ESPN's Adam Rittenberg surveyed coaches across Power 4 and Group of 6 conferences to identify 51 sleeper candidates for the 2026 college football season — players not on ESPN's top 100 list who could emerge as stars. Previous editions successfully highlighted Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. (NFL first-round pick) and Texas A&M's Cashius Howell (SEC sack leader).

Indiana sophomore running back Khobie Martin headlines the list after flashing big-play ability behind departed NFL backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black. Martin posted 506 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on just 77 carries in 2025, with consecutive 100-yard games despite never exceeding 12 carries. Coach Curt Cignetti praised his downhill running and steady improvement: "We're really counting on him. He's got a bright future."

Florida State junior cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls missed half of 2025 due to injury but produced in seven starts (40 tackles, 1 interception, 2 TFLs). He was the Seminoles' only defender with multiple 10-tackle games. Coach Mike Norvell projects first-round ability: "He can press, he can play off. Tony's defense..." Defensive coordinator Tony White plans to deploy Rawls versatilely alongside Duke transfer Ma'Khi Jones.

The list reflects varied pathways to success in an era of increased player movement, spanning positions and backgrounds from transfers to injury returnees.