Top 25 Dynasty rookie prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft with their heights, weights, school, and player tier:
| Tier | Rank | Player | Pos | School | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon | 6’3’’ | 206 lbs |
| 1 | 2 | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama | 6’2’’ | 208 lbs |
| 1 | 3 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State | 6’2’’ | 200 lbs |
| 1 | 4 | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State | 6’3’’ | 191 lbs |
| 1 | 5 | Makai Lemon | WR | USC | 5’11’’ | 195 lbs |
| 1 | 6 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | 6’5’’ | 225 lbs |
| 1 | 7 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame | 6’0’’ | 214 lbs |
| 1 | 8 | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington | 6’4’’ | 209 lbs |
| 2 | 9 | Justice Haynes | RB | Michigan | 5’11’’ | 210 lbs |
| 2 | 10 | Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee | 6’5’’ | 200 lbs |
| 2 | 11 | Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington | 5’9’’ | 228 lbs |
| 2 | 12 | KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M | 5’11’’ | 190 lbs |
| 2 | 13 | Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama | 6’1’’ | 204 lbs |
| 3 | 14 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon | 6’3’’ | 245 lbs |
| 3 | 15 | Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC | 6’4’’ | 200 lbs |
| 3 | 16 | Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana | 6’2’’ | 209 lbs |
| 3 | 17 | Chris Bell | WR | Louisville | 6’2’’ | 220 lbs |
| 3 | 18 | Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame | 5’11’’ | 209 lbs |
| 4 | 19 | Nick Singleton | RB | Penn State | 6’0’’ | 224 lbs |
| 4 | 20 | Hollywood Smothers | RB | NC State | 5’11’’ | 195 lbs |
| 4 | 21 | Mark Fletcher | RB | Miami | 6’2’’ | 225 lbs |
| 4 | 22 | Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt | 6’4’’ | 235 lbs |
| 4 | 23 | Le’Veon Moss | RB | Texas A&M | 5’11’’ | 209 lbs |
| 4 | 24 | Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State | 5’11’’ | 217 lbs |
| 4 | 25 | Waymond Jordan | RB | USC | 5’9’’ | 210 lbs |
TIER 1 | Elite SuperFlex Cornerstone Prospects
No. 1 | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon | 6’3’’ | 206 lbs
While rumors have begun to circulate about Dante Moore potentially returning to school next year, most signs point to the Ducks QB making the jump to the NFL. The Heisman candidate is a natural at throwing the football, as his pinpoint accuracy, pocket composure, and overall athleticism stands out among all other top QB prospects.
There are plenty of eyes on the Oregon offense, and plenty of QB-needy NFL teams are pushing Moore further and further to the top of their draft boards. With his game film showing a ton to like, expect Moore to factor into the top overall selection in April 2026, provided he remains in the NFL Draft pool.
No. 2 | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama | 6’2’’ | 208 lbs
There are questions about Ty Simpson’s lack of a collegiate workload potentially making him a flash in the pan, but it looks pretty obvious that he is the real deal. As the most pro-ready option eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, Simpson has grown into one of the top QB prospects because of how consistent he is every week.
Getting knocked for only really having one year of starting experience under his belt (once he finishes this year) is a fair concern to have, but what Simpson has shown this year (21:1 TD:INT ratio) is impressive. If your dynasty roster needs a consistent, plug-and-play QB, Simpson should be your target.
No. 3 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State | 6’2’’ | 200 lbs
The first non-QB on my Big Board is Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson, who is looking to take what he has learned from his WR coach, Hines Ward, to the NFL. Tyson’s verticality, strong hands, and route-running abilities jump out in his game film, as he is very clearly the top pass catcher on the field at all times.
There are three wideouts in contention for the top spot, and while arguments can be made for all three, Tyson takes the cake for me. A high-upside, high-floor option who will factor into the top pick conversation in your rookie drafts, Tyson is everything you are looking for in a first-year receiver, and he has the stats to back it up (154 receptions and 22 receiving TDs in three-plus seasons).
No. 4 | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State | 6’3’’ | 191 lbs
The Ohio State wide receiver factory strikes again, as Carnell Tate is as pro-ready as you can see in the receiver class. A fluid route runner who has only just started to earn his flowers in the pre-draft mocks, Tate is smooth, calculated, and explosive, strengths that every NFL team will be looking for.
Tate is probably the safest WR pick in your rookie drafts, as he will excel in the role of safety blanket with explosive tendencies at the next level. An outrageous contested catch rate shows how developed his ball skills are, and his reliability is an underrated part of his game that will help out any quarterback.
No. 5 | Makai Lemon | WR | USC | 5’11’’ | 195 lbs
Makai Lemon is a demon from the slot, as his release package and ball tracking are surpassed by no one in this year’s receiver class. His explosiveness is evident in all of his film, as he utilizes a deep route tree and makes defenders look silly in all areas of the field.
Lemon is strong on underneath routes, as some of his best work comes in low aDOT situations; but some of his best work is in slot fade and routes that release towards the sideline, as he consistently positions himself in the best position possible to catch a pass. Lemon might not get the same accolades as the other two receivers mentioned above him, but he should be.
No. 6 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | 6’5’’ | 225 lbs
There is a lot to like about Fernando Mendoza, as the Indiana Hoosiers have been loving their transfer QB. Pocket composure, ball placement, and willingness to take shots is what helps Mendoza stand out in his position group, even if his game has a few flaws.
Mendoza gets happy feet at times when he is anticipating a blitz, which doesn’t allow him to get as much torque as possible on his passes due to throwing off an unsettled base. Also, his arm strength isn’t superb but it allows him to make pretty much every throw – just don’t expect to see him hitting wideouts on 40-yard bombs.
No. 7 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame | 6’0’’ | 214 lbs
We finally have the first running back on my Big Board, as Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love has become a common industry choice to lead his position. While it has been a down year across the board for this position, Love has turned things around lately and looks to be pulling away from the pack.
Love’s contact balance helps him extend plays and churn a few extra yards, as he is not afraid of contact but knows how to fight through it efficiently. He is good at putting his foot in the ground and making a cut, and his ability to be a power back with finesse makes him my RB1.
No. 8 | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington | 6’4’’ | 209 lbs
With LaNorris Sellers returning to school next year, Denzel Boston gets bumped up into the top tier on my Big Board. Boston is probably in my Tier 2 of receivers at this point, by himself, as his ball skills are strong, but he just seems to be just a tick lower than the three previously-named wideouts.
Boston has one of the best catch radiuses in the class, and his arrogant hands (one of my favorite prospect descriptors) are on full display in his in-traffic catches. Boston will be a first-round rookie pick and you should absolutely feel confident grabbing him if you miss out on the top three receivers.
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TIER 2 | Fantasy Starters & Every-Down Prospects
No. 9 | Justice Haynes | RB | Michigan | 5’11’’ | 210 lbs
While he did just undergo surgery, Justice Haynes has a shot to return later this year for Michigan, and he is a big part of their strong offense. Haynes has been the bell cow for the Wolverines offense this year, averaging over 120 yards per game. While his contributions in the passing game have been limited (13 receptions) this season, his running style is physical and well-rounded, even if he won’t run away from many defenders.
No. 10 | Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee | 6’5’’ | 200 lbs
It’s the suddenness in his route running that stands out for Chris Brazzell II, traits that usually don’t come attached to a six-foot-five frame. Brazzell has been the deep threat, underneath safety valve, and over the middle target in the Volunteers offense, consistently fed targets as Tennessee’s top target. His fluid hip movement and how he gets into – and out of – his breaks is a thing of beauty, and it would not surprise me if Brazzell moves even further up on my Big Board.
No. 11 | Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington | 5’9’’ | 228 lbs
Jonah Coleman is a crafty runner with the ball in his hands, as the Washington Husky running back checks in as RB3 on my Big Board. Coleman is elusive yet physical, and he has the best contact balance in this year’s running back class. Look for Coleman to potentially factor into the late Round 1 conversation, although a Day 2 landing spot with a team like Minnesota Vikings or Dallas Cowboys seems more likely.
No. 12 | KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M | 5’11’’ | 190 lbs
KC Concepcion has jumped up my draft board in a big way lately, as his field-stretching abilities with his speed are hard to come by in this class. Concepcion’s acceleration in his routes, especially on double moves, frequently puts five yards of separation in between him and his trailing defender, giving his QB a deep threat that is often open. Crisp route running is his strongest trait, and while his smaller stature makes him susceptible to losing physical battles with taller corners, Concepcion is a craft pass catcher who has the tools to win those situations.
No. 13 | Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama | 6’1’’ | 204 lbs
Admittedly, it took me a bit to come around to Germie Bernard’s game tape, as Ryan Williams was always seen as the must-watch receiver down in Tuscaloosa. But after watching Bernard go to work, it is safe to say I have a much better appreciation for him. Likely factoring into the second-round WR conversation, Bernard is a pro’s pro, steady as they come and doing everything that is asked out of a slot profile without anything too flashy – don’t overthink him.
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TIER 3 | Upside Prospects With Year 1 Roles
No. 14 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon | 6’3’’ | 245 lbs
The 2026 draft class is not a strong one for the tight end position, as there likely won’t be one drafted in the top-75 selections next April. Oregon’s Kenyon Saadiq will likely factor into the overall TE1 equation, as his massive frame and catch radius gives him a leg up on most other draft-eligible tight ends in this class. Saadiq has become one of Moore’s favorite targets up the seam, and being a verticality threat will help him rise up draft boards.
No. 15 | Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC | 6’4’’ | 200 lbs
The other half of the USC Trojans receiver equation is Ja’Kobi Lane, who has been overshadowed by Lemon this year. As a shifty route runner, Lane can contribute across multiple levels in the passing attack, as his strong hands and ability to pinpoint the ball stands out on film. Lane is one of my favorite secondary options, as he should comfortably be a Day 2 selection.
No. 16 | Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana | 6’2’’ | 209 lbs
The biggest beneficiary of Mendoza’s Indiana career has been receiver Elijah Sarratt, who has magnets for hands as a sure-handed receiver for the Hoosiers. Sarratt is surprisingly physical for his size, as he understands the fine line between legally creating space and illegal contact when jostling with defenders. He looks ready for the NFL right now, and he will fit into this WR class somewhere in the WR4-6 range next April.
No. 17 | Chris Bell | WR | Louisville | 6’2’’ | 220 lbs
Chris Bell is your track star-turned-receiver in the 2026 class, as he is an absolute burner with the ball in his hands. Bell commonly is used as an underneath route runner in the Louisville offense, running low aDOT routes that help him utilize his best skill (his speed) to its fullest advantage. A team like the Washington Commanders, as they likely look to phase Deebo Samuel out of their long-term plans, would be an excellent fit for Bell’s skill set.
No. 18 | Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame | 5’11’’ | 209 lbs
The Notre Dame backfield will likely produce two, top-100 running backs in April’s NFL Draft, as Love commands the headlines and Jadarian Price is the underrated backup. As the lightning to Love’s thunder, Price is shifty, twitchy, and finally showing his ceiling in the receiving game. If he can continue to grow that part of his game, then he absolutely will become one of the top-five backs drafted.
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TIER 4 | Developmental Prospects & Longer Timelines
No. 19 | Nick Singleton | RB | Penn State | 6’0’’ | 224 lbs
Once seen as the clubhouse leader to be the RB1 for the 2026 class, Penn State’s Nick Singleton has fallen a few spots in his positional ranking. His blend of power and finesse will be a solid addition to any NFL team, but expect this Nittany Lions running back to be a Day 3 pick, capping his immediate impact for your dynasty roster.
No. 20 | Hollywood Smothers | RB | North Carolina State | 5’11’’ | 195 lbs
It is the explosiveness of Hollywood Smothers that will help get him drafted as early as the third round, and it is his explosiveness that will likely help him jump up my future Big Board iterations. An ability to easily run away from his defenders gives Smothers a solid shot at filling a third-down/scat-back role in the NFL, and his running style would be best utilized in an outside zone scheme.
No. 21 | Mark Fletcher | RB | Miami | 6’2’’ | 225 lbs
Mark Fletcher is a downhill, bruiser of a running back that hasn’t been talked about a ton so far, but his name should gain steam moving forward. The Miami Hurricanes back is a load to bring down, as he seeks out contact and makes defenders pay for it. His area of improvement is in the passing game, as he has made a very small impact in that part of the offense, so he needs to demonstrate how he can be a consistent-enough pass catcher.
No. 22 | Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt | 6’4’’ | 235 lbs
Eli Stowers’ ability to be a matchup nightmare, whether he is lined up as a receiver or in-line, helps him stand out as the TE2 in the 2026 class. The Vanderbilt offense has started to funnel more work towards Stowers, as he has kicked off the month of November with two, 100-yard performances. Surprisingly fluid for his size, Stowers is an above-average route runner who earns the advantage when matched up with corners, linebackers, and safeties.
No. 23 | Le’Veon Moss | RB | Texas A&M | 5’11’’ | 209 lbs
Le’Veon Moss turns into a bowling ball rolling downhill with the ball in his hands, and his ability to be super physical at the point of contact is an overall positive. However, Moss has a checkered injury history, as he has only topped out at 121 carries in any of his four seasons at Texas A&M. With a potential return from an ankle injury still in the cards this year, Moss has a shot to put more snaps on film, something that would definitely help his draft stock overcome his frequent injury history.
No. 24 | Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State | 5’11’’ | 217 lbs
Kaytron Allen is not earning nearly as many headlines as he should be, as he is behind Singleton on the PSU depth chart. But make no mistake, having more tread left on his tires as he jumps to the next level will make him a very intriguing prospect. Allen has a surprising amount of speed to his game, something that jumps out on tape more than you would expect, a trait that should help him be a late Day 2/early Day 3 selection.
No. 25 | Waymond Jordan | RB | USC | 5’9’’ | 210 lbs
Waymond Jordan absolutely could see his stock rise in the pre-draft process, as the shifty USC running back has quite a lot of tools NFL teams should be interested in. Jordan is elusive and fast, but stocky enough to be able to handle a large amount of work every game. His ability to run away from defenders but to also be physical to run through them if needed will help turn him into more of a well-rounded back as the draft draws closer.
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Honorable Mentions | 2026 Dynasty Rookie Big Board Rankings
Mike Johrendt’s four honorable mention candidates are Jayden Maiava, Emmett Johnson, Jayce Brown, and Michael Trigg. Click below for the full analysis.
Jayden Maiava | QB | USC | 6’4’’ | 230 lbs
Quarterbacks like Garrett Nussmeier and Carson Beck factored into this honorable mention, but the upside of USC’s Jayden Maiava is more interesting to me. As the driver of the high-powered Trojans offense, Maiava has a quick release, solid understanding of running the offense, and good pocket mobility, moldable traits that can help him stick as a fourth-round option in April.
Emmett Johnson | RB | Nebraska | 5’11’’ | 200 lbs
Emmett Johnson is a fun watch, as his game tape showcases real two-way abilities. Johnson is shifty in the trenches, as his fluid footwork helps him make something out of nothing. But his true production might come in the passing game, as Johnson has solid hands, developed route running, and is faster than you would expect, and he is starting to enter the Heisman race as an outside candidate.
Jayce Brown | WR | Kansas State | 6’0’’ | 173 lbs
Jayce Brown has little-to-no mentions in the pre-draft writeups, which makes him a fun sleeper target at the WR position. The Kansas State receiver is Avery Johnson’s go-to target, playing both the role of a vertical and an underneath threat extremely well, and he should find himself as an early Day 3 option in April.
Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor | 6’4’’ | 240 lbs
Michael Trigg is looking to become another basketball-conversion success story, as he is turning into a real threat in the Baylor offense. His ball skills and body positioning on routes frequently provides a favorable target window for his QB, and his strong hands are probably the best in the class among the tight end group.
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🧠 FAQ | 2026 Dynasty Rookie Big Board 6.0
Q1: Who is the safest 1st round fantasy pick in the 2026 rookie class?
A: Carnell Tate offers the best combination of floor, role certainty, and pro readiness. His contested-catch reliability and polished route running make him a stable early pick in SuperFlex and 1QB formats.
Q2: Is Dante Moore or Ty Simpson the better dynasty QB prospect for long-term upside?
A: Moore brings elite traits and ceiling, while Simpson offers immediate-start consistency. Managers wanting a higher ceiling should lean Moore, while those needing stability should lean Simpson.
Q3: Which running back should dynasty managers target early outside of Jeremiyah Love?
A: Jonah Coleman provides the strongest early-impact profile with elite contact balance and proven physicality. His role translates well to NFL workloads.
Q4: Who is the most undervalued wide receiver in the 2026 class right now?
A: KC Concepcion continues rising thanks to explosive separation and deep-ball utility. His speed and crisp routes give him one of the highest upside profiles outside Tier 1.
Q5: Which prospect offers the most immediate Year 1 fantasy value after the top tier?
A: Justice Haynes should slide into early touches due to Michigan’s track record with pro-ready runners. His workload and physicality set him up for instant opportunity.
