Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings

Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings

It’s never too early. You know I got you on your WR watch list. We’ve already hit quarterbacks and running backs, so let’s keep this train churning with the wide receivers. You already know what we’re going for here, so let’s agree to get to the point. Without further ado, here are your Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings!

30: Eric Rivers (Georgia Tech)

Small fast guy who put up monster numbers at Florida International. Now will get a chance to prove it at a higher level. I doubt he comes out, but we’re going to find out how real this thing is. Can he go over 1,000 yards again at the ACC level? We’re going to find out, given that we saw Eric Singleton Jr (who we’ll get to later) fill the same role he’s about to fill with the same quarterback (Haynes King).

29: Hykeem Williams (Colorado)

Former big recruit at Florida State. Now at Colorado. FSU was such a mess last year that I have no idea how much to hold it against him. I guess we’ll find out. Again, this is another one, highly doubt he even comes out can stay a while. That would be an encouraging sign if he becomes the alpha with the Buffs.

28: Antonio Gates Jr (Michigan State)

Odds are I’m totally out of pocket here since he did nothing at Michigan State and now plays for Delaware State… but it’s still the son of Antonio Gates. His dad was a late bloomer too. Former big recruit and has a Keon Coleman type frame on him. Feels like he needs his sea legs to start coming into gear. Also doesn’t need to come out anytime soon. The hope is that he crushes this year and moves back up to FBS next year.

27: London Humphreys (Georgia)

There is no next Ladd McConkey. London Humphreys hopes to try to replicate him. I think last year was a tad underwhelming, given that he never took over as the alpha on a team that couldn’t catch the ball. Still young and doesn’t need to come out either. It’s time to start showing he’s more than a weird Vandy freshman fluke breakout guy.

26: Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee)

6-foot-5 and should be the number one on Tennessee this year. Had 333 yards last year, but now is the time to prove he’s real. Can stay in school another two years. We’ll find out more this year.

25: Duce Robinson (Florida State)

Enormous at 6-foot-6. Had some big play moments at USC and now will try to take on that Johnny Wilson role at Florida State. Still young and can stay in school. If that pop year happens, then we’ll go from there.

24: Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)

If you read the stock notes, you know I put snippets of Sarratt in there during certain weeks. Former James Madison guy who really didn’t skip a beat playing against better competition. Over 18 yards per catch in the Big 10 is no joke. I’m not trying to get your riled up. I’m simply saying this guy can kinda play.

23: J.Michael Sturdivant (Florida)

Had some moments on a dysfunctional UCLA team last year. Could emerge as the number one for Florida. This is his last stand. 6-foot-3 with some movement skills. This year will reveal a lot.

22: Jaden Greathouse (Notre Dame)

Had some pop moments late in the season last year. Now it’s time to do that consistently all the time. No more Riley Leonard. This year, we find out just how good he is. Doesn’t need to come out next year either.

21: DeAndre Moore (Texas)

There’s a chance he’s the Matthew Golden this year who fills that spot and rises in the draft process. Same kind of frame. On the younger side too.

20: Makai Lemon (USC)

Took a huge leap as a sophomore last year. Looks like he will be the number one at USC. Can he actually fill that role?

19: Chase Sowell (Iowa State)

Former East Carolina guy who should emerge as the lead dog for Iowa State this year. You already know my thoughts on Rocco Becht. 6-foot-4 and can move. Anyone want to make a bet that nobody brings up how Iowa State misses Higgins and Noel?

18: Eugene Wilson III (Florida)

Son of former Patriots safety Eugene Wilson. Undersized guy who can stay another year. It’s go time now. I might be a tick too high, even though I’m sure I’m lower than everyone else.

17: Jalil Farooq (Maryland)

Totally fell out of the rotation at Oklahoma last year. 2023 he had nearly 700 yards on an Oklahoma team that doesn’t exactly kill it on offense. Has some speed elements. Should be the top guy at Maryland. It’s on him to prove it.

16: Chris Hilton (LSU)

Dude flies. Home run hitter. You want to see his top end, just peep the Bowl game. Only problem is LSU is so loaded at receiver that you might barely even see him again.

15: Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)

Had an awesome year, but it all happened during the regular season. Injuries made him fade late in the year against good competition. I need to see more. No more Skattebo, and he’s the target of defenses. We’ll see.

14: Nic Anderson (LSU)

Hurt last year, but has size and had some wow moments in 2023. LSU is going to be so fascinating. We’re going to find out where all of these guys slot in.

13: Denzel Boston (Washington)

Somehow not related to David Boston. Put up some numbers last year at Washington. Wasn’t a big recruit, but has some size on him. We’ll find out more this year.

12: Aaron Anderson (LSU)

Former Alabama guy who can run. 5-foot-8, but dude can fly and put up nearly 900 yards last year as a sophomore. His role with all the incoming receivers they brought in is worth monitoring.

11: Dane Key (Nebraska)

Been a fan of his since right away as a freshman with Kentucky. Has size at 6-foot-3 and just has been a steady producer right away. Just hasn’t had the here I am moment. Now with Nebraska and it’s time to take over.

10: Barion Brown (LSU)

The numbers were down last year, but the quarterback play was so damn brutal. His big play moments are very impressive. Kentucky guy who now gets a chance to prove he can do it with Garrett Nussmeier. I could be totally off with the pecking order of these LSU guys, but they’re all worth tracking. They spent money on them for a reason.

9: Evan Stewart (Oregon)

Just always leaves you wanting more. So damn talented, but also his own worst enemy sort of thing. Here’s what to look for. Tez Johnson is gone, and the slot role is his. That’s likely what he will do at the NFL level. Put up or shut up time.

8: Antonio Williams (Clemson)

You saw the flashes as a true freshman. Last year, as a redshirt sophomore, he put up over 900 yards. Very possible we get a true pop year. Gets open and looks good with the ball in his hands.

7: Eric Singleton Jr (Auburn)

Over 700 yards in each of his first two collegiate seasons. Total fast jitter bug. When you watch him there are wow moments. He’s not big, but a nice chess piece to have. Should have a good year at Auburn.

6: Kevin Conception (Texas A&M)

Guy gets open and puts up numbers. Now gets to do it against real competition and a quarterback who is miles better than what NC State gave him. I just can’t imagine why he can’t do it. Over 800 yards as a freshman, and has real traits.

5: Germie Bernard (Alabama)

Big fan. Former Washington guy who followed DeBoer. Nearly 800 yards last year in the Milroe offense, and Ryan Williams taking all the shine. He’s been on the radar since Bishop Gorman, Nevada days. Gets open and isn’t small.

4: Deion Burks (Oklahoma)

Rocket ship type stuff. Has a gear and can make big plays down the field. Want the ball in his hands. Showed it in flashes last year. He might be the best kept secret in the sport right now. Mateer will find a way to get him those plays more often this year.

3: Nyck Harbor (South Carolina)

No more track. It’s all eyes on football. Dude is an absolute freak. Hasn’t come close to showing it yet. Doesn’t need to come out either. It’s his turn to have the yeah, I’m actually a freak thing happen.

2: Zachariah Branch (Georgia)

Rocket ship fast. Former five star guy who showed he’s the real deal as a freshman. It’s been inconsistent, but now leaves USC for Georgia. Is he just a fast guy or is he a rocket ship fast who is also a football player? We find out more this year.

Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings

1: Carnell Tate (Ohio State)

Former five star guy. All of these Ohio State guys are about as sure things as it gets. 733 yards as a sophomore while playing the third fiddle with Will Howard throwing the ball. It’s his turn to really take over. It won’t be Jeremiah Smith, but it will still be, yeah, he’s a dude thing. Tate is my pick as the top dog for the 2026 NFL Draft.

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