ESPN fantasy analyst Mike Clay has released his initial rookie rankings for the 2026 NFL season, with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love taking the top spot. Love, who ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine, led all rookies in yards per carry (6.66) and yards after contact (4.16) during his college career.

The rankings come as teams prepare for the upcoming draft, with Clay noting these evaluations will shift once players land on their NFL teams. Love's three-down skill set, reliable ball security (one fumble on 496 touches), and receiving ability make him a potential fantasy superstar in the making. The analysis covers the top 80 combine participants at the four fantasy-relevant positions.

Ohio State's Carnell Tate ranks as the top wide receiver, despite a pedestrian 40 time at the combine, while Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza leads the quarterback class after winning the Heisman Trophy. Clay's rankings provide early scouting insights for fantasy managers looking to get ahead on evaluating the incoming rookie class before the draft.