Pat Forde Ranks Jeremiah Smith No. 1 on 25-Player 2026 Non-QB List
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 20
Pat Forde Ranks Jeremiah Smith No. 1 on 25-Player 2026 Non-QB List
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 20
Summary
Jeremiah Smith tops Pat Forde’s 25-player list of the most intriguing non-quarterbacks for the 2026 college football season, with the Ohio State receiver framed as a possible No. 1 NFL draft pick.
163 catches, 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns underpin Smith’s ranking, though Forde notes he will be adjusting to a third offensive coordinator in three seasons.
Wide receivers dominate the upper tier: Texas transfer Cam Coleman ranks No. 2 as a key target for Arch Manning, while Miami’s Malachi Toney sits No. 4 after a 1,200-yard freshman season.
Defense also features heavily near the top, led by Michigan edge John Henry Daley at No. 3 after posting 1.05 sacks per game at Utah, and LSU corner DJ Pickett at No. 5 after a freshman All-American season.
The list closes Forde’s 2026 preseason intrigue series after separate coach and quarterback rankings, shifting attention to the non-QB stars expected to shape the season.