Meet the NFL’s top players 25 and under. Coaches, scouts, execs rank them heading into 2026

Key Points:

• The NFL's top 25 players aged 25 and under were selected through input from nearly two dozen anonymous coaches, scouts, and front-office members, focusing on players with at least one year of experience and notable achievements like All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors.
• Sixteen players returned from previous lists, with nine new players making the cut; notable exclusions due to age include Ja’Marr Chase, Aidan Hutchinson, Pat Surtain II, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
• The top three players are Penei Sewell (LT, Detroit Lions), a three-time All-Pro; Jalen Carter (DT, Philadelphia Eagles), recently signed to a $152 million extension; and Brock Bowers (TE, Las Vegas Raiders), who set rookie records for receptions and yards.
• Other standout young talents include Kyle Hamilton (S, Baltimore Ravens), Trent McDuffie (CB, Los Angeles Rams), Will Anderson Jr. (DE, Houston Texans), and Sauce Gardner (CB, Indianapolis Colts), all recognized for elite performance in their positions.
• The list highlights rising stars across various positions, including quarterbacks like Drake Maye (New England Patriots) and Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), and skill players such as Bijan Robinson (RB, Atlanta Falcons) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Seattle Seahawks).