The 2026 NFL season is upon us, and with it, the potential for breakout players to make a name for themselves. Let's take a closer look at some of the players who could surprise and delight fans this year, from quarterbacks to running backs and wide receivers. Personally, I think the Vikings' Kyler Murray has a lot to like about him. He's a dynamic athlete, only 29 years old, and gets to throw to a talented group of receivers. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Murray gets a clean slate in Minnesota after seven inconsistent years in Arizona. In my opinion, Murray has the potential to shine in Minnesota, especially with a great playcaller in coach Kevin O'Connell. Another player who could have a breakout season is Tyler Shough of the Saints. Shough, the 40th pick last year, took over a 1-7 team midseason and finished 5-4, including four straight wins in December. What many people don't realize is that Shough has the potential to be a solid quarterback, and his coach, Kellen Moore, has a proven track record of success. From my perspective, the Falcons' Tua Tagovailoa also has the potential for a breakout season. Tagovailoa has proven that he can produce when everything around him is perfect, and he'll have it in Atlanta — great weapons, good coaching, indoor football at home, and mild-weather division games on the road. Speaking of running backs, Quinshon Judkins of the Browns could have a big year. Judkins' terrific rookie season ended with a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula last December, but he is all healed now, and playing for a new coach (Todd Monken) who spent the last three years running exotic run plays with the Ravens. One thing that immediately stands out is that Judkins has the potential to be a game-changer for the Browns. Another running back who could have a breakout season is Bhayshul Tuten of the Jaguars. Tuten was a fourth-round pick with just 307 rushing yards last year as a rookie, but Travis Etienne is now out of the way, and coach Liam Coen can barely contain his excitement for Tuten and his 4.28 speed. What this really suggests is that Tuten has the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the Jaguars' backfield. When it comes to wide receivers, Michael Wilson of the Cardinals could have a big year. While Marvin Harrison Jr. gets most of the attention in Arizona, Wilson's production jumped from 565 and 548 yards in his first two seasons to 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns last year. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Wilson is the favored target for Jacoby Brissett, back for another year in the desert. In my opinion, the Colts' Josh Downs could also have a breakout season. Downs, Maye's top receiver in college at North Carolina, steps into the Colts' No. 2 role after Michael Pittman was traded. And he probably is now No. 1 with Alec Pierce not practicing yet due to ankle surgery. Downs ended Tuesday's joint practice with the Patriots with an impressive touchdown catch in the 2-minute drill. A detail that I find especially interesting is that the Jaguars' Parker Washington, a former sixth-round pick, emerged as the Jaguars' most reliable receiver last year, outplaying guys drafted much higher and with more fanfare. Speaking of the Jaguars, another player who could have a breakout season is tight end Oronde Gadsden. Gadsden went for 664 yards and three scores as a rookie and should also benefit from the McDaniel Boost. What this really suggests is that Gadsden has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Jaguars' offense. In conclusion, the 2026 NFL season is full of potential breakout players. From quarterbacks to running backs and wide receivers, there are plenty of players who could surprise and delight fans this year. What many people don't realize is that these players have the potential to make a significant impact on their teams and the league as a whole. If you take a step back and think about it, the 2026 NFL season could be a turning point for many of these players. Personally, I'm excited to see how these players perform and whether they can live up to the hype.
