The college football season is young, but the 2026 Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft landscape is already shifting. Several players are making early waves, while others are failing to live up to expectations. This mock draft highlights the risers and fallers, providing dynasty managers with an early look at potential future stars.
LaNorris Sellers, Garrett Nussmeier, Jordyn Tyson, and Jonah Coleman are among those who have significantly boosted their stock with strong performances. Dynasty leagues never sleep, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. This mock draft is the second edition of our 2026 preview, with more to come as the season progresses.
Note: I anticipate Arch Manning will return to Texas for the 2027 NFL Draft.
1.01 – LaNorris Sellers, QB South Carolina
LaNorris Sellers is the breakout quarterback prospect of the year. The redshirt freshman has displayed an impressive blend of size, speed, and arm talent. Sellers has completed 65.6% of his passes for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding 674 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground.
Whether it was a game against Texas A&M (244 passing yards, 106 rushing yards) or Clemson (166 rushing yards), he showcased dual-threat ability. At 6’3” and 240 pounds, Sellers resembles a linebacker more than a quarterback, making him even more difficult to defend. He possesses exceptional arm strength and the ability to shrug off tackles.
PFF’s Dalton Wasserman: “LaNorris Sellers is like if Derrick Henry could throw.”
Sellers needs refinement, but his raw talent is undeniable. If he continues to develop, he could become a franchise-altering fantasy quarterback. Currently, he has the second-highest odds on FanDuel to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
1.02 – Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love has all the traits of a future NFL three-down back. At 6’0” and 215 pounds with track speed, Love is an athletic freak. As a sophomore in 2024, he accumulated nearly 1,400 all-purpose yards and 19 total touchdowns, averaging over 7.0 yards per touch. He also improved as a pass-catcher, hauling in 24 receptions.
Love’s skill set is perfectly suited for today’s NFL. He has the size, strength, and versatility to handle workhorse duties. Though Notre Dame hasn’t fully unleashed him, his potential is clear. Love’s blend of power, speed, and receiving ability makes him the RB1 in this class.
1.03 – Garrett Nussmeier, QB LSU
Garrett Nussmeier, son of former NFL QB and current Saints OC Doug Nussmeier, waited his turn behind Jayden Daniels. In 2024, he exploded for over 4,000 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. Instead of entering the NFL Draft early, he returned to LSU for 2025. His arm talent is evident, and he makes quick, clean throws when his first read is available.
At 6’2” and 200 pounds, he could add some bulk, but his toughness is unquestionable. He played through injuries and commands the offense with confidence. With leadership, moxie, and strong production, it’s no surprise he’s the betting favorite on FanDuel (+330) to be the No. 1 pick in 2026.
1.04 – Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson is making a strong case to be the alpha receiver in this class. After transferring from Colorado, he had 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, earning third-team All-American honors. He has continued his strong play into 2025, with 18 receptions for 209 yards and three scores in just two games.
At 6’2” and 200 pounds, Tyson has the frame to become a WR1. He wins with suddenness and polish, showcasing fluid hips and sharp cuts. He tracks deep balls well and has YAC ability. With Hines Ward coaching him as a blocker, he is one of the most complete wideouts in the 2026 class.
Tyson may not have the buzz of Ja’Marr Chase or Jeremiah Smith, but he has emerged as my WR1 in a wide-open group.
1.05 – Nick Singleton, RB Penn State
Nick Singleton surprised many by returning to Penn State, seeking a CFP title and improving his game. A proven three-down back with receiving ability and breakaway speed, Singleton has the profile fantasy managers desire. He broke out as a true freshman with 1,052 rushing yards and 13 scores. He rebounded after a quieter sophomore season with over 1,000 rushing yards, 41 catches, and 17 touchdowns during Penn State’s playoff run.
While Singleton’s athleticism is obvious, he sometimes relies on it too much. Refining his vision, patience, and creativity beyond speed will determine his ceiling. If he puts it all together, he could be a fantasy RB1.
1.06 – Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State
Carnell Tate may not receive the attention of Jeremiah Smith, but he’s quietly making a name for himself in Ohio State’s receiver room. Stepping into the WR2 role, Tate made an immediate impact in 2025. He opened the year with a game-winning contested touchdown catch against Texas.
At 6’3” and 190 pounds, Tate combines route running with separation skills. His biggest challenge has been visibility, but his production and consistency are noteworthy. With Ohio State’s offense poised for success, Tate has the potential for a breakout season in 2025. Dynasty managers should view him as a future fantasy staple with a solid floor.
1.07 – Jonah Coleman, RB Washington
Jonah Coleman has significantly risen on my 2026 board. The 5’9”, 229-pound bruiser is a throwback runner with contact balance and durability. He is difficult to bring down and runs with ferocity. After excelling at Arizona with over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns, Coleman followed coach Jedd Fisch to Washington.
His junior year put him on the map, racking up 1,053 yards and 10 scores without missing a game. He has only lost one fumble on over 400 touches. Coleman’s game has evolved, becoming an offensive centerpiece for Washington. He has improved his efficiency and versatility, making him an intriguing power back.
Coleman’s upcoming game against Ohio State will be a significant opportunity to prove his worth.
1.08 – Makai Lemon, WR USC
Makai Lemon quickly made his mark at USC, breaking out as a sophomore in 2024 with 52 catches, 764 yards, and three touchdowns. He ranked third among returning Power Four wideouts with 3.03 yards per route run. He accumulated 1,460 all-purpose yards, showcasing his versatility and explosiveness.
At 5’11” and 190 pounds, Lemon blends route-running with acceleration and natural hands, creating separation and turning routine catches into big plays. He manipulates defenders with tempo changes and displays body control at the catch point. With polish, playmaking ability, and the ability to win at all levels, Lemon looks like a future fantasy difference-maker.
1.09 – Denzel Boston, WR Washington
Denzel Boston broke out last season, stepping into the WR1 role for Washington and delivering 63 catches, 807 yards, and nine touchdowns. He separates well using subtle body movements and deceptive acceleration. At 6’4”, Boston is a contested catch specialist who uses his frame to box out defenders.
Boston’s speed can surprise corners. He thrives in the intermediate range, where his size and body control make him difficult to guard. In the red zone, he demonstrates his physical dominance. Boston may not be a household name yet, but he has upcoming matchups against Ohio State, Illinois, Michigan, and Oregon to change that.
1.10 – Cade Klubnik, QB Clemson
The consensus is higher on Cade Klubnik than I am. I respect his pedigree, tools, and upside, but I often want more from him. His 2024 season was a significant step forward, with 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. He added 463 rushing yards and seven scores with his legs.
Klubnik returned for his senior year on a loaded Clemson roster with playoff aspirations. His deep-ball touch has improved, and his athleticism keeps defenses honest. With the 2026 QB class lacking a clear top option, Klubnik’s blend of talent and mobility keeps him in the mix, even if I’m still waiting for him to put it all together.
1.11 – Justice Haynes, RB Michigan
Justice Haynes has taken a long road to potential stardom. After two years in Alabama’s backfield, the former five-star recruit transferred to Michigan. With Michigan replacing Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, Haynes has an opportunity to dominate in a featured role.
Haynes has impressed so far, piling up 284 yards on just 35 carries, including highlight-reel runs. He has improved his speed and reshaped his frame, finally living up to expectations. While his pass-catching needs work, Haynes has the potential to rocket up 2026 NFL Draft boards if he maintains this pace.
1.12 – Drew Allar, QB Penn State
Drew Allar has the tools that NFL teams covet: size, arm strength, ball security, pocket presence, and athleticism. However, his inconsistency is frustrating. In Penn State’s CFP Semifinal loss to Notre Dame, he completed zero passes to wide receivers.
Penn State has a top offensive line, a strong running back room, and a solid defense, giving Allar every chance to succeed. Yet, through two games against weaker opponents, his performance has been underwhelming. If he puts it all together, he could be a fantasy difference-maker. But until then, drafting him in the first round of rookie drafts feels risky.
In the convo (not in order)
John Mateer (QB, Oklahoma), Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana), Josh Hoover (QB, TCU), Carson Beck (QB, Miami), Sam Leavitt (QB, ASU), Darius Taylor (Minnesota, RB), CJ Baxter (RB, Texas), Makhi Hughes (RB, Oregon), Kaytron Allen (RB, Penn State), Germie Bernard (WR, Alabama), Antonio Williams (WR, Clemson), Nyck Harbor (WR, South Carolina), Erick Singleton Jr. (WR, Auburn), Aaron Anderson (WR, LSU), Zachariah Branch (WR, Georgia), Ja’Kobi Lane (WR, USC), Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon), Max Klare (TE, Ohio State), Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt)
The 2026 Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft is already evolving. LaNorris Sellers, Garrett Nussmeier, and Jordyn Tyson are among the early risers, capturing the attention of dynasty managers. Running backs like Jeremiyah Love and Nick Singleton remain highly valued, while others like Jonah Coleman and Justice Haynes are emerging as intriguing options.
As the college football season progresses, more players will rise and fall. Staying informed and adapting your dynasty strategy is crucial. This mock draft serves as a starting point for evaluating the 2026 class, with further updates to come.
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