The 2026 Under-25 All-NFL Team: Unveiling Football's Rising Stars
The NFL is a league of constant flux, with star talent turning over rapidly. In recent years, the league has become a young man's game, with some of the best players in the NFL under 25 years old. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, it's fascinating to imagine the team that could be formed by only including players 25 and under. This team would be a group of young players who have already established themselves or shown bright flashes of potential, with plenty of room to grow.
Here's a breakdown of the 2026 Under-25 All-NFL team, along with other players considered. To be eligible, players must be 25 or younger on September 9, 2026, the opening day of the season.
Quarterbacks:
- Drake Maye, New England Patriots: Maye's remarkable season, including leading the NFL in completion percentage and traditional quarterback rating, earned him the starting spot. His Super Bowl appearance in his second season is a testament to his talent. Honorable mentions: Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears; Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders.
Running Backs:
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons: Robinson's back-to-back 1,400-yard seasons and first-team All-Pro honors in 2025 solidify his place. Honorable mentions: Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions; De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins.
Wide Receivers:
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks: Smith-Njigba's breakout season in 2025, earning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors and helping Seattle win the Super Bowl, cements his status. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams, and George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys, are also standout performers. Honorable mentions: Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears; Drake London, Atlanta Falcons; Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers.
Tight Ends:
- Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders: Bowers' impressive rookie season, catching 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, earned him a spot. Honorable mentions: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons; Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts; Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns; Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears.
Offensive Line:
- Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions: Sewell's dominance as a tackle, earning first-team All-Pro honors for three consecutive seasons and consistently ranking as the best in run blocking, makes him a standout choice. Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears, is another strong contender. Honorable mentions: Armand Membou, New York Jets; Paris Johnson Jr., Arizona Cardinals.
- Peter Skoronski, Tennessee Titans: Skoronski's exceptional play at left guard, allowing just two sacks in 1,055 snaps, earned him a spot. Tyler Booker, Dallas Cowboys, is also impressive. Honorable mentions: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders; Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys; Tanor Bortolini, Indianapolis Colts.
Edge Rushers:
- Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans: Anderson's dominance as a pass rusher, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 and consistently ranking among the best in quarterback pressures, solidifies his place. Jared Verse, Cleveland Browns, is another standout performer. Honorable mentions: Nick Herbig, Pittsburgh Steelers; Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers.
Defensive Tackles:
- Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles: Carter's Pro Bowl appearances and Super Bowl ring, along with impressive sack and tackle numbers, make him a top choice. T'Vondre Sweat, New York Jets, is also a rising star. Honorable mentions: Byron Murphy II, Seattle Seahawks; Moro Ojomo, Philadelphia Eagles.
Linebackers:
- Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns: Schwesinger's outstanding rookie season, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year and ranking sixth in tackles, makes him a key player. Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay Packers, is another strong contender. Honorable mentions: Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans; Leo Chenal, Kansas City Chiefs.
Cornerbacks:
- Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans: Stingley's All-Pro selections and consistent pass breakups make him a standout. Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks, and Sauce Gardner, Indianapolis Colts, are also impressive. Honorable mentions: Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles; Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles Rams; Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles; Kamari Lassiter, Houston Texans.
Safeties:
- Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens: Hamilton's exceptional size, speed, and All-Pro selections make him a top defensive back. Brian Branch, Detroit Lions, is also a versatile player. Honorable mentions: Kamren Kinchens, Los Angeles Rams; Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks; Tykee Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This team showcases the NFL's bright young stars, with a mix of established talent and promising newcomers. As these players continue to develop, they will undoubtedly shape the league's future.
