USA TODAY Sports Ranks Jeremiah Smith No. 1 in 2026 Top 100 Players
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 24
USA TODAY Sports Ranks Jeremiah Smith No. 1 in 2026 Top 100 Players
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 24
Summary
Jeremiah Smith topped USA TODAY Sports’ 2026 preseason Top 100 after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Ohio State and a 2025 consensus All-American campaign.
The list was built from past production, future projections and NFL draft stock, with the outlet stressing preseason rankings often miss eventual breakouts and excluding true freshmen.
Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss ranked No. 2 after a 3,937-yard breakout season, while Texas pass rusher Colin Simmons came in No. 3 after leading the SEC with 12 sacks.
Quarterbacks dominated the upper tier behind Smith, including Notre Dame corner Leonard Moore at No. 4, Miami receiver Malachi Toney at No. 5 and Texas quarterback Arch Manning at No. 10.
Fernando Mendoza’s rise from unranked transfer to Heisman winner, national champion and 2026 No. 1 NFL draft pick underscored the list’s broader warning that college football evaluations can shift fast.