This is one outlet's own report from Forbes — the article as it was filed.
AIPROPX ReportForbes · 2h ago
10 Power Conference Players To Watch In 2026
SportsMoney 10 Power Conference Players To Watch In 2026 By Tom Layberger ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about college football and sports in the Tampa Bay region. Follow Author Aug 21, 2026, 01:29pm EDT Aug 21, 2026, 01:38pm EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary I list the top 10 power conference players for the 2026 college football season, highlighting several not only Heisman Trophy contenders, but players who are likely to help put their team into the national championship conversation. Among those on the list are four quarterbacks, a pair of receivers and a running back. The other side of scrimmage receives some attention as well. An edge rusher and a corner are sure to receive plenty of headlines this season.
This is the time of year on the college football calendar when polls, watchlists and projections dominate the conversation. As the sand slips through the hourglass and Week 0 action gets closer and closer, I offer my top 10 list of power conference players heading into the 2026 season.
Junior | Receiver | Ohio State Born: Miami Gardens, Fla.
Smith placed sixth in Heisman voting last season and, like his quarterback at the end of this list, he is a prime candidate for the prized hardware in 2026. It does not matter who he is facing and what type of defense he is going up against. After all, Smith has done nothing but dazzle in two seasons with the Buckeyes while piling up 11 100-yard games. He had six of them last season when he caught 87 passes in 13 games and was fourth nationally in averaging 95.6 receiving yards per contest while hauling in 12 TDs. To think he missed one game and most of another. It would surprise no one if he is celebrated as the game’s top player four months from now.
Senior | Quarterback | Ole Miss Born: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Chambliss was granted an additional season of eligibility, which kept the Rebels in the national championship conversation and has the quarterback among Heisman chatter. To appreciate what Chambliss did last season when he threw for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and all of three interceptions, one must recall that he was not the starter when the season began. That was Austin Simmons, whose early season inconsistency and injury trouble opened the door for Chambliss, a DII transfer (Ferris State) who hoisted the program on his shoulders and led it to the CFP. Though there are new faces at receiver and a couple of new starters on the line, Kewan Lacy (No. 8 below) will be toting the pigskin once again making for quite the QB/RB duo.
It did not take long for Toney to introduce himself to the nation a year ago as he opened the scoring in a primetime season-opening victory against visiting Notre Dame. To think he was 17 at the time and on his way to setting a slew of Miami records while totaling 1,622 all-purpose yards. He even threw a pair of touchdown passes in his true freshman campaign. Now at the ripe old age of 18 – he turns 19 on September 17 – Toney is again part of an elite cast that also features Duke transfer Darian Mensah at quarterback. Toney, with a season and another spring/preseason under his belt, offers coordinator Shannon Dawson many tools, so expect even more opportunities to shine as a receiver in 2026.
Junior | Cornerback | Notre Dame Round Rock, Texas
We might not hear Moore’s name much this season. That’s because throwing his way will cause offensive coordinators to wake up in a sweat. Hence, it is not advisable. It certainly will not help a quarterback’s pass efficiency rating. Moore starred as a sophomore last season and while the numbers do not provide justice, he intercepted five passes and broke up seven on his way to being tabbed a first team All-American. He is a bundle of speed and size (6-2, 197) in a deep secondary within one of the nation’s best defensive units, if not the best.
Moore’s performance in 2025, when he threw 30 touchdown passes, was fourth nationally in completion percentage (71.8) and eighth in rating, was all the more impressive considering what he did not have to work with. Injuries spread through the receivers’ room like a virus and it began with a knee injury Evan Stewart suffered during summer workouts that cost him the season. Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant missed late-season matchups due to injuries and others on the depth chart were banged up at times. Stewart and Moore are healthy -- Bryant’s eligibility expired – and part of a deep group of pass catchers that also includes impressive tight end Jamari Johnson.
Junior | Edge | Texas Born: Dallas, Texas
Even with all of the glamour on the other side of scrimmage in Austin, this is the place to look if looking for a defender who could garner Heisman attention. Simmons made his first career start in last season’s opener and proceeded to pile up an SEC-leading one dozen sacks along with 15.5 tackles for loss. This year, Simmons will line up in a defense drawn up by Will Muschamp, who returned to UT – he was Mack Brown’s DC 2008-10 – after Pete Kwiatkowski was let go. A November that includes trips to Missouri, LSU and Texas A&M could bolster Simmons’ resume along with the Longhorns’ playoff prospects.
Redshirt Senior | Left Tackle | Indiana Born: Powell, Ohio
There are not many Hoosiers on the 2026 roster who predate Curt Cignetti’s arrival. Smith is one who was around in the dark ages, otherwise known as 2023 when IU needed a trick play in the fourth overtime to defeat Akron. Indeed, times have changed and in remarkable fashion with Smith playing a key role in leading the charge. He protected – Sealed off? -- Fernando Mendoza’s back side a year ago and will do likewise for Josh Hoover this season. The first team preseason All-American is a reason why Indiana could get ...
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.
