ESPN's Aaron Schatz ranks NFL teams by talent under age 25 as of Sept. 1, 2026, using starts, snaps, age-adjusted quality, contract value, positional importance, and 2026 draft additions. The New England Patriots claim the No. 1 spot, led by QB Drake Maye — identified as the league's most valuable young commodity after a 4,394-yard, near-MVP season — plus a youthful offensive line (OT Will Campbell, 22; C Jared Wilson, 23) and CB Christian Gonzalez, 24.

The Houston Texans fall to No. 2 after three years atop the list. Stars C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. barely qualify, both turning 25 in early September, but the cupboard remains stocked with CB Kamari Lassiter, OT Aireontae Ersery, and rookie C Keylan Rutledge, all 23–24.

The Chicago Bears rank third behind QB Caleb Williams (3,942 yards, 27 TDs) and a receiving corps all under 25, including Rome Odunze and TE Colston Loveland. The Cleveland Browns surge from 29th to fourth thanks to a draft haul featuring TE Harold Fannin Jr., OT Spencer Fano, DT Mason Graham, and LB Carson Schwesinger.

The Tennessee Titans round out the top five with QB Cam Ward and WR Carnell Tate. Notably, the current Super Bowl LXI favorite ranks last in under-25 talent, prioritizing veteran wins over long-term building.