Emerging Stars in the 2026 NFL Draft Class
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, attention is already turning to the 2026 NFL Draft, with ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. offering early predictions on the top prospects. Kiper's insights, shared recently, focus on a talented pool of quarterbacks and other key positions, setting the stage for what could be a highly competitive draft class. Among the most notable mentions is Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who Kiper believes has the potential to be the No. 1 overall pick.
Kiper has identified several quarterbacks as frontrunners for the top spots, including Allar, Texas' Arch Manning, and Clemson's Cade Klubnik. 'Drew Allar has all the tools to be a top pick, with his size, arm strength, and ability to make plays,' Kiper noted in a recent discussion. He also highlighted Manning's pedigree and upside, while pointing to Klubnik as a potential dark horse in the race for the top quarterback spot.
Penn State's Rising Profile in Draft Projections
Penn State is drawing significant attention in Kiper's analysis, not just for Allar but for the program's overall talent pool. With the Nittany Lions' season opener on the horizon, Kiper emphasized that all eyes are on the team to see if they can build on their strong 2024 performance. 'Penn State could be a factory for first-round picks in 2026, especially if Allar continues to develop with the new weapons around him,' Kiper stated.
Beyond Allar, Kiper pointed to the depth of talent at Penn State as a reason for optimism. The program has consistently produced NFL-ready players, and with several underclassmen showing promise, it could have multiple high picks in 2026. This spotlight on Penn State reflects a broader trend of college programs becoming key pipelines for professional talent, with Kiper predicting that the school might lead in total draft selections.
Quarterback Depth and Other Key Prospects
The 2026 quarterback class is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory, according to Kiper's early assessments. In addition to Allar, Manning, and Klubnik, other names like South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers are emerging as potential first-rounders. 'We could see four or even five quarterbacks go in the first round,' Kiper predicted, underscoring the importance of the position in today's NFL.
Outside of quarterbacks, Kiper also identified sleeper candidates at other positions, including a wide receiver who could climb to the WR1 spot with a strong college season. While specific names for non-quarterback prospects were less detailed in his initial takes, his analysis suggests that teams will have plenty of options across the board. As the college football season unfolds, these early predictions will be tested, but for now, Kiper's focus on Penn State and a robust quarterback class sets an exciting tone for the 2026 NFL Draft.