5 Sophomores Who Will Breakout in 2026

The 2025 season gave plenty of top freshmen an opportunity to get comfortable at the college level. 2026 will allow them to showcase their progress. And many will take the next step to becoming elite. Here are five players who will take that next step.

DE Chaz Coleman – Tennessee

The skinny: Despite finishing with only eight tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack during his freshman season at Penn State, Coleman immediately became one of the top targets in the country when he entered the transfer portal. The Vols were the winner of the chase and should immediately reap the benefits in 2026. At 6-foot-4, 246-pounds, Coleman is projected to be a top-tier NFL Draft pick as early as the spring of 2028.

WR Dakorien Moore – Oregon

The skinny: Moore was productive in 2025, with 34 receptions for 497 yards and three touchdowns, but never hit the levels many projected. Expect him to reach those levels in 2026. Hindered by a knee injury which cost him four games, Moore is now healthy, and should quickly click with returning All-American quarterback Dante Moore.

CB Kade Phillips – Texas

The skinny: It was a tossup between Phillips or defensive end Lance Jackson, but the choice here is for Phillips to have a more important impact in 2026. Phillips is considered a perfect man-coverage cornerback for new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp’s system. Expect him to be a starter after finishing 2025 with 22 tackles, two tackles for loss and six pass breakups.

LB Elijah Melendez – Auburn

The skinny: Melendez played in all 12 games as a true freshman, showcasing veteran leadership despite his age. Overall, he finished with 29 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. At 6-foot-2, 225-pound, he will be a likely starter in 2026 at middle linebacker, next to veteran Xavier Atkins

DT Jahkeem Stewart – USC

The skinny: An argument can be made that Stewart had his breakout in 2025. But considering he played most of his freshman season with a stress fracture in his foot, there is a good chance that his level of production explodes in 2026. Stewart will be a starter in 2026, after finishing last season with 18 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one interception. At 6-foot-5, 290-pounds Stewart has the potential to be an All-American next season.