Top 10 Power Conference Players To Watch In 2026

BusinessSportsMoneyTop 10 Power Conference Players To Watch In 2026ByTom Layberger,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about college football and sports in the Tampa Bay region.Follow AuthorAug 20, 2026, 11:15am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryForbes.com unveils its 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. Show More SEATTLE: Dante Moore of the Oregon Ducks gestures after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Oregon Ducks won 26-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThis 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, forbes.com offers its top 10 list of power conference players heading into the 2026 season.1. Jeremiah Smith Junior | Receiver | Ohio StateBorn: Miami Gardens, Fla. Smith placed sixth in Heisman voting 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, 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 caught 87 passes in 13 games last season and was fourth nationally in averaging 95.6 receiving yards per ga...