The 2026 dynasty rookie rankings are getting a little clearer with each week of tape we have. Some scouts like to look at how players play in their team's biggest moments, and the College Football Playoff is right around the corner. As they release their second set of rankings, here are the top players to watch from each team currently in the top 12:
#1 Ohio State: Carnell Tate, WR
Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith could be two of the top dynasty picks in 2027, but for 2026 dynasty rookie rankings, Carnell Tate is the most important player to keep an eye on. It's been a couple of years since an Ohio State wide receiver wasn't in the top 12 of the rookie guide, and Tate will keep that streak active in 2026.
#2 Indiana: Fernando Mendoza, QB
The 2026 class is relatively short on quarterback options, and Mendoza is in a fight for the top slot at his position. Having Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. to throw to certainly helps. Mendoza is the engine of this offense, and how he closes the season could be the difference between a fringe-first and an early first-round selection.
#3 Texas A&M: K.C. Concepcion, WR
The 2026 dynasty rookie rankings are flooded with wide receivers, and Concepcion is one with a wide range of opinions on him. Some folks think he goes in the mid-first round, while others think he's a late-day-two selection. He plays bigger than his size and is an early favorite for a "got that dog in him" badge.
#4 Alabama: Ty Simpson, QB
Simpson is another quarterback in a long line of successful Alabama field generals. He's not physically imposing, but man, that arm can get it done. Despite limited experience, he's likely to declare for 2026 and compete to be the first quarterback selected.
#5 Georgia: Zachariah Branch, WR
Branch ran a 10.33 100m dash in high school. He's not quite Tyreek Hill fast, but this is still difference-making speed. Branch is having a career year at Georgia and will rise up draft boards once stopwatches start becoming gospel in Indianapolis.
#6 Texas Tech: Caleb Douglas, WR
This team spreads the ball around and relies on its two sophomore running backs. Despite that, Douglas is making an impact as the leading receiver on the team. He's a converted high school quarterback with plenty of experience and will have a place on an NFL roster. He's not on the 2026 dynasty rookie rankings radar yet, but he has the frame (6'4", 205) and a reasonable excuse for the lack of production.
#7 Ole Miss: Dae'Quan Wright, TE
Let's get Wright in a pro-style offense and let some magic happen. He's a big-bodied, hands-catching tight end with the desire in the run blocking game. Unfortunately, he's a little stiff-hipped and couldn't make a Stormtrooper miss in the open field. The Ole Miss offense doesn't have a lot of star power, but they're getting the job done through the first two and a half months of the college football season.
#8 Oregon: Kenyon Sadiq, TE
The noise is too loud, Dante Moore is probably going back to school, and had to be removed from the 2026 dynasty rookie rankings. But dynasty and college football fans, don't fret! Sadiq is a monster of a tight end who looks like he was built in a lab. Sadiq is the crown jewel of the tight end class and will have dynasty managers wondering how high is too high to draft him.
#9 Notre Dame: Jeremiyah Love, RB
"Do a barrel roll" - Peppy Hare giving instructions to Star Fox and Jeremiyah Love against Navy. Maybe that reference dated me, but there aren't many running backs who can flip over a defender and have the clear mind to keep running. Love isn't being compared to the rest of the backs in the class; he's being compared to Bijan Robinson, Saquon Barkley, and Ashton Jeanty as prospects.
#10 Texas: C.J. Baxter, RB
Jack Endries and Quintrevion Wisner are both showing more for 2026 dynasty rookie rankings right now than Baxter. But Baxter is a former five-star, #1 overall running back recruit. After a nasty knee injury, he's in a committee at Texas. Is Baxter a solid bruising backup? Or is he the workhorse that many thought he was as a recruit? As the season goes on, we'll find out more.
#11 Oklahoma: John Mateer, QB
In a weak class, Mateer can make some noise as a day two pick or even sneak into the back half of round one. Mateer underwent hand surgery during the season, and he appears to be a different player than he was in the first few weeks. On one hand, it's good he's gritty enough to play through discomfort. On the other hand, your hand is important for football.
#12 BYU: Will Kerrin, K
Kickers are people, too! Kerrin has missed one extra point in 108 attempts and has only missed one field goal under 40 yards in his collegiate career. Kerrin could be worth a taxi stash in sicko dynasty leagues that use kickers.
