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With a well-rounded game and adventurous play style, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is one of the most enticing prospects at the college level as a raw playmaker. (Peter Joneleit/AP)
The 2026 Senior Bowl Top 300 was released by executive director Drew Fabianich and his scouting staff in August, serving as a preseason watch list for the all-star game to be held in Mobile, Alabama, on Jan. 31 and broadcast live on NFL Network (2:30 p.m. ET).
Most of my top 10 prospects, listed below, were named in the Senior Bowl’s preseason roll call — as were many of the 50 additional “Honorable Mention” players competing for early-round spots in the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh).
Meanwhile, several of the underclassmen included below stepped into the spotlight after the Top 300 was released — though not all of them will ultimately choose to enter next April’s draft.
My evaluations will change as prospects complete the college season and then participate in all-star games, the NFL Scouting Combine and college pro days.
NOTES:
* denotes player is an underclassman.
Heights and weights are via school measurements.
Downs was a Day 1 starter for Nick Saban at Alabama as a true freshman before transferring to Ohio State in 2024. He was a leader for the Buckeyes’ national championship defense last season, and he has 28 tackles for this year’s title contenders. The brother of Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs, Caleb is a tough, instinctual five-tool defender. He can cover slot receivers, defend against the deep ball, blitz effectively, create turnovers and provide secure tackling. Furthermore, his athleticism was on display when he returned punts for touchdowns in 2023 and ’24.
A true dual threat in the backfield, Love gets skinny to find creases inside, bounces plays outside when needed and has breakaway speed. In the open field, the preseason All-American can jump over, spin off or blow through tackle attempts. He runs with lean and churns his legs to get the extra yard. He’s effective as a receiver, too, beating linebackers and safeties on routes from the slot. Love possesses excellent hands and body control.