The 2025 NFL draft is of course a thing of the past now, and those rookies just beginning their NFL journeys are already deep into their first minicamps, as they start to maximize their skill sets for the rigors of the next level.
And with that, we turn our attention to the upcoming 2026 NFL draft class, because... hey, it's never too early for that! Athlon Sports draft expert Luke Easterling has already unleashed his first Big Board for the 2026 class, with his top 25 players regardless of position.
And as football is a team sport, Athlon NFL analyst Doug Farrar has followed with thumbnail thoughts and tape examples for all 25 of those prospects — what they have to offer the NCAA in what could well be their final collegiate seasons, and in some cases, the real work they must do before they're ready for the big leagues.
It's a fascinating upcoming draft class, and the names will change as we go through the process, so let's get to the business of tape study for Luke's 25 main guys so far.
## 1. Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs returns an interception during the Cotton Bowl against Texas.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images## 2. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end T.J. Parker (3) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Playoff First Round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)## 3. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers
© Jeff Blake-Imagn Images## 4. Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images## 5. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) blocks Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl.
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports## 6. Anthony Hill Jr., LB/EDGE, Texas
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0).
Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images## 7. Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15).
Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK## 8. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa
© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images## 9. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) scores a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images## 10. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Isaiah World celebrates with Nevada Wolfpack teammate Marcus Bellon.
© Jason Bean/USA Today Network## 11. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Sep 21, 2024; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson (11) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell-Imagn Images)## 12. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
Oct 5, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) sacks California Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (right) during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
(Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)## 13. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) is brought down by Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver J.J. Hester (13) aftdr an interception during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Tennessee Volunteers at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)## 14. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Dani Dennis-Sutton Ashton Jeanty
(Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)## 15. Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) sacks Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2)
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images## 16. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson
© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images## 17. Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) makes the catch over Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) in the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
(Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images)## 18. Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Jack Nelson (79)
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel## 19. Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning.
Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning.
Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images## 20. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images## 21. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Nov 25, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; An Arizona State Sun Devils player reflects in the helmet visor of Arizona Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis (23) in the first half of the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports## 22. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images## 23. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Oct 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) catches a touchdown pass as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (rear) defends during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)## 24. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Penn State's Kaytron Allen (13) blocks for Nick Singleton (10)
Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images## 25. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) intercepts a Georgia Tech pass during the third quarter Nov 11, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; at Memorial Stadium.
© Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK