Five potential 2026 NFL breakout stars

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough

Shough rejuvenated the Saints when inserted into the starting lineup midseason, guiding the team to a 5-4 record after a 1-7 start.

Per Stathead research, Shough's 69.2 percent completion percentage from Weeks 9-18 was the second-highest for a rookie quarterback in his first nine starts in NFL history, only trailing Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels' mark set the previous season (71.5 percent). 

When examining the top 10, the list includes a few quarterbacks who didn't pan out as long-term options. But Shough mostly finds himself in good company.

NFL Pro data shows Shough's 2025 success wasn't a byproduct of a dink-and-dunk offense, either. Among qualifying quarterbacks, he had the league's highest completion percentage on intermediate throws (67.9 percent), defined as pass attempts that travel 10-19 air yards. 

The Saints took strides to improve Shough's protection in free agency after he took 31 sacks as a rookie, signing standout guard David Edwards to a four-year, $61M contract. Running back Travis Etienne Jr.'s addition should bolster the run game, which ranked No. 28 in 2025, making the offense more unpredictable.

New Orleans still must add a wideout, but Chris Olave is a legit No. 1. Devaughn Vele developed a nice rapport with Shough, giving him solid WR3 potential. Former New England Patriots receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, the No. 37 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, is looking to bounce back after a rough start to his career, including missing the entire 2025 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Shough largely elevated the roster around him last year, but with the offseason additions — plus more likely coming in the draft — the rest of the offense is in a position to lift its second-year quarterback.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III

D.J. Moore's trade to the Buffalo Bills opens the door for Burden to have a monster role in head coach Ben Johnson's offense. According to NFL Pro insights, the 2025 second-round pick (No. 39 overall) averaged 2.7 yards per route run last season, the second-highest mark by a rookie in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016). He was dynamic after the catch, averaging 7.4 YAC per reception, the league's second-highest mark among receivers and tight ends with at least 50 targets. (h/t Sports Info Solutions)

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel's arrival as offensive coordinator should only benefit Hampton, the Chargers' 2025 first-round pick. The Dolphins had the league's top rushing attack in 2023, their best season under McDaniel, who also orchestrated a run-first attack in his most recent season as an OC in 2021 with the San Francisco 49ers. Offensive lineman Cole Strange and fullback Alec Ingold followed McDaniel to Los Angeles from Miami in free agency, giving the Chargers players familiar with McDaniel's run-blocking scheme as he installs his offense.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green

At the NFL's annual league meetings, 49ers general manager John Lynch refuted rumors of a potential trade involving Green, who moved into a full-time starting role last season. Despite having a viral lowlight in the divisional round when head coach Kyle Shanahan chastised him on the sideline after allowing a deep completion, Green had an overall promising 2025. 

Per Stathead, only Philadelphia Eagles corners Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both 2025 first-team All-Pros, were targeted more than Green while allowing one touchdown or less. But unlike his more acclaimed contemporaries, Green hasn't received the same recognition. At least not yet.

Seattle Seahawks safety Ty Okada

Coby Bryant's departure slots Okada into a projected starting role this season. Last year, the 2023 undrafted free agent saw his most significant playing time and made the most of it, appearing in all 17 games (11 starts) and tallying 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception and six passes defensed.

Seattle's defense already features plenty of stars. Another may soon be born.