It didn’t take long. Just a few weeks into college football, and our 2026 Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft is already shaking up with new names climbing and others slipping.
LaNorris Sellers, Garrett Nussmeier, Jordyn Tyson, and Jonah Coleman are among the early risers, making waves with strong starts that have dynasty managers taking notice. On the flip side, a few hyped prospects have yet to deliver, reminding us just how quickly the landscape can shift in college football.
This is our second edition of the 2026 Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft, and it won’t be the last. As the season rolls on, we’ll keep tracking which players are trending up, who’s losing steam, and which late-bloomers might sneak into the conversation before the 2026 NFL Draft. After all, dynasty never sleeps, and neither do we.
Note: After Archie Manning’s comments, I expect Arch Manning to return to Texas for another season and enter the 2027 NFL Draft.
2006 DYNASTY ROOKIE MOCK DRAFT
1.01 – LANORRIS SELLERS, QB SOUTH CAROLINA
Every year, there’s that one raw but electric quarterback prospect who takes over the college football world, and this year, it’s LaNorris Sellers.
The South Carolina signal-caller flashed a tantalizing mix of size, speed, and arm talent in his breakout redshirt freshman season. Sellers completed 65.6% of his passes for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns while also piling up 674 rushing yards and seven scores. Whether it was dropping 244 passing yards and 106 rushing yards on Texas A&M, or gashing Clemson for 166 yards on the ground, he showed the dual-threat upside that fantasy managers drool over.
PFF’s Dalton Wasserman summed it up best: “LaNorris Sellers is like if Derrick Henry could throw.”
At 6’3”, 240 pounds, Sellers looks more like a linebacker than a quarterback, but that only makes his game scarier. He has legit arm strength, effortlessly firing lasers into tight windows or launching the ball 55+ yards downfield. As a runner, he accelerates like a tailback and shrugs off tackles with raw power, creating explosive plays when things break down. Sellers still needs refinement with consistency and touch, but the tools are rare.
If he continues to develop, he’s the type of fantasy quarterback who could change the trajectory of dynasty rosters. Sellers currently has the second-highest odds on FanDuel to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
1.02 – JEREMIYAH LOVE, RB NOTRE DAME
Previous Mock: 1.02 (Unchanged)
Jeremiyah Love has all the makings of a future NFL three-down back, and he’s already flashing that upside. At 6’0”, 215 pounds with legit track speed, Love is an athletic freak who exploded as a sophomore in 2024. He racked up nearly 1,400 all-purpose yards and 19 total touchdowns while averaging over 7.0 yards per touch, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 98-yard score in the CFP against Indiana. Just as impressive, he showed real growth as a pass catcher from year one to year two, hauling in 24 receptions, proving he can stay on the field in all situations.
What’s exciting for dynasty managers is how Love’s skill set translates perfectly to today’s NFL. He has the size, play strength, and versatility to handle workhorse duties, even if Notre Dame hasn’t quite unleashed him yet (just ask anyone who saw his 10-carry, 33-yard Week 1 against Miami).
Love’s blend of power, speed, and receiving chops makes him the locked-in RB1 in this class. Once he gets true feature-back usage, the rest of the college football world (and dynasty community) will see exactly why he’s so special.
1.03 – GARRETT NUSSMEIER, QB LSU
Previous Mock: 1.07
Garrett Nussmeier has football in his DNA, and it shows every time he steps on the field. The son of former NFL QB and current Saints OC Doug Nussmeier, he patiently waited his turn behind Jayden Daniels before exploding in 2024 with over 4,000 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. Instead of bolting for the NFL early, he came back to Baton Rouge for 2025, making LSU one of the most entertaining squads in college football. His natural arm talent jumps off the screen, and when his first read is there, the ball comes out quick and clean.
At 6’2″, 200 pounds, he could stand to bulk up a bit, but toughness isn’t a question, he’s played through injuries and still commands the offense with confidence and energy. He opened the 2025 season by out-dueling Cade Klubnik, completing 28-of-38 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown, and now faces a brutal SEC schedule that will test him weekly. With leadership, moxie, and big-time production already on the résumé, it’s no surprise he’s the betting favorite on FanDuel (+330) to go No. 1 in 2026.
1.04 – JORDYN TYSON, WR ARIZONA STATE
Previous Mock: 1.05
Coming into the season, I wasn’t sure this receiver class had a true alpha, but Jordyn Tyson is making a strong case to be that guy. After transferring from Colorado, the third-team All-American blew up in 2024 with 75 catches, 1,101 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
Now in 2025, he’s picked up right where he left off, opening the year with 18 receptions for 209 yards and three scores in just two games. At 6’2”, 200 pounds, Tyson has the frame to grow into a true WR1, and his game checks all the boxes scouts love.
Tyson wins with suddenness and polish, showcasing fluid hips, sharp cuts, and explosive transitions that leave defenders guessing. He tracks deep balls naturally, rarely breaking stride, and once the ball is in his hands, he has some upside YAC appeal. Add in the fact that Hines Ward is coaching him up as a blocker, and you’re looking at one of the most complete wideouts in this 2026 class.
Tyson may not have the ‘generational’ buzz of Ja’Marr Chase, the top of the 2024 Receiver Class, or 2027’s Jeremiah Smith, but in a wide-open group that’s similar to last year’s crop, Tyson has quickly emerged as my WR1.
1.05 – NICK SINGLETON, RB PENN STATE
Previous Mock: 1.03
Nick Singleton surprised many by bypassing the 2025 NFL Draft to return to Penn State, chasing a CFP title while sharpening his game for Sundays.
A proven three-down back with legit receiving chops (12.1% target share, 89th percentile) and breakaway speed, Singleton profiles as the type of back fantasy managers dream about. He’s already shown he can produce at the highest level, breaking out as a true freshman with 1,052 rushing yards and 13 scores, then rebounding after a quieter sophomore campaign with over 1,000 rushing yards, 41 catches, and 17 touchdowns during Penn State’s playoff run last season.
While Singleton’s athleticism jumps off the tape, he does have a tendency to lean on it a bit too much. The raw tools are there for him, but his ultimate ceiling depends on refining the finer points of the position, coming down to vision, patience, and creativity beyond pure speed. If he puts it all together, we’re looking at a potential fantasy RB1 who can change matchups on his own.
1.06 – CARNELL TATE, WR OHIO STATE
Previous Mock: 1.09
Carnell Tate does not grab the same headlines as Monstar Jeremiah Smith, but he’s quietly carving out a name for himself in Ohio State’s loaded receiver room. Stepping in as the Buckeyes’ WR2 after Emeka Egbuka’s NFL departure, Tate wasted no time making an impact in 2025.
He opened the year with a game-winning contested touchdown grab against Texas, then followed it up by flashing his full skillset in Week 2. At 6’3”, 190 pounds, Tate blends plus route running with separation skills, giving redshirt freshman QB Julian Sayin a reliable target that he’s already built chemistry with.
Tate’s biggest challenge so far has been visibility. When you’ve shared the field with the likes of Smith, Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, and other stars, it’s easy to get overshadowed. Still, his production and consistency speak volumes, from his clutch seven-catch performance in last year’s CFP semifinal to the steady growth he’s shown since.
With the Buckeyes’ offense primed to keep humming, Tate has all the tools to put together a breakout season in 2025. He may not carry the same hype as Smith, but dynasty managers should see him as a future fantasy staple with a rock-solid floor.
1.07 – JONAH COLEMAN, RB WASHINGTON
Previous Mock: Unranked
Jonah Coleman has been one of the biggest risers on my 2026 board, and it’s easy to see why. The 5’9, 229-pound bruiser is a throwback runner with elite contact balance and durability. You won’t find many backs tougher to bring down, and he is ferocious after contact.
After flashing at Arizona with over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons, Coleman followed coach Jedd Fisch to Washington and immediately took on a featured role. His junior year put him on the map, racking up 1,053 yards and 10 scores, and he’s done it all without missing a single game across 40 career appearances. Oh, and he’s only lost one fumble on more than 400 touches.
What really stands out about Coleman is how his game has evolved. Once a complementary piece at Arizona, he’s now the offensive centerpiece of Washington after trimming down to add more explosiveness. He’s built like a tank but has steadily improved his efficiency and versatility each season, making him one of the most intriguing power backs in this class.
Coleman’s upcoming matchup against Ohio State’s ferocious defense will be a massive spotlight game and a chance to prove he’s more than just a battering ram against one of the best units in the nation.
1.08 – MAKAI LEMON, WR USC
Previous Mock: Unranked
Makai Lemon wasted no time making his mark at USC, breaking out as a sophomore in 2024 as the Trojans’ top target with 52 catches, 764 yards, and three touchdowns. He was also one of the most efficient receivers in the country, ranking third among returning Power Four wideouts with 3.03 yards per route run. Add in his return skills, and Lemon piled up 1,460 all-purpose yards, showcasing the versatility and explosiveness that make him a nightmare for opposing teams.
At 5’11”, 190 pounds, Lemon blends silky route-running with lightning acceleration and natural hands, routinely creating separation and turning routine catches into chunk plays. He’s not just fast, he’s a technician by manipulating defenders with tempo changes and sharp breaks while flashing elite body control at the catch point.
With his polish, playmaking, and ability to win at every level of the field, Lemon looks every bit the part of a future fantasy difference-maker.
1.09 – DENZEL BOSTON, WR WASHINGTON
Previous Mock: Unranked
Denzel Boston officially broke out last season, stepping into the WR1 role for Washington and delivering a rock-solid season: 63 catches, 807 yards, and nine touchdowns. He’s a crafty separator, using subtle body movements and deceptive, long-stride acceleration to throw corners off rhythm. Once the ball’s in the air, though, that’s where he really shines. Standing at 6’4, Boston is a contested catch monster who uses his frame like a power forward, boxing out defenders and winning above the rim with ease.
What makes Boston even trickier to defend is how his speed sneaks up on corners. He eats cushion with smooth, gliding strides, then snaps off routes more efficiently than you’d expect from a longer receiver. He thrives in the intermediate range, where his size, body control, and hands make him nearly unguardable against smaller corners. Add in his red zone chops, where he proves his physical dominance, and you’ve got a wideout who checks every box dynasty managers look for.
Boston may not be a household name yet, but he has upcoming matchups against Ohio State, Illinois, Michigan, and Oregon where he can become just that.
1.10 – CADE KLUBNIK, QB CLEMSON
Previous Mock: Unranked
Cade Klubnik is one of those prospects that the consensus is higher on than I am. I respect the pedigree, the tools, and the upside, but I often come away wanting just a little more from the Clemson signal-caller.
That said, his 2024 season was a massive leap forward, throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns with only six interceptions, while tacking on 463 yards and seven more scores with his legs. He’s evolved into a true dual-threat quarterback, with legit speed to stress defenses and a quick release that flashes NFL promise.
Klubnik chose to return for his senior year on a loaded Clemson roster with playoff aspirations, though his opener against LSU was shaky, completing just 50% of his passes with no touchdowns and a pick while getting out-dueled by Garrett Nussmeier. Still, his deep-ball touch has steadily improved, and his athleticism keeps defenses honest every snap.
With the 2026 QB class lacking a clear-cut top option, Klubnik’s blend of arm talent, mobility, and proven production keeps him firmly in the mix, even if I’m still waiting for him to put it all together.
1.11 – JUSTICE HAYNES, RB MICHIGAN
Previous Mock: Unranked
Justice Haynes has taken the long road to potential stardom. After spending two years buried in Alabama’s crowded backfield, the former five-star recruit entered the transfer portal and found the perfect landing spot at Michigan.
With the Wolverines looking to replace Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey has emphasized explosiveness, asking his backs to turn routine carries into chunk plays. Haynes’ vision, burst, and contact balance fit that mold perfectly, giving him a chance to dominate in a featured role in Ann Arbor.
So far, Haynes has looked every bit the part. He’s piled up 284 yards on just 35 carries, including highlight-reel runs of 75 yards against Oklahoma and 59 yards against New Mexico. He’s noticeably improved his speed and reshaped his frame since arriving on campus, finally living up to the lofty expectations that followed him out of high school.
While his work as a pass catcher still needs polishing, Haynes has the makings of a true breakout back who could rocket up 2026 NFL Draft boards if he keeps this pace. He’s one of the most intriguing players to monitor throughout the season.
1.12 – DREW ALLAR, QB PENN STATE
Previous Mock: 1.06
Drew Allar is one of those quarterbacks who makes you want to throw the remote and then pick it back up. Because deep down, you know the upside is there.
Personally, I don’t want much to do with him in the first round of a dynasty rookie draft, but the NFL is probably going to hand him the draft capital anyway. The tools are there. He has the size, the arm strength, the ball security, the pocket presence, and sneaky athleticism. However, the frustration is also glaring.
Case in point: in Penn State’s CFP Semifinal loss to Notre Dame, he completed zero passes to wide receivers. Yes, zero. But hey, Penn State brought back pretty much the entire offense (minus All-American tight end Tyler Warren) and reloaded at wide receiver through the portal, so excuses are running thin. He has a top offensive line, arguably the best running back room in the country with Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and a defense that will give him every chance to succeed.
And yet… through two games against cupcakes, he’s been kind of blah.
Still, you can’t ignore the profile because Allar has all the raw ingredients NFL teams drool over. If he ever puts it together, he could be a fantasy difference-maker. But until then, drafting him in the first round of rookie drafts makes me feel uncomfortable.
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), 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)
